Before they decide whether to invest up to $15 million for a new sewer line and pump station to alleviate flooding in River Forest, village trustees want a second opinion.
Trustees decided unanimously, Aug. 20, to approve the hiring of Christopher Burke and Associates, an engineering firm that will review an earlier recommendation from a water services firm calling for the multi-year projects.
FluidClarity Ltd. presented a flood mitigation report to the board in March. The report said a new storm sewer down the middle of Greenfield Street could help reduce flooding, because it would provide more capacity for storm water.
The Elmwood Park Outfall Sewer runs beneath North Avenue and currently serves the area of River Forest north of Division Street. But since water from River Forest, Elmwood Park and Chicago goes into it, the pipe can’t handle more than a common rainfall without flooding.
FluidClarity recommended upgrading the pipe — which would connect to the Deep Tunnel system — to a 10-year storm frequency capacity. They also said installation of a pump station along Lake Street would reduce flooding, because it would send storm water from a sewer under the street into the Des Plaines River instead of into basements along the street when Deep Tunnel is filled to capacity.
The village would invest $10-15 million if the board decides to move forward with the two projects, according to a memo to the board from Village Administrator Eric Palm. The memo said that while FluidClarity’s report provides a solid recommendation, staff would like a second opinion “before committing to a multimillion-dollar project that will take several years to complete.”
Public Works Director Phil Cotter said Burke is a good candidate for the review because they’re familiar with the Des Plaines River watershed and have completed numerous flood studies for surrounding communities. The board agreed, without discussion, to a contract with Burke that will not exceed $8,000.
Once Burke reviews the two reports, Cotter said they’ll work with village staff to develop revised or alternative plans for the projects and finalize funding. The village has already filed a pre-application with the state to be considered for a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
With the board’s decision, Burke received authorization to begin work, Cotter said. He estimated the process could take up to two months.