How Illinois communities can fund and implement Nutrient Reduction Strategies

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) was conceptualized to limit nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from entering Illinois waterways. An excess of nutrients in Illinois rivers flows downstream, making its way to the Gulf of Mexico and causing low-oxygen zones that cannot sustain aquatic life.

The strategy aims to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen loads originating in Illinois by 45%. The interim targets include a 15% decrease in nitrate-nitrogen and a 25% decrease in total phosphorus by 2025.

The NLRS primarily targets three key sectors—agricultural, point source (municipal sewage and industrial wastewater treatment facilities), and urban stormwater – for nutrient reduction. In its initial assessment in 2015, the strategy identified water quality conditions, determined critical watersheds, recommended reduction practices for each sector and proposed scenarios to achieve the reduction targets.

The statewide plan is updated every two years through biennial reports, the latest being the 2023 biennial report. Funding is a significant challenge in accelerating the implementation of nutrient loss reduction practices. This blog post explains some available grants and cost-sharing program funds to support the nutrient reduction strategy across Illinois. 

Available funding and incentives under the Illinois Nutrient Reduction Strategy

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provides $60 million, distributed as $12 million per year for five years, to fund actions that support the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force's Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan. The federal and state funding initiatives under the plan have helped communities adopt new conservation practices and meet regulatory requirements.

The following table highlights some available funding and incentives for point sources, non-point sources and the urban stormwater sector under the nutrient reduction strategy. 

Securing funding for nutrient reduction efforts requires assessing eligibility and timely submission of applications, among other things. Partnering with an expert can help you successfully navigate each step of the funding process.

Partner with Fehr Graham

At Fehr Graham, our experience and expertise in wastewater engineering, watershed planning, and stormwater management help communities reduce nutrient pollution and improve soil quality.

We can help develop and implement a nutrient reduction strategy for your community by:

• Guiding Nutrient Assessment Reduction Programs (NARPs) implementation to optimize nutrient reduction measures.
• Identifying cost-effective solutions for nutrient reduction.
• Helping secure funding for strategy implementation.

With Fehr Graham, you can be assured of the successful development and execution of nutrient loss reduction strategies – from inception to implementation.