The event exposed a weakness in how cities respond to spills on the river. It also showed the vulnerability of drinking-water supplies. State and local governments responded by creating the River Defense Network. It's a coalition of local governments, emergency workers, and community groups working to prevent spills on the river while preparing for the day one happens. David Brostrum is the River Defense Network's project coordinator.
Spills do happen.
There are more than 3,300 potential spill sites between the Mississippi River Headwaters and St. Paul. Agricultural chemicals, oil tanks, pesticides, and hazardous wastes are all stored on or near the river. The sites also include the hundreds of bridges and rail lines which cross the river and often serve as transport for hazardous materials. The River Defense Network began by listing all these sites in an immense database. Spill responders can quickly find directions to the sites and emergency contacts.