Sediment causes tows to ground, raises concerns

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Dirt and sand washed into the Mississippi River during this summer's flood is now causing problems for barge traffic.

Twice in the past few days tows have become stuck in the dirt and sand that has settled at the bottom of the river's navigation channel. The first incident happened earlier this week near Hamburg, Illinois. The other happened Wednesday near Alton, Illinois.

The Corps of Engineers expects to begin dredging operations on Friday.

Corps spokesman Alan Dooley says the flood ripped tons of soil and sand from farm fields, golf courses and other properties in the Midwest. Now that the flood is over, that sediment is all settling at the bottom of the river.