CHAMPAIGN, Ill., 6/14/2021: Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) hydrologic and hydraulic modeling in the Villages of Tiskilwa and Walnut (Bureau 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 begin in mid-June 2021 and to be completed in July 2021. In this phase, surveyors will conduct detailed channel and bridge surveys of the Big Bureau Creek, near the Village of Tiskilwa, from the Presbyterian Road (County Road 2050 E) to approximately 4.5 miles upstream to the Hennepin Canal crossing.

Surveying will also be performed along Walnut Creek in and near the Village of Walnut, from Wyanet-Walnut Road (County Road 1425E) to approximately 1 mile upstream (County Road 1500E).

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.