Explosives to be used in the Mississippi River to blow up huge rocks!

They said that huge rocks on the river bed in southern Illinois are adding to the problems of the drought and interfering with barge traffic.

My concern is...can this trigger quakes on the NMSZ?

Last two paragraphs in article [link to www.foxnews.com]
Revised forecast shows Mississippi River dropping slower than expected; reprieve for shippers

[Last week, several senators whose states border the Mississippi River met with Army Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy, urging her to take two steps to ease concerns: Cut down on the amount of water held back on the upper Missouri River; and expedite removal of massive rock formations in the Mississippi River near two southern Illinois towns, formations that could scrape barges in periods of extreme drought.

Current plans call for explosives to be used in February to blow up the rocks, but Army Corps spokesman Mike Petersen in St. Louis said Wednesday that the agency has expedited soliciting bids for the work with hopes of having a contractor hired as early as next month. The Corps also has promised the senators a response to their water flow request by later this week.]

Rock Removal on Drought-Stricken Ms. River

ST. LOUIS — Crews might be allowed to begin destroying two rock pinnacles impeding barge traffic on the Mississippi River as early as next week, more than a month ahead of schedule, a senator said Tuesday, cautioning that further steps may be needed to ensure the vital shipping route remains open.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and two river industry trade groups said Tuesday that the Army Corps of Engineers informed them that blasting could start next week, although it wasn't clear which day the work could start or how long it might take. The corps didn't respond to several messages seeking comment.
[link to www.weather.com]