The Mississippi River’s Rising Waters
The Mississippi River is a mighty source of power and life that flows from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Along its journey to the Gulf, it passes through some of the most historic and well known cities in America, one of them being St. Louis, Missouri. In St Louis, the Mississippi River reaches its deepest point, averaging between 85 and 155 feet below the surface. This depth is constantly changing as the river undergoes its ever fluctuating cycle of erosion and sedimentation.
At a depth of over 400 feet in some locations along the Mississippi River in St Louis, it is no wonder that watersmen like Henry Miller, the founder of the globally renowned Miller Boat Line, declared it one of the “most dangerous rivers in the world”. The speed and power of the river is something that Miller and his boatmen respected and feared, especially during times of flooding and high water.
The longest flowing river in the United States, the Mississippi River has a vital role in the journey of millions of Americans who rely on the river for both transportation and vital resources to keep their cities going. This is especially true for the people of St. Louis and the surrounding areas, who have learned to depend on the river for all manner of sustenance.
With the rise of the Mississippi passing through St. Louis and the surrounding areas, it is imperative for the region to have an understanding of the changing flow and depths of the River in order to preserve the livelihoods and lifestyles of its long-time residents. Fortunately, the citizens of St Louis and its surrounding areas have the knowledge and resources needed to monitor and understand the depths of the River due to an intricate network of buoys and data collectors that are actively monitoring the Mississippi’s fluctuating depths and levels.
The Impact of the River on the Region
The town of St. Louis and its surrounding areas are affected by the depth of the Mississippi River in multiple ways. For starters, the depth of the river affects the amount of freight that can travel by barge, which is the main form of transportation for goods up and down the River.
When the river is low, it can be difficult for commercial vessels to navigate the shallow waters. Consequently, the barge lines will have to reduce the amount of cargo they can transport. The Mississippi River is also a major source of jobs for thousands of Missourians — from barge operators to tugboat captains. A decline in river traffic could put those jobs at risk.
In addition, changes in the level and flow of the Mississippi River can also have an impact on water supplies for the surrounding communities. Low water levels can result in the dredging of the river to make it more navigable for large vessels and to avoid the hazards of shallow running vessels. This process can often be very expensive and is funded by taxpayer dollars.
When the Mississippi River reaches abnormally high depths, this also has potential risks. The surrounding areas could experience dangerous floods if the river goes above its banks, which is why monitoring the depth of the river is necessary.
The Role of the US Army Corps of Engineers
One of the key players in the effort to monitor and manage the depth and flow of the Mississippi River is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Established in the early 1800s, the USACE is responsible for conducting navigation studies and assessing the effect of the waterfront on nearby communities. Its mission is to manage the historic flow of the Mississippi, protecting the land and people of the surrounding areas from drastic and unexpected changes in the river’s depth.
The Corps also plays a role in controlling the water flow by maintaining the levees that protect the Lower Mississippi River Valley from floods. In the past, the Corps has also intervened in the river’s management, constructing dams and levees to reduce the hazards of flooding and erosion. Additionally, the Corps is responsible for maintaining the hydropower plants along the River to generate electricity.
Management of the River by Local Communities
In addition to the USACE, local municipalities and private companies also play an active role in the management of the Mississippi River’s depths. One notable example is the St. Louis Harbor and Terminal District, a publicly funded organization responsible for the management and dredging of the harbor in St. Louis.
The District was founded in the 1920s in order to protect the local economy from the effects of the Mississippi River’s fluctuating depths. The District has been successful in maintaining the Depth of the River in St. Louis, while supporting navigation and commerce throughout the area.
The District is also responsible for the development of the riverfront in St. Louis, creating recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike. The District is responsible for the creation of several riverfront trails, including the famous Gateway Arch and the Blues Trail. These trails are popular destinations for tourists and offer a unique view of the River and its natural surroundings.
Conclusion of Deep Water Levels
The Mississippi River is a landmark feature of the American Midwest, and its depth and flow is an important factor in the lives of those who live and work along its shores. The river has a vital role in the economy of St. Louis and its surrounding areas, providing resources, transportation and jobs for those who rely on it.
Monitoring the Mississippi River’s depths is a task that is handled by both the USACE and local municipalities. These organizations actively work to keep the river’s depths in check, so that it can continue to provide transportation and resources to millions of people along its banks.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States for both economic and environmental reasons. Many people rely on the river’s depths for safe passage and the transport of goods. It is also a major source of recreation and environmental education. In order to protect the river and its wildlife, it is important to understand the factors that affect its depth and flow.
One example of this is the development of stormwater systems that divert excess runoff from the river during heavy rains and storms. These systems help keep the river at manageable depths and reduce erosion, while also providing a vital habitat for different species of fish and other aquatic life.
The USACE also has an impact on the environmental health of the Mississippi River. They have been instrumental in limiting pollution in the River that can lead to toxic algae blooms and other dangerous organisms. They also provide funds for projects that improve the water quality of the river, such as stream restoration and wetland preservation.
In addition, the USACE also enforces the regulations of the Clean Water Act, a federal law protecting the nation’s drinking water from pollution. For instance, the USACE has collaborated with the Environmental Protection Agency to reduce industrial waste that is released into the Mississippi. This has helped keep the river’s depths and flow at acceptable levels for navigation and recreation.
The Downsides to High Water Levels in the Mississippi
When the Mississippi River reaches unsafe levels, it can cause major flooding along its banks. This can lead to widespread property damage, while also endangering the lives of those living near the river. In severe cases, a high river depth can lead to deaths and the displacement of thousands of individuals.
These disasters are often more likely to take place in urban areas, where riverside residents often experience the worst of the floods due to the lack of sufficient drainage systems. Additionally, high water levels also cause increased erosion of the riverbanks — eroding away valuable tracts of land along the Mississippi.
Solutions for Flood Reduction
In order to prevent damage from flooding, communities near the Mississippi River have put in place various solutions to protect both people and property from the potentially dangerous effects of high water levels. One such example are flood walls, which are high walls that have been constructed along the banks of the river in order to block off riverside neighborhoods and protect them from flooding.
Other solutions include raising roads and levees, as well as dredging, which is the process of deepening the river channels in order to reduce the risk of flooding. These efforts can be costly, but they are necessary in order to ensure the safety of the Mississippi River’s residents and the preservation of the local habitat.
Protecting Local Wildlife in the Mississippi
The Mississippi River is home to a variety of wildlife, including fish and waterfowl. However, the changing depths and flow of the river can have a significant impact on the abundance and diversity of these animals.
An example of this is the large sturgeon population on the Mississippi, which has declined significantly due to changes in the river’s depth. This is why it is so important for the water levels to remain within acceptable limits, and for the USACE and other organizations to monitor the river and its surrounding ecosystems.
Communities along the Mississippi River have also taken steps to protect the local wildlife by constructing bird-friendly habitat, such as nesting boxes and bird feeders. These initiatives can be extremely beneficial for both waterfowl and the people living in the area, providing a connection to the wild and managing the population levels of the birds.
Conclusion of Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the American Midwest, providing an abundance of transportation and resources for millions of people. It is also a major source of recreational opportunities, making it an important landmark for locals and tourists alike.
The changing depths and flows of the river can have a significant impact on both the environment and the people living and working along its banks. It is essential for organizations such as the USACE and local communities to understand and monitor the river in order to protect the river and its surroundings from the sometimes devastating effects of flooding. Furthermore, it is important for surrounding communities to take steps to protect their local wildlife, ensuring their survival and allowing us to connect with nature.
