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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 Des Plaines Watershed Group

    Dec 8, 2023 12:30 pm by Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Team2023 Biennial ReportEducationNetworkingPoint SourcesResearchWatershed Groups

    The Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group formed in 2017 as a proactive way for municipalities and other dischargers to work together to address water quality issues in the watershed. The watershed encompasses approximately 490 square miles from Willow Creek, just north of O’Hare Airport in Cook County, to the confluence with the Kankakee River in Will County. All but two municipal dischargers are participating in the LDWG. In 2018, the LDWG worked with Illinois EPA to develop special conditions language for NPDES permits that allow and encourage dischargers to work together to develop a NARP. For more information, see www.LDPWatersheds.org.

    NARP Related Activities

    • In 2022, the LDWG completed the first five-year cycle of the Bioassessment Program, including 146 stations across the Lower Des Plaines River and 19 tributaries. Sampling included water and sediment chemistry, fish, macroinvertebrates, and habitat assessments. Additional dissolved oxygen, nutrient, and chlorophyll sampling was done at a subset of sites. Reports for the mainstem and Hickory Creek will be available in 2023. 
    • The LDWG is working with the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup to utilize their IPS model for the tributary watersheds. The IPS model is an analysis of causal factors influencing aquatic life, including nutrient effects. The IPS thresholds will likely be utilized in the development of the NARP for the tributary streams. 
    • The LDWG is working with a consultant on a strategy for developing a NARP for the Des Plaines River that addresses the differing needs for the Mainstem Des Plaines River and the tributaries. 

    Other Activities

    • Working with the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition, the LDWG continues to expand and develop 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, 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 LDWG and the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition was launched in 2021. The new website is at www.LDPWatersheds.org and includes information about each group and joint information about water quality related topics, stream ecology, involvement opportunities for residents.