By. Sangwook Alex Ahn
My school Loomis Chaffee is located at the confluence of Farmington and the Connecticut River, the longest river in New England that runs through four states; New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
After becoming an Environmental Proctor I learned that the Connecticut River Watershed contains 3000 dams, 14 of which are used for Flood Risk Management. The watershed infrastructure is necessary for that purpose in addition to being the drinking water supply and source of sustainable hydropower. However, it alters natural river flow, interferes with fish migratory patterns, and negatively changes the environment of endangered species. Many species such as the puritan tiger beetle and the short-nose sturgeon are at risk of being endangered. The dams alter the flow and tides, killing or harming the many endangered species that inhabit the river shores. They can also change the sediment and sand composition and placement in the river by periodically measuring the river flow above natural speed.
Another problem concerning the CT River is that the water is polluted by harmful toxins resulting from sewage and waste runoff. The main contributors of the pollutions are factory spills and waste, untreated sewage, and farming flood runoffs. In order to solve this problem, sewage treatment systems and technology should be updated, and laws should be established to prohibit discarding waste in the river.
As an Environmental Proctor at Loomis Chaffee, I endeavor to raise awareness of protected habitats, encourage other Loomis Chaffee students to learn about supporting endangered species in the CT River, and petition for environmental and river protection bills. These efforts are essential in maintaining our Loomis Chaffee campus to be such a beautiful campus with its wildlife to be preserved and unpolluted.
The Connecticut River
Sources: https://www.instagram.com/lc_eproctors/?hl=en
