Aquatic and Terrestrial Communities on the Lower Ohio River (RM 930-981),
Abstract
The lower 60 miles of the Ohio River seems to be a relatively undisturbed segment of this large river. Together with its natural flood-plain' lakes it supports a rather diverse fauna and flora which would be affected by proposed navigation projects in the area. Of the three basic alternative plans the rehabilitation of existing locks and dams 52 and 53 would have the least impact on the aquatic biota. Replacement of the two smaller dams with a single large dam would result in the destruction of some gravel substrates valuable to mussel communities and fishes, and would permanently connect one slough with the river. This permanent connection would result in a replacement of the unique slough biota with the typical riverine biota. The third alternative, removal of the two small dams and maintenance of open river conditions through construction of wing dikes and channel dredging, would have the most serious detrimental impact on aquatic life. These effects would result from sedimentation of existing gravel and sand deposits which are valuable areas for maintaining benthic invertebrates and fishes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA114639
Entities
People
- G. C. Holdren Jr
- Stuart E. Neff
- William D. Pearson
Organizations
- University of Louisville