Northwater provided geologic and environmental services to investigate the feasibility of developing a recreational reservoir in Bureau County, Illinois. Soil borings were advanced to characterize the soil and geology for the proposed project and to identify the borrow soils necessary to create the dam. An investigation of soil properties and lithology was performed to evaluate the risk of catastrophic drainage and seepage. An environmental study was performed to characterize the drainage basin of the proposed reservoir. The study included modeling to anticipate the water quality of the reservoir and estimates of sediment yield entering the reservoir. Recommendations were made to key the dam into a potentially unstable geologic unit. Best management practices at specific locations in the watershed were located to improve water quality and reduce sediment yield of the proposed reservoir.