CHAMPAIGN, Ill., 7/09/2020: Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) hydrologic and hydraulic modeling in Macoupin County, Illinois, is underway as part of a study to help local communities identify areas of high flood risk for flood mitigation planning.

ISWS is working collaboratively on the project with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Water Resources (IDNR-OWR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The first phase of the project, data collection, is anticipated to be completed in summer 2020. In this phase, surveyors will conduct detailed channel and bridge surveys of the river, including in or near the cities of Benld, Carlinville, Gillespie, and Staunton and the villages of Mount Clare, Royal Lakes, and Sawyerville as well as Macoupin County Unincorporated Areas.

Field Survey activities will primarily be focused on the following communities and creeks: Benld, Cahokia Creek; Carlinville, Briar Creek; Gillespie, Bear Creek; Mount Clare to Sawyerville Road, Big Branch; Royal Lakes, Coop Branch; Sawyerville, Cahokia Creek; and Staunton, Ginseng Creek.

Residents should be aware of the periodic presence of survey crews in the area.  Surveys will be completed as stream conditions and weather allow.

Questions about the study can be directed to Aaron Thomas, P.E., CFM, at the Illinois State Water Survey (abthomas@illinois.edu) 217-333-7832.

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Contact: news@prairie.illinois.edu