DUPAGE RIVER SALT CREEK WORKGROUP
The East & West Branches of the DuPage River and Salt Creek are located in Northeastern Illinois, including portions of Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties.
The DRSCW is made up of representatives from local communities and agencies including, Publically Owned Treatment Works, (POTWs), municipalities with a Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4s), environmental organizations and engineering companies.
It was formed in 2005 in response to concerns about the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) permit requirements for Salt Creek and the East & West Branches of the DuPage River.
The Workgroup organized to implement rigorous analysis and targeted projects and programs that cost effectively worked towards the goals of the Clean Water Act. To perform this task the Workgroup set out to better determine the stressors to local aquatic systems via a long- term water quality-monitoring program. Based on the measure/plan/implement/measure approach at the heart of adaptive management, the Workgroup then worked to develop, implement, and evaluate the impacts of a series of viable restoration projects.
GOAL STATEMENTS
Long Term (2004-2019)
- Develop and implement a dynamic plan that will achieve attainment of water quality standards and designated uses for Salt Creek, East Branch DuPage River and West Branch DuPage River.
- Develop long-term viable management strategies that accurately address water quality problems identified by monitoring program.
- Implement long-term management strategies.
- Maintain long term monitoring.
Short Term (2004-2006)
- Develop, approve and fund an organizational structure for the workgroup.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring program that will include chemical, physical and biological components that will accurately identify the quality of the river ecosystems as well as stressors associated with non-attainment of water quality standards and designated uses.
- Develop and implement interim/short-term management strategies to address water quality issues.
- Identify nonpoint source pollution issues and develop and implement short-term and long-term strategies to address these issues. (NPDES Phase II)
Work Items
- Identify all available sources of data and programs addressing water quality issues in the watersheds.
- Set up committee to work with IEPA on NPDES permit review and re-issues
- Set up committee to work on monitoring program
- Set up committee to work on short-term implementation strategies
- Work through the DuPage County Water Quality Stakeholders committee to address NPDES Phase II/Nonpoint source pollution issues