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THE AGRICULTURAL <br /> WATERSHED INSTITUTE <br /> Progress Report to City of Decatur <br /> Period Covered: May 2013 through December 2013 <br /> During this period, the Agricultural Watershed Institute (AWI) and City of Decatur had an <br /> agreement for financial support of watershed research and educational activities and an <br /> agreement for City match for the IEPA-funded TMDL implementation plan project. This report <br /> summarizes activities and progress under both agreements. <br /> Sediment and nutrient Best Management Practices (BMPs): <br /> Throughout 2013, AWI worked with Illinois State Water Survey, Soil and Water Conservation <br /> Districts in Macon and Champaign Counties, and local stakeholder committees on the Lake <br /> Decatur Watershed TMDL Implementation Planning Project. TMDL (Total Maximum Daily <br /> Load) plans are intended to meet water quality standards, especially by reducing non-point <br /> source pollution including agricultural run-off. During the reporting period, AWI held <br /> stakeholder meetings, developed scenarios for nutrient and sediment reduction, and provided <br /> input to ISWS for water quality and economic modeling. This project is focusing on the Big <br /> Creek/Long Creek watershed in Macon County and another watershed in Champaign County. <br /> In addition to the TMDL project,AWI: <br /> • Identified a site in Piatt County for a saturated buffer and worked with the Agricultural <br /> Drainage Management Coalition to install this innovative practice and collect water <br /> quality samples as part of a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant project; <br /> • Continued to collect data and assist in outreach for the Macon County cover crop <br /> demonstration project; <br /> • In consultation with scientists from University of Illinois (UI) and Argonne National <br /> Labortatory, developed concepts for water quality improvement through a combination of <br /> perennial biomass crops and drainage system modifications; and <br /> • Participated in meetings of the Illinois Nutrient Reduction Strategy Work Group. <br /> Water resources planning and management: <br /> As ongoing activities through 2013,AWI <br /> • Participated in the Heart of the Sangamon Ecosystem Partnership, <br /> • Attended meetings of the Oakley Township Sediment Basin Advisory Committee (Tim <br /> McMahon), <br /> • Attended preliminary meeting for the planned Corley Landfill Mud-to-Parks project, and <br /> • Served on the Macon County Community Environmental Council board (Steve John). <br /> 1 <br />