Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

This site features NGO partner program and project narratives, searchable by title, date, and categories. These narratives have been reported in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) annual reports and updates. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all nutrient loss-related initiatives across Illinois.

The NLRS is a statewide, collaborative effort aimed at reducing the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus entering Illinois waterways. This page specifically highlights NGO-led efforts that have contributed to the strategy since 2023.

  • University of Illinois Woodchip Bioreactor Monitoring: 2021-22 Update

    Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm by Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Team2023 Biennial ReportAgricultureResearch

    State and federal cost share programs, university research projects, and other voluntary sources are relied on to track the number of bioreactors and the amount of acres treated. Tracking and reporting of bioreac­tors in previous NLRS Biennial Reports involved adding new bioreactors to existing counts. However, the life of a bioreactor is approximately 10 years, at which point the woodchips need to be replaced. Beginning with this Biennial Report, bioreactors that are known to be more than 10 years old without being recharged with new woodchips are no longer counted.

    Nine woodchip bioreactors treating approximately 382 acres were installed from 2021-22. The 2021 Biennial Report stated that by the end of 2020, there were a total of 42 known woodchip bioreactors treat­ing approximately 1,460 acres. After subtracting bioreactors more than 10 years old, and adding the nine new bioreactors, it is estimated that there are a total of 37 functioning bioreactors currently treating 1,499 acres in Illinois. Of the 37 bioreactors counted, six were older bioreactors that had been recharged with new woodchips or carbon sources.