Current Condition
The River des Peres is channelized from its southernmost point - its confluence with the Mississippi - up to its "end pipes," just south of Forest Park. The end pipes re-emerge north of Forest Park. It is generally perceived as a degraded stream or river (depending on the portion in question). The River des Peres currently functions as a major element in the combined sewer and storm water management system of its watershed, which includes large portions of St. Louis City and County. It is currently operated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) with that function as its highest priority. The agencies that maintain most authority over its domain are MSD and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The functions of sanitary water management are of highest concern to MSD, and general flood and safety concerns are those of the USACE.
The River des Peres Greenway Project is planned to create an 11-mile (18 km) linear park along the river's route from Forest Park to the Mississippi River. It is to be part of a larger system of works as part of the River Ring project by The Great Rivers Greenway District.
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