This document, unveiled at the 2017 Farm Progress Show in
Decatur, describes actions taken in Illinois during the last two
years to reduce nutrient losses and influence positive changes
in nutrient loads over time.
Illinois’ Strategy is one of numerous other state strategies
developed and implemented over the 31-state Mississippi River
basin, intended to improve our nation’s water quality. Illinois’
Strategy provides a framework for reducing both point and
non-point nutrient losses to improve our state’s overall water
quality, as well as the quality of water leaving the state and
making its way down the Mississippi River into the Gulf of
Mexico.
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“Illinois agriculture has a positive story to tell,” said
Department of Agriculture Director Raymond Poe. “We have seen a
significant increase in the adoption of various best management
practices. Our partners and stakeholders have done a tremendous
job getting the word out about what we are doing in Illinois
with the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Farmers understand
the consequences of nutrient loss, and they support our quest to
minimize losses.”
“In just two years, we are already seeing the impacts of
Illinois’ Strategy on water quality,” said Illinois EPA Director
Alec Messina. “The collaborative efforts of our stakeholders are
resulting in real improvements in Illinois’ waters and we look
forward to future improvements that will be gained as additional
practices are implemented.”
The biennial report contains an update to the original science
assessment including nutrient load data from 2011-2015 for both
point and non-point sources as well as sector by sector reports
on activities conducted during the last two years targeted at
nutrient loss reduction.
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The report also contains information from a recent survey
conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) as well as
other data from other existing sources to serve as metrics by
which progress towards overall water quality improvements can be
measured now and in the future.
The Agriculture Water Quality Partnership Forum (AWQPF) reports
that the agriculture sector invested more than $54 million in
nutrient loss reduction for research, outreach, implementation
and monitoring. These contributions have come from AWQPF members
and other organizations that are working towards reaching the
goals set forth in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy
(NLRS). Because of the proactive measures of the various
agriculture groups, Illinois farmers have become broadly aware
of a variety of strategies that mitigate nutrient loss through
the adoption of best management practices. Highlights include a
move toward split spring/fall nitrogen applications and an
increase number of acres dedicated to conservation practices
such as a use of cover crops.
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Over the course of the last two years since the
release of the strategy, significant strides have also been made in
limiting the amount of phosphorus discharge from wastewater
treatment plants in Illinois. In the last year, point source sector
members targeted key decision makers and practitioners to spread the
message of nutrient loss reduction through regulatory updates as
part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
program. As of 2016, nearly 80-percent of all effluent from
wastewater treatment plants in Illinois is regulated under a NPDES
permit that includes a total phosphorus limit. This number will
continue to grow as existing permits expire or come up for renewal.
To demonstrate the commitment toward nutrient removal, waste water
treatment facilities report spending $144.96 million to fund
feasibility studies, optimization studies and capital investment.
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The Illinois EPA, through its State Revolving Fund program, provides
low interest rate loans to point source projects addressing water
quality issues, including nutrient pollution. Last year, Illinois
EPA provided/granted $640,599,148 dollars to these projects.
Illinois EPA also provides funding for nonpoint source projects
designed to achieve nutrients reduction. Annually this program
provides 3.5 million dollars to nonpoint source projects.
This biennial report will be updated again in 2019. The science,
monitoring and activity from each sector will be updated to
demonstrate Illinois’ continued commitment to nutrient loss
reduction.
“There is a lot more work that needs to be done,” said Warren
Goetsch, IDOA Deputy Director. “However, in releasing this report at
the Farm Progress Show, we are introducing these successes to
farmers who may be somewhat apprehensive about trying new management
practices. Increasing the exposure of our message will keep this
effort in front of producers so we can continue to make progress in
the years to come.”
[Illinois Department of Agriculture]
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