Chartiers Creek Study

Allegheny and Washington Counties in western Pennsylvania experience recurring, out-of-bank flooding along Chartiers Creek, its tributaries, and backwatering effects from the Ohio River at the confluence. Out-of-bank flooding in the watershed over the past 50 years has been exacerbated by changing hydrologic conditions, meteorological conditions, land development patterns, and increasing impervious surface coverage. These factors have resulted in increased economic damages and impacts to life-safety throughout the watershed over the past 50 years with increasing frequency since 2004.

Note: This description will be updated as the study progresses.

This study is authorized under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2022, Section 8201(78), with appropriations through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (DRSAA) 25. The study is 100% federally funded.

Federal Partner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District
Non-Federal Sponsor: Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC)
Feasibility Cost-Sharing Agreement (FCSA): Executed 14 January 2026

This is a feasibility study being conducted under the RAPID Planning framework. Study milestones and timeline information will be updated as the study progresses.

Expected Completion: 2028

[Graphic showing RAPID Planning milestones to be inserted here]

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Determination: To Be Determined

Environmental documentation will be prepared in accordance with NEPA requirements and made available for public review as the study progresses.

Maximum structural flood protection at identified strategic locations throughout the watershed.

Maximum protection focused on life safety — structural measures where flood hazard poses the greatest threat to human life.

Targeted protection at the highest life safety risk locations with a smaller footprint — emphasizing the most critical reaches.

Build long-term resilience through nonstructural measures, nature-based solutions, and emergency preparedness rather than capital-intensive infrastructure.

Meeting Schedule: The Pittsburgh District will be hosting a series of six open-house style events over three days in mid-July. See below for more details. Spanish language & American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be made available for these open houses.

Chartiers Creek Watershed Public Open House

Everyone is welcome to stop in during the open sessions to speak with staff, learn about the study’s progress, and provide feedback to help shape solutions.

Attendees are encouraged to submit feedback to help the District and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission better understand local flood-related challenges, gauge community preferences for proposed courses of action, and guide the study’s direction.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 1:30-3:30 PM & 5:00-7:30PM
WHERE: Canonsburg Borough Building — Council Chambers (2nd Floor), 68 E. Pike St, Canonsburg, PA 15317

WHEN: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 1:30-3:30 PM & 5:00-7:30PM
WHERE: Carnegie Borough Building — Council Chambers, One Veterans Way, Carnegie, PA 15106

WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 1:30-3:30 PM & 5:00-7:30PM
WHERE: McKees Rocks Borough - Council Chambers, 340 Bell Ave McKees Rocks, PA 15136
UPDATED July 13, 2026: address correction

How to Participate:

• Attend in-person public meetings/open houses
• Join virtual meetings online (links will be posted here)
• Submit comments through our online feedback platform
• Contact the study team directly

[Information about active comment periods will be posted here when available.]

How to Submit Comments:

• GIS Platform: [Link to be added] - Use our interactive map to provide location-specific feedback
• Feedback Form: [Link to be added] - Submit general comments and questions
• Email: Contact the study manager or the study team at celrp.chartiers.creek.gi@usace.army.mil
• Mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, Planning Division, William S. Moorhead Federal Building, 1000 Liberty Avenue 22nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4186

[Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement documents will be posted here when available]

A Draft Detailed Project Report with Integrated NEPA Documentation is anticipated for public review in Fall 2026.

[Draft feasibility reports and technical appendices will be posted here for public review]

[Official public notices will be posted here]

[Presentation materials from public meetings will be posted here following each meeting]

A feasibility study evaluates potential solutions to address identified problems, assesses their technical and economic viability, and recommends a plan for implementation if federally justified.

RAPID Planning is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers framework designed to expedite the planning process while maintaining quality and environmental compliance.

The study is expected to be completed in 2028. Updates on study progress and milestones will be posted on this page.

• Visit this webpage regularly for updates
• Attend public meetings
• Sign up for email notifications (contact information below)
• Follow the Pittsburgh District on social media

If a recommended plan is identified and receives authorization and appropriation from Congress, the project would move to the design and implementation phase.

See the contact information section below.