Is Mississippi River Closed?
The Mississippi River is practically known for iconic slogans such as ‘The Father of Waters’ and ‘The Big Muddy’. It is a symbol of the American dream, of progress and development in the United States. The Mississippi’s history has been filled with struggles, especially those leading to its demise. In recent years, it has come under immense scrutiny for being overused, polluted, and numerous other environmental effects that have led to its disappearance as a great navigable river.
The Mississippi, in its entirety, extends from the Rocky Mountains of Minnesota, through ten states, and eventually entering the Gulf of Mexico. It is a prominent natural feature of the US, with the length of the mainstem measuring 2,300 miles, making it the fourth longest river in the world and the longest in the United States. The river’s drainage basin is quite expansive, occupying parts of 32 states, two provinces in Canada, and draining over half of the land area of the United States. Unfortunately, human activity has also had an effect on the river and it has been threatened with closure due to the diminishing and deteriorating water quality.
In recent years, the amount of pollution in the Mississippi River has been rapidly increasing. According to the environmental advocacy group, American Rivers, a 2012 survey of the river revealed the presence of more than 40 pollutants in the sediment and water column, including nitrates, industrial chemicals, lead, and mercury. In addition, the excessive growth of algal blooms due to agricultural runoff is another major contributor to the degradation of the Mississippi’s ecosystem. As a result, the water quality has decreased significantly, threatening several native species of fish and other aquatic creatures.
The situation of the Mississippi River has been monitored closely by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the past several years. In 2012, the EPA declared the river a navigable waterway, proposing the Clean Water Act of 1972. This law proposed to reduce the amount of pollutants discharged into the river, and also protect against sewage and other industrial pollutants. The EPA also proposed a goal of improving the overall water quality for the next 10 years. The EPA projected that the river would be cleaner and healthier by 2022, with improvements in the quality of the Mississippi River including decreased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from industrial factories, as well as improved habitat for wildlife.
In light of the situation, the US Army Corps of Engineers have taken a stance on the matter, participating in numerous research initiatives and action plans. The most recent of these was the Mississippi River Watershed Management Plan, which was implemented in 2016. As part of this plan, the Army Corps of Engineers proposed measures to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river and to improve its habitat. Through the plan, the Army Corps of Engineers is focused on restoring the ecosystem of the Mississippi while also protecting the safety of people living along the river.
Environmental Education
Despite the research and plans launched to reduce pollutants in the Mississippi River, it still remains at risk. The effects of human activity are making it harder for the river to remain a viable source of water and recreation. In efforts to help protect and preserve the river, environmental education is an effective way to inform people about the importance of the river and the consequences of their actions.
Environmental organizations, such as the Environmental Defense Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council, have launched numerous projects to educate the public about the issues concerning the Mississippi. These organizations are working to raise awareness and provide resources for citizens to learn about the consequences of their actions, such as the amount of pollutants they are releasing into the river. By educating people on the importance of the river and the potential harm that can be caused, it is hoped that they will be more mindful of their actions and take steps to protect and preserve the Mississippi.
The importance of educating people can also be seen in schools, where students are being taught the importance of the river and the effects of human activity on it. This may include teaching students about conservation and preservation, as well as the importance of taking steps to protect the river. By introducing educational programs and initiatives in schools, it is expected that students will become more mindful of their actions and take steps to protect and preserve the Mississippi River.
How Can Citizens Help?
Apart from educational initiatives, there are other ways in which citizens can help protect and preserve the Mississippi River. One of the most important is being mindful of the amount of pollutants being released and limiting their use of fertilizers and other chemicals. They should also be aware of any activities that could negatively affect the water quality, such as littering and dumping hazardous waste into the river.
Citizens can also get involved in initiatives and projects run by organizations and local governments, such as planting trees, cleaning up the shores, and other activities to improve the water quality. Participation in such initiatives can help reduce the pollutants entering the river and lead to the preservation of the river.
Additionally, citizens can also support policies that protect and preserve the river, such as the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Watershed Management Plan. Through their support, citizens can advocate for better policies that can help protect and preserve the river.
Economic Considerations
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the economy of the United States. In addition to being a source of freshwater for many people in the Midwest, the river serves as an important source of transportation and shipping for many industries. It is estimated that nearly 80% of all goods shipped within the United States pass through the Mississippi River. The river also serves as an important source of employment for many people, as it is a major source of tourism, recreation, and fisheries.
The economic implications of the closure of the Mississippi River are severe. The disruption of transportation and shipping would be massive, as the majority of goods in the US are shipped via the Mississippi River. In addition, the disruption of the tourism, recreation, and fisheries industry would have a significant impact on the economy, as well as on the people who depend on the river for their livelihood.
It is therefore essential that the environmental effects of human activity are taken into account, and that measures are taken to protect and preserve the river. If the river is to remain a viable source of water, transportation, and recreation for generations to come, it is essential that lawmakers and citizens alike take action to ensure the preservation of the Mississippi River.
Protection and Preservation
In order to protect and preserve the Mississippi River, it is essential that policy makers and citizens alike take action. It is essential that measures are taken to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, and that measures are taken to protect its habitat. In addition, it is also essential that citizens become more mindful of their actions, and take steps to reduce their use of chemicals and pollutants. Finally, it is essential that citizens get involved in initiatives and projects to help restore the river, as well as support policies that can help to protect and preserve it.
It is clear that the Mississippi River is in need of protection and preservation. The effects of human activity are taking a toll on the river, and it is essential that measures are taken to protect and preserve it. With the help of policy makers, citizens, and other organizations, it is possible for the river to remain a great source of water, transportation, and recreation for generations to come.
