The Illinois Department of Transportation maintains a chartered Stormwater Committee composed of members from a variety of backgrounds and individuals from other state agencies to help inform and guide policy creation, advise IDOT staff on stormwater issues should they arise, and oversee erosion control training for staff and consultants. The committee also regularly coordinates with other stormwater groups and initiates research through the Illinois Center for Transportation to study aspects of the stormwater management program and determine whether improvements can be made to best management practices. IDOT continues to research alternatives to erosion control blankets that use plastic mesh, which is known to entangle wildlife and contribute to microplastics in waterways. The literature review is completed, and field trials are planned with a report expected at the end of 2023. IDOT will utilize research and practices generated through other state departments of transportation, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, and the Illinois Urban Manual, when applicable. IDOT also continues to revise Specifications and Standards based on implementable research or when otherwise warranted. For more information, see idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/transportation-management/planning/storm-water-management-plan.
