Lower Mississippi adds fleeting zones amid low water

Officials at the Lower Mississippi River have implemented fleeting zones amid a very dry August that resulted in water levels reaching worryingly low levels. The decision was made to restrict draft sizes as well as implement tow restrictions for any mariners making use of the river, which is fed by the Ohio River. The exceedingly low water levels are a concern for the Lower Mississippi River Commission (LOMRC), which has taken significant steps to deal with the situation taking place in both the Lower Mississippi and the Ohio River.

Climate change has begun to rear its ugly head in the Lower Mississippi

The world is acutely aware of the current state of climate change that has affected millions of people across several regions globally. The change in our everyday climate has impacted numerous sectors across the world. And now, the exceedingly dry weather in August has effected the Lower Mississippi as well as the Ohio River.

Donnie Williams, co-chairman of the Lower Mississippi River Commission (LOMRC), stated that the weather forecast reported no rain in the coming weeks for the region, which only exacerbates the situation even more. He also stated that so far, there had not been any groundings in the channel, but urged pilots to exercise extreme caution when passing through the channel.

“I’m very concerned because we’re not getting any dredges out here. That’s my problem. Industry is doing everything it can to be proactive in this low water, but we have been struggling with the Corps of Engineers for funding reasons. They will not release a dredge out of deep draft to come to shallow draft.”

On 15 September, the Lower Mississippi River Commission tightened the restrictions even more

The LOMRC, working in tandem with the United States Coast Guard, stated that from 15 September onwards, southbound drafts will be limited to 10 feet, 6 inches from Cairo to Lake Providence and a width of no more than six barges. From Mile 483 to Mile 303, the draft will be set at 11 feet and no more than six barges wide.

Along with those southbound restrictions, northbound tows from Mile 303 to Cairo will need to have a 10-foot draft, with barges to be set up no more than six wide or four wide maximum on loads. All pilots making use of the region have been instructed to have a no-wake speed when transiting close to fleeting areas during this period of low water.

Before the dredging operations began, Donnie Williams stated that he was concerned about the lack of dredging in the Lower Mississippi. However since then dredge Jadwin was scheduled to depart New Orleans on September 12 and to arrive at Nelms around September 18. He also stated that the river might be closed during the dredging operations. The restrictions have had an impact on trade in the region as the Mississippi plays a crucial role for several sectors.

He also stated that due to the restrictions, the Lower Mississippi River Committee will be aiming to establish a queue management system for the barges affected.

Can the region recover from the new and ever-tightening restrictions on the Lower Mississippi

The river in question plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods from several industries across the North American region. For generations, the Mississippi River has been integral in delivering vital goods that catapult America to the top of the global stage. The United States Army Corps of Engineers will have their hands full dealing with the dredging operations on site, but they have an impeccable record for producing results. IF rain does come, the region will count their lucky stars that the river is back to acceptable water levels.