The Mississippi River basin – also known as the drainage basin – is an important feature of the United States. Spanning an area of over 1.2 million square miles, its influence extends to states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Iowa, and Louisiana. It is responsible for providing a vital waterway from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, supplying drinking water to millions of people, and providing vital habitats for thousands of species. In fact, the region of the Mississippi River basin is home to over 400 species of fish and 40 species of Mussels.
In addition to providing fresh and saltwater habitats for species, the Mississippi River basin also supplies a significant amount of job opportunities with many states relying heavily on its commercial and recreational activities. With its navigable waterways, the Mississippi River basin provides transport for 62 million tons of cargo every year. It is also vital to the agricultural industry with its many tributary valleys and its nutrient-rich alluvial soils the lifeblood of thousands of farms.
The river provides a range of vital services such as flood control, navigable waterways, water supply and protected habitat. Its total length is calculated to be 2,350 miles, and its source is Lake Itasca, Minnesota. From there, it runs south towards the Gulf of Mexico and is divided into various sections – the Upper, Middle and Lower Mississippi River – connecting 31 states and 2 Canadian Provinces. The board of control that is responsible for managing it is known as the Mississippi River Commission, which is headed by a president and a board of members appointed by the US President.
As the Mississippi River basin has become increasingly threatened by human activities and development, the river has become the biggest concern for environmentalists and experts regarding the issue of pollution and climate change. According to a recent report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, the river carries an alarming amount of contaminants from industrial and agricultural sources, sewage, and urban runoff. This has resulted in serious problems for wildlife and human health.
To address the issue of pollution, a variety of initiatives have been underway. The states located in the Mississippi River Basin are working together to put in stricter measures regulating runoff water, agriculture, and industrial waste. The commission has also taken the initiative to create several innovative strategies aimed at reducing the amount of pollutants entering the river and its tributaries. These strategies include technologies such as wetlands restoration, green infrastructure, and community-led solutions. With these solutions in place, the Mississippi River Commission believes that a cleaner and healthier river can be achieved for present and future generations to enjoy.
Watershed Management
One of the key areas that the states located in the Mississippi River basin are focusing on to reduce pollution and support healthy waterways is watershed management. This involves the planning, protection, restoration, and enhancement of watersheds that are located upstream of the Mississippi River mainstem. Many of these watersheds are already suffering from increased pollution load and need to be restored if they are to be able to support the many species that rely on them. This can be achieved through reducing pollution, improving habitat, and promoting river connectivity. Watershed management is also key to helping mitigate risks associated with flooding and land-use changes in the area.
Watershed management involves the engagement of local and regional stakeholders to ensure that any solutions implemented have their buy-in and are successful and sustainable. This can involve creating interdisciplinary partnerships between municipalities, agricultural and industrial organizations, and conservation non-profits. Through these partnerships, solutions can be tailored to the specific needs of the local community and its environment.
With the use of watershed models, planners can be able to identify the most effective places for restoration activities within a watershed. These models use data from the US Geological Survey, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other sources to analyze the land use, pollutant loads, and hydrological processes of any given watershed.
This data can also be used to assess the success of any restoration activities and inform the development of future solutions. By understanding and managing watersheds, the states in the Mississippi River Basin can work together to improve the ecological health of the river and the species that rely on it.
Agricultural Runoff
Another major source of pollution in the Mississippi River basin is agricultural runoff. In order to reduce excess nutrients entering the river, agricultural operations must adopt practices that lessen their runoff. This can involve the use of cover crops, improved drainage, buffer zones, and precision farming technologies to minimize the runoff of fertilizers and pesticides. The use of precision farming technologies such as GPS-guided tractors can also be used to optimize fertilizer and pesticide application to reduce runoff. In addition, the use of wetlands can be used in watershed management projects to improve water quality and reduce water pollution by trapping sediment and releasing nutrients back into the soil.
To address the issue of agricultural runoff, several initiatives have been established. The Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative is a program run by the US Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency that provides funding, technical assistance, and educational programs to farmers, cities, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agriculture and watershed management. With this program, states are also able to competitively award funds to farmers and landowners who voluntarily restore wetlands and improve water management practices. The goal of the initiative is to reduce sediment and nutrient loading in waterways, improve water quality, and conserve and restore local habitats.
The states in the Mississippi River Basin have also worked together to promote better management of agricultural practices. The Mississippi River Basin Nutrient Task Force was created to bring together local and regional stakeholders to create solutions that reduce pollutants entering the river and its tributaries. The task force has recently launched a five-year nutrient reduction strategy which includes voluntary best management practices, innovative technology, and regulatory programs.
By reducing agricultural runoff, the states in the Mississippi River basin are able to improve the water quality of the river and its tributaries, as well as the health of the species that rely on them. It is also important for the states to ensure that any solutions implemented are sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of each watershed.
Industrial Pollution
Industrial pollution has been a persistent source of pollution in the Mississippi River basin. With thousands of industries located along the length of the river, a significant amount of pollutants are entering the waterway. This has resulted in a decrease of water clarity downstream, an increase in the amount of harmful bacteria in the water, and an increase of pollutants in seafood coming from the river.
In order to reduce industrial pollution, the states in the Mississippi River basin are focusing their efforts on three key areas: source control, pollution management, and better enforcement of regulations. Source control involves the use of pollution control devices such as advanced wastewater treatment systems, which reduce pollutants from entering waterways. Pollution management systems such as the Clean Water Act are also being used to set stricter limits on pollutants emitted from industries. Finally, stronger enforcement of existing regulations is being used to ensure that industries comply.
The Mississippi River Commission is also playing an important role in reducing industrial pollution. They have recently implemented new regulations that force industries to regularly monitor their wastewater emissions and report back to the commission. Any industry that fails to comply is subject to heavy fines and other penalties. This has resulted in an increase in the number of industries that are proactively working to reduce their pollution and comply with regulations.
In addition to the Clean Water Act and other regulations, the Mississippi River Commission has also implemented programs that provide financial and technical assistance for industries to reduce their pollution. These programs are focused on providing support for companies that are looking to transition to cleaner technologies or incorporate more effective wastewater treatment methods. With these initiatives, industries in the Mississippi River Basin are able to reduce their pollution and become more environmentally conscious.
Flooding
Due to the size of the Mississippi River Basin and its hundreds of tributaries, flooding is a frequent occurrence in the area. These extreme weather events can cause significant damage to life, property, and the environment. With the intense rainfall and runoff entering the river, levels can rise quickly, resulting in flooding. To prepare for these events, the states in the Mississippi River basin are working to create strategies that will help to mitigate flood risks.
To mitigate the risks associated with flooding, the states located in the Mississippi River basin are investing in a number of strategies. These include the restoration of nature-based floodplain systems, levee upgrades, and improved drainage systems. These strategies are designed to capture more water and reduce the risk of flooding by containing floodwaters and minimizing the force of the floodwaters. In addition, the use of weather forecasting has been increased to ensure that the appropriate response can be taken when the forecast calls for potential flooding.
The states in the Mississippi River Basin have also implemented land-use policies to reduce the impacts of flooding. These policies are intended to reduce the amount of impermeable surfaces in the basin, as these surfaces can reduce the amount of runoff absorbed by the ground and increase the likelihood of flooding. By reducing impermeable surfaces, more water is able to be absorbed by the ground, preventing the water from running off into the river.
The states in the Mississippi River Basin are also investing in the restoration of floodplains. These areas naturally absorb much of the water that enters them and are vital to reducing the force of floods and protecting communities and ecosystems. By restoring these areas, the states in the Mississippi River Basin can help to reduce the risks associated with flooding and protect habitats.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River Basin is an integral part of the United States providing a vital waterway for transportation, a vital habitat for species, and a significant number of job opportunities. By protecting this vital resource, the states located in the Mississippi River basin are taking a proactive stand to address the issue of pollution from industrial, agricultural, and other sources. Through the use of innovative strategies and the support of local communities and stakeholders, the states are hoping to ensure a cleaner, safer, and healthier river for present and future generations.
