The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, stretching from its headwaters in Lake Itasca, Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Spanning 2,350 miles it forms the border between 10 US states, providing not just life-giving water but a means of transportation for the goods and services that the country relies on. Although its length has made it difficult to control, many lock and dams have been put in place to make navigation easier, help conserve water resources and control flooding.
What is a Lock and Dam?
Lock and dams are structures built on the Mississippi River to control its flow and ensure the safe passage of vessels. A lock is composed of a chamber with gates that are closed at each end, allowing vessels to move from one water level to another. The dam is constructed across the entire width of the river and has spillways which help to regulate the water flow.
How many Lock and Dams are on the Mississippi River?
There are currently a total of 29 lock and dams on the Mississippi River, with some of the oldest dating back to the early 1900s. The most recent was just completed in 2019. While the majority of the lock and dams are used for navigation, several are also used for hydroelectric power generation. The Mississippi River has become a vital transport route for agricultural goods and energy resources, with a total of over 6,000 vessels using it each year.
What are the Benefits of Lock and Dams?
Dams and locks on the Mississippi River provide a safe route to transport goods and resources, while also helping to conserve water resources. The use of spillways and gates helps to regulate the river’s flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Additionally, the presence of dams and locks provide recreational opportunities such as fishing and water sports. For example, many of the lock and dams are equipped with locks to facilitate fishing and boats can get stuck in the gate if they aren’t careful.
Environmental Impact of Lock and Dams
Although lock and dams have helped to make navigation safer and more efficient, they can also have an adverse effect on the environment. The presence of the structures can cause changes to the river’s flow and sediment movement, resulting in reduced amounts of oxygen in the water. This can affect aquatic life and cause botanical changes to the riverside habitat which can have an impact on the species which rely on it for their sustenance.
The Future of Lock and Dams
The Mississippi River continues to provide an essential transport route and many of the existing lock and dams will be maintained and updated to ensure safe navigation. However, modern techniques are also being employed in order to reduce the impact on the environment, such as the use of flood plain management and the installation of fish ladders.
These strategies involve managing the water’s level and flow to reduce impacts to habitats and aquatic species. Additionally, techniques such as fish lifts and beach nourishment are being used to help protect the river’s natural environment.
The History of Lock and Dams on the Mississippi River
The use of lock and dams on the Mississippi River dates back to the early 19th century, when the first lock and dam was constructed in 1872. Since then, many more locks and dams have been built to help control the river’s flow and make navigation easier. Prior to the construction of the first lock and dam, the river was prone to sudden and dangerous water level changes.
The earliest locks and dams were used primarily for navigational purposes, but with the development of modern technology, hydropower generation has become an increasingly important aspect of lock and dams on the Mississippi River. In fact, many of the existing locks and dams are now used for hydroelectric power generation.
The Impact of Lock and Dams on the Ecosystem
The presence of lock and dams on the Mississippi River can have an adverse effect on the local ecosystem. As mentioned earlier, the structures can cause changes to the river’s flow and sediment movement, resulting in reduced amounts of oxygen in the water. This can have a detrimental effect on aquatic life and botanical changes to the riverside habitat.
In addition, the presence of the lock and dams has also resulted in the formation of large reservoirs which are often referred to as ‘dead zones’. These bodies of water are stagnant and are devoid of oxygen, meaning that aquatic life cannot thrive. As such, the presence of lock and dams can often have a detrimental effect on local ecosystems.
What Is Being Done to Preserve the Ecosystem
Fortunately, measures are being put in place to reduce the environmental impact of the lock and dams on the Mississippi River. A number of techniques are being used to help protect the river’s natural environment, such as the use of fish lifts and beach nourishment. Additionally, strategies such as flood plain management are being employed to reduce the risk of flooding in the area.
Furthermore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with a variety of partners to help make the impacts of the existing locks and dams on the Mississippi River more sustainable. This includes instituting measures such as fish passage improvements and flow-modification programs.
The Role of Lock and Dams in Power Generation
The presence of lock and dams on the Mississippi River has enabled the production of clean, renewable, and reliable hydropower. U.S. hydropower accounts for 7% of all electricity generated across the country, and of the 29 lock and dams located along the Mississippi River, several are used for the generation of electricity.
Hydropower generation on the Mississippi River plays a vital role in providing electricity to local communities and businesses, as well as helping to reduce the impact of emissions by taking advantage of the river’s natural energy.
How Lock and Dams are Regulated
The lock and dams on the Mississippi River are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is responsible for ensuring the safety and viability of the structures, as well as maintaining navigation and controlling floods.
The Corps also manages the operation of lock and dams to ensure the safe passage of vessels and to protect the environment. This includes setting acceptable levels of water flow and sediment, monitoring water quality, and managing the impact on water levels.
Benefits for Local Communities
The presence of lock and dams on the Mississippi River is beneficial for local communities in a number of ways. Aside from providing a route for the transportation of goods and services, the structures also provide recreational opportunities such as fishing and water sports.
Additionally, the hydropower generation capabilities of the Mississippi River lock and dams provide clean and reliable electricity to local communities and businesses. This helps to reduce the impact of emissions while also providing an economic boost to the region.
