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.

  • Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition: 2017-18 Update

    Dec 1, 2019 12:00 pm by Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Team2019 Biennial ReportEducationNetworkingPoint SourcesWatershed Groups

    The Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition was formed in 2012 to identify and address priority water quality issues in the Lower DuPage River and its tributaries, located almost entirely in Will County. The coalition is comprised of municipalities and other public agencies with participation from all six municipal wastewater dischargers.

    In 2016, the coalition collaborated with DRSCW to develop a nutrient implementation plan for the DuPage River watershed. Municipal dischargers are contributing funds to the plan development and two dischargers are contributing funds to implement projects that address contributing factors to low aquatic life scores, including low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO).

    Activities include:

    • In partnership with the Forest Preserve District of Will County, funding the Hammel Woods dam modification feasibility study. The study identified several modification options. The partners agreed on an approach to remove the above-grade portion of the structure and create an extended riffle to improve habitat, fish passage, and DO levels.
    • Developing and implementing a bioassessment plan in 2012 modeled after the DRSCW plan that included fish, macroinvertebrates, habitat, and water chemistry at all 26 sites and sediment chemistry at select sites. The program was expanded to 41 sites in 2015. Field work for the 2018 bioassessment was completed, initial assessment results will be available in 2019 with a final report by early 2020
    • Implementing seasonal outreach campaigns to assist members in meeting MS4 outreach requirements. Campaigns focus on using native plants in the spring, detention basin maintenance in the summer, proper leaf disposal in the fall, and reducing chlorides in the winter. Outreach materials include social media posts, articles for newsletters and websites, printable handouts, and specialized items for the Salt Smart, Save More winter campaign.
    • Providing support to DRSCW analysis of the feasibility of PS to PS trading in the watershed area. The completed analysis indicated the feasibility for PS to PS trading at all geographic boundaries—in a subwatershed and in the watershed.

    The coalition is working with DRSCW to rerun an analysis of causal factors influencing aquatic life, including the effects of nutrients. The analysis covers a substantial area of northeastern Illinois. The coalition and DRSCW continue to work on expanding the phosphorus- and nitrogen-trading program to include stream restoration crediting.