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 Des Plaines Watershed Group - 2019-20 Update

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

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    • Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group
    Lower Des Plaines Watershed Group

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    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 an NARP.


    Activities:

    • In 2019-20, the LDWG implemented the second and third year of the Bioassessment Program, including 22 stations on the upper portion of the Des Plaines River (I-355 to Willow Creek) and 40 stations in the Hickory Creek watershed. Sampling included water and sediment chemistry, fish, macroinvertebrates, and habitat assessments. Additional dissolved oxygen, nutrient, and chlorophyll a sampling was done at a subset of sites. Reports for the main stem and for Hickory Creek will be available in late 2021.
    • 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 the effects of nutrients.

    Working with the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition, LDWG continues to expand and develop new materials to help members meet Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems 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 specialized items for the Salt Smart, Save More winter campaign. All materials are available under the members tab at lowerdesplaineswatershed.org/.

    In 2021, the LDWG will continue investigating a framework for the NARP that addresses the differing needs for the Mainstem Des Plaines River and the tributaries.