Inaugural Issue

Welcome to the first edition of the Illinois Urban Manual News! We plan to share updates, opportunities and anecdotes from around Illinois for soil erosion and sediment control professionals.

If you have content to share or you would like to sponsor the newsletter and be featured for one year in the sponsor section below, email us!

22nd Annual KDSWCD

Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Seminar

2025 Focus: Stream Diversion & Causeways

Over 140 engineers, municipal and county staff, ecological and construction teams attended KDSWCD's 22nd annual SESC seminar. This yearly workshop is made possible with support from the IEPA to provide industry professionals the opportunity to hear from experts. This year's focus was on Stream Diversion and Causeway best management practices. Speakers from USACE, IDNR and DuPage County Stormwater Management shared their expertise. New this year were panels of local specialists addressing questions.

Will-South Cook SWCD

Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Workshop

Stormwater Management on Construction Sites

On February 14, the Will-South Cook Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a soil erosion and sediment control workshop at its District office in New Lennox. County Board members, land use staff and contractors all had the opportunity to engage with Todd Bennett of the Illinois EPA and review the inspection process, best management practices on construction sites and stormwater management.

11th Annual Quad Cities Stormwater Conference

"Flowing Forward"

The 11th annual QC Stormwater Conference organized by the QC Stormwater Committee was a great success. Over 150 attendees came eager to learn from industry experts. The event featured a series of insightful presentations from distinguished speakers, who presented topics like the impacts of pollution on drinking water, bi-state stormwater permitting updates, drone usage for inspections and visualization, and many other captivating topics.

A highlight of this year's conference was the dynamic panel discussion, which brought together local engineers, inspectors, erosion and sediment control installers, developers and project managers. The panel focused on constructive problem-solving and fostering a collaborative learning environment. To cap off the event, attendees enjoyed a lively networking reception featuring live music, a beer tasting and a fun prize drawing - a perfect blend of learning, networking and entertainment.

Winnebago SWCD

Soil Erosion & Sediment Control Workshop

The Winnebago County SWCD hosted a workshop on March 6, at Northern Illinois University - Rockford Campus. The purpose of the workshop was to provide technical information and resources to members of the development community, such as engineers, consultants and construction managers.

Speakers from the private and public sector covered a wide variety of topics including an overview of the IEPA permit program and the utilization of the Illinois Urban Manual. There were case studies on area bioswale projects and the removal of an old railroad bridge over the Fox River. Technical information was provided on the different products available for slope stabilization and the advancements in filter socks technology, including the material used in the socks and their multiple usages.

2025 IUM Updating Grant: Progress Report

The Illinois Urban Manual (IUM) Steering Committee met on April 2, to assess progress and determine the next action items for the Technical Committee. The IUM website updates continue with new functionality, ADA compliance and a complete audit of links to ensure that all resources are available. Feedback on the website functionality is welcome! Project completion date = December 31, 2025.

Community Service ~ Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available!

Each spring, teams of 5 high school students prepare with a teacher/coach to compete in the areas of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and a current issue in natural resources. For 2025, the Envirothon chose "Roots and Resiliency". Regional winners advance to the state competition and state winners to the nationals. The Northeastern Illinois Envirothon is organized by local soil and water conservation districts for high schools in Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will and Winnebago counties.

• Lake County SMC and IECA BMP Field Day ~ April 23 

• Erosion & Sediment Control Workshop (three modules, several dates & times, some virtual, some in-person)

• Hydric Soils Training - DECI sponsored Details TBD ~ June 4 & 5

Tier One $50