DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 07/26/2017 08:12 AM CDT

July 2017                                                                                                                              View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

Freshwater Mussels Released into West Branch DuPage River

July 4
A person fishes by a restored portion of the West Branch DuPage River where mussels are being placed.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County recently released its first batch of what will be 9,000 freshwater mussels into the West Branch DuPage River. The mussels were cultivated over the past three years at the Urban Stream Research Center in Warrenville, which is an innovative facility DuPage County Stormwater Management (SWM) built in partnership with the Forest Preserve. The release is one of many that will take place over the next six months to improve water quality in the West Branch, as well as to foster this endangered species. To date, 4,000 mussels have been released.

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SWM Exploring Fawell Dam Project

July 2
DuPage Stormwater Chairman Jim Zay discusses proposed improvements.

SWM is evaluating a modification to Fawell Dam that would promote fish passage and improve water quality. The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is proposing to decrease the slope of the dam as a way to save wastewater treatment plants' and taxpayers' money, as well as increase diversity of fish along the West Branch. SWM staff is currently evaluating the modification.

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DuPage Hosting Mapping Open House

The Illinois State Water Survey is hosting two meetings on Thursday, July 27 at 421 N. County Farm Rd in Wheaton. Revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study will be presented. Government officials are invited from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The public open house will be 4 to 8 pm. Those who live near flood hazard areas are encouraged to attend. 

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Around Town

SWM brought on three interns to assist in various department functions this summer. Meghan Killinger, a recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is working alongside the wetlands team as the Wetland Intern. Chad Populorum just completed his junior year at Augustana College and is already getting hands-on learning experience as the Water Quality Intern. Finally, Katie Willis, a current graduate student at Northern Illinois University, is helping with outreach efforts as the Communications Intern. 

July 3
SWM interns work with staff.

Upcoming Events

DuPage County Fair

Wednesday, July 26 - Sunday, July 30, 2017

SWM will be hosting a booth at the DuPage County Fair, which is held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton. Stormwater will be at the fair from 10 am to 10 pm every day except Sunday, when it will be from 10 am to 8 pm. The booth will provide residents with helpful informational brochures for their water quality needs, as well as a chance to win a rain barrel and native garden set. 

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Floodplain Mapping Open House

Thursday, July 27, 2017, 1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. & 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

The Illinois State Water Survey is hosting two meetings on Thursday, July 27 at 421 N. County Farm Rd in Wheaton. Revised preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study will be presented. Government officials are invited to meet from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The public open house will take place from 4 to 8 pm. This event is especially important for those who live near flood hazard areas to attend. 

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Westmont Cruisin’ Nights

Thursday, July 27, 2017, 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

DuPage County's Stormwater Management and Public Works departments will be displaying their fleet of vehicles during Westmont Cruisin’ Nights, which will be held in the downtown Westmont business district. In addition to learning more about the vehicles that drive local operations, visitors will get a chance at giveaways and other information provided by SWM staff. 

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Cantigny Dog Days

Saturday, August 5, 2017, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

For one day only, dog lovers can enjoy a fun day at Cantigny Park (1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton) with their “best friend.” Bring your lucky pooch and enjoy a special dog play area, vendors from the dog world and some specially trained canines to entertain. In addition, SWM will be hosting a booth complete with information on how proper pet care is an important part of preventing pollutants from reaching our local waterbodies.

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