2013.dec.13 14 318-f_downspout disconnection final complete

A Century of Progress with Pride

6700 West 26th

Street Berwyn, Illinois 60402-0701 Telephone: (708) 788-2660 Fax: (708) 788-2567 www.berwyn-il.gov

The City of Berwyn

Robert J. Lovero Mayor

December 10, 2013

Amy Walkenbach

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Watershed Management Section #15

P.O. Box 19276

Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276

Dear Ms. Walkenbach:

As Mayor of the City of Berwyn, I would like to convey my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to

submit this application for the Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program. As mayor of a densely

populated, inner ring suburb I see firsthand the effects of an overworked combined sewer system such as

flooded basements, polluted waterways and damaged infrastructure.

In order to be part of the solution to these problems, the City of Berwyn seeks funding in the amount of

$42,000.00. This financial assistance will be used to initiate Berwyn’s Residential Downspout

Disconnection Program to assist Berwyn residents in disconnecting their downspouts from the City’s

sewer system. By returning stormwater runoff to the ground, we hope to be able to reduce the likelihood

of combined sewer overflows; an occurrence that has become all too common.

Enclosed you will find two hard copies and a digital version of our proposal for green infrastructure.

Through your support of this initiative we hope to collectively address the amount of pollutants entering

the Des Plaines River watershed. Thank you for your time and consideration of our proposal. If you

have any questions about the plan, please feel free to contact me.

Respectfully,

Robert J. Lovero

Mayor

City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program

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City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection

Program

Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 0712000407

Des Plaines River Watershed

Category: Green Infrastructure Small Projects Category

Rivers: IL G‐39 Des Plaines River

Contact Information: Robert Schiller Public Works Director, City of Berwyn 6700 West 30th Street Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788.2660 [email protected]

City of Berwyn Website: http://www.berwyn‐il.gov/


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Abstract:

The City of Berwyn requests $42,000.00 in grant funds through the Illinois Green Infrastructure

Grant Program (IGIG) to implement the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program. The

total cost of this project is $56,000.00. The City will provide the local match supporting 25% of

the project in the amount of $14,000.00. The proposed project will assist residents in

disconnecting their downspouts therefore decreasing the volume of water entering the sewers

during a storm. This program will significantly increase permeability thus enabling 50% of

stormwater to infiltrate into the ground. Furthermore, the downspout disconnect program will

allow stormwater runoff to be absorbed by the ground and reduce pollutant concentrations

entering the sewer system. Through this project the City hopes to demonstrate to the public

the benefits of green infrastructure and sustainability.

Berwyn, as an urban infill community, has active Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) problems

and recognizes the environmental and health risks that are associated. The proposed

Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will decrease the amount of stormwater

entering the sewer system and therefore allow stormwater to matriculate into the ground

naturally instead of taxing the areas combined sewer system.

1. Project Narrative:

Characterization of the Area:

The City of Berwyn is located within ten miles of the Chicago Loop, situated between the

Stevenson (I‐55) and Eisenhower (I‐290) Expressways and is in close proximity to Midway

Airport, O’Hare Airport and served by the Metra Rail line. Due to its prime location and

availability of affordable housing, the City has seen an increase in population, traffic and urban

density over the past several decades.

The City’s land area is 3.9 square miles with a growing population of 56,657 in which 72% are

over the age of 18. This equates to a population density of 14,527 per square mile; 20% higher

than that of Chicago’s.

The City’s combined sewer system is nearing 100 years old and incapable, at times, of handling

the increased capacity especially during a storm. Much of the combined sewer system was

designed to handle small one story structures when pervious green areas were much larger.

While the population and density of Berwyn has grown, the combined sewer system has

remained largely untouched. Currently the City contains only 2.0% of open space. The City’s

current stormwater management system is a combined sewer system provided by the

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC), comprised of a

conveyance system nearly 100 miles in length and storm laterals totaling 19 miles. Stormwater


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runoff and sewage are collected into a single pipe and ultimately discharged into the large

interceptors of the MWRDGC where it is eventually treated at their Stickney Treatment Plant.

The Stickney Plant has the capacity to treat 1.2 billion gallons of wastewater per day, serving a

260 square mile area with 2.5 million people. This area encompasses parts of Chicago and 43

suburban communities. Many of Berwyn’s neighboring communities which are serviced by the

Stickney Plant are also built out, land locked communities with aging infrastructure.

The City of Berwyn is located within the Des Plaines River watershed. This watershed covers

over 850,000 acres of predominately urban and industrial uses within Lake, DuPage, Cook and

Will Counties. The Illinois EPA found that only 24% of the watershed was in “good” condition.

The EPA went on to attribute the primary cause of problematic conditions to municipal point

source pollution and urban runoff. Berwyn is located near a segment of the Des Plaines River

identified as a Section 303(d) impaired water body for which sources of impairment include

CSOs and urban stormwater runoff.

Although, 66% of the watershed’s land is of an urban land use, 19% is covered by forest, 5% is

cropland and the remaining 10% is open water, wetland and grassland, much of these areas

preserved by the Forest Preserve Districts. The wildlife represented in these areas is comprised

of 263 bird species, 45 mammal species, 16 species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles, 49

species of fish, 33 species of mussels and 18 species of dragonflies. Of the species of plants

found throughout the area, 25 species are state threatened or endangered, 4 of which are on

the federal list, and one species of dragonfly is federally endangered, making the Lower Des

Plaines River basin one of few breeding places in the country.

Planning efforts are currently underway to reduce combined sewer overflows. The MWRDGC

Tunnel and Reservoir Project (TARP) is currently underway to increase the region’s capacity to

contain and direct combined sewer flows to water reclamation plants for treatment instead of

discharging into rivers and lakes. CSO communities are also implementing long‐term control

plans and aggressive pollution prevention strategies to minimize pollutant loads entering the

combined sewer systems.

Berwyn in particular is taking a multifaceted approach to addressing CSO. The City is slowly

acquiring blighted property and constructing green space called “pocket parks.” Beyond serving

as public space, the pocket parks work to increase the permeability of the entire area. The City

is working with three large commercial development projects that will include onsite detention

of stormwater runoff. Additionally, the City actively supports a rain barrel program for its

residents in an effort to further allay runoff and in the process of updating its zoning ordinance

to allow native plantings normally found in raingardens. The City is actively pursuing additional

projects that can be implemented to reduce flooding, stormwater runoff and CSOs. The City

recently replaced a 25,580 square foot asphalt parking lot for a Park District facility with


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permeable pavers. In addition, a StormTrap underground stormwater storage system was

installed in a park in a section of the City that experiences flooding regularly, designed to

provide 5,507 cubic feet of underground storage.

Project Need:

The City has experienced several instances of damaging flooding over the past couple of

years. The City’s combined sewers are outdated and were not originally designed to sustain the

demands of a growing urban area. The Residential Downspout Disconnection Program is

intended to provide storm sewer relief to the City’s combined sewer system by decreasing the

volume of water entering the sewers during a storm. The City is looking to the development of

this program as a response to ongoing stormwater management issues, to mitigate flooding

concerns and prepare for the future. Over the past couple of years, the City has experienced

severe flooding events resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and the

displacement of residents from their homes.

Berwyn’s stormwater and sanitary sewerage is conveyed to the MWRDGC interceptor system.

Most of these City collection sewers have a very limited capacity to convey stormwater runoff

due to their small size and long distances to the MWRDGC interceptor. During heavy rainfall

events, MWRDGC has been forced to close the sluices gates to their system and excess flows

are diverted into the surrounding waterways untreated.

Downspout disconnection has been identified as a stormwater management best practice to

alleviate residential flooding and mitigate Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) problems. Many of

the gutter downspouts on Berwyn’s homes are directly connected to the City’s sewer system,

increasing the volume and rate of stormwater entering the sewer system during a storm.

Disconnecting the downspouts and allowing the water to drain onto a resident’s front or rear

yard will prolong the time at which the sewers reach capacity. Berwyn is hopeful that the

Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will reduce the volume of stormwater entering

the combined sewer system by 50%. Roof runoff will enter the green areas within the

residential property limits and will infiltrate the ground rather than end up in the combined

sewer system. This initiative will also reduce pollutant loads entering both the City system and

the MWRD system and will ultimately reduce the discharging of pollutants into the area

waterways. Thus, the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will help improve local

water quality in the long term. Residents will also have the option of collecting their rainwater

for watering on dry days, which will also conserve City water.


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Des Plaines River

Not Supporting Use Cause Source

Aquatic Life Fish Consumption Primary Contact

Aldrin, Arsenic, Chloride, Lindane, Mercury, Methoxychlor, Flow regime alternations, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Fecal Coliform, pH, Phosphorus (Total)

Atmospheric Deposition – Toxics, Combined Sewer Overflows, Contaminated Sediments, Impacts from Hydrostructure Flow Regulation/modification, Municipal Point Source Discharges, Unknown, Dam or Impoundment, Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

Not Supporting Use Cause Source

Fish Consumption Indigenous Aquatic Life

Iron, Oil and Grease, Oxyden – Dissolved, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Phosphorus (Total)

Combined Sewer Overflows, Impacts from Hydrostructure Flow Regulation/modification, Municipal Point Source Discharges, Unknown, Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers

The chart above indicates the number of pollutants in the surrounding waters that can be

attributed to CSOs and stormwater runoff. The capacity of the existing system is exceeded

during heavy rainfall and has been the case of flooding within the City. The City wishes to

pursue future projects to aid in stormwater management.

Project Plan:

The City of Berwyn proposes to utilize IGIG funds to initiate the Residential Downspout

Disconnection Program with a starting goal of servicing 500 homes; totaling 82,300 square

yards of impervious area throughout the City. The program has the potential for expansion

and/or continuation based on resident need, interest and/or eligibility.

Project Components:

The project will consist of public outreach and education of the program. The City will begin

these steps. The City will also assist residents in identifying if their downspouts are connected,

the best location for discharge and the steps in the labor and supplies required for

disconnection. The actual downspout disconnection will be performed by a licensed contractor

with the necessary tools and materials. Upon completion of the work, the City will inspect and

follow up with the resident. This project will require public education and notice of the project;

resident application for the program; a period for review, questions and answers; inspection by

City staff; and project close out by City staff. It is anticipated that the start‐up round for the

disconnect program will take 12 – 18 months from start to completion. The City wishes to


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continue this program for years to come and hopes that once the initial process is established,

the program will run more efficiently in the following years. The key project components are:

1. Public Notification and Education: The City will notify residents of the Residential

Downspout Disconnection Program, outlining the benefits of stormwater management

and the application process. Any questions arising from the notice can be submitted

and addressed to Public Works during this period.

2. Public Application: Residents will submit applications for the program. The scope of the

project will be determined at this point based on the interest and eligibility

requirements. Locations for work will be determined and reviewed during this process.

3. Public Bidding: The construction bid notice will be released.

4. Bid Opening/Contract Awarded: Proposals will be opened and evaluated, and the

contract will be awarded to the successful bidder.

5. Construction Phase: Construction of the project will commence.

6. Project Completion/Operations and Maintenance Plan.

Project Plan Summary:

Timeline Project Components/Tasks Deliverables

Performance Measures

Months 1‐6 Public Notification/Education

Outreach regarding the program to residents; Complete Operations & Maintenance Plan

Residents applying for the program

Months 7‐9 Public Application Applications received and reviewed; Scoping of the project

Determining the scale of the program and public acceptance

Months 10‐11

Public Bidding/Bid OpeningConstruction bid notices released; Bids opened and evaluated

Contract awarded and executed

Months 12‐18

Construction of the Residential Disconnects Citywide

Project Completed Final project report/ documentation complete

The project is designed in such a way that the total project, from grant award to final payment,

would be accomplished in 12 to 18 months; with ample time to address the concerns and

questions that residents may have and to ensure a successful program.

Partnering:

Berwyn will work closely with the IEPA in initiating this project, but will not need to partner

with any other agencies to implement the project. Berwyn will however work with residents


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and businesses to not only make them aware of the project but to also educate them about the

benefits of green infrastructure projects.

2. Project Budget:

The total cost of this project is $56,000.00. The City of Berwyn seeks funding in the amount of

$42,000.00 (75%) from the IGIG program. The City will provide a 25% local match totaling

$14,000.00.

Cost Summary for the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program:

Description Estimated Cost

Construction $ 50,000.00

City Inspector Direct Labor $ 3,200.00

City Inspector Indirect Costs $ 2,800.00

Subtotal $ 56,000.00

IGIG Assistance Amount (75%) $ 42,000.00

City of Berwyn Funding (25%) $ 14,000.00

Anticipated Outputs:

The City of Berwyn will disconnect the downspouts of a minimum 500 homes; totaling 82,300

square yards of runoff from residential roofs from entering the aging sewer system. In

addition, residents will have the option of collecting the rainwater for watering during dry days

or creating a raingarden. This solution is not only beneficial to the resident’s plants and garden,

but is also a water conservation measure.

Anticipated Outcomes:

The City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will result in:

1. The reduction of surface runoff volume by 50% in the project area.

2. The reduction of the phosphorus pollutant load by 6.35 lb/yr (50%).

3. The reduction of the nitrogen pollutant load by 86.53 lb/yr (50%).

4. The reduction of the amount of sediment found in runoff by 0.88 tons/yr (80%).

Programmatic Capability/Technical Experience:

The City of Berwyn has all of the necessary experience and qualifications to undertake the

proposed green infrastructure projects. Berwyn has a long history of successfully implementing

infrastructure projects. The City’s Public Works Director, Robert Schiller, will oversee the

projects and ensure that all project components are completed as proposed. John Fitzgerald,


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the City’s Engineer, will be responsible for the design phase and preparation of construction

plans and specifications. John is a Professional Engineer and Vice President for the City’s

Consulting Civil Engineering Firm; Frank Novotny & Associates, Inc. Frank Novotny & Associates

has successfully performed municipal consulting engineering services for the City of Berwyn

since 1965. John brings a well‐rounded balance of specialized technical expertise to the City of

Berwyn. Along with a team of engineers, technicians and field personnel, John designs, bids and

oversees the following types of improvements:

Street Paving & Rehabilitation

Water Mains, Distribution Systems & Pumping Stations

Sanitary Sewer Extension & Collection Systems

Stormwater Drainage, Detention, Management & Hydraulic Studies

Roadway Lighting & Traffic Control Systems

Subdivision Plan Review & Inspection of Improvements

Commercial Area Redevelopment

Sidewalk, Pathway & Bikeway Systems Planning & Design

Parking Lot Facilities and Green Parking Lots

John has been with Frank Novotny & Associates since 1987, after receiving his B.S. in Civil

Engineering from Marquette University.

Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management (IGIG)Attachment 1

Page 1 of 2September 15th, 2010

Project Name:

Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information X 1 High

X2 High

High Reduces pollutant load amount reduced6.35 lb/yr (50%)86.53 lb/yr (50%)0.88 tons/yr (80%)50% volume reduction

Flow reduction = 50% volume reduction

Name(s) and Assessment Unit IDs of lake and stream: Des Plaines River Watershed712000407Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

Name(s) of source water:

5

Med

City of Berwyn Downspout Disconnect ProgramApplicant:Date:

City of Berwyn13-Dec-13

Preserves, restores or enhances the natural hydrology of the area

High

High Significantly reduces the volume of runoff from the site that enters the stormwater collection and conveyance system byincreasing infiltration of stormwater into site soils or using vegetation to intercept, take up and evapotranspire stormwater orcapturing stormwater for reuse. Reduces volume of stormwater entering a combined sewer system. Eliminates or reducesuntreated stormwater runoff.

Project is within the drainage area of a Section 303(d) identified impaired water, a 305(b) assessed waterbody not meetingfull use support or a completed TMDL watershed

Improves water quality of a local source of drinking water. Site is located within a delineated source water protection area(groundwater)

Water Quality

X

4

X

Reduces existing impervious surfaces or otherwise increases the effective permeability of existing impervious surfaces at thesite or is located on land with permeability reduced due to pre-existing development (e.g., buildings, paved surfaces andcompacted soils)

X

X

6

Total Phosphorus (lbs) =Nitrogen (lbs) =

Sediment (tons)=Flow reduction =

Other (name and amount) =

3

Instructions: Step 1 - Complete Project Name, Applicant and Date. Step 2 - Check "Yes", "No" or "NA" (not applicable) on the left side of each criteria listed to identify if the project addresses that consideration. Step 3 - Provide detailed information, as requested, on the right side. Add lines as necessary. Step 4 - Submit this form with your IGIG Application to Illinois EPA

Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management (IGIG)Attachment 1

Page 2 of 2September 15th, 2010

Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information

Citation:High Approved Long Term Control Plan (CSO Communties)High Stormwater Management Plan Under developmentHigh Stormwater Regulation or Ordinance Cook County Stormwater Management Plan (CCSMP)High Regional Water Supply Plan IDNR Lake Michigan Water Allocation ProgramHigh Watershed Based Plan Lower Des Plaines River Watershed Management PlanMed Local Comprehensive Plan Yes, adopted 10/23/12Low Conservation PlanLow Water Quality Management Plan

X 8 Low

Documentation:X 10 Low

X 11 LowX 12 Low

X 13 LowX 14 Low

X 15 Low

Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information

Citation:X 17 HighX 18 Med

X 19 Low

X16 High

9 LowX

The community has adopted a dedicated revenue source for green infrastructure stormwater management practices andtheir long term maintenance

7

Reduces consumption of potable, treated water

Implements and is Consistant with Regulations, Permits and Plans

Sustainability and Other Policy Priorities

Directly addesses noncompliance issue, whether or not enforcement action has been taken

Uses low impact construction technology to minimize impact on the environmentThe community has adopted an integrated resource plan, including demand-side management, for water supply, waste waterand stormwater.

Integral part of a solution to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documented flood problem

Creates, preserves or restores terrestrial wildlife habitatCreates, preserves or restores recreational open spaceReduces heat island effectProvides education oportunities (note - education components are not eligible for reimbursement or as match)Generates performance data (note - data collection components are not eligible for reimbursement or as match)

The applicant or its partner have a dedicated source of funds for long term maintenance for the proposed project

Identified as a recommended action to improve water quality in a:

X

Residential Downspout Disconnection Program

Citywide – City of Berwyn, Cook County

2013.dec.13 14 318-f_downspout disconnection final complete

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