The Chicago River used to flow into Lake Michigan. But since raw sewage from the City of Chicago flowed into the river and then Lake Michigan, the city’s drinking water was often contaminated. Thus, in 1892 a major civil engineering project began–reversing the flow of the Chicago River into the Mississippi River by constructing a 28-mile canal to the Des Plaines River which flows into the Mississippi. Needless to say this did not make the residents of St. Louis happy, who became the recipient of the raw sewage. Law students and public nuisance buffs know of the Supreme Court case Missouri v. Illinois (200 U.S. 496 (1906)).
While many have suggested that the the flow of the Chicago River be returned to Lake Michigan, now a century later, lame duck Mayor Daley has offered his “heavyweight” support for the idea. See here.
September 12, 2010 at 9:10 PM
Some typos in this one CZ. I think the second paragraph should begin “While many have”. And I may be a stickler but a major civil engineering still isn’t a proper subject.
To the meat of this idea – its almost certainly a necessity to maintain the health of Lake Michigan and the larger waterway. Only having done a cursory look at it I haven’t seen cost estimates or whether folks advocating it also think its an opportunity to address Chicago’s combines sewer system (CSS)
September 12, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Will do my best to correct my spelling and grammatical failures! I have not seen a cost estimate for such a project; though I will look for one.
September 13, 2010 at 12:14 AM
This is really interesting news. I am grateful that you put out this information. I plan to mention it on class on Tuesday. When I do, I will mention your blog.
September 13, 2010 at 9:59 AM
Thanks. Still looking for cost estimates.
October 1, 2010 at 9:06 PM
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