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Projects Updates for Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

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  1. Stormwater grad student sought

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water and Stormwater SWATeam
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Hi sustainability friends,

    I have funding for a grad student to assist our stormwater efforts for the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Specifically, I’m looking for someone to find and curate stormwater outreach products and identify gaps. No tuition waiver but pay is $25/hr.

     

  4. Update on Sensor Installation to Track South Farms Water Quality

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    In the middle of 2021, there was a discussion about adding a sensor station at the far south of South Farms to track the water quality in the Embarras. 

    The original scope included installing the sensor during the Fall 2021 semester as a part of Arthur Schmidt's Field Class. However, obstacles, such as purchasing additional materials and the change in weather, have shifted this timeline. 

  6. Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS): Biennial Report 2021 Summary

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy guides state efforts to improve water quality at home and downstream by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in our lakes, streams, and rivers. The strategy lays out a comprehensive suite of best management practices for reducing nutrient loads from wastewater treatment plants and urban and agricultural runoff.

  7. Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Associated Project(s): 
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Hello Illinois NLRS Partners, 

     

    The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy was released on this date five years ago.

     

    Thank you to all of the nutrient stakeholder partners who continue to give their time and resources to implement the strategy. While we still have a lot of work to do to reach our goals, we invite you to celebrate the anniversary by enjoying this “NLRS By the Numbers” video. 

     

  8. SSC funds South Farm Nitrate Monitoring Stations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Chemical fertilizers necessary to sustain the agricultural practices on campus are significant sources of waterway pollution downstream from UIUC. These pollutants, primarily in the form of nitrate, can contaminate drinking water, leading to health concerns such as blue-baby syndrome. Currently, the contribution of agricultural practices to this nitrate pollution from campus is unknown.

  9. note about measuring quality of water in campus watershed

    Associated Project(s): 
    Water and Stormwater SWATeam
    Rainwater Management
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    The SWATeam asked County Engineer, Jeff Blue, who owns the bridge running across the Embarras on Airport Road (1100N) just west of the intersection of Race Street (1350E), in the hopes of adding a monitoring station.  Mr. Blue replied, "That bridge is under the jurisdiction of Philo Township.

  10. Water & ALUFS SWATeam Joint Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Agriculture, Land Use, Food, and Sequestration (ALUFS) SWATeam
    Water and Stormwater SWATeam
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater
    Green Infrastructure
    Water Audit / Inventory

    Each team shared ideas of the semester and came together to propose a few joint recommendations. Suggested logistics for a water audit were mentioned, as well as nitrate runoff data from the 1990s that would be used as benchmark levels for runoff reduction. Different possible measuring techniques regarding future progress in nitrate reduction were mentioned. Ideas for greener parking lots were introduced, including replanting of trees on Lot E14.

  12. ALUFS iCAP efforts in progress

    Associated Project(s): 
    Agriculture, Land Use, Food, and Sequestration (ALUFS) SWATeam
    Assess and Reduce Agricultural GHG Emissions
    Sustainable Landscapes Plan
    Incorporate Sustainability Principles into Campus Master Plan
    Sustainable Food Practices
    Increase Agroforestry on Campus
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Hello ALUFS SWATeam members,

    Thank you again for your willingness to help our campus achieve the Climate Leadership Commitments.  There is great value provided by the bi-weekly meetings of student, faculty, and staff representatives evaluating our progress and recommending additional actions campus units could take.

    The following is a list of current activities I am aware of, and suggestions I have about useful next steps.  I am happy to follow up with you on any of these, as needed.

    Thank you very much,

     

    ~Morgan

     

  14. Water & ALUFS Joint Meeting Minutes 4/27/17

    Associated Project(s): 
    Agriculture, Land Use, Food, and Sequestration (ALUFS) SWATeam
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater
    Rainwater Management
    Sustainable Landscapes Plan
    Water and Stormwater SWATeam
    Agriculture, Land Use, Food, and Sequestration (ALUFS) SWATeam

    Water & Stormwater SWATeam and the Agriculture, Land Use, Food & Sequestration (ALUFS) SWATeam had a joint meeting to discuss shared objectives and project ideas.