The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup, DRSCW, formed in 2005 in response to concerns about total Maximum Daily Loads, TMDLs, set for the east and west branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek located in portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will counties in northeastern Illinois. The DRSCW seeks to implement targeted watershed activities that resolve priority waterway problems efficiently and cost-effectively.
In 2015 and 2020, a Special Condition to DRSCW NPDES permits was added that substantially increased financial commitments to restoration efforts focused on improving aquatic life. The Special Condition includes 10 stream restoration projects, two studies, and the development of a Nutrient Implementation Plan. For more information, see drscw.org.
Physical Projects
- Post-project monitoring was conducted at the Oak Meadows Golf Course dam removal and stream restoration project along the Salt Creek in Addison, Ill. Post-project, both the Macroinvertebrate Index of Biological Integrity (MIBI) score and individual species taxa biodiversity improved. The 2021 post-project mean MIBI (38.8) increased 15.2 points compared to the 2013 score, resulting in the site now partially meeting the general use standard for aquatic life. Additionally, the post-project Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) increased at all sites with improvements in substrate, riparian, pool, and riffle scores. Mean QHEI at the project location increased 17.58 points to 74.83. All QHEI scores in 2021 were in the range defined as good (>60 QHEI points).
- Post-project monitoring was conducted at the Spring Brook Phase 2 Stream Restoration project in Wheaton, Illinois. After one year of post-project monitoring, Spring Brook Phase 2 has met its post-project targets for QHEI and MIBI both within the project footprint and at sites monitored as part of the post-project impact evaluation. Data also shows that two new species of fish, Stonecat Madtom and Rock Bass, were observed for the first time within the project limits. Post-project MIBI targets have not been met, but it is expected that MIBI scores will continue to increase in Years 2 and 3 of post-project monitoring.
- The DRSCW entered a Memorandum of Understanding with the Village of Carol Stream to fund the river resource improvement elements of the Klein Creek Section I Stream Bank Stabilization Project, which was completed in 2022. This project re-meandered the channel and increased its length by approximately 200 feet. A new stream bed was also constructed with a bioengineered cobble/gravel/sand mix. As the longitudinal slope was too flat for riffle structures, two rock substrate areas were added to provide riffle-type benefits. Stream banks were stabilized with vegetated rock toes or rootwads embedded at outside bends, as well as rock vanes, also known as stream barbs, at strategic locations. The top of the bank was lowered adjacent to approximately 1.4 acres of newly created wetlands.
- In cooperation with Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, FPDDC, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, MWRDGC, and Hey and Associations, the DRSCW has been working on the final design, permitting, and preparation of contract bid documents for the Master Plan for Salt Creek at Fullersburg Woods. The Master Plan includes the removal of the Fullersburg Woods Dam and 1.25 miles of stream restoration along Salt Creek within the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. Project construction is expected to begin in Fall 2023.
- In cooperation with the FPDDC and DuPage County Stormwater Management, DC SWM, the DRSCW completed the preliminary design of a fish ladder system for the Fawell Dam modification – the dam is located on the West Branch of the DuPage River in Naperville, Illinois. The fish ladder is expected to be installed in 2023.
- In cooperation with the Forest Preserve District of Will County, FPDWC, the Villages of Bolingbrook and Naperville, and the Bolingbrook and Naperville Park Districts, the DRSCW has developed conceptual design plans for the Lower East Branch Stream Restoration Project. The designs cover the East Branch DuPage River from Hobson Road in Woodridge, which is in DuPage County, downstream to Weber Road in Naperville, which is in Will County. Final design of the project and preparation of contract bid documents are scheduled for 2023.
Studies and Nutrient Implementation Plan
- The DRSCW completed its Identification and Prioritization System (IPS) model update. The IPS model is an analysis of causal factors influencing aquatic life, including the effects of nutrients. The IPS model also identified watershed-based thresholds for total phosphorus which is under review as a basis for the development of a watershed-based phosphorus target to be included in their Nutrient Implementation Plan (NIP; equivalent of a NARP).
- QUAL2Kw models were developed, calibrated, and validated for the East Branch DuPage River, West Branch DuPage River, and Salt Creek watersheds. These models are being used to evaluate projects and scenarios for the NIP.
- The DRSCW and LDRWC evaluated the impact of area street sweeping and leaf litter management practices on non-point source loadings of total phosphorous pollution and developed recommendations on how those programs might be made more effective in regard to total phosphorus removal. The Non-Point Source Phosphorus Reduction Feasibility Analysis Report can be found at drscw.org/activities/project-identification-and-prioritization-system.
