DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 10/06/2021 03:00 PM CDT

October 2021                                                                                                                                           View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County Accepting Water Quality Grant Applications

Water Quality Improvement Program Grant

The DuPage County Stormwater Management (SWM) Committee voted in October to begin accepting grant proposals for projects aimed at improving the quality of the County’s waterbodies. In its 23rd year, the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) grant awards funding for projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit, including restoration and green infrastructure projects. Under the program, organizations and individuals may apply for reimbursement of up to 25 percent of construction costs for portions of projects that improve water quality. The application deadline is Friday, January 7, 2022.

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SWM Hosting Lunch 'N Learns

Water Quality Lunch 'N Learns

In partnership with The Conservation Foundation, SWM is hosting month Water Quality Lunch ‘N Learns. Open to everyone, these free workshops will provide tips on ways to protect local waterways and ecosystems. Beginning in October, the hour-long webinars will be held the second Thursday of each month, except November, from noon to 1pm. Advanced registration is required.

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SCARCE Hosting Pumpkin Smash

To reduce the number of pumpkins going to landfills after Halloween, SCARCE is hosting their annual Pumpkin Smash in several DuPage County locations on November 6. The collected pumpkins are composted, which returns nutrients and water to soil, leading to healthier groundwater and streams. SCARCE is also seeking participation from towns interesting in hosting an event.

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Around Town

The American Society of Engineers - Illinois Section recognized SWM Director Sarah Hunn as Government Civil Engineer of the Year. In her 17 years with DuPage, she has overseen the construction or modification of eight of the County’s 17 flood control facilities and managed nearly $50 million in grant funds for capital projects. Earlier in her career, Sarah was also awarded Young Government Engineer of the Year, making her one of only a handful of engineers to receive both.

Government Civil Engineer Award

DuPage Stormwater Chair Jim Zay recognizes Director Sarah Hunn.

Upcoming Events

Parking Lots & Sidewalks Deicing Virtual Workshop

September 28 & October 7, 2021, 8:00 A.M. - Noon

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is hosting virtual winter deicing workshops for private contractors. The purpose of the workshops is to educate attendees on alternatives to traditional salting practices and methods that may reduce the presence of chloride in waterways, while keeping parking lots and sidewalks safe. Registration is $45, and attendance is only necessary at one of the two workshops. 

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Public Roads Deicing Virtual Workshop

September 30, October 5 & October 12, 2021, 8:00 A.M. - Noon

The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is hosting virtual winter deicing workshops for public agencies. The purpose of the workshops is to educate attendees on alternatives to traditional salting practices and methods that may reduce the presence of chloride in waterways, while keeping roads safe. Registration is $45, and attendance is only necessary at one of the three workshops.

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"Water Quality Outreach" Webinar

Thursday, October 14, 2021, Noon - 1:00 P.M.

Outreach is an important tool in enhancing the quality of local waterways, and the first step is learning how to effectively message water quality topics. This free webinar will highlight important water quality messaging, as well as explain how your organization can use existing outreach materials to create seasonal public information campaigns addressing lawncare, leaves, chlorides and pet waste. One (1) PDH will be provided.

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Pumpkin Smash 2021: Green Your Halloween

Saturday, November 6, 2021, 9:00 A.M. - Noon

Don't trash it, smash it! Sponsored by SWM and coordinated by SCARCE, the Pumpkin Smash is an annual effort to divert pumpkins from landfills on the Saturday after Halloween. SCARCE provides locations for residents to drop off jack-o-lanterns to be composted. A list of DuPage County drop-off locations will be available soon. To date, the Pumpkin Smash has diverted more than 538 tons of pumpkins from landfills.

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"Spring Brook No. 1 Restoration Project" Webinar

Thursday, November 18, 2021, Noon - 1:00 P.M.

In partnership with local organizations, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has completed significant work on Spring Brook Creek No. 1 in Blackwell Forest Preserve. This free webinar will highlight elements of the project, including the re-meander and reconnection of the creek, a dam removal, fish habitat improvement and landscape restoration. One (1) PDH will be provided.

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