Research about Joliet, Illinois

USGS2022

Continuous monitoring of nutrient and sediment loads from the Des Plaines River at Route 53 at Joliet, Illinois, water years 2018–20

The Des Plaines River in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois is the principal conduit for the discharge of wastewater effluent and stormwater runoff from the greater Chicago metropolitan area. In November 2017, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, installed a continuous monitoring station to measure water quality and streamflow in the Des Plaines River at Joliet, Illinois. Surrogate models encompassing continuous data and discrete water-quality samples were used to estimate loads of nitrate, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment. Comparisons to other major rivers in Illinois show that the Des Plaines River is a substantial contributor to statewide loading estimates for nitrate and total phosphorus but only a minor contributor to suspended sediment. Future loading estimates of total phosphorus could include more research into the effects of combined sewage overflows because these effects likely increased model uncertainty. The results in this report document current loadings and provide a baseline from which to assess future water-quality management decisions.

Illinois↗

USGS2018

Flow hydraulics and mixing characteristics in and downstream from Brandon Road Lock, Joliet, Illinois

The Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines River near Joliet, Illinois, has been identified for potential implementation of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) control measures. To provide additional information concerning the flow hydraulics and mixing characteristics of the lock and downstream approach channel, the U.S. Geological Survey performed a detailed study of the site between December 2014 and October 2015, which included the collection and analysis of bathymetric, hydrodynamic, and dye tracer data. Synthesis of these data allowed a characterization of the site for future use in feasibility studies of potential ANS control technologies. The results of this study show a highly dynamic system driven primarily by lock operations but influenced by channel characteristics, industrial withdrawals, and meteorological forcing. Lock operation produces rapidly varying flows in the downstream approach channel, including transient oscillations that produce bidirectional flows. When the lock is not in operation, flows in the approach channel are primarily driven by leakage and wind forcing. Uniform concentrations of dissolved constituents in the lock chamber can be achieved by injection of the constituent into the existing lock filling and emptying system; however, valve and gate leakage can inhibit the mixing at the downstream end of the lock and substantially affects the ability to maintain a treated lock chamber at a uniform target concentration at tailwater level. Proper understanding of these hydraulic factors should be accounted for if the lock is to be used to deliver any dissolved constituent or operated in a way to prevent upstream passage of floating ANS. Moreover, extremely variable flow conditions including bidirectional flows and upstream return flows must be considered when implementing any ANS control technologies in the approach channel.

Illinois↗