Progress from CMAP

Fox River Watershed restoration and education report. CMAP has completed the "Fox River Watershed Restoration & Education" report.  It highlights four individual projects aimed at controlling nonpoint source (NPS) pollution within the Fox River Basin from the Village of Streamwood, Dundee Township, the Village of West Dundee, and the St. Charles Park District. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) receives federal funds through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act to help implement IEPA's NPS Management Program. The program supports several types of activities to protect water quality by controlling NPS pollution. CMAP provided financial, administrative, and technical assistance to each grant recipient during design and implementation of various best management practices for NPS pollution control. Project highlights include:

• The Village of Streamwood stabilized approximately 2,160 feet of eroding streambank along a 1,080 foot segment of the South Branch of Poplar Creek located between the Streamwood Oaks Golf Course and Whispering Drive.
• Dundee Township conducted, reclaimed, and restored a 160-acre site on Jelkes Creek, a tributary of the Fox River, located southwest of the Village of Sleepy Hollow.
• The St. Charles Park District implemented streambank and streambed stabilization of a 1,700 foot segment of Norris Woods Creek, a tributary of the Fox River located in the Norris Woods Nature Preserve.
• The Village of West Dundee constructed two bioretention facilities near the Fox River. One facility is approximately 1,000 square feet in size and is located at the end of Oregon Street, and the other facility is approximately 600 square feet in size and is located at the end of Fay Avenue.

New water conservation code for Orland Park. On February 22, 2012, the Village of Orland Park and CMAP will hold the first public meeting for the development of a new water conservation code at Orland Park Public Library (14921 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park)from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Village is seeking to tailor the CMAP Model Water Use Conservation Ordinance and use recommendations from the Water 2050 and GO TO 2040 plans to emphasize water conservation and efficiency through Orland Park's codes and programs. The new water conservation code will recommend ordinance language for increased water conservation practices in a unified Water Resources Chapter to be added to the Village Land Development Code. This project is part of CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, which is sponsored by a three-year $4.25 million HUD Sustainable Communities grant that helps local governments, nonprofits, and other organizations to help implement the GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan.

GO TO 2040 implementation report. CMAP recently released its first annual GO TO 2040 implementation report, which includes water-related case studies that implement recommendations from Water 2050 as well as GO TO 2040. A poster/brochure accompaniment to the report is available upon request (contact Justine Reisinger).

Progress in the Region

Physical barriers against invasive species. The Great Lakes Commission and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, with support from six funders, has completed “Restoring the Natural Divide: Separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin" to identify engineering options for Chicago’s waterway system that will prevent interbasin movement of aquatic invasive species, including Asian carp. Initiated in July 2010, the study also examined potential improvements to the waterway’s roles in commercial navigation, recreational boating, flood and stormwater management, and water quality. CMAP staff participated as a member of the project advisory committee that included representatives from throughout the Great Lakes Basin. Watch this video explaining the study.

MWRD approves green infrastructure for stormwater management. In January, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) established new guidelines for implementing its Sewer Permit Ordinance (SPO) to allow the use of green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff. Since the 1970s, the SPO has regulated drainage from developed properties in Cook County, requiring the use of detention basins or other facilities to slow down runoff during heavy rain storms to protect downstream property owners from flooding. Under the new guidelines, developers can employ “green infrastructure” techniques that mimic natural systems, such as devices that promote uptake of rainfall by plants or that allow water to filter into the soil. Since green infrastructure keeps part of the runoff onsite rather than draining it offsite, using green infrastructure can now be counted toward part of the SPO’s required detention. On smaller sites, all of the detention can be provided through green infrastructure, while on larger sites a quarter of the detention requirement can be met this way. As a result, developers can now expect to save money on site infrastructure costs while simultaneously enhancing water quality and maintaining the SPO’s flood control benefits. Read more about this development in CMAP's Policy Updates blog.

Resources

New pollutant discharge tool. A new discharge pollutant loading tool is available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). It allows stakeholders to access important information about pollutants that are released into local waterways under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits. With the tool, users can easily search and create maps of water pollution into waterways by watershed, company, local area, industry sector, and pollutant. Users can view when discharges are above permitted levels, violations, and enforcement actions taken by the U.S. EPA to address the violations. The tool can be used to protect the health of the community and the region.

Sustainability handbook. A new handbook, "Planning for Sustainability: A Handbook for Water and Wastewater Utilities," is available to help water sector utilities build sustainability considerations into their planning. The handbook will help ensure that water infrastructure projects, including those funded through the state revolving loan fund programs, support long-term sustainability. It is an important milestone in the U.S. EPA's ongoing efforts to implements its clean water and safe drinking water infrastructure sustainability policy, which was initiated in September 2010.

Coastal planning resource. The National Ocean Council launched a new website as a one-stop resource for data and information to support coastal planning -- including in the Great Lakes region. The website includes data, tools, technical guidance, regional planning resources, and a networking forum for all those engaged in protecting our coastal resources.

Mayoral water conservation challenge. From March 30 to April 30, mayors can pledge to conserve water and cut pollution in the third annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Through this nonprofit competition, mayors will be asking their residents to undertake water conservation and energy saving measures such as fixing leaky faucets, walking or biking short distances, and washing only full loads of laundry. CMAP encourages mayors in the northeastern Illinois region to participate in this challenge and is willing to offer assistance where needed. Read more at American City & County.

Sense of Water contest. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. EPA is focusing this year's Rachael Carson Intergenerational "Sense of Wonder" Contest on water. Contest submissions must be on the properties of water and what water means to individuals and the region. Submissions may include poetry, essay, a dance video, or photography. The deadline for entries is June 1, 2012.

Water News

Marketing summit highlighted.The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s (IISG) Asian Carp Marketing Summit is featured in the Telegraph's top 10 local stories of 2011 as the summit invited restaurants, commercial fishing, processing and related businesses, agencies, and academic institutions to discuss the Asian carp threat and foster solutions.

Funding water infrastructure projects. In January, the Regional Infrastructure Improvement Zones Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would allow private businesses or individuals to contribute tax-deductible funds to support the construction or maintenance of public infrastructure, including transportation and water projects. Read more about the bill at CMAP's Policy Updates blog. In related news, the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread released a report outlining strategies for financing water infrastructure in January. The Natural Resources Defense Council released a report on financing stormwater retrofits as well.

Events

Fix a Leak Week. March 12 to 18 marks the fourth annual Fix a Leak Week, sponsored by the U.S. EPA's WaterSense Partnership Program. In addition to featuring a pledge, information will be available on WaterSense partner events throughout the week.

Lawn to Lake Spring 2012 Natural Lawn Care Workshops. The calm before the growing season provides a perfect opportunity to learn new water-friendly lawn care practices. Did you know that the water requirements of natural lawns range 30 to 50 percent lower compared to conventionally maintained lawns? The Lawn to Lake program is partnering with CMAP and other national and regional lawn experts to offer several workshops on Natural Lawn Care this spring, including:

• From March 21 to 22, learn about the latest in natural lawn care techniques at Indiana Natural Lawn Care workshops featuring nationally known expert Chip Osborne. The March 21 Natural Lawn Care workshop is targeted to professionals and municipalities. The March 22 workshop will be for schools and childcares looking to learn about how to use Natural Lawn Care, comply with pesticide regulations, and protect children’s health.
   
• From March 30 to 31, the Illinois Lawn and Landscape Summit will offer techniques to create and care for lawns and landscapes using organic methods at the Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, Ill. The summit will feature Paul Tukey, founding editor and publisher of People, Places & Plants magazine and author of The Organic Lawn Care Manual. On March 30, the all-day summit will be directed to the needs of lawn care professionals. On March 31, homeowners can take part in presentations and discussions that run all morning.
   
• On April 13, the Division of Water Resources from McHenry County's Department of Planning and Development and partners will host the McHenry Natural Lawn Care and Sustainable Landscapes Workshop. The workshop will introduce natural lawn and sustainable landscaping techniques, resources, and implementation; address contract and ordinance review; and discuss managing stormwater with rain-friendly landscaping. For registration materials visit http://www.mchenryh2o.com/ or call 815-334-4560.

World Water Day. Water and food security will be the theme for the 2012 World Water Day on March 22. Started by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, the day was designated for global action on implementing UN recommendations and water activities.

Water pricing and planning for climate change. On April 25, Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economist with CMAP and IISG, will present "Reducing Water Supply Vulnerability in the Chicago Metro Region: Water Pricing as an Adaptive Climate Change Strategy" to the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC). The presentation will discuss the role of water pricing to promote sound regional water management, provide at-risk water systems options to manage climate impacts, and will ensure ongoing infrastructure adequacy as communities face increasing uncertainties. Visit the ISTC calendar for more information.
 

WaterSense Update

NWPA. In January 2012, the Northwest Water Planning Alliance (NWPA) Executive Committee agreed that all members should also become WaterSense Partners in an effort to promote a unified outreach and education message throughout all 80 groundwater-dependent member communities. A WaterSense partnership is a free and easy way to support water efficiency and conservation in your community, and there are already 26 WaterSense promotional partners in our region. For more information, contact Cary McElhinney at McElhinney.Cary@epa.gov or 312-886-4313.

WaterSense Fact. If one of every ten homes in the U.S. were to install WaterSense labeled faucets or faucet accessories in their bathrooms, it could save six billion gallons of water per year and more than $50 million in the energy costs to supply, heat, and treat that water. Learn more about how you can save water and help make a positive impact. CMAP is a WaterSense partner.

Progress from CMAP

Watershed planning.CMAP’s watershed planning activity in the Fox River Basin is coming to a successful close. Final draft plans for Silver Creek/Sleepy Hollow Creek, Ferson-Otter Creek, and Blackberry Creek are due to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) on December 31, 2011. Draft plans and executive summary documents have already been approved by IEPA, and CMAP staff are preparing for meetings this month that will end the current phase of planning.

The newly formed Ferson-Otter Creek Watershed Coalition will meet on December 19 with CMAP staff and our local watershed coordinator and outreach manager, The Conservation Foundation (TCF), in South Elgin. The Silver Creek/Sleepy Hollow Watershed Coalition, also newly formed, will meet with CMAP and our local watershed coordinator and outreach manager, The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, on December 20 in Crystal Lake. CMAP and TCF staff will meet with Blackberry Creek stakeholders on December 20 in Sugar Grove. Details about the upcoming meeting venues can be found on the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership’s (FREP) website. FREP will continue to update news and information about these and other watershed planning activities through 2012 via a one-year contract extension with CMAP.

Lake Zurich water supply planning. CMAP continues to work on water resource management for Lake Zurich as part of a team led by the Metropolitan Planning Council. Other partners on this project include the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) and Center for Neighborhood Technology. The What Our Water’s Worth (WOWW) campaign website recently profiled Lake Zurich. The water resources management team is in the process of preparing its final report to present to the village this winter. This project is also part of CMAP's Local Techincal Assistance program.

Water rates. CMAP’s water resource economist has convened a Water Pricing Advisory Committee to help guide the development of a forthcoming white paper that aims to address full-cost water pricing. The committee met this fall to discuss moving the region forward toward full-cost water pricing, which would enable the continued provision of safe, reliable water service to residents. As part of their work, the pricing advisory committee has reviewed a draft document that will frame the complex issue of water pricing and will serve to inform efforts in the region to implement full cost pricing of water services, building upon previous water rates work conducted in northeastern Illinois. To learn more, contact Margaret Schneemann (MSchneemann@cmap.illinois.gov).

Progress in the Region

Water infrastructure investment. The City of Chicago’s recently approved water-rate increase, a component of the City's 2012 budget, will affect many communities throughout the region. However, it is important that future rate-increase discussions include the plans necessary to address the region’s water infrastructure maintenance needs. As identified in Water 2050, there are great opportunities to improve both conservation and efficiency of the region’s use of our water resources. CMAP staff wrote an October Policy Update to help inform some of these ongoing discussions, including general perceptions of the value of water and the ongoing need to recalibrate such perceptions.

New water quality standards for Chicago River system. In November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) announced its approval of new water quality standards for the Chicago River system. The U.S. EPA had notified the State of Illinois in May that revised water quality standards would be necessary to protect the health of recreational users of the river system. As noted in The Economist, the Chicago River system is increasingly gaining importance as a recreational resource among residents and tourists. The new standards apply to five branches of the river system, including the North and South Branches of the Chicago River, the North Shore Channel, the Cal-Sag Channel, and the Little Calumet River. Revised standards for the Chicago Area Waterway System and the Lower Des Plaines River proposed by the State are still under review by U.S. EPA.

Mayors commit to Great Lakes restoration. During its December meeting, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative passed a resolution committing member mayors to promoting green urban restoration. “I am committed to the restoration and revitalization of the Chicago River as the City’s next recreational frontier, as well as the protection of the Lake Michigan shoreline,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, who also hosted the meeting. Other local cities involved with the initiative include Evanston, Highland Park, and Waukegan.

Resources

Water quality initiatives.On October 28, U.S. EPA announced the development of an integrated planning process to achieve clean water more efficiently and cost effectively. The new approach is intended to help municipalities prioritize infrastructure investments to address water quality issues. It will focus on multi-benefit solutions that improve water quality and enhance community vitality, e.g. green infrastructure practices. The U.S. Geological Survey has also released an initiative to provide decision support for water quality improvements. The Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes model (SPARROW) details nutrient conditions in each region of the country (Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, Midwest/Central, and Eastern Regions) based on geospatial data on soils, land use, fertilizer, manure, wastewater, and other watershed characteristics. The decision support system allows users to “evaluate combinations of source reduction scenarios that target one or multiple sources of nutrients and see the change in the amount of nutrients transported to downstream waters -- a capability that has not been widely available in the past,” according to Stephen Preston, USGS hydrologist and coordinator for the regional models.

New IISG brochure and RFP. IISG released a brochure of program impacts, including progress on green infrastructure, water conservation, and more. IISG has an ongoing partnership with CMAP to implement the Water 2050 plan recommendations. IISG has also issued a request for pre-proposals (RFP) for development research projects relevant to Lake Michigan. For questions on the RFP, contact Carolyn Foley.

RFP for Urban Waters Small Grants.The U.S. EPA announced $1.8 million to $3.8 million in funding for urban water restoration. The funding is part of U.S. EPA’s Urban Waters program, supporting community efforts improve urban waters and the surrounding land. U.S. EPA expects to award the grants in summer 2012, and the application deadline is January 23, 2012.

Water News

Septic system improvements.On November 8, 2011, U.S. EPA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 16 partner organizations to promote collaboration in septic system improvements. The objective of the MOU is to improve system performance through enhanced management practices and technology transfer, expanded accountability and oversight, and improved local decision making through additional public awareness, education, and information programs. A majority of existing septic systems are over 30 years old, with a significant percentage currently malfunctioning. Malfunctioning septic systems are considered potential sources of fecal coliform contamination in the region’s rivers and streams. This collaboration may serve as a model for addressing septic system impairment at the local level. Read more at WaterWorld.

Changes to WaterSense. The U.S. EPA released a Notification of Intent to modify the WaterSense Final Specification for Single Family New Homes, including the removal of the 40 percent turfgrass restriction for landscaping, among other changes. Send comments on the proposed modifications to watersense-homes@erg.com. Read more at Lawn & Landscape.

National water infrastructure legislation. In response to aging national water infrastructure, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced H.R. 3154, the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2011, on October 11. This legislation proposes a five-year $13.8 billion investment in water quality improvements. The bill would establish a new water infrastructure loan guarantee program and, along with a proposed Clean Water Trust Fund, is intended to leverage billions of dollars to meet local water infrastructure needs. The Clean Water Trust Fund would be used to encourage projects that utilize green infrastructure approaches, energy or water efficiency improvements, and the implementation of best management practices or measures identified in an approved nonpoint source management program under section 319. These proposals support recommendations from both the Water 2050 plan and concurrent watershed planning efforts along the Fox River.

Clean Water Act clarification on “Waters of the United States.” Last year, U.S. EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued draft guidance for clear guidelines to determine which water bodies should be protected under the Clean Water Act. Following public comment on these guidelines, a mandate emerged for U.S. EPA to propose a rule clarifying U.S. waters protected under the Clean Water Act. Now, the U.S. EPA and Army Corps of Engineers are in the process of defining this rule and anticipate a public comment period on it in 2012. The rule will focus on protection of smaller tributaries feeding protected waters and wetlands which remove pollutants from water and provide flood control for communities.For updates on the issue, visit http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/wetlands/CWAwaters.cfm.

Events

Natural Lawn Care workshop.Natural lawn care is a solution that can reduce energy, pesticide, fertilizer, and water inputs necessary to have a healthy lawn. On March 21, 2012, the Lawn to Lake program will sponsor a Natural Lawn Care workshop for landscape companies, turf managers, municipalities, and school districts at Indiana University Northwest. The workshop will feature sustainable landscape expert Chip Osborne and the latest in natural lawn care techniques. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the latest in natural lawn care techniques and principles, plus explore how to expand your clientele and develop a profitable program. Visit www.spcpweb.org/training for more information about the workshop.

The Lawn to Lake program is a collaborative effort to protect water resources in the Great Lakes by promoting healthy lawn and landscape practices. As part of implementing Water 2050, CMAP has an ongoing partnership with IISG, who, with funding from the U.S EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), is coordinating a pollution prevention campaign addressing the needs of those responsible for lawn and landscape care in the Southern Lake Michigan Basin. Lawn to Lake works with homeowners, schools, Master Gardeners, professionals, retailers, municipalities, and others across our region to change the way we care for our lawns and landscapes. For more information visit www.lawntolake.org/GreatLakes or contact Lawn to Lake program manager Margaret Schneemann (MSchneemann@cmap.illinois.gov).

WWW conference. On February 22 to 23, 2012, the Wisconsin Wetland Association willhost its Urban Wetlands Conference in Lake Geneva, WI for the regional wetland community to discuss science, management, restoration, and protection.

Progress from CMAP

IDNR newsletter features Water 2050 recommendations. The August edition of the Lake Michigan Water Allocation newsletter from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) highlighted Water 2050, specifically the recommendation to create a Model Water Conservation Ordinance.   CMAP completed a model ordinance and is looking for communities to implement all or a portion of it at the local level.   INDR recommends that permittees review and consider the model ordinance for use in their communities.  For assistance or comments about the model ordinance, please contact Amy Talbot (atalbot@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8646).

St. Charles Park District/Norris Woods Creek stabilization project. Construction has begun for the St. Charles Park District/Norris Woods Creekstabilization project.  Funded under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) FY 08 Section 319 grant cycle to CMAP, the project includes stabilizing the streambank and streambed of a 1,700 foot segment of Norris Woods Creek, a tributary of the Fox River, located in the Norris Woods Nature Preserve.  The Norris Woods project will include reconfiguration of accumulated sediment in an on-line pond to facilitate installation of wetland plant species to slow and filter streamflow; reconfiguration of a basin located in the lower third of the project site into a vegetated swale to collect and filter runoff before discharging to the creek; and development and installation of two interpretive signs to be installed at the project site.
 

Progress in the Region

SOM launches new Great Lakes website. The global design firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) recently launched a website, the Great Lakes Century, as a forum to discuss strategies for protecting the Great Lakes.  The Great Lakes Century is a free initiative of SOM’s City Design Practice -- architects and urban planners working under worldwide urban planning partner Philip Enquist, who conceived of the idea as the firm’s contribution to the 2009 Burnham Plan Centennial.  The new website features SOM’s graphic vision document, journal article, presentations, posts from various contributors, and areas to respond to the posts.  

City plans for new Chicago River boathouses.  The City of Chicago announced plans to build four new boathouses in the ongoing effort to increase access to and interest in the Chicago River. The boathouses will be located along four spots on the Chicago River, including a new park by Bubbly Creek, Ping Tom Park in Chinatown, Clark Park in North Center, and River Park in Ravenswood. Construction of the boathouses will cost an estimated $4 million each, to be funded through both the City and private donations. Recent federal mandates have pushed for improvements to the quality of the waterway.

IDNR to review Allocation of Water from Lake Michigan rules. IDNR will review the Allocation of Water from Lake Michigan rules, focusing on updating the water efficient plumbing section and updating methodology to calculate LMO-2, according to the IDNR newsletter (also mentioned above). Both proposed changes are in line with the recommendations in Water 2050 and could increase the efficiency of region’s collective water supplies.

The first area IDNR intends to focus on is the updating the water efficient plumbing section (Section 3730.307(c)(4)) to be more in line with the fixture flow rates in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the WaterSense Program-both new developments since the original rules were adopted.  The second area is updating the methodology of the LMO-2 form with the removal of the “unavoidable leakage” component of the calculation (Section 3730.102 Definitions and also in Section 3730.307(b)).  The unavoidable leakage component represents a significant quantity of lost water and dollars. 

The incorporation of these two changes would be important in terms of increasing the efficiency of our region’s collective water supplies, not only for the communities on Lake Michigan but also for groundwater communities that are in the midst of obtaining Lake Michigan water both now and in the future.  Understanding the effects of these proposed changes on communities will need to be considered throughout the process. However, it is evident that these rules need to be reviewed and revisited as technology, population, and the water supply environment has changed and will continue to change over time.

Water in the News

Proposed Chicago budget would increase water rates.  Yesterday, the City of Chicago announced plans to increase water and sewer rates in Chicago’s 2012 proposed budget. The proposed budget prioritizes improving the City’s water system to address aging infrastructure, citing city water rates that are currently among the lowest in the country. Under this proposed budget, water and sewer rates would double over the next four years, an increase for the average Chicago household of $120 in 2012. The budget includes other provisions to raise revenue as well, such as a “congestion fee” charged to car owners that park downtown and a fee for larger vehicles that contribute disproportionately to street wear. Ultimately, this plan would fill a $636 million budget shortfall without needing to raise property, sales, or income taxes.

New Illinois medicine collection laws.Governor Quinn has signed legislation that will facilitate collection of unused meds by law enforcement agencies. The signing of House Bill 2056 and House Bill 3090 was a result of thePrescription Pill and Drug Disposal program (P2D2). In northeastern Illinois, the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), in partnership with the P2D2 program, developed The Medicine Chest, a collection of activities and learning resources for students to learn about stewardship of water resources. For more information about starting a program in your community, contact Laura Kammin at lkammin@illinois.edu. Emerging contaminants of concern.  The Chicago Tribune ran a special report on emerging contaminants in Chicago tap water. To learn more about emerging contaminants in the Great Lakes, see the International Joint Commission report “Chemicals of Emerging Concern in the Great Lakes Region.”  Some pesticides were found to be particularly high in urban areas due to lawn care activities. CMAP has partnered with IISG in developing the Lawn to Lake program to help those in our region change their lawn and landscape practices to reduce pesticide inputs into local waters.  A follow-up article from the Tribune focused on a screening process for lead-contaminated water.  

President Obama backs bill for water infrastructure bank. In a speech on September 8^t to a joint session of Congress, President Obama spoke in support of a bill that would create a federal water infrastructure bank.  The American Water Works Association (AWWA) supports a federal water infrastructure bank as a means of addressing necessary repair and replacement of our aging water services infrastructure for systems in economic need. The AWWA acknowledges that the ideal is a water system that is able to sustain itself though full cost rates and charges. CMAP will be issuing a full cost of water services white paper later this fall.

Judges deny request to close Chicago-area locks.  A federal appeals panel has denied a request from five Great Lakes states to close the Chicago-area locks. The suit was an effort to control the invasion of Asian carp entering Lake Michigan through the Chicago waterways. Currently, the locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to control flooding during heavy rains and to enable shipping to pass through the area. The federal lawsuit by Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin requested that the Great Lakes and Mississippi systems be physically separated as quickly as possible. Critics of the request, however, say that such a closure could have a significant economic impact on the area and put flood-prone communities at greater risk.

Another potential water supplier for Lake County communities. Waukegan officials are positioning their water plant to be a prospective water vendor to the North-West Lake County Lake Michigan Water Planning Group. Thenew planning group includes Antioch, Fox Lake, Lake Villa, Lake Zurich, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Volo, Wauconda and the unincorporated areas of Fox Lake Hills and Grandwood Park. In September, Waukegan aldermen authorized contracts for two Chicago-based companies to explore the potential for Waukegan to supply Lake Michigan water to these communities from the city’s current excess capacity. Other potential vendors are the Lake County Public Water District in Zion and the Central Lake County Joint Water Action Agency in Lake Bluff.

Healthy Watersheds Initiate National Framework and Action Plan. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) recently released the Healthy Watersheds Initiative (HWI) National Framework and Action Plan 2011. It was developed to protect healthy watersheds, accelerate restoration efforts, and prevent watersheds from becoming impaired. The plan provides a framework for action among U.S. EPA’s own programs, as well as the agency’s work with states and program partners, to identify healthy watersheds and develop and implement comprehensive strategies to protect and restore them.

Events

Free IGIG workshops. The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) will host two free workshops on applying for the 2012 Illinois Green Infrastructure Grants Program for Stormwater Management (IGIG). Prospective applicants and interested parties can attend workshops on October 17 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at MPC's offices (140 S. Dearborn St., Suite 1400) or October 18 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at The Centre in Elgin (North Banquet Facility,100 Symphony Way). The grant application deadline is December 15, 2011. Read about local 2011 IGIG recipients at CMAP’s Policy Updates blog.

Public meetings for Chicago-area waterway system. On Thursday, October 20, the Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative will hold the first in a series of public meetings  on “Envisioning a Chicago Area Waterway System for the 21st Century,” at the John G. Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. Lake Shore Drive) from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The initiative is developing and evaluating options for separating the Mississippi River and Great Lakes watersheds in the Chicago area to prevent the transfer of aquatic invasive species such as Asian carp, while improving other aspects of the system including transportation, water quality, and stormwater management.

Ladybug Bash.  On Friday, November 4,  Safer Pest Control Project will host its annual Ladybug Bash at SPACE (1245 Chicago Avenue, Evanston) from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tickets purchased in advance are $65 per person and $75 at the door.  The Safer Pest Control Project is committed to reducing the health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides, which often can contaminate our groundwater.

Full-cost water pricing webinar. On November 8, the Wisconsin and Illinois chapters of AWWA will co-host “Ensuring Sustainable Water Systems through Innovative, Full Cost Water Pricing,” a webinar for utility personnel, financial managers, and local elected officials. This webinar will provide information on using full cost rates to address cost recovery, finance aging infrastructure needs, and promote water efficiency. Presenters include Jan Beecher, Institute of Public Utilities, Michigan State University; Drema Gross, Austin Water Utility; and CMAP’s Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economist. To learn more and to register, visit www.isawwa.org or call 866-521-3595 ext. 2.

The latest Water 2050 Update includes information on free bill insert designs as part of the Water 2050 Technical Assistance program, local watershed planning in the Fox River basin, Green Infrastructure Grants to several Illinois communities, and more.  Approved unanimously in January 2010, the Water 2050 plan the official water supply/demand plan for an 11-county planning area of northeastern Illinois.

Progress from CMAP

Low-cost public outreach. CMAP is providing free bill insert designs to public water suppliers and municipalities as part of the Water 2050 Technical Assistance program. The bill inserts deliver a concise message using text, compelling imagery, and focus on a variety of topics from conservation to groundwater protection, with more to come. For more details and any questions, contact Amy Talbot (atalbot@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8646).

Progress in the Region

Green Infrastructure Grants awarded. A number of Illinois communities were awarded a portion of nearly $5 million in Green Infrastructure Grants funding from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to decrease pollution entering Illinois water bodies. Projects are funded in the categories of combined sewer overflow, storm retention and infiltration, and small projects. . Aging infrastructure coupled with rising populations has placed more pressure on sewers when dealing with runoff from storm events, leading to overflows of bacteria-filled water during heavy rains. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has ordered several Illinois communities without plans to prepare strategies for reducing future overflow occurrences.

Potential new water-purchase group. Five municipalities are considering forming a water-purchasing group to potentially negotiate better water rates once their contract agreement with the Village of Oak Lawn is up for renewal in October. Orland Park Village Manager Paul Grimes says the Village, along with Tinley Park, New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, and Oak Forest, collectively account for 70 percent of Oak Lawn’s water sales. Alternatives to this option would include forming a water commission; entering a purchasing group or authority separate from Oak Lawn; and asking for changes in the existing contract that would establish performance standards, operations oversight, and participation in decision-making for future improvement of water infrastructure.
 

Water in the News

Power plants threaten fish. The Chicago Tribune obtained records indicating that when several Great Lakes power plants take in water to cool equipment, they kill millions of fish annually. Fish are killed when strong pumps suck them through intake screens and the high heat and pressure cook eggs, larvae, and young fish to death. Additionally, the water released back into the Lakes is hotter than the surrounding water. This leads to increased algae growth that depletes oxygen levels, killing fish and dirtying beaches. This “once through” cooling method is banned at newer power plants. A federal proposal was issued in March requiring older plants to reduce the power of the water intakes or meet certain limits of fish kills. However, according to U.S. EPA documents, nearly 60 percent of the facilities affected will remain unchanged.

More evidence of Asian carp. Several water samples taken from above the Chicago canal system electric barriers tested positive for the presence of Asian carp “environmental” DNA, according to the Wall Street Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Scientists with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stressed that positive tests are still a rarity and environmental DNA only establishes the presence of trace amounts of Asian carp DNA, not the presence of actual fish. Of these most recent positive tests, the majority came from Lake Calumet, a water body directly connected to Lake Michigan. Army Corps officials say they remain confident that the barriers are effective.

Contaminated beach waters. A recent National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) study found Illinois beaches to be among the most contaminated in the country. Chicago’s most contaminated beaches include the South Shore, Rainbow, 63rd Street, Montrose, and 31st Street Beaches, while North Point Marina Beach in Lake County made the report's "repeat offender" category. The report cites aging, inadequate sewer infrastructure as one major cause of beach contamination.

Proposed water funding cuts. WaterWorld reports that the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill from the House Appropriations Committee would cut deeply into U.S. EPA funding, along with funding for other land and water management agencies. For the U.S. EPA, this equals a funding cut of $1.5 billion from last year. The drinking water and clean water revolving funds face the largest cuts of nearly a $1 billion combined. These funds provide money for water infrastructure improvement loans.
 

Events

A Conversation with Charles Fishman. On August 18, the Metropolitan Planning Council, Openlands, and the Union League Club’s Authors Group will present host a luncheon with Charles Fishman, author of The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water. The event costs $30 per person. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Lawn to Lake workshop. On October 13, CMAP and its partners will host the workshop "Natural Lawn Care and Sustainable Landscaping" for municipalities and landscape professionals at the College of Lake County. The workshop will introduce natural lawn and sustainable landscaping techniques, resources, and implementation; address contract and ordinance review; and discuss managing stormwater with rain-friendly landscaping. To register, visit www.libertyprairie.org or call 847.548.5989 ext.33. This workshop is sponsored through the Lawn to Lakes program. To learn more about the program, contact Margaret Schneemann at MSchneemann@cmap.illinois.gov.

Full-cost water pricing webinar. On November 8, the Wisconsin and Illinois chapters of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) will co-host “Ensuring Sustainable Water Systems through Innovative, Full Cost Water Pricing,” a webinar for utility personnel, financial managers, and local elected officials. This webinar will provide information on using full cost rates to address cost recovery, finance aging infrastructure needs, and promote water efficiency. Presenters include Jan Beecher, Institute of Public Utilities, Michigan State University; Drema Gross, Austin Water Utility; and CMAP’s Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economist. To learn more and to register, visit www.isawwa.org or call 866-521-3595 ext. 2.