What might ecological separation entail?
The Chicago Waterway System is porous; hydrological connections are plentiful. Moreover, the region experiences floods from time to time that could transfer water and organisms between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River ecosystems. Ecological separation, thus, will entail a broad, creative, thorough reconsideration of how water and goods move. Ecological separation will also entail a commitment to re-invest in the waterway, achieving both improved infrastructure and ecological benefits. Currently, the specific methods to achieve ecological separation have not yet been identified, but engineers are skilled and capable of presenting solutions. Ecological separation will likely involve: • A reevaluation of the flow of commercial goods through the region’s transportation system;• Consideration of other beneficial uses including tour boats, storm water and wastewater; • New infrastructure, including physical barriers; • Blockage at locations that are the least intrusive to navigation
