mississippi river
Newsletter
Low water levels disrupt transportation on the Mississippi River
For the third consecutive year, drought in the Midwest is driving down water levels in the Mississippi River, hampering the transport of fuel and grain and pushing businesses to find alternatives.
In short:
- Drought conditions in the Midwest have lowered Mississippi River water levels since mid-July, causing transportation delays and increased costs for goods like grain and fuel.
- Barge operators are facing rising costs, with barge rates increasing by 57% compared to the three-year average, leading to higher shipping expenses for businesses.
- Climate scientists warn that alternating wet and dry conditions may become more common as climate change affects regional weather patterns.
Key quote:
“This was front and center for us. One of the main things that we talked about were these rapid oscillations … between wet to dry and dry to wet extremes..”
— Aaron Wilson, Ohio’s state climatologist and a professor at Ohio State University
Why this matters:
The Mississippi River plays a crucial role in U.S. agricultural exports. Prolonged disruptions could hurt U.S. farmers, especially soy growers, and allow foreign competitors to gain an advantage in the global market.
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Newsletter
Mississippi River's low water levels hurt farmers shipping grain
For the third year in a row, unusually low water levels in the Mississippi River are causing barge companies to limit their cargo, reducing farmers' profits as they ship grain to international buyers.
In short:
- Low water levels in the Mississippi River are forcing barge companies to limit their loads, especially impacting grain shipments.
- Grain freight costs from St. Louis and Memphis are sharply higher compared to last year and the three-year average.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is frequently shifting dredging operations to address the situation.
Key quote:
“When you’ve got a transportation cost increase in any industry the question is, ‘Do I pass those costs onto the customer in the form of a higher price?’”
— Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition
Why this matters:
Low water levels on the Mississippi River threaten the efficient transportation of U.S. grain exports. As freight costs rise, farmers can't easily pass on these costs in global markets, impacting their livelihoods.
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Judge limits EPA regs in La. minority, low-income areas
A federal judge in Lake Charles has at least temporarily blocked the Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing so-called "disparate impact" rules in Louisiana that require industries to reduce toxic pollutants in minority and low-income areas, such as the so-called "Cancer Alley" region along the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi is losing its fight with the ocean
A combination of drought and sea-level rise has sent a wedge of salt water moving up the river.
Salt continues slow contamination of Baton Rouge fresh water
The saltwater wedge moving up the Mississippi River has cities downriver of Baton Rouge on high alert to keep supplied with fresh drinking water.
Listen: Mississippi River infrastructure needs and climate change
Lock and dam infrastructure on the Mississippi River is in desperate need of improvements. But some say before that investment is made, studies should be done to determine the effect it has on climate change.
Newsletter
New Orleans declares emergency over saltwater intrusion in drinking water
New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell signed an emergency declaration for the city last week amid concerns about saltwater from the the Gulf of Mexico that has been creeping up the drought-hit Mississippi River in Louisiana.
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