Following a significant storm event in 2011, the Village completed a comprehensive stormwater study to identify the factors contributing to the most severe occurrences of flooding, and to develop a means to reduce future flooding in these areas. Most of the projects identified in that study have been implemented with positive results. These include storm sewer improvements in the Hatlen Heights Subdivision, Prospect Meadows Subdivision, and along Isabella Street, as well as flood control projects at Burning Bush Trails and Aspen Trails Parks. In addition, the Village created the Backyard Drainage Program that partners with homeowners to install privately-owned storm sewer and rain gardens on properties that have experienced structure damage due to surface runoff.
Building on the success 2011 Stormwater Study and Backyard Drainage Program, the Village now desires to develop a comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan (SMMP) that does not review a specific past rain event but rather that will serve as a guide for future policies, programs, and projects for the next 20 years.
The Village has retained the services of Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) of Rosemont, Illinois to create the SMMP. Their tasks include:
- An existing conditions overview of the Village that includes completed stormwater projects since the 2011 study.
- A public outreach program in partnership with Village staff to solicit input on the state of stormwater-related issues in the Village.
- A hydraulic model of all storm sewer, combined sewer, ditch & culvert, and detention pond systems (125 separate and 19 combined storm basins).
- GIS mapping of areas of known and potential flooding,
- An in-depth analysis of the stormwater system both within the public right-of-way and on private property of Basin 79C along with comprehensive infrastructure recommendations.
- Review of the Village Code to enhance the Village’s stormwater regulations and to be consistent with MWRD, FEMA and other regulatory agencies as well as best practices.
- Review of the Village’s existing stormwater maintenance and monitoring activities, and identify new potential programs and policies as appropriate.
- Develop potential green initiatives related to stormwater management, both in the public right-of-way and on private property, that are consistent with the Village’s Sustainability Action Plan.
- Review the effectiveness of permeable paver systems and other newer, less-traditional measures that serve to provide stormwater detention for private development.Evaluate the potential implementation of a stormwater utility fee to fund annual capital infrastructure projects.
- Create a toolbox of various measures based on different situations to improve the public and private stormwater systems, and to mitigate flooding to private structures and properties.
