Pollutants & Watershed Planning

Urban GIS was tasked with providing associated geographic data for Illinois EPA Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) reports and Watershed Based Plans Development. Our team created maps of Illinois EPA data relative to impaired stream segments and lakes in the context of pollutants. This mapping included new and updated data that were pertinent to the location of polluted water and factors to consider for remediation purposes. These included National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) points, soil types, soil erodibility/k-factors, and land use. Our team produced a series of complex map exhibits and shared Esri map packages of eight different watersheds with the client for their own use. The boundaries of the watersheds displayed in our maps were consistent with the USGS Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs). They provide the geographic location of the affected stream segments and lakes, as well as geospatial intelligence that can be useful in decision-making about potential remediation. The deliverables we provided can be used to communicate existing conditions and to generate feedback based on sound analysis. The impact of these reports and planning is the improvement of water quality in impaired stream segments and lakes.