DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 09/26/2023 09:00 AM CDT

September 2023                                                                                                                           View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

SWM Brings Back In-Person Professional Trainings

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Municipal staff listen to a presentation on green infrastructure design resources at Danada House in Wheaton.

In early September, SWM hosted the annual Green Infrastructure Seminar for MS4 Communities. For the first time since 2019, municipal engineers, field crews and consultants gathered at Danada House to hear presentations on Illinois Groundwork, an exciting new GI design resource, the successes of the Downers Grove Bioswale Program, and tips for maintaining permeable pavers from Morton Arboretum.

Since 2018, SWM has led a countywide water quality program, partnering with 41 municipalities and townships on meeting the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. ILR40 for Stormwater Discharges. This program aligns water quality goals countywide, eliminates redundancies, and reduces the reporting and paperwork burden on communities. As part of this program, SWM hosts staff training for public agencies each year, saving approximately $400,000 in taxpayer dollars annually.

Our next seminar, Pollution Prevention for MS4 Communities, will take place on November 2nd, details coming soon!

EPA Issues New Rules on Clean Water Act Regulation: What Does it Mean for DuPage County?

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Wildflowers bloom in full force at a floodplain meadow property on Salt Creek, owned and maintained by the County.

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued an amendment to the definition of “waters of the United States,” which cements the impact of the Sackett vs. EPA Supreme Court decision on the Clean Water Act. The ruling will undoubtedly remove protections for many wetlands and waterways across the country. However, the good news is that these national changes will have little effect on how DuPage County regulates its wetlands and waterways.

From control of stormwater runoff and water quality to wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and recreation, wetlands provide immeasurable value to our County. The DuPage County Countywide Stormwater Ordinance and overarching Stormwater Plan correctly identified the huge role wetlands play in managing flood risk. Wetlands and streams have been protected in DuPage County for over 30 years, thanks to state legislation granting the authority to regulate floodplains and drainageways for stormwater management.

Before purchasing a property, clearing land, or planning a new project, check with your municipality or the County Building Department first.

Two New Permanent Cooking Oil Collection Sites Opening in DuPage

Residents will soon be able to drop off used cooking oil at two more sites in the County. Thanks to the efforts of SCARCE and municipal leaders, locations are opening in Lisle Township and the City of Wood Dale, which will bring us to 12 permanent sites throughout the County. Used cooking oil can wreak havoc on sewer systems when poured down the drain, costing cities and homeowners thousands in clogged pipes. These sites prevent that, and as a bonus, some locations recycle the oil into diesel and use it as a fuel source! Visit the SCARCE site below for a full list of collection sites and other resources.

More Info

Around Town

SWM's contractor has completed all punch list items for the Country Club Highlands Project, which means the drainage improvement project is fully complete! This is SWM's first complete project using federal ARPA funding, and we are proud to have made efficient use of those funds. Final project costs were significantly less than expected, which opened the door for SWM to develop a Phase II to the project. Phase II, also to be funded by ARPA, will be a much larger project adding more stormwater capacity to the community. Construction is currently estimated to begin in the spring of 2024.

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Crews pave over the final stretch of the Country Club Highlands project.

Upcoming Events

Public Roads Virtual Deicing Workshops

September 26, October 4 & October 10, 2023, 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 parking lots and sidewalks safe. Registration is $50, and attendance is only necessary at one of the workshops.

Register Here

Parking Lots & Sidewalks Virtual Deicing Workshops

October 3 & October 17, 2023, 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 $50, and attendance is only necessary at one of the workshops.

Register Here

2023 Pumpkin Smash: Green Your Halloween

Saturday, November 4, 2023, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

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 can be found at the link below. Last year, over 232 tons of pumpkins were composted!

More Info

Intro FEQ Hydraulic Modeling Class

Tuesday, November 7-Thursday, November 9, 2023, 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

DuPage Stormwater and the Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management are co-sponsoring an introductory class on FEQ Hydraulic Modeling. The class will run for three days at the DuPage County campus in Wheaton. The class will be limited to 25 attendees and offers Professional Development Hours and Continuing Education Credits. Register on the IAFSM website.

Register Here