Stream Channelization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-026948",
  "term": "Stream Channelization",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. River and stream channel engineering undertaken for the purpose of flood control, navigation, drainage improvement, and reduction of channel migration potential. Activities such as straightening, widening, deepening, or relocating existing stream channels and clearing or snagging operations fall into this category.\n\n2. Straightening and deepening of streams to permit water to move faster, to reduce flooding or to drain marshy acreage for farming. However, channelization reduces the organic waste assimilation capacity of the stream and may disturb fish breeding and destroy the stream's natural beauty.",
  "references": [
    "EPA Guidance for Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary at http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/chesbay502/pdf/chesbay_glossary.pdf",
    "Aquatic Biodiversity Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/stream-channelization/"
}