Human impacts in the delta include agricultural and industrial activities. Agriculture in the upper delta plain is aided with drainage canals that locally lower the water table below crops. Artificial drainage has caused pyrite oxidation and soil acidification in hydric soils and represents an important agricultural problem in the region. In the upper delta plain, burning is a common agricultural practice. Many of the flood-basin areas are cleared and show evidence of past fires.

Hydrocarbon exploration in this region began early in the 20th century. There is currently renewed interest in oil and gas reserves beneath the delta. Geo-environmental studies such as the current investigation will help to minimize the impacts of exploration efforts in the delta region.