Budget Message / Highlights - Metropolitan Water Reclamation ...

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
2009 BUDGET
IMPLEMENTATION OF A PERMEABLE PAVEMENT PILOT STUDY AT SWRP
The District will construct permeable pavement test plots in the main parking lot at SWRP as part of a pilot study to evaluate
and compare the runoff response and long-term performance of permeable pavement systems under Contract 07-165-5F,
“Permeable Pavement Installation, SWRP.” Monitoring devices installed during construction will be used by the District’s
Monitoring and Research Department to monitor both the quantity and quality of the stormwater passing through these
systems. The goal of this pilot study is to compare the performance of permeable pavement to standard pavement under similar
conditions, and to use this information to help the District establish its position on the use of permeable pavement as a
stormwater control measure throughout Cook County.
RAIN GARDEN DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
To raise public awareness of the function, construction, maintenance and benefits, associated with rain gardens, the District
will implement a program to sponsor construction of rain gardens at selected public high schools throughout Cook County. The
District will reimburse each participating school for construction of the rain garden and the school will be required to maintain
the rain garden and incorporate the garden into its curriculum. The District will prepare informational materials to be shared
with the general public about rain gardens to complement the demonstration projects constructed at various high schools.
DISTRICT WATER RECLAMATION PLANT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLANS
The Engineering Department will develop stormwater management plans for each of the District’s Water Reclamation Plants
(WRPs). The goal of the stormwater management plans will be to identify opportunities where Best Management Practices
(BMPs) or Green Infrastructure (GI) techniques can be implemented. Each plan will provide an analysis of existing drainage
conditions and recommend conceptual BMP or GI projects which can be implemented. Cost estimates will also be provided for
each conceptual project.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
SMALL STREAMS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (SSMP)
The Maintenance and Operations Waterways Section has the
responsibility of debris and blockage removal of all small streams within
the District. We will continue our SSMP and anticipate that within a few
years, the need for removing major blockages will decrease and the main
focus will be on inspection and maintenance of the streams.
In 2007, a contract was awarded to perform work outside the scope of
District capabilities. The contract is presently in place and both District
and contractor personnel have made great strides in improving small
stream flow, reducing the chance of flooding. It is anticipated that the
2009 contract cost will be approximately 2.5 million dollars, more than
double the 2007 budget.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
Cubic Yards of Debris Removed from
Small Streams and Rivers in Cook
County
Small Streams
2007 Actual 2008
Estimate
2009
Estimate
A Public Affairs Representative position was added to the Stormwater Management Fund in 2007. Responsibilities assigned to
the position include assistance in preparation of the annual report, assistance in public education about stormwater
management, preparation of updates to the District’s website, and attendance at all stormwater management related public
meetings. An Associate Public Information Representative is being added in the 2009 budget to provide community outreach
for the “Detailed Watershed Plans” and “Watershed Management Ordinance”. This position will report to the Manager of
Public Affairs.
Informational materials have been developed to support the Rain Garden Demonstration Program as described previously. A
standing Public Affairs Strategic Planning Committee has been assembled in 2008. One of the significant responsibilities of the
committee will be to provide an organized curriculum for public awareness of stormwater management conservation benefits.
Rivers
407
407