The Mississippi River is a mainstay of the American economy and ecology, with an incalculable impact on the nation’s culture. But its stage levels in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in particular have become cause for serious concern in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore the issues surrounding the river stage in Baton Rouge, providing background information on the history of the area, looking at the effects of recent development, and examining the concerns of the scientific community.
History of the Mississippi River Stage in Baton Rouge
The first recorded observance of the Mississippi River’s stage level in Baton Rouge occurred in 1359. It wasn’t until 1829, though, when Captain Henry Miller Shreve began work to straighten the course of the river, that the situation began to change. By the early twentieth century, man-made alterations to the flow of the river had created an artificial delta that encouraged the buildup of silt and led to drastic changes in water level.
The Mississippi River crest in Baton Rouge hit its highest recorded level in 1927, after five months of continuous rain. The intense flooding that followed resulted in the loss of homes and businesses, not to mention the displacement of businesses and residents alike. In the aftermath of the crisis, the Army Corps of Engineers developed flood control protocols in order to prevent such devastation from occurring again.
Recent Development
Since the 1920s, human-induced changes in the river’s course and its velocity have been largely responsible for the rise in stage levels in Baton Rouge. This is particularly due to the proliferation of navigation channels, which have been dug in order to improve the speed of commercial river traffic. These trenches serve to direct large quantities of water away from their original path, causing the formation of unconsolidated soil and sediment.
The result of this is that the riverbeds on either side of the navigation channels become higher than the water’s surface, as the sediment is carried downstream. This, in turn, causes the water level to drop significantly, resulting in lower than normal stage levels in Baton Rouge.
Additionally, natural weather patterns can also influence the river stage in Baton Rouge. During the spring, snow melt and seasonal rainfall contribute to an increase in stage levels. Conversely, in the summer, droughts cause the water level to drop dramatically. Overall, however, the cumulative effect of man-made alterations to the river plays a much greater role in determining the stage of the river in Baton Rouge.
Scientific Community
Scientists have long warned of the risks that come with changing the course and rate of the river’s flow, including the potential for significant damage to the environment. The combined effects of these activities over many years have caused a considerable rise in water levels in the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a host of long-term ecological problems.
For example, saltwater intrusion has been reported in Lake La Fourche in Louisiana, which has caused a sharp drop in the supply of freshwater fish in the area. There is also a severe risk of shoreline erosion due to the rising river stage in Baton Rouge. As the river moves and builds up silt, it encroaches on the surrounding public and private property, leading to structural damage that is costly to fix.
Furthermore, the Mississippi River’s nutrient-rich waters contain pollutants that have been widely linked to a range of health problems, including neurological disorders, asthma, and birth defects. These pollutants are responsible for the eutrophication of the Gulf, leading to the death of many species of marine life due to the lack of oxygen in the water.
Impacts on Industry
The Mississippi River stage in Baton Rouge has a direct impact on the shipping industry, which is heavily dependent on the waterway for access to the Gulf of Mexico. When the water level drops, ships must slow down in order to navigate the shallower channels, thus reducing efficiency. Moreover, the higher sedimentation and erosion caused by the lower water level also mean that commercial vessels and barges must be more cautious when navigating the riverbed.
Not only does this slow down their journeys, but it also increases their fuel consumption, resulting in higher operating costs, which in turn translate into higher prices for goods. Furthermore, there is always a risk of grounding in the shallow sections of the river, which could potentially cause significant damage to the vessel in question.
In addition to affecting the shipping industry, the lower water level in Baton Rouge also negatively impacts agricultural production. In particular, the lack of water poses a threat to the hundreds of thousands of acres of land used for commercial farming. Lower water levels mean drier soil, plus a shorter growing season for crops, leading to reduced yields and lower profits.
Environmental Impact
In addition to its economic impact, the Mississippi River stage in Baton Rouge carries a serious environmental cost. It is estimated that the lower water levels have caused the deaths of over two million fish and other aquatic creatures, such as crabs and turtles, since the 1960s. The loss of such an important species has significantly reduced the biodiversity of the area, while also threatening the sustainability of the local fishing industry.
The decrease in river stage levels has also meant an increase in the salinity of the water. This has caused an increase in the concentration of oxygen-depleting substances, resulting in a decrease in the amount of dissolved oxygen available to the aquatic life. This, in turn, has caused suffocation and the deterioration of the overall aquatic ecosystem.
Solutions
To date, no single measure or technology has proven to be effective in restoring the natural Mississippi River stage in Baton Rouge. Experts suggest that a comprehensive strategy combining both short-term solutions such as improved drainage systems, and long-term initiatives utilizing natural processes such as reforestation and river restoration, is the most effective approach for increasing the water level in the area.
The restoration of the river’s flow, however, has long been a matter of contention amongst local communities, who are wary of large-scale environmental damage. On the other side of the debate are proposals to increase the river’s flow by building levees and dams. Such measures, while they could potentially improve the flow, come with their own set of risks in terms of both cost and potential damage to the local environment.
Conclusion
As the debate surrounding the Mississippi River stage in Baton Rouge continues to rage, there is no definitive answer as to what the best solution is. Ultimately, any approach must be carefully weighed, both in terms of its potential value and any potential risks. Thus, ongoing evaluation and monitoring of the situation is essential in order to ensure the health and safety of both the people and the environment.
