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reduce streambank erosion at prioritized sites on the NFVR and its main tributaries
selected for remedial action. Reduce sediment mobilizing bank failures that result from
destabilizing maintenance practices on upland streams and ditches in the watershed by
promoting bank stabilizing maintenance strategies, including the restriction of livestock
access to streams. It has been estimated that a 50% reduction in the sediment load is
equivalent to a 50,000,000 lbs. total reduction, or approximately 0.21 tons/ac/yr (based
on 121,000 acres total Vermilion County watershed).
Increase water retention areas at and around Heron Park on West Newel Road, to allow
more nutrient and sediment removal by “natural” means upstream of the Lake. Survey
this and other potential retention sites in the watershed for feasibility, cost, etc.
River Segments BPG05 and BPG10
Reduce Nitrate concentrations
According to the TMDL Report, Tetra Tech’s estimate indicates a 33% reduction (1,445,400
lbs. reduction per year) in nitrates is needed in order to meet water quality standards in the Lake
and BPG-05. This reduction amount would equate to a 10 lb. per acre reduction on the
cropland acreage and is based on the entire NFVR watershed which would include Indiana and
Iroquois County. If the 33% reduction is only made on the 104,000 cropland acres of
Vermilion County, the reduction amount would be equivalent to approximately a 14 pound
reduction in nitrate nitrogen per acre per year. This reduction can be met by implementing best
management practices which could include the following for the entire VC watershed:
1.) The implementation of nutrient management plans on 50,000 acres by 2015 which
would include reducing the amount of N applied as well as the timing of
applications so that they are closer to the primary corn uptake period.
2.) Identify and secure funding over the next 5 years to provide a cost share program to
implement 2 water control structures and 5 Bio-reactors which are edge-of-field tile
water treatments that utilize wood chips to sequester nitrogen.
3.) The promotion of best management practices that help to keep N from moving off
site including but not limited to filter strips and wetlands.
4.) The promotion of winter cover crops on 100 acres by 2010 which would include
annual field days that would highlight their effectiveness in capturing unused end-of-
season nitrate in the soil profile.
River Segment BPG09
Reduce fecal coliform counts to acceptable levels.
According to the TMDL Report, pathogen contamination occurs almost entirely during the
summer months of May through October, so corrective practices should be in place during this
time. The planning committee’s list of possible sources include sewage treatment plants (IEPA
permitted point sources), residential septic systems, animal waste inputs from farm and
domestic animals, and perhaps certain wildlife. Fecal coliform counts can be reduced by
implementing best management practices which could include the following:
1.) Limiting the amount of time farm animals have free access to rivers, ditches, and
other surface waters (see Stream Bank Erosion below).
