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.

  • Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup: 2017-18 Update

    Dec 1, 2019 12:00 pm by Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Team2019 Biennial ReportNon-point SourcesPoint SourcesResearchWatershed Groups

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    The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW) was formed to address increased NPDES permit requirements on both POTWs and MS4 communities. This is a voluntary, dues-paying organization with a mission to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to work to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries in a cost-effective manner. The workgroup consists of 32 members made up of POTWs, MS4 communities, environmental groups, and others.

    Of note in 2018:

    • The workgroup is continuing to focus on its comprehensive water quality monitoring program to meet NPDES permit requirements and study watershed stressors. In 2015, DRWW began conducting water quality sampling and in 2016, biological monitoring was incorporated into the program. In 2018, DRWW collected water chemistry data at 71 sites, biological (macroinvertebrates and fish) and sediment samples at 18 sites, and engaged in continuous water quality monitoring and Chlorophyll a samples at 14 sites. This growing dataset helps DRWW understand and locate stressors throughout the watershed.
    • An integrated prioritization system tool is being developed with the Midwest Biological Institute, using data from the DRWW comprehensive water quality monitoring program.
    • The workgroup is in the early stages of developing a NARP. Once in place, the NARP will help set discharge limits and meet NPDES permit requirements.
    • Through the workgroup’s lake monitoring committee, DRWW funded a special project to study nutrient loading and associated model predictions for three lakes in the watershed.
    • Illinois EPA approved the Des Plaines River Watershed-Based Plan, which relied heavily on DRWW monitoring data in its development. The plan has been adopted by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), Lake County Board, and several communities in the watershed.
    • The workgroup was involved in organizing two workshops to assist members in meeting MS4 permit requirements. A workshop on deicing was co-sponsored with Lake County SMC, Lake County Department of Transportation, Lake County Health Department, and Lake County Public Works. Additionally, DRWW held a green infrastructure seminar.

     

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