Update - Mississippi River Restricted

August 18, St. Louis – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis deployed its dustpan dredge, Motor Vessel Potter, ten days ahead of schedule on August 15, after two groundings on the Upper Mississippi River halted navigation. 

The U.S. Coast Guard closed the Mississippi River August 12 at river mile 257.1, near Hamburg, Ill., about 15 miles above Winfield, Mo.  The closure followed the grounding of a 15-barge tow there.  A second grounding occurred August 14 at river mile 223, just north of the Mississippi River’s confluence with the Illinois River.  The U.S. Coast Guard did not close the river at this location but mariners are being instructed to be cautious.  The Corps of Engineers’ Motor Vessel Pathfinder has buoyed a safe, dependable channel through this location.     

Dredge Potter arrived at river mile 257 Saturday morning and started dredging operations.  The U.S. Coast Guard is now allowing one way traffic between river miles 256 and 258 in coordination with the dredge.  Once Dredge Potter completes her work, expected August 19, the channel will be opened completely to traffic in either direction.

River engineers explain that during recent flooding and high water events, large amounts of sediment were scoured from the bottom or carried in the river.  Then the river’s level fell quickly.  For example, at St. Louis the river fell 22 feet in 10 days decreasing the energy of the river.  As the river fell and its energy decreased, sediment dropped out of suspension and to the bottom of the river.
   
Corps and contract survey vessels, including the St. Louis District’s Motor Vessel Pathfinder, are currently surveying various points of the navigation channel to identify other areas in need of dredging.  The dredging season typically runs into December or early January. 

The St. Louis District also uses a contract cutter head dredge, Dredge America, which is expected to get under way on the Middle Mississippi River this Saturday. 

Conference calls between the U.S. Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers and navigation representatives are being conducted to coordinate actions to best ensure safe and dependable navigation is restored as rapidly as possible.

[Press Release]