The lower Mississippi River is a vital transport corridor for products and people. But many people don’t realise that the river is home to hundreds of dams and dams that have provided a variety of economic and recreational benefits over centuries of history. While we may not see the structures, they are there, and they have played an important part in the river’s development and the way people use it.
Currently, there are 53 Federal locks and dams on the Lower Mississippi River, stretching from St. Louis, Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico. These dams help regulate the river’s flow, prevent flooding and provide navigation for both commercial and recreational vessel traffic. In places where narrow channels wouldn’t naturally form, the dams allow boats to move up and down the river for transportation and recreation without packing up to gondoliering.
The dams play an even more important role in the development of power from the water. Several of the dams are hydro-electric dams and are responsible for a part of the nation’s electricity needs. For example, the Caruthersville Dam on the Lower Mississippi River near Missouri produces 67 megawatts of power, enough to supply several communities.
In addition to their role in the navigation and power production, the dams play an important role in the ecosystem of the Lower Mississippi River. The dams are often cited as being important natural refuges for fish, particularly migrating fish species, as they provide sanctuary from higher-velocity waters. The dams also provide silt and sediment trapping, allowing for a cleaner river overall and as dam structures get older, they can form additional islands or alter the courses of channels.
The Lower Mississippi River dams have impacted the culture of the area in both positive and negative ways. For those living along the river, the dams created a barrier of sorts to the surrounding communities, often leading to a disconnect between different parts of the area. In addition, many of the dams have had a negative impact on the delicate ecosystems of the lower Mississippi. The Mississippi River Delta, for example, has been significantly altered due to the construction of levees, causing a drying up of areas of the delta, destruction of wetlands, and soil erosion.
However, the dams continue to be an important source of water, electricity and recreation along the lower Mississippi. They are also being used to help manage the river’s ecological health, as efforts are underway to create sustainable energy sources and even artificial reef habitats. In addition to providing economic benefits, the dams continue to contribute to the beauty and character of the Mississippi River.
Economic Impact
The 53 dams located throughout the Lower Mississippi River are responsible for a myriad of economic impacts. In addition to the production of hydropower and providing conduits for passing vessels, these dams have an impact on the waterways, wetlands, and lands along the Mississippi. The locks and dams, more so than is sometimes credited, heavily influence the County economy as it exists today.
These dams provide jobs for individuals in the area, and contribute to boost for the local tourism industry. Rivers are a common source of recreation and bring in people form all over to view the cultural sites. Further to this, the economic output of the region has been vastly improved due to the ability to move goods and other natural resources up and down the river.
The dams have seen improvements in terms of their infrastructure over time, as the locks and dams have been retrofitted or renovated to handle an increasingly large vessel traffic. This economic investment has enabled larger barges to carry more freight up and down the river. Larger vessels and a better stream regulation have helped to keep the waterway, dampen flood impacts and extend the navigation season.
Additionally, from a navigation standpoint, the dams provide potential for realtime navigation, which in essence improves safety by separating traffic areas. Such features include the navigation locks and the hydro-control of locks. Hydro-control of locks enables water to pass through during times of low flow, preventing vessels from waiting due to a lack of necessary water.
Ecological Impact
The Mississippi River and its dams are also residences for many species of wildlife. Over the years, the dams in the Lower Mississippi region have become habitats and host to a huge variety of fish and other animals. The dams provide a seasonally migrating habitat that caters to many species.
As with most ecosystems, this habitat has been subject to impact due to the construction and maintenance of the dams. Water sources, in particular, tend to be affected heavily. The need for the water to be discharged for lock operations means that organisms and fish in the river are subject to sudden changes in temperature and depth. Fish migration is also affected by the dams, with numerous examples of fish using the locks and associated pathways as a means of detouring downstream.
Additionally, the numerous dams on the Mississippi have caused a certain level of erosion of the surrounding land. The locks and dams enter the river, often surrounded by some significant land, and in time create a channel. This channel helps to trap sediment, leading to shallower waters and again impacting on the migratory patterns of the fish.
The construction and maintenance of the dams, while providing an economic boost and navigable waterways, have created adverse impacts to the environment, particularly when it comes to the riverbank and water sources. Along with water impacting on fish migration, land development and other changes to the landscape have also had a negative effect on the habitat of animals who call the Mississippi home.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of the dams located on the lower Mississippi River is undeniable. The construction of the dams has brought a sense of identity and pride to the area, and the people in the region associate the dams with the heritage of their home. While the dams provide an important economic impact, the cultural implications should not be overlooked.
The dams play an important role in terms of connecting people across the region and allowing them to form relationships with others. They provide a physical and symbolic link between communities, both afar and nearby. The dams also act as a reminder to people of their own natural heritage, opening people’s eyes to the beauty of the Mississippi River and providing an opportunity to come together.
In addition, many of the locks and dams are connected to historical sites, providing visitors with places of significance to see and discover. These sites are not only a reminder of the culture and history of the area but also a source of pride in the local community.
Overall, the 54 dams that span the Lower Mississippi are essential components of the region’s economy, ecology, and culture. While the dams have had impacts, both positive and negative, to the area, it is undeniable that these structures have played an important role in the development and character of the river and its people.
Current State of Dams
The current state of the 53 dams that line the lower Mississippi is generally intact and operational, with the majority of them being managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. However, some of the dams are in need of repair and maintenance, due to overuse and wear and tear.
One of the largest dams in this system, the New Madrid Dam, is long overdue for repairs. Maintenance had been stalled due to funding issues, but the Federal Government has now released plans to begin renovations on the structure. This will provide not only a safer navigable structure, but also improved electrical production capabilities.
The Army Corps of Engineers have also taken it upon themselves to begin upgrades to the Mississippi River levees. A series of measures is being taken to improve the strength of the levies and add extra features, such as hurricane protection. These levees are used in conjunction with the dams to control the flow of the river and also to provide a stronger infrastructure in the case of floods.
In addition to the maintenance of existing dams, the Army Corps of Engineers is looking into building additional dams in the region. These could be used to improve water flow and control the speed of boats, as well as providing additional opportunities for recreation, such as kayaking and fishing. These additions would be a welcome boost to the Mississippi’s navigability.
Proposals to Enhance Safety
The majority of the dams located on the lower Mississippi have been in place for decades, and with some lack of upkeep, have become somewhat outdated or unfit for purpose. To address this, the Army Corps of Engineers have been looking into ways to enhance safety and provide better navigation capabilities.
Various proposals have been submitted, such as the installation of onboard navigation systems and the increase of flow management. The navigation systems would be a great addition, as they would provide more accurate navigation capabilities and reduce the reliance on manual navigation tools. Increased flow management would also be a great addition, as it could help prevent flooding and keep the rivers clean.
Other proposals that have been submitted include the installation of guardrails and breakwaters, to protect vessels from wave action. This would, in turn, increase safety on the river, and make navigation easier. Additionally, increased measures to secure vessels, such as mooring systems and marine locks, could also help reduce the impact of boats on the environment.
Finally, the Corps of Engineers have also proposed the use of speed zone systems, which would cause vessels to slow down in key areas. This would help to reduce the erosion and sedimentation caused by vessel wakes, as well as improving the overall navigability of the waterways and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Future of Dams on the Lower Mississippi River
For the future of the dams on the lower Mississippi River, we can expect to see an increased focus on safety and navigability. With the recent investments in maintenance and enhancements, the 53 dams located on the river will continue to provide a vital connection between the port towns, as well as providing security from floods and aiding in navigation.
We can also expect to see the continued use of the dams as renewable energy sources. With research and development into improved hydro-electricity methods, the dams are likely to produce green energy in a cost-effective manner. This is likely to have a positive ecological impact, as hydro-power is a renewable energy source that doesn’t release any emissions.
Finally, the dams will continue to be an important connection to culture and history in the area. The infrastructure of the dams is an integral part of the cultural tapestry of the region, and as such will remain relevant for many years to come. We can also expect to see an influx of new visitors to the area, as the dams continue to bring in tourist money and business.
The 53 dams located on the lower Mississippi River have provided a wealth of benefits to those living and visiting the area. Not only do they provide important economic and ecological benefits, but they also play an important role in the area’s culture and history. While the dams have seen upgrades and changes, it is likely that they will remain a staple in the region for many years to come.
