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 - 2019-20 Update

    Dec 1, 2021 12:00 pm by Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Team2021 Biennial ReportEducationNetworkingPoint SourcesWatershed Groups

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    • Lower Dupage River Watershed

    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.

    Lower Dupage River Watershed

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    In 2016, the coalition collaborated with the 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.


    Physical Projects:

    • The LDRWC has worked in partnership with the Forest Preserve of Will County to design and successfully bid a dam removal project that will result in the removal of the above-grade portion of the Hammel Woods Dam and build an extended riffle in its place. The project will provide passage of fish species to upstream reaches where they are not found currently, as well as improve the instream habitat and dissolved oxygen. The project is awaiting final approvals from permitting agencies and is scheduled for completion in summer 2021.

    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 will be complete in 2021. This model will be 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 de-velop new materials to help members meet MS4 outreach requirements. Campaigns focus on ways residents can reduce their 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, print-able handouts, and specialized items for the Salt Smart, Save More winter campaign. All materials are available on the website under the members tab.

    Future work for the LDRWC includes the design and implementation of an instream restoration proj-ect on the main stem DuPage River, upstream of the Hammel Woods Dam. The QUAL2Kw model will be used to run scenarios with differing channel configurations to guide project design. The LDRWC is working closely with the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup on expanding the phosphorus- and nitro-gen-trading program to include stream restoration crediting and the development of a best management practices manual for street sweeping, leaf litter removal, and catch basin cleaning. More information on this collaboration can be found at lowerdesplaineswatershed.org.