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News Releases - 2002

Ryan Anounces Another $16,254 To Fund Water Quality Projects In The Eliza Creek Watershed

For Immediate Release
October 18, 2002 		Contact: Joan Muraro
217-785-7209
TDD: 217-782-9143

Springfield, Ill. -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced approval of another $16,254 to the Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District to reduce nonpoint source pollution and enhance water quality in the Eliza Creek watershed.

This increase brings the amount awarded for this project to $178,792. A similar grant of $126,687 was awarded in 1998 for this watershed.

Nonpoint source pollution is contamination resulting from runoff , often storm-related, that picks up oil, lawn and farm chemicals and silt as it flows across paved surfaces, lawns and fields and disturbed or unprotected soil. Nonpoint source pollution is often addressed by development of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that incorporate pollution prevention elements into routine activities carried on within an affected area. Funding comes from the U.S. EPA section 319 financial assistance grant program, which is administered by the Illinois EPA.

"As we recognize the progress achieved in the 30 years since the Clean Water Act and shift more of our focus on nonpoint source pollution reduction, grants such as these are increasingly important," IEPA Director Renee Cipriano said.

The agreement between Illinois EPA and the Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District is a cooperative effort between the watershed landowners, and the Mercer and Rock Island County Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Landowners can voluntarily request assistance from their local SWCD to install agricultural Best Management Practices to reduce sediment and nutrients. Assistance will be prioritized based on a cost vs. benefit analysis.

Design work on these practices is expected to be completed by April 2004 with all construction work to be completed by the grant's termination date of July 2004.

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