About the Rivers Project at Illinois Valley Community College Illinois Valley Community College has chosen to participate in the Rivers Project because awareness and hands-on experimentation are key factors in promoting the changes necessary for a healthier environment.
Participants meet at the school and carpool to the testing sites along the Little Vermilion River .
Chemistry and Biology students perform on-site tests and record qualitative and quantitative results that indicate the general condition of the water and the wildlife that inhabits the river. Results can be forwarded to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville . Any adverse tests can then be referred to state agencies or local environmental groups for further testing and possible action by the Environmental Protection Agency .