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NEIGHBORHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Updated August 27, 2009
 

Master Plan for Storm and Sanitary Sewers

 

During severe wet weather events, some residents have reported basement backups. One of the main causes of basement backups is infiltration and inflow (I/I) of excess storm water entering the sanitary sewer system. Over the years, improved maintenance techniques and specific capital projects have been undertaken in an effort to prevent I/I and improve the City’s sewer conveyance systems. However, in order to more efficiently manage and systemize these improvements, the City of Highland Park, jointly with engineering consultants, developed Master Plans for both the Storm and Sanitary Systems. These plans detail the historical work and analyses that have thus far been performed and outline future capital projects to be undertaken.

The development of the Storm and Sanitary Sewers Master Plan was directed by City Council as part of the FY2006 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and was prepared by an engineering consultant hired by the City. The purpose of the Sewers Master Plan is to develop a comprehensive approach to operating, maintaining and improving the City's storm and sanitary sewer systems by achieving compliance with specific performance targets. These targets are to reduce and/or eliminate stormwater and sanitary sewage within the City infrastructure system from infiltrating:

1. private residences;
2. private yards; and
3. public streets.

To that end, City Council adopted the following standards for the storm and sanitary sewer systems:

  • Storm sewers should be designed to handle the ten year storm event
  • Sanitary sewers should have a maximum peaking factor of 6 (i.e., sanitary sewers would handle six times the load)

In developing the Master Plan report, previous storm and sanitary sewer studies and reports developed over the past 30 years were reviewed. The engineering consultant considered recommendations from previous studies to determine what issues were still relevant for Highland Park; identified the list of projects recommended from those studies, and which projects have been completed; updated the studies to cover events since the studies have been completed; and evaluated the operating, maintenance and improvement schedules for storm and sanitary sewer systems in the Department of Public Works.

The Master Plan also reviews the City's funding of sewer operating and capital programs, the new storm water utility and other fees, and available resources for grants and loans to supplement City fund sources.

The full Storm and Sanitary Sewers Master Plan Report is available for viewing through the link provided. Since the report is approximately 80-pages long, please allow sufficient time to download. Click here to view the report. The list of projects for the 10-year Proposed Capital Improvement Program has been updated and is available here.

 

Target Neighborhoods

Sanitary Service Line Repair Program
 

In early December 2008, Highland Park hosted a number of neighborhood meetings regarding the City's Sanitary Sewer Service Line Repair Program. At the December 4th meeting, an informational packet was provided to those in attendance. Based on issues and concerns discussed at the meeting and in recognition of current economic conditions, the Highland Park City Council has decided to delay repairs proposed for 2009. Alternatively, the City has engaged its Master Plan consultant, Earth Tech, Inc. (now known as AECom), to provide additional analysis that responds to issues and concerns identified by residents.

 

Regional Storm Water

 
At the end of January, the City hosted the first in a series of meetings with other communities that lie along or are impacted by the Skokie River. The purpose of the meeting was to focus on regional aspects of stormwater management as the southeast portion of Lake County is increasingly seeing the effects of too much water in the Corridor. Representatives from municipalities within the Skokie River watershed north of Highland Park, along with the East Skokie Drainage District, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, Lake County Board and State Elected Officials attended. The purpose of the meeting was to initiate discussion, cooperation and ultimately to provide information for residents regarding overland flooding, inflow and infiltration to the local and regional sanitary systems and potential funding mechanisms to mitigate these issues.

Mayor Michael Belsky and City Manager David Limardi kicked off the meeting with a brief overview of the regional nature of stormwater management and related the recent detrimental results within Highland Park from heavy rain and combination rain/snow melt events on September 13 and December 27, 2008.

Presentations by the East Skokie Drainage District, the entity with primary responsibility for maintenance of the Skokie River channel, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission depicted the variety of options currently being investigated along the Skokie River Corridor. There are costs and benefits associated with these options and no single plan has been selected. Mayor Belsky noted that the regional stormwater meetings would be an opportunity to review projects and try to develop a regionally approved plan that could be implemented in the future to protect all of the region’s residential and commercial interests. To view a copy of the presentation please click here.

A draft Intergovernmental Agreement is being reviewed by the agencies to establish structure for this new working group. Quarterly meetings will then be hosted by the various entities and it is expected that information will be distributed to the residents of the communities once it becomes available.
 

Skokie River Bank Restoration Project at Danny Cunniff Park

 
Before Bank Restoration
After Bank Restoration
 

Alternative Stormwater Techniques

 
In Highland Park, stormwater management is extremely important because of the City’s unique drainage system: stormwater that falls west of Green Bay Road makes its way through the Skokie River or the Middle Fork into the Chicago River, while stormwater that falls east of Green Bay Road flows into Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are valuable regional assets—both host a variety of plant and animal species and are used for a number of recreational activities. Lake Michigan also serves as a primary source of drinking water for millions of people in the Chicago metropolitan area, including Highland Park. The City understands the need to maintain its traditional infrastructure in order to protect its residents, but realizes the importance of supplementing the existing system with new sustainable approaches to stormwater management. There are many missed opportunities to retain and use stormwater instead of potable water for outdoor activities including watering lawns and gardens, washing cars and cleaning decks and patios.

 

Highland Park City Hall Rain Garden
 

 

A brochure has been developed to help residents take advantage of the numerous benefits that are inherent in simple techniques such as rain gardens and permeable paving, so that together the community can properly manage its precious natural resources. Please click here to download a copy.

 
Stormwater management involves selecting methods to channel stormwater away from property to a chosen body of water.   The proper stormwater management techniques can mitigate potential flooding hazards, and are imperative to the City’s well-being.  Stormwater is typically directed to underground storm sewer systems; however, extreme rain events can overwhelm the infrastructure system.  Stormwater management is a regional issue and requires cooperation from all stakeholders.  In order to be prepared for extreme rain events, the City of Highland Park, its residents, and neighboring governmental entities can work together to alleviate flooding and create long-term stormwater management solutions. For more information regarding stormwater management, flooding, and governmental partnerships, please view the Stormwater Management Fact Sheet.  For more information regarding stormwater management, please contact John Welch, City Engineer, at (847) 926-1145 or jwelch@cityhpil.com.
 

Schematic of Inflow/Infiltration Sources

 

Contact Information:

Department of Public Works
1150 Half Day Road
Highland Park, IL 60035

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (847) 432-0807
Fax: (847) 432-9907

E-mail: publicworks@cityhpil.com
 
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