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Johnson, J. H., R. C. Solomon, C. R. Bingham, B. K. Colbert and W. P. Emge (1974). Environmental analysis and assessment of the Mississippi River 9-ft Channel Project between St. Louis, Missouri, and Cairo, Illinois. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Report Y-74-1.

The Mississippi River 9-ft channel project was authorized by the River and Harbor Acts of 1927 and 1930. The purpose of the project was to maintain navigation from the confluence of the Missouri River to the confluence of the Ohio River. The main channel will be contracted to 1500 ft between riverward ends of dikes throughout the area to maintain the 9-ft depth during periods of low flow. A comprehensive study of the historical geomorphology supplemented by physical models of the river and side channels was made to determine the physical impact of river contraction works on river morphology and behavior. An intensive study of the terrestrial flora and fauna was conducted to inventory the existing organisms and communities located in the unprotected floodplain and to assess the impacts of operation and maintenance activities. The aquatic flora and fauna were studied to inventory the aquatic communities present in the study area and to assess the importance of side channels to the riverine ecosystem. The relative biological importance of each side channel, established by ranking procedures, provided a rational choice of those side channels that could provide maximum benefit to the river 's ecology. Operation and maintenance activities include maintenance dredging, disposal of dredged material, and construction and maintenance of levees, dikes, and bank revetments. The mentioned activities were examined, and the potential environmental impacts resulting therefrom were discussed. (Adams-ISWS)