The tallest levee on the Mississippi River is part of the extensive system of levees, tributaries, locks and dams built by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Mississippi River carries a wealth of soil, sediment and nutrients essential for sustaining the rich wetlands and productive backwaters along its interior. By controlling the river’s flow, the federal government has ensured that damage to surrounding lands is prevented in times of intense flooding. The major question raised is: How high is the Mississippi River levee?
The levee’s height varies from location to location, slipping from Heights of about 20 feet in the lower basin of the river where the flow is generally slow, to heights of up to 50 feet in upper parts of the river where the flow is more powerful. Nonetheless, the majority of levees range between 25 and 35 feet in height. A few of the most official levees typically rise to heights of between 40 and 50 feet in some areas. They stand as formidable barriers between the flowing waters of the mighty Mississippi and communities that rely on its waters.
Experts suggest that climate change could further affect the height of existing levees on the Mississippi River. According to experts, the future trajectory of the Mississippi River’s levees will depend entirely on how rapidly sea levels can rise in the next few decades. For the river’s lower basin, rising sea levels could lead to changes in the river’s tidal gradient, which could put additional pressure on levees in the lower basin, leading to their growth in height. However, for levees in the upper half of the river, increased seasonal precipitation could also mean increased levet heights.
In addition to the potential threat of climate change, the Mississippi River levees face other challenges. For example, over time, a phenomenon known as levee-overtopping can occur, in which case even levees up to 50 feet in height are at risk. Levee-overtopping leaves surrounding homes, businesses, and farms vulnerable to damage as the high waters of the mighty Mississippi rise in unexpected times of flood. To minimize this threat, the Army Corps of Engineers works continuously to improve the current levee system by raising its height.
The Mississippi River is one of the most important and historic navigable rivers in the United States, often times essential for transportation, as well as its surrounding wetlands, are a rewarding and picturesque attraction. It is clear that conservation efforts and the continued improvement of the levee system are essential for safeguarding the river’s beauty and bounty for future generations.
Management and Maintenance of the Levees
The management of the Mississippi River’s levees is a collective effort, with various entities playing their respective roles. Local, state and federal government agencies all participate in the extensive management and maintenance of the levees. For instance, localities are responsible for maintaining the levees in their area, while the state government monitors the building of new levees and has the final say in their approval. The US Army Corps of Engineers, a federal body responsible for the construction and maintenance of water infrastructure, is usually responsible for the construction and improvement of the existing levees, as well as controlling the river’s flooding.
The levees are not just built but also regularly monitored and maintained by the Corps of Engineers. These ongoing efforts ensure that the levee system can function effectively and reliably to protect the residential and commercial properties of the river’s banks. During this maintenance, the Corps of Engineers also inspects and repairs any erosion or damage to the levees caused due to floods and other natural disasters.
Significance of Levee Maintenance to the Mississippi River Basin
Levee maintenance is not only an indicator of the health of the riverine ecosystem but also of the financial health of the communities it protects. Many of the small towns on the banks of the Mississippi rely heavily on residents living and working on the river’s edges. When flooding and erosions occur, these communities can suffer, rendering current levee maintenance an absolute necessity.
The greater significance of the levees’ maintenance is twofold. Firstly, they help to protect the river’s banks from potentially serious erosion and subsequent damage to land, roads, and businesses along the river’s shore. Secondly, a well-maintained levee system helps to conserve the water’s resources, making sure that potential floods do not unnecessarily damage the river’s natural resources.
Environmental Benefits of the Levees
The Mississippi River levees not only help to protect communities in the event of a flood, but also help to preserve vital wetlands, which help to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the river. Wetlands provide essential habitat for hundreds of species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. The wetlands also help to maintain water quality in the river by preventing nutrient and sediment run-off.
The levees and their surrounding wetlands also act as natural barriers, reducing the force of the river’s flow and helping to prevent the formation of turbulent whirlpools that could possibly damage levees and the surrounding environment.
Political Judgments Involved in the Construction of the Levees
The political judgments of leaders and legislators are often involved in the construction of Mississippi River levees. Local, state, and federal representatives must often decide the appropriate height of levees, the resources such businesses require to stand, and their relation to nearby communities. Cost and feasibility are also among the major factors in the considerations of the many legislatures, often pumping up the cost of the project if not adequately met with proper channels for payment.
Additionally, debates often occur to ensure the best route of constructing the levees. Whether through embankments, berms, or some other form of construction, the governments must decide on the most efficient and environmental-friendly form of construction to protect the Mississippi’s living elements.
Conclusion of the Importance of the Mississippi River Levees
The Mississippi River’s levees are a critical component of the United States’s water infrastructure. The levees not only protect local communities from flooding and erosion, but also provide a crucial part of the river’s natural habitat and conserve the river’s resources. Constructing and maintaining levees along the Mississippi is an expensive but necessary job that requires consistent commitment on the part of local, state, and federal legislators. With proper maintenance and political planning, the Mississippi River levees should continue to protect communities and conserve the river’s natural resources for future generations.
