Altamont New Reservoir TMDL-Appendix I
Final Report 5 October 2004
percent. Neither the city of Altamont, nor the farmers in the watershed, are legally
required to participate in any program identified in the Implementation Plan. The
practices and programs specifically recommended in the TMDL report are all
voluntary measures that could be taken to reduce the phosphorus load in the
reservoir.
10. The SWCD have funds (approximately $1,000) that have been alotted to this
particular watershed, as well as some additional funds, that can be applied to this
watershed for conservation tillage and nutrient management plans. However, there have
been recent issues related to processing the applications for the Nutrient Management
Plans Program being offered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The department
is currently working on streamlining the application process. Therefore, Nutrient
Management Plans aren’t going to be put on the docket, and will not be available this
year for this watershed, but will be available next year. Cost share for no-till is still
available.
Response: NRCS has an EQIP program available that can cost-share for nutrient
management plans or no-till practices. Farmers who are interested in signing up for
this program are encouraged to visit the county NRCS.
11. What about wildlife? The presence of ducks and geese can contribute to the
phosphorus problem. Was this taken into consideration?
Response: The contribution of wildlife was not considered as a direct source in the
modeling effort. However, wildlife and other natural conditions are taken into
account through the Margin of Safety.
12. How long has it been since this reservoir was built, that it already has so much
phosphorus in it? Does anyone have any data to show how much phosphorus was
coming in when it was first built?
Response: Construction of the reservoir was completed in 1971. According to
USEPA’s Legacy STORET database, ambient water quality data were first taken in
the reservoir in 1981. Violations of the total phosphorus water quality standard of
0.05 mg/L were first reported May 1, 1985, and have been seen almost every year
since.
13: According to the report, two-thirds of the phosphorus is coming from within the
reservoir, leaving only about a third coming from external sources. What will happen if
all of the recommended measures are applied to the land, and nothing is reduced in the
reservoir?
Response: Since most of the phosphorus is a result of internal cycling, it is likely the
impairment would still exist, and the level of phosphorus in the water would not
meet the 0.05 mg/L standard.
