Flooding & Stream Bank Erosion
Because the Rouge River watershed is over 50% urbanized, the Rouge River faces some difficult challenges.
Urbanization
Urbanization generally means that there is a high percentage of the watershed covered with impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are those that do not allow water to percolate or absorb through the soil. These types of surfaces include parking lots, streets, rooftops, and driveways and lead to large amounts of surface water that runs off into the river during wet weather events.
Impervious driveway & a less impervious driveway
Increased volumes of runoff can lead to flooding and a higher velocity or flow of the river. Increased flow creates friction along the stream banks and eventually the bank itself begins to erode away and the loose sediment is carried down stream.
Sediment creates a number of problems for aquatic life:
 |
When sediment settles to the bottom it covers the living space for many bottom-dwelling plants and animals. |
|
Sediment can block sunlight for aquatic plants. |
|
Sediment can clog the gills of fish. |
|
Sediment reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which is necessary for aquatic organisms to survive. |
Flooding and erosion control measures include:
|
Reduction in the percentage of impervious surfaces; use of more porous materials such as gravel and grasses. |
|
Stream bank stabilization practices such as not mowing to the edge of the river bank and planting deep rooted plants and grasses. |
An unmowed, more stable stream bank