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In Lake County, we take environmental issues seriously. Not only are we building a green management program, we're closely monitoring threats to our environment.
As you may have read in the news, the Foxconn plant in Racine County, Wisconsin is being built at the headwaters of the Des Plaines River. The project, when completed, will likely divert millions of gallons of water, sediment and other pollutants into Lake County.
At our Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) meeting on March 7, the staff of the SMC presented a report on the impact of Foxconn on the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed. The results sound a deafening alarm for anyone living near the river and its many tributaries. After a team of engineers studied the site, they found a gap of some 55,000 gallons of stormwater storage per every developed acre. Since Wisconsin lawmakers waived most environmental and stormwater rules in approving the site, that water will likely flow into Lake County.
As a commissioner of SMC and Lake County, I'm calling on federal officials to enforce federal laws on stormwater retention and pollution on or near the Foxconn site. While we hope that our neighbors to the north will create the necessary water retention and mitigation areas, that prospect is uncertain.
Initial results from the study are available on the SMC website. Tell SMC what you think. Comment directly at stormwater@lakecountyil.gov. Thanks to SMC director Mike Warner and his excellent staff for doing such a great job. We'll stay on top of this.
On other brighter environmental news, our "Green Team" is making great progress. We are reviewing ways to:
- Lower energy use and carbon footprints of our county vehicle fleet. We're looking at hybrid and electric cars.
- Writing regulations for solar installations -- and financing them -- throughout the county.
- Reviewing and reducing energy use in all of our county facilities, the largest emitters of greenhouse gases.
- Reviewing and reducing the amount of waste we produce -- and improving recycling.
Want to help reduce waste in your home? You can recycle electronics, household chemicals, textiles and even shoes through recycling programs offered by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County. Find Out More
Note: Grayslake provides several drop-off locations for recycling: Learn more about programs here in Grayslake.
If I can be of service on these or other county services, don't hesitate to contact me at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Lake County Creates Solar Energy Task Force
As the cost of solar energy goes down, the interest of solar energy from residents and communities increases! Lake County is creating a Solar Energy Task Force in partnership with local communities to develop a solar energy model ordinance that will serve as a template for communities to use when adopting solar specific zoning codes. Lake County and our partners aim to modernize regulations to adapt to emerging trends in solar technology. Further updates will be provided in my future newsletter.
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2018 Stormwater Awards
Congratulations to the 2018 Lake County Stormwater Award winners! These individuals, communities, groups and organizations exemplify SMC’s core mission of flood damage reduction, water quality improvement, natural resource protection, and enhancement. Meet this year’s winners.
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Voter Registration
Grace Registration is available through April 2 at any early voting site when open and at the voter’s assigned Election Day site. Applicants must meet all voter registration requirements, provide valid identification, and vote at the time of registration.
Vote Early
Early voting is available through April 1 at sites throughout Lake County. Find an early voting site near you by using this locator. Hours vary at the different sites, and some locations even offer weekend and evening hours.
Vote on Election Day
Those choosing to vote on Election Day, April 2 must go to their assigned polling location. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your assigned voting site.
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Lake County Public Works will begin its semi-annual water hydrant flushing program April 1. The expected completion date is April 26. Hydrant flushing enhances water quality because it removes any residue buildup in the mains. Residents are urged not to do laundry during periods of flushing in your area to avoid staining of clothing, which may occur due to the disturbance in the water main. View the hydrant flushing schedule.
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The Senior Freeze provides seniors with limited income protection against real estate tax increases due to rising property values. Because this exemption provides for a base year frozen assessment, it will potentially provide increased savings each year a senior is eligible.
Seniors are invited to attend an upcoming outreach session to learn more about this exemption, and receive assistance filling out the 2019 Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Application for taxes payable in 2020 as well as assistance on other homestead exemptions available. Residents will work one-on-one with a staff member to complete the necessary forms. View Upcoming Outreach Sessions.
New this year, you may also submit homestead exemption forms electronically using the Smartfile E-Filing Portal.
Low-cost pet vaccination clinics provide a convenient and affordable way to keep pets up to date with their shots and rabies tags. The Lake County Health Department will begin its spring pet vaccination clinics on March 30. Only cash will be accepted on site. Find a pet vaccination clinic near you.
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Fremont School District 79 is teaming up with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in a new pilot program that will enhance school safety efforts when seconds matter. The program will focus on information sharing between County schools and the Sheriff’s Office. Through the partnership, the Sheriff’s Office will maintain an internal website which will provide live-video feeds of cameras within the school (for schools with installed cameras), aerial views of the school and surrounding area, floor plans of each school building, and other updates to first-responders in a critical incident. Find out more.
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Lake County residents who are unable to pay outstanding fees and fines may be eligible for Lake County’s Road to Reinstatement Pilot Program. This program will provide individuals an opportunity to reduce outstanding costs to get their licenses renewed or reinstated. To apply for the program, individuals must submit an application for waiver of court fees, personal information form, and their driving abstract by March 29. Find out more.
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Forest Preserve News
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Volunteers Lend Hands and Hearts to Help Forest Preserves Grow and Thrive
Helping with fishing camps, planting native gardens, monitoring wildlife and assisting at the Dunn Museum are just a few of the volunteer efforts performed by single individuals or groups. A total of 1,921 volunteers spent 25,910 hours in forest preserves throughout Lake County in 2018. Playing key roles in operations and public safety, habitat restoration, education and cultural preservation, the hours had a value of $674,000. Learn more »
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