As America’s largest river, the Mississippi is home to a diverse range of wildlife, plants and humans alike. The changing levels of the Mississippi River have long caused concern, with local communities relying on the river’s flow to irrigate farms and sustain commercial shipping. Nowadays, with the impacts of climate change and human development, the effects of erosion, sedimentation and sedimentation-induced flooding on the Mississippi River are becoming increasingly concerning.
In recent years, the Mississippi has had an overall falling water level due to a broad combination of factors such as climate change and ocean currents. As of 2019, the average water level of the Mississippi had dropped by more than two feet since 2016, with regulatory efforts, like the Environmental Protection Agency’s River & Harbor Maintenance Program, playing an important role. The program was put in place to help manage and improve the water quality of rivers and harbors throughout the United States.
But the drop in the water level is only a recent trend, and the impact of human activities on the river has been around for much longer. Industrial and agricultural pollution, combined with the effects of river engineering projects used to control flooding, have had severe effects on the Mississippi’s quality and health. As a result, the effects of the state’s industries on the river have become significant enough to be visible and are attracting national attention.
It is worth noting that many of the state’s industries rely on the river for transportation, and their effects on the environment are still being felt. Pollution from the state’s: power plants, petroleum refineries, and agricultural runoff can contribute to the increased levels of sediment, nutrients and other pollutants in the Mississippi. These pollutants can lead to increased erosion, sedimentation and sedimentation-induced flooding.
So, is the Mississippi River rising or falling? While it is true that the overall water level of the river has dropped in recent years, the quality of the water in the Mississippi is still at a concerning level, with pollution from industries still causing damage. The long-term effects of climate change combined with human activities continue to be a source of worry for river-lovers and communities alike.
Erosion
Erosion is an ongoing problem in the Mississippi River. Rainfall and soil erosion cause the surface of the river to be covered with sediment, which can reduce the water flow and create damaging floods. It is estimated that up to a quarter of the sediment in the Mississippi can be attributed directly to soil erosion.
The most commonly used technique to control river erosion is the construction of levees and dams. These can help control the flow of water, but they can also lead to further problems. For example, levees and dams can cause the river water to become stagnant, which can lead to the development of harmful algal blooms and other aquatic life illnesses.
Sedimentation can also be a major problem associated with erosion. As the Mississippi carries sediment, it can deposit material onto the banks of the river, and this sedimentation can reduce the amount of water flowing through the river. This can create issues for agriculture, especially during times of drought.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for managing and controlling the levels of flow and sediment in the Mississippi. They have put into place several methods to reduce the risk of erosion. These include using dredging techniques to remove sediment, implementing riverbank stabilization projects, and managing river discharge.
The government has also invested in land and water conservation efforts in order to manage the Mississippi’s level of erosion. These include identifying and removing excess sediment from the river, restoring the riverbanks, and monitoring the riverbanks and river flows to identify any areas of concern.
Sedimentation
Sedimentation is the process of depositing material on or around the banks of a river. It is largely caused by runoff from rainfall and erosion, which can lead to the accumulation of sediment in the rivers and streams. In the Mississippi, the sedimentation rate has accelerated in the last few years, causing the overall water levels to drop.
The sedimentation of the river can worsen the effects of erosion and can reduce the amount of water flowing through the river. The sediment can also affect areas downstream, leading to floodings and difficulties for agricultural production. Additionally, sedimentation can lead to a decrease in water quality and can harm aquatic life and vegetation in the river.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is taking steps to reduce the rate of sedimentation in the Mississippi. They are in the process of developing large-scale sediment management plans to help reduce sediment loads and reduce the risk of flooding. These plans include the use of levees and dams that help to control the flow of the river, as well as sediment removal, channel stabilization, and invasive species control.
One of the most effective methods for controlling sedimentation is to reduce the amount of runoff from agriculture and industry. Farmers can install new management practices, such as cover crops and filter strips, that can help to reduce the amount of sediment that is entering the river.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has also been working to reduce sedimentation in the Mississippi by implementing regulations to reduce runoff from industrial activities. This includes restrictions on pollutant discharges and the implementation of nutrient management plans to help reduce nutrient runoff.
Biodiversity
The Mississippi River is home to a range of species, both aquatic and terrestrial. The river is an important link in the life cycle of many species and supports a wide variety of wildlife, such as fish, mammals, birds and invertebrates.
In recent years, pollution and the effects of climate change have caused a decrease in the number of species living in the river. Species like the pallid sturgeon, the gulf sturgeon, and the ivory-billed woodpecker are threatened by sedimentation and pollution. Additionally, invasive species like the Asian carp can have a negative impact on native fish populations.
One of the main challenges for the preservation of healthy aquatic habitats in the Mississippi is controlling nutrient runoff. Nutrient runoff from agricultural and industrial activities can increase the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients in the river, leading to unhealthy algal blooms and aquatic species declines.
To help protect and preserve the aquatic habitats of the Mississippi, the US Environmental Protection Agency has implemented regulations which reduce the amount of nutrient runoff allowed. Additionally, some government programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program, are designed to help protect wetlands and other habitats around the river.
Monitoring programs such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mississippi River Biodiversity Monitoring Program are working to protect and preserve the species that live in the river. The program collects field data on species diversity and abundance, water quality, and riverside habitat characteristics.
Climate Change
Climate change has had a significant impact on the Mississippi River in recent years, with increased temperatures and changing precipitation levels having an effect on the river’s water levels and flow rates. Climate change can lead to droughts and floods, as well as increased sedimentation and increased levels of pollutants.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is working to develop strategies to deal with climate change. These include planning for extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, and incorporating climate projections into their management decisions. Additionally, the Army Corps has implemented initiatives such as the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program and the Flood Risk Management Program to reduce the impact of climate change on US rivers.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has also been working to reduce the impacts of climate change. They have developed policies which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage energy efficiency. Additionally, they are working to improve the resilience of ecosystems and coastal areas to the impacts of climate change.
Climate change has the potential to cause significant changes to the Mississippi River, and it is important for us to take steps to protect and preserve the river’s health. We must continue to take action to reduce the impacts of climate change and other human activities on the river, in order to ensure it is able to provide a home for the plants, animals and human communities that rely on it.
Conservation Efforts
In recognition of the need to protect and preserve the Mississippi River, many local, state and federal agencies have implemented conservation initiatives to reduce the impacts of human activities. These include water conservation efforts, such as the water-efficient landscaping projects in California, and the implementation of regulations to limit pollution from industry and agriculture.
At the federal level, the government has invested in restoration projects such as the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act and the Army Corps of Engineer’s Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. The EPA’s program supports efforts to reduce water pollution and improve water quality in rivers and streams, while the Corps’ project has helped to reduce flooding and improve the navigability of the Mississippi.
Additionally, non-profit organizations have been instrumental in protecting the Mississippi. Groups like the Nature Conservancy, River Network and the Mississippi River Network have worked to protect and restore the health of the river by collaborating with local stakeholders and communities. Through advocacy and education, these groups have been able to raise awareness of the importance of conservation of the Mississippi River and the need to reduce human activities that harm the river.
Ultimately, the Mississippi River is a vital part of not only our natural landscape, but also our cultural identity. Its conservation requires the collective effort of individuals and communities throughout its watershed. Through collaboration and the implementation of conservation efforts, we can ensure that the Mississippi remains a healthy, vibrant ecosystem for generations to come.
