News

Storm runoff beginning to impact shipping

An official with the Army Corps of Engineers says the frequent rains have not slowed the movement of freight on the inland waterway system. 

Shannon Bauer tells Brownfield recent heavy rains are not slowing barge traffic. “Service is normal for navigation. Everything is status quo. We know our lock and dams get daily orders for dam gate movements from the water management section here.”

Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition tells Brownfield the higher water levels on the lower Mississippi River are causing shippers to reduce tow sizes by around 30%, or around 10 barges per tow, so they can handle the stronger currents. “Barge tows are kind of like a semi in a windy condition, you know, the bigger the truck is, the more you’re going to be exposed to wind disrupting the truck, and it’s kind of similar with barge tows in that the greater current you have, you have to be kind of concerned, especially northbound when you’re fighting against it.” And when fewer barges are in a tow, he says that increases transportation costs.

Bauer says there is some minor flood-related power and tree damage to recreation areas near Leach Lake and Sandy Lake near the Mississippi River headwaters, and some boat landing damage along the river in Wisconsin.