America’s Ten Most Endangered Rivers Announced in New Report

According to the 40th annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report by American Rivers, half the rivers in the United States contain unsafe pollution levels, with freshwater species becoming extinct faster than land or ocean species.

The Mississippi River topped the list, with federal flood management changes putting the health of the river at risk, jeopardizing the safety and clean water of those who depend upon it.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster within the Mississippi River Basin, according to the report. More severe and frequent floods have damaged homes, agriculture and businesses.

“Our water wealth is one of our greatest assets as a nation,” said President and CEO of American Rivers Tom Kiernan, in a press release from the conservation nonprofit. “But pollution and extreme weather are putting our rivers, clean water, and public safety at risk. When our rivers [are] sick, our own health and prosperity suffers. There is still hope for these ten endangered rivers, and rivers nationwide. We must come together to safeguard the rivers and clean water we all depend on.”

The Mississippi — “America’s River” — provides 20 million people with drinking water, while supporting agriculture, recreation and industry.

“But frequent and severe floods are threatening lives and businesses, while the river’s health declines. Communities along the river need significant support for disaster prevention and response, as well as river restoration – but the fate of the lead federal agency, FEMA, hangs in the balance. The Trump administration should modernize FEMA to improve river health and maximize the safety, security, and prosperity of Mississippi River communities,” the report said.

The Tijuana River is the second river on the list, threatened by “out-of-control” chemical and sewage pollution.

In third are the Rivers of Southern Appalachia, which have been threatened by the impacts of extreme weather on unsafe dams, as well as federal capacity to assist with recovery following recent hurricanes.

“Our rivers are in a sensitive state and communities are still at risk… We must protect homes and businesses from crumbling, unsafe dams,” said Erin McCombs, American Rivers’ Southeast conservation director, as The Guardian reported. “Funding dam removal and river restoration is urgent to ensure public safety before the next storm.”

Nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers are given by individuals and organizations throughout the country. American Rivers uses three criteria in their selection of the list: “A major decision that the public can help influence in the coming year. The significance of the river to people and nature. The magnitude of threat to the river and its communities.”

The other rivers on this year’s list are the Passaic River in New Jersey, threatened by industrial pollution; the Lower Rio Grande, faced with mega-drought coupled with outdated water management; Virginia’s Rappahannock River, threatened by declining groundwater and water supply strategy issues amidst expanding industries — including data centers — and rapid population growth; the Clearwater River Basin in Idaho, which has lost 700 miles of Wild and Scenic River candidacy protections; Alaska’s Susitna River, threatened by mining, pollution and road construction; the Calcasieu River in Louisiana, faced with pollution from toxic and heavy metals; and West Virginia’s Gauley River, whose headwaters are threatened by toxic pollutants released during the process of strip mining for coal.

“This year’s listing highlights how interconnected communities are with healthy rivers, as a supply of clean drinking water, as a pillar of economic stability and growth, and as a vital line of defense in the face of floods and extreme weather,” American Rivers said.