On Oct. 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made available the Illinois River Watershed Modeling Program, which is the end product of several years of collaboration with local stakeholders, states and tribes in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Modeling Program will assist in the development of water pollution controls needed to meet water quality standards throughout the watershed. It relies on two highly specialized computer models.
The Modeling Program will help identify potential pollution control measures designed to improve water quality in the watershed by reducing phosphorus from sources in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The Modeling Program is designed to reproduce conditions within the Illinois River watershed. In doing so, the model can be used to forecast different pollution control options and evaluate each option or combination of options ability to improve water quality in the watershed. EPA has completed its internal calibration and validation of both model’s operating systems, and has completed an independent peer review of the Modeling Program.
EPA will first work with state and tribal partners to review the Modeling Program and underlying computer models. EPA will then hold a public meeting to review the Modeling Program and underlying computer models, discuss next steps and receive comments from all stakeholders.
To learn more about Illinois River Watershed Modeling Program visit: http://www3.epa.gov/region6/water/npdes/illinoisriverwatershed/index.html
