Introduction
The Mississippi River has been at the heart of West Coast life for centuries. From providing transportation, trade, and an important source of energy, it has been a major source of livelihood for Settlers and Indigenous people alike. From its source in Minnesota, to its outlet in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi is an iconic American River. In more recent years, however, the Mississippi has been at the center of an environmental crisis – and efforts are being made to bring the river to a state of equilibrium. So, is the crisis on the Mississippi finally calming?
The Spillage
The environmental crisis that has been measured along the Mississippi has all been due to one man-made factor – massive, sustained spillage of toxic materials. Since the industrialization of the Mississippi basin, the river has been used to dump numerous pollutants, including agricultural runoff, sewage spills, and the discharge of industrial waste. This has caused the river to become incredibly polluted, with the potential to cause serious harm to the wildlife, the local economy, and the public’s health.
The Statistics
The statistics that have been collected on the issue of pollution in the Mississippi are shocking and damning. Citing data from the World Resources Institute, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that over one billion tons of waste have been dumped into the Mississippi River system since 1950. In 2013 alone, 40 percent of the waterway’s average flow was contaminated by 78 different types of pollutants. Even more concerning is the fact that, due to the unwieldy size of the Mississippi, there is a limited amount of data that is available pertaining to the river’s condition.
The Regulations
In response to the unsustainable levels of pollution in the Mississippi, multiple International, Federal, and State regulations have been implemented. In 1972, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act was passed, which prohibited the entry of toxic pollutants into water sources. In 2008, the EPA implemented a “zero spill” policy, which prohibited all major releases of toxic materials into the waterway. These regulations have helped to reduce the levels of spillage, but the Mississippi is still badly polluted – and there is still much room for progress.
The Solutions
So what can be done to ensure the Mississippi is brought to a state of equilibrium? Eco-friendly measures have been proposed, with experts suggesting the development of an ‘integrated water management strategy’ that would reduce the levels of pollutants entering the river. This solution would involve the cleanup of current contamination sites, as well as the establishment of new technologies and regulations that could prevent the issue from resurfacing.
The Cleanup Efforts
In recent years, the cleanup of the Mississippi has begun to pick up steam. Federal and State-funded initiatives have been set up to address the water contamination problem, and in recent years, the EPA has recorded a steady drop in the amount of toxic substances entering the river. This shows that the cleanup efforts are having a positive impact on the river, and it is estimated that the Mississippi’s water quality will continue to improve in the near future.
The Economic Impact
The pollution of the Mississippi has led to significant economic losses for the State. Tourism and recreation have suffered, and industries such as fishing, oystering, and boating have been drastically reduced due to health concerns. As the contamination of the Mississippi ebbs, however, the hope is that these industries will emerge once more and provide a much-needed economic boost to the region.
The Political Response
The response of the Mississippi’s political leaders to the problem of pollution has been mixed. While some politicians have been proactive in their cleanup efforts, others have been less than enthusiastic. In a 2017 press conference, Governor Phil Bryant argued that the current regulations were too stringent, and he called for a “balancing act” between environmental protection and business interests. In contrast, Representative Bennie Thompson has been an outspoken advocate of the Zero Spill policy and has repeatedly called for increased funding for pollution cleanup initiatives.
The Potential for Rebound
Despite the challenges that still remain, experts remain hopeful that the Mississippi River can make a full rebound. It is estimated that, with the application of effective measures, the contamination of the Mississippi could be ameliorated in a matter of years. The return of the wildlife, the resurgence of the industries, and the re-establishment of recreational activities in the basin would be seen as a resounding success by all those invested in the river.
The Local Effects
It is the local citizens who will feel the effects of an improved Mississippi the most. For many, the river has been an important source of livelihood – whether it’s providing transportation, or simply a place to come together and enjoy nature. As the cleanup efforts move along, these locals will be the first to benefit from a return to normalcy.
The Role of Grassroots Organizations
Grassroots organizations have long played an important role in keeping the Mississippi clean. Organizations such as the Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper, River Stories, and the Delta Coalition have been actively promoting the issue of conservation, and have helped to build awareness of the issues facing the river. By working with the local communities, these organizations provide an educational and hands-on approach that can help to ensure the preservation of the Mississippi for future generations.
The Scientific Research
Another important factor in the preservation of the Mississippi is scientific research. Scientists have been using new technologies and strategies to measure the levels of contamination in the river, and this data is used to create more effective strategies for cleanup and preventative measures. These research teams have played an invaluable role in providing the public with a more accurate understanding of the health of the river, and the data they provide can help inform the policies and initiatives that will be enacted to preserve the Mississippi in the future.
The Hope for Restoration
Ultimately, it is the hope of all those invested in the Mississippi River that it soon returns to its former glory. The environmental damage that has been done can be reversed – but progress will be slow. Through enforcement of regulations, the application of new technologies, and the continued engagement of the locals, the Mississippi River can be brought back to a state of equilibrium. It is only through concerted effort and dedication to the cause that this will ever be achieved.
