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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.

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  • Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition

    Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Team2023 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. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

    Physical Projects

    • The LDRWC worked in partnership with the Forest Preserve of Will County to remove the Hammel Woods Dam on the DuPage River in Shorewood. The project included the removal of the above-grade portion of the dam and the construction of an extended riffle in its place. The project provides passage of fish species to upstream reaches and improves the instream habitat and dissolved oxygen. The project was completed in September 2021. 
    • Planning and design of a second habitat restoration project is underway on the DuPage River downstream of Route 126 in Plainfield. The project will include instream and shoreline habitat improvements and diversify flow patterns. Partners in the project include the Village of Plainfield and the Plainfield Township Park District. Project completion is planned for 2024. 

    Studies and Nutrient Implementation Plan

    • The LDRWC partnered with the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup to complete its IPS model update. The IPS model is an analysis of causal factors influencing aquatic life, including the effects of nutrients. The IPS model also developed watershed-based thresholds for phosphorus, which will be utilized to develop a watershed-based phosphorus goal to be included in their nutrient implementation plan. 
    • Development of a QUAL2Kw model for the Lower DuPage River commenced in 2020. Calibration and validation for the model was completed in 2022. This model is being used to evaluate projects and scenarios for the nutrient implementation plan. 

    Other Activities

    • Working with the Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group, the LDRWC continues to expand and develop new materials to help members meet MS4 outreach requirements. Campaigns focus on ways residents can reduce negative impacts on water quality. Topics include using native plants, rain gardens and rain barrels, detention basin maintenance, pet waste, proper leaf disposal, and reducing chlorides. Outreach materials include social media posts, articles for newsletters and websites, printable handouts, and posters. All materials are available on the website ldpwatersheds.org/outreach with additional winter-related materials at www.SaltSmart.org 

    To further facilitate the coordination of outreach and education activities, a joint website between LDRWC and the Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group was launched in 2021. The new website is at ldpwatersheds.org/outreach and includes information about each group and joint information about water quality related topics, stream ecology, involvement opportunities for residents.