Introduction
The Mississippi River and St. Croix River both play a prominent role in the United States’ history and culture. The Mississippi is the second-longest river in the United States, while the St. Croix is part of the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is a tributary of the Mississippi. In addition to providing recreational opportunities and various goods, both rivers serve as a natural habitat for many species of plants, animals, and fish. Unfortunately, human activities have contributed to the pollution of both rivers to some extent. Thus, the question is, is the Mississippi River more polluted than the St. Croix?
Pollution in Both Rivers
The Mississippi River is approximately 2,350 miles long, and it drains an area of approximately 1.2 million square miles While the St. Croix is approximately 170 miles long, and it drains an area of approximately 12,000 square miles. The sheer size of the Mississippi River means that it is more susceptible to pollution than the St. Croix.
The most common sources of pollution in both rivers are runoff from agricultural lands, industrial waste, and sewage. Runoff from agricultural lands contain heavy amounts of fertilizer and pesticides, which can disturb the aquatic environment of the rivers. Industrial waste and sewage add impurities to the water, such as metals and other hazardous chemicals. In addition, the Mississippi River is also affected by oil spills and other types of cargo spills from ships, which contribute to its overall pollution levels.
The Impact of Pollution
The Mississippi River is a major resource for multiple states, and its pollution can have far-reaching implications for the region. The American Rivers organization has identified the river as a major source of human-caused water pollution, citing runoff from agricultural fields and the discharge of wastewater and chemicals into the river. As such, it has resulted in the decline of fish populations and aquatic life, as well as the contamination of drinking water supplies.
The St. Croix River is also affected by pollution, but it is to a lesser extent than the Mississippi River. According to a recent report by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, surface water quality in the St. Croix watershed has generally been quite good in comparison to the Mississippi River. However, the St. Croix is still facing threats from pollution stemming from sources such as runoff from roads and parking lots, and illegal dumping.
Government Efforts to Combat Pollution
The federal government has taken steps to address pollution in both rivers. The Clean Water Act of 1972, which established provisions for controlling water pollution, has helped to reduce pollution in the Mississippi River. The Water Resources Development Act of 1986 also set forth strategies for restoring and managing water quality in the basin. In addition, the EPA recently updated the Illinois/Mississippi River Basin Water Quality Assessment. This assessment contains actionable steps that the federal government can take to reduce and prevent pollution in the basin.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is also responsible for monitoring and protecting the St. Croix River. The WDNR has established several water quality standards that must be met in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The WDNR also monitors the St. Croix River to ensure the standards are met.
The Role of Citizens
Although the federal and state governments are taking steps to reduce pollution in both rivers, citizens also have a responsibility to help protect them. Individuals can reduce their impact on the rivers by making mindful decisions when it comes to water usage and by using less fertilizer and pesticide on their lawns. In addition, citizens should be aware of potential sources of pollution, such as runoff from roads and parking lots, and report them to local authorities. Finally, citizens should take the time to educate themselves about the rivers and their importance to the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Mississippi River and St. Croix River have been adversely impacted by human activities. The Mississippi is more prone to pollution due to its large size, whereas the St. Croix has generally had higher water quality, though it is still impacted by pollution in certain areas. It is thus clear that both rivers are still facing pollution threats, and that citizens, governments, and various organizations should work together to protect them.
