Increased Diversion at Chicago: Initial Assessment
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 110, Issue 2
Abstract
The Corps of Engineers has proposed and analyzed the effects of diverting Lake Michigan waters down the Illinois River in times of above average lake levels. Effects would vary considerably depending upon the rate and timing of diversion. Major benefits on the river portion will be an improvement in water quality, increased benefits to commercial navigation and increased power generation. On the Great Lakes the major benefits would be reduction in shoreline erosion and flooding. Adverse effects would be significant. On the river major adverse effects are due to increased flooding over existing conditions and longer flooding duration in the lower reaches. Current trends of habitat destruction and loss of species diversity in natural ecosystems will be accelerated by the increased diversion, resulting in the deterioration of natural ecosystems. Managed ecosystems such as leveed farmlands and duck clubs will suffer higher drainage costs as a result of the increased flooding. Unleveed areas will experience substantial crop losses, especially in low water years, and diversion may ultimately preclude agriculture in such areas. On the lakes, major adverse effects would result from power loss, lowered ship capacity resulting from shallower draft at docking facilities, and loss of water‐edge ecosystems.
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References
1.
“Baseline Water Quality Conditions in, the Illinois Waterway and Lake Michigan Diversion Channels,” Main Report and Appendices (2 Vols), COE‐Chicago (Corps of Engineers, Chicago District), Chicago, 1978.
2.
“A Draft Environmental Impact Assessment of an Increased Lake Michigan Diversion at Chicago,” IEC (International Environmental Consultants, Inc.), Denver, 1981.
3.
Dunbar, L. G., “Operating Scheme for Increased Lake Michigan Diversion Flow Rates Employed in Establishing Computer Plots,” Corps of Engineers, Chicago, May, 1979.
4.
“Fish and Wildlife Changes Resulting From the Construction of a Nine‐Foot Navigation Channel in the Illinois Waterway from LaGrange Lock and Dam Upstream to Lockport Lock and Dam,” J. K. Gilliam, ed., COE‐Chicago, Chicago, 1977.
5.
“Increased Lake Michigan Diversion at Chicago, Demonstration and Study Program,” Plan of Study (2 Vols.), COE‐Chicago, 1978.
6.
In‐house Great Lakes Basin Map, COE‐Detroit, 1979.
7.
“Great Lakes Diversions and Consumptive Uses,” International Great Lakes Diversions and Consumptive Uses Study Board, 1981.
8.
Lee, M. T., and N. G. Bhowmik, “Sediment Transport in the Illinois River,” Illinois State Water Survey, 1979.
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Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
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Published online: Apr 1, 1984
Published in print: Apr 1984
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