ABOUT THE FOX RIVER STUDY GROUP
MISSION
The mission of the Fox River Study Group is to enhance the health and vitality of our river for the benefit of the nearly 1 million citizens in the Fox River Valley.
ABOUT
We are a diverse coalition of stakeholders using science to guide the region toward a cleaner, safer and more beautiful Fox River. We use research, data and collaboration to support sustainable policies and development across the Fox River watershed.
Fox River Study Group members contributing financially or in-kind include representatives from:
MEETINGS
The Board of Directors of the Fox River Study Group generally meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:30 AM at Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, at 628 State Rt. 31, in Oswego, Illinois (map).
All meetings are open to the public - meeting details and minutes are available here. At times, meeting locations and dates may be adjusted, so please check the meetings page to confirm dates, times and locations.
HISTORY
The Fox River Study Group began meeting in the summer of 2001 after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) added the Fox River to its list of impaired waters. Communities along the Fox River are required to address water quality issues identified by IEPA.
The Study Group was formed as a collaborative approach to creating a healthier Fox River. The Study Group developed an effective water monitoring program for the Fox River and is using that data to guide communities toward the best solutions to improve water quality. Analysis of collected data shows that levels of nutrient pollution in the Fox River declined over the 2006-2016 decade.
The Study Group has developed a model for the Fox River Watershed that makes it possible to evaluate priorities for watershed management, assess the effects of development options in the region, ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars on watershed projects and educate stakeholders on the best ways to achieve cleaner water and sustainable development.
The Study Group released its Fox River Implementation Plan (FRIP) in 2015. The plan recommended municipal wastewater treatment facilities reduce their phosphorus discharges to the Fox River together with efforts towards reducing runoff pollution of the river throughout the watershed. By 2022 the improvements in wastewater discharges will reduce phosphorus levels in the river by 75%.
FUTURE
The Study Group is currently working on an update to the FRIP. This update is due for delivery to the IEPA in December 2022. One key part of this update will be the predictive modelling of actions to eliminate nuisance algae blooms and correct dissolved oxygen problems seen along specific sections of the river. The model will evaluate different nutrient reduction strategies from agriculture and municipalities as well as removal of dams for cost and effectiveness in meeting water quality goals.
The Fox River Study Group’s commitment to science for public policy guidance is key to creating environmental and economic success. Maintaining strong community-wide support will help assure the continued restoration and recovery of this invaluable regional resource.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Chair, Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club
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Vice Chair, Bob Trueblood, Fox River Water Reclamation District Elgin
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Treasurer, Tom Muth, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District Oswego
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Eric Weiss, City of Elgin
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Tim Wilson, Tri-Cities (Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles)
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Rob Linke, Kane County Division of Environmental & Water Resources
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Mark Phipps, City of Aurora
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Art Malm, Friends of the Fox River
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Alyse Olson , Fox River Ecosystem Partnership
COMMITTEES
Modeling / Monitoring Committee
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Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club
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Karen Clementi, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District
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Rob Linke, Kane County Environmental & Water Resources
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Mark Phipps, City of Aurora
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Beth Vogt, Fox River Water Reclamation District
Communications Committee
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Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club
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Karen Clementi, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District
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Art Malm, Friends of the Fox River
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Mark Phipps, City of Aurora
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Bob Trueblood, Fox River Water Reclamation District
