Lake Michigan Diversion and Illinois Waterway

• Published in: Journal of waterway, port, coastal, and ocean engineering port, coastal, and ocean engineering, 1989-03, Vol.115 (2), p.252-268
• Main Author: Bhowmik, Nani G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Freshwater; Hydraulic constructions; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Waterways
• ISSN: 0733-950X; 1943-5460
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-950X(1989)115:2(252)

In the early 1980s, a number of research projects were conducted to evaluate the potential impact on the Illinois Waterway of proposed increased diversions from the currently authorized rate of 3,200 cfs (90.6m3/s) to 6,600 cfs (186.9m3/s) and 10,000 cfs (283.2m3/s). This article summarizes some of this research. The following effects of diversion are identified: (a) Increased scour and deposition of sediment in the upper reaches of the waterway; (b) a probable increase in backwater sedimentation rates; (c) no significant changes in sediment transport in the lower reaches except those associated with naturally increased inflow (however, the effects on resuspension, scouring, and deposition of sediments in the lower reaches are not known); (d) no significant increase in bank erosion rates except within the constricted reaches; (e) increased flood damage in the Alton pool compared to the upper reaches; (f) an increase in groundwater levels near the Illinois Waterway, making higher drawdown available for pumping; (g) increased pumpage costs for the drainage districts, ranging from 2-50% or more; (h) improvement in water quality in the upper reaches but no significant alteration of the osmotic balances; and (i) adverse effects on vegetation, including bottomland species of trees, on some species of invertebrates, on feeding grounds of migratory individuals, and on algal blooms (because of the availability of clear water).