The presentation will cover a system-wide approach linking upstream reservoir dynamics to downstream sediment accumulation in Wilmington's Federal Channel. We will dive into the broken sediment budget, exploring how activities and decisions at Jordan Lake impact areas all the way down to Frying Pan Shoals. This will include discussions on estuary siltation and localized erosion. The presentation will also introduce a reservoir toolkit, which includes dredging, sluicing, flushing, and bypassing, with specific implications for timing, turbidity, and continuity in the Cape Fear region. Additionally, we will define Water Injection Dredging (WID) as a rapid, low-pressure method that mobilizes near-bed material using natural forces. An exciting case study from the North Carolina State Ports Authority (NCSPA) will highlight WID-Osprey operations, showcasing multi-year savings and reduced use of Dredged Material Management Areas. Finally, we will set near-term milestones and seek authorization for launching the pilot, governance, and open data initiatives for Cape Fear implementation.

Joe Wagner is a Senior Coastal Engineer & Biologist at Black & Veatch, where he leads the firm’s National Sediment Management & Dredging team. With over 24 years of experience, Joe specializes in developing integrated, system-based strategies that treat sediment as a resource to support long-term water infrastructure sustainability. His recent work centers on advancing sediment management practices that enhance navigation dredging and connectivity across the Southeast and beyond. Joe also serves as a lead for the ASCE-COPRI subcommittee on nautical depth and fluid mud, helping guide national standards and technical approaches for managing high-siltation waterways.

This program provides 1 PDH credit for licensed engineers.