Preventing Rodent Burrows in Earthen Embankments

  • Image compromised earthen bank due to burrowing rodents.

    Launch: August 29, 2016
    Awarded: September 19, 2017

    The Bureau of Reclamation, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State of Colorado Department of Natural Resources Dam Safety Branch, and various water irrigation districts that operate federal canals, is seeking new ideas for cost-effective ways to prevent rodents from burrowing into the earthen embankments of dams, canals, and levees. These burrows cause seepage paths in the embankment system which can lead to structural failures that endanger water supplies, cause property damage and endanger the lives of nearby populations. Many of the more traditional and “intuitive” methods have been tried with little success to date. We are hoping the Solver community can “dig deeper” than the rodents to find creative and effective solutions to this Challenge!

Last Updated: 6/22/20