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The Region 6 Office of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced in an April 16th news release the completion of the Illinois River Watershed Basin and Lake Tenkiller Models.

EPA states it has released them to the partnering agencies which include:

• Arkansas
• Oklahoma
• Cherokee Nation

The Illinois River is a multi-jurisdictional tributary to the Arkansas River. It is approximately 100 miles long between the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma. The river crosses the Arkansas/Oklahoma state line south of Siloam Springs.

EPA states that:

. . . the models simulate conditions within the Illinois River Watershed and in Lake Tenkiller. These models can be used to evaluate options and their ability to improve water quality. EPA completed calibration as well as a sensitivity and uncertainty evaluation for the watershed and lake models. Within a few weeks, the EPA will convene the partnering agencies to share information about both models and discuss next steps. Both states are committed to sharing the models and information with stakeholders within the impacted areas and will encourage feedback and involvement within their jurisdictions. Partner agencies will continue to collaborate during the coming months.

A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.