Corps outlines first-in-the-world Tuttle Creek dredging test, hydrosuction study planned for John Redmond

John Shelley, a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, told the Kansas House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee on March 6 that reservoir sedimentation is reducing water-storage capacity across eastern Kansas and described two demonstration approaches — water-injection dredging at Tuttle Creek Lake and hydro-suction at John Redmond Lake — intended to move sediment downstream and extend reservoir life.

Shelley told the committee the issue is urgent for eastern Kansas because about two-thirds of state residents rely on reservoir storage for water supplies. "Reservoir sedimentation is really the number 1 water supply threat for Eastern Kansas," he said, noting that some reservoirs have lost roughly half their original storage and that continued infill threatens water security for cities including Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence and parts of Johnson County.

The Corps’ demonstration at Tuttle Creek Lake will use a method called water-injection dredging to fluidize and move fine sediment toward the dam and through the outlet gates instead of removing solids to land. The Corps plans to begin test operations on Aug. 14, with an initial 10-day run in summer and another 10-day run in early October; additional test days in 2026 are being considered. The Tuttle test is funded with a mix…