DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/27/2024 01:10 PM CDT

March 2024                                                                                                                                   View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County Names Water Quality Grant Recipients

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Peak wildflower blooms at a portion of the College of DuPage's native planting project, which won a WQIP grant in 2021.

The DuPage County Stormwater Planning Committee voted on the 2024 recipients of the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) grant in early March. Celebrating its 25th year, the WQIP grant awards up to 25 percent of funding for projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit. The County received nine applications this year for projects totaling more than $10.5 million. The Stormwater Committee awarded $310,000 to four projects in Willowbrook, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, and Naperville.

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SWM ARPA Project Recognized for Engineering Excellence

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Chief Engineer Jamie Lock and SWM Committee Chair Jim Zay meet at the Smith and Cambridge project site in unincorporated West Chicago.

SWM and V3 Engineering received the 2024 Award in Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies for the Smith and Cambridge Drainage Improvement Project. Located in unincorporated West Chicago, the project involved installation of approx. 3,400 linear feet of new storm sewer to protect residential homes from a nearby poorly drained area endangering human health and safety. The project, totaling $1.8 million, was funded entirely by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Coordination with Wayne Township Road District and Forest Preserve District of DuPage County was required for the undertaking.

April Showers are Almost Here, Is Your Detention Basin Ready?

If you are responsible for maintaining a detention basin on your property or in your HOA, you may want to take a look at it before the rainy season gets here. Detention basins need to be routinely inspected for blockages at inlets and outlets, which can cause the system to work poorly when needed. Clear any debris that may be blocking the flow, and keep up with other maintenance needs like mowing and trash pickup. Considering native plants around your basin? Jack Pizzo makes an excellent case for their installation on our most recent webinar, which can be watched at the link below.

P.S. Keep an eye out for SWM's Detention Basin Maintenance Handbook, coming out soon!

Webinar Recording

Around Town

Sponsored by SWM, SCARCE hosted two "Attainable Sustainables" classes for DuPage County teachers in early March. One class was similar to last year and exposed teachers to the dynamic world of water management through visits to the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility and DuPage Water Commission. A new course this year focused returning teachers on a tour of green infrastructure at Downers Grove Wastewater Treatment Center and here at the County Campus. Teachers got to see stormwater infrastructure in action throughout the campus, and left impressed by all the environmental initiatives taking place at the County.

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Teachers pose in front of the new pumps to be installed at the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility.

Upcoming Events

"Follow the Raindrops: Protecting Water as it Flows" Presentation

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

April showers, they say, bring May flowers! Climate change is proving to have a measurable impact on rainfall, not just in spring, but year-round. So what DOES happen to a rain drop that falls in DuPage County? Join The Conservation Foundation, Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District, and DuPage County Stormwater Management as we trace the water falling on our impervious surfaces, learn about absorptive green infrastructure, and how urban development has changed the natural course of our water. We will explore how vast expanses of rooftops and pavement impact the ability of our landscape to mitigate flooding, recharge our groundwater, and survive drought conditions – offering insights and inspiration needed for each of us to make a positive impact on water resources and discover ways to contribute to the rejuvenation of our watershed!

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2024 Sustainable Design Challenge

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

DuPage County and SCARCE are celebrating the 18th annual Sustainable Design Challenge, which promotes environmental and stormwater education in local high schools.Students from DuPage County high schools will display their innovative and resilient building and landscape designs on the first floor of DuPage County's Administration Building (421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL).

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Healthy Communities: Our Water and Watersheds

Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

League of Women Voters of Wheaton and League of Women Voters of the Upper Mississippi River Region present Healthy Communities – Our Water and Watersheds in partnership with DuPage County Stormwater Department, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and SCARCE. Join us for a 90-minute presentation featuring 4 regional experts to learn about our relationship with water and watersheds in Illinois and DuPage County.

This hybrid event will be in person at SCARCE and virtually on Zoom. Registration is required.

Register Here

Warrenville Arbor Day Event

Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Warrenville's Arbor Day celebration offers residents an opportunity to learn about the correct way to mulch trees, how to maintain their lawn without pesticides, and composting. Vendors, including SWM, will provide educational information regarding native plants, local wildlife, proper recycling techniques, and more. This event will take place at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center (3S260 Warren Ave.).

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