The Mississippi River has put thousands of lives at risk with its devastating floods, caused when river levels get too high. Understanding how flooding is controlled is a critical part of managing the river’s health and river levels. One way flooding is controlled is by the use of locks, which are essentially barriers placed into the river that prevent parts from overflowing its banks.
The locks system helps allocate water to parts of the river that require it and reduce the water levels where it might be too high. An integral part of managing the river health and its flooding is controlling the water levels by means of the locks. This is achieved by ensuring the locks are of sufficient capacity to contain the transit of water.
The US Army Corps of Engineers have implemented a system of locks that are used to control flooding on the Mississippi River. These locks, built over a century ago, have revolutionised the way in which river levels are managed. The locks consist of many components including a chamber, a gate and a seal among others.
The gate, which is the largest component, is used to control the inflow and outflow of water and helps regulate river levels. The seal is used to keep water from entering the lock from other river sections and is one of the most important components of the lock.
Currently, there are 154 locks spread along the Mississippi River, some of which are over 50 years old. The locks, built to specific specifications, are regularly inspected for damages and for signs of wear and tear, ensuring the public safety whilst also protecting vital river resources.
The locks are custom-built using local materials and can take up to two years to complete. Each lock system is designed with the local weather and geography in mind, so they can be operated in the most effective way whilst minimising damage caused by flooding.
The locks are operated on a regional basis and require a lot of maintenance to be kept in good working order. This includes regular cleaning, repair of any damage and the installation of new locks if necessary. The locks are also closely monitored, so the amount of water entering and leaving the river can be adjusted as and when necessary.
Locks vs. Embankments
Locks are not always the best solution for controlling flooding on the Mississippi River. Embankments can also be used, however they are generally more expensive and require more maintenance. Embankments also take up a lot of space and can be vulnerable to damage. In comparison, locks can be operated and repaired quickly, are more accessible and are a sustainable method of controlling flooding.
Environmental Impact
The locks system has undergone extensive testing to ensure its efficiency and safety, however it is still important to consider its impact on the local environment. The locks are constantly exposed to the river’s constant flow and this can cause erosion, bank failure and other environmental damage. All locks must abide by environmental regulations and any potential damage must be reviewed regularly to ensure its effects are mitigated.
Benefits of Locks
The locks system is incredibly beneficial, particularly when used in combination with other methods of controlling the river’s levels. Locks help protect parts of the river from potentially devastating floods, as well as facilitating trade, fishing and boating activities along the Mississippi River.
Costs of Locks
The maintenance, construction and operation of locks is a costly process and must be considered carefully when deciding whether locks are the right solution for controlling flooding. The US Army Corps of Engineers have estimated that it costs around $8 million to build one lock, not including the cost of the necessary machinery and equipment. Each lock must also be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its efficiency, adding to the overall cost.
Conclusion
The locks system on the Mississippi River is an effective method of managing river levels and controlling floods. There are currently 154 locks spread along the river, each built to specific specifications and requiring regular maintenance. While the cost of constructing, operating and maintaining the locks system is high, it is essential for the wellbeing of the river and its surrounding areas.
