Report Says River Needs Oversight

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new study urges states and the federal government to coordinate efforts to monitor and protect the Mississippi River.<br/><br/>The National Research Council's report says the river's

Tuesday, October 16th 2007, 2:49 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new study urges states and the federal government to coordinate efforts to monitor and protect the Mississippi River.

The National Research Council's report says the river's quality is not consistently monitored, because it passes through or borders many states.

In the north, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association has promoted cooperative water-quality studies and other initiatives. But, there's no similar organization for lower-river states. The study says there should be.

The report's chairman says there isn't much attention given to keeping the Mississippi clean, when you consider its economic, ecological and cultural importance.

The study calls on the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate the efforts affecting the river and the northern Gulf of Mexico where its water is discharged.