The Dead Zone is an area in the Gulf of Mexico where life cannot exist. It is an area, which can sometimes grow to the size of New Jersey, where no fish, shrimp or other sea life can live because there is little oxygen in the water. Fertilizer pollution from Corn Belt states and raw sewage from major cities contribute to the Dead Zone.
When we think of pollution, we most often think of point-source pollution. Point-source pollution is when pollution comes from one obvious source—like when a factory dumps chemicals directly into the water.
But most pollution in the Mississippi River comes from non-point sources, like runoff from farm fields, city streets and suburban driveways.
In 2009, the United States Geological Survey found that the Chicago area is the number one contributor of Dead Zone-causing pollution in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. Pollution levels have been logged at 10 times the legal limit.
Three environmental groups—Prairie Rivers Network, Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club—have notified the Chicago water district that they intend to sue Chicago for violating the Clean Water Act.
While we know that the city of Chicago is the single largest source of runoff contributing to the Dead Zone, there are innumerable farm acres from which we aren’t measuring specifics. Excessive runoff from our country’s farms not only pollutes the River, but it also degrades our farm land. And it is completely preventable.
There are conservation programs designed to help farmers reduce runoff pollution. These effective and efficient programs reward farmers who practice conservation.
While these environmental groups take Chicago to court, we can help the River by helping our local farmers. The 1 Mississippi campaign is working to protect the conservation programs in the upcoming budget debates in Congress. Stay tuned for ways you can get involved to protect these programs that help our neighbors and our River.
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