Environmental Effects

So let's look at the real reasons for why channelizing the Rouge River was not such a good thing. First, it can cause a loss of river environment for all organisms. A natural stream should have suitble water temperatures and shading from bank vegetation which provide cover for fish life. Without these protected spots, cover from trees, and higher water temperatures, organisms die out. Since the banks of the Rouge River are covered by cement, there is no longer vegetation growing along the bank which decreases habitat. This is probably the reason why nothing is living in the river! Second, there is a loss of watershed environments for organisms. It is natural for rivers to overflow regularly. Just like I have to receive shots regularly. OW! This keeps the soil rich in nutrients which provides food for plants. In the case of the Rouge, it was channeled to prevent flooding and therefore the soil is now nutrient deprived and many of the natural plants have died. The third reason is really ironic. Since the river was channelized to prevent flooding in the area, it can actually lead to downstream flooding. The cement banks stop water absorption which makes water levels rise and fall more quickly. The final effect is increased soil and vegetation disturbance during construction. Channelization requires large equipment to reroute the river. The equipment may remove vegetation causing increased erosion.