R2006-97 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT - Laserfiche WebLink

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in nitrate-N concentration and streamflow. Flow-weighted nitrate-N concentrations have been increasing during the study period at the Monticello station. Based on the first six years of monitoring, the Illinois State Water Survey developed a model (Markus et al., 2003) to forecast nitrate-N concentrations in Lake Decatur using previous and current nitrate-N levels in the lake. This tool is valuable for management of the ion exchange facility operated by the City of Decatur. In order to best evaluate any ongoing and future lake and watershed management issues, continued monitoring is recommended. The additional data will enhance the baseline data established in the watershed and detect any changes or trends in nitrate-N levels in the watershed. PROJECT OBJECTIVES The main goal of this project is to collect reliable data throughout the Lake Decatur watershed for use by City of Decatur planners and resource managers to develop lake and watershed management alternatives based on scientific data. To accomplish this goal, the following objectives are outlined: 1. Continue to maintain and operate watershed monitoring stations: Figure 1 shows the active stations being monitored for the City of Decatur and Table 1 presents the monitoring stations with the sampling schedule. The Illinois State Water Survey will maintain the continuous stream recording equipment and the data records will be processed to determine continuous stream flows. Table 1. Monitoring Stations and Sampling Frequency in the Lake Decatur Watershed Long Friends Creek Creek Monticello* Analyte (101) (102) (111) Nitrate-N W, S W, S W, S pH W W W *USGS station flow records will be retrieved W -weekly sampling S -Sample 5-7 storms per year 2. Collect water sample data: Nitrate-N will continue to be sampled weekly and some storms at three stations: Big/Long Creek (101), Friends Creek (102), and Sangamon River at 2