Additional Demonstrations Planned for Teachers and Students at DuPage Middle Schools
Wheaton, January 26, 2005 - Thefirst in a series of demonstration and teaching seminars was conducted at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago for the new environmental education model. The watershed model device, Enviroscape, was recently donated by DuPage County to 54 area middle schools.
“This is the first widespread educational initiative aimed at protecting our water supply,” said DuPage Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom. “Over the next several months, a watershed model will be presented to 54 middle schools throughout the County and hands-on training will be provided to teachers so that they may utilize the model as they teach the environmental impact of pollutants on water.”
Teachers were trained at the Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago and future training sessions will be conducted at Westview Hills Middle School in Willowbrook, at Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst, at Eisenhower Middle School in Darien and at West Chicago Middle School. Additional training sessions will be conducted at middle schools county-wide.
This model aids science teachers in educating middle school children about the widespread effects of pollutants in our water and also demonstrates the impact of area development. County officials note that the model will help developers design community projects that will safeguard the water.
The innovative three dimensional model was purchased through S.C.A.R.C.E., School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education. SCARCE will also provide teacher training at each of the middle schools.
The diorama provides a hands-on learning experience for students to discover the impact of pollutants on groundwater. The model visually demonstrates the impact one segment of the community has on another and also allows the student to experiment with possible solutions to groundwater contamination.
The County’s Stormwater Committee approved the purchase of 64 Enviroscape models, ten of which will be shared by parochial schools in the County. The purchase was in concert with Chairman Schillerstrom’s Water Quality Program which assists communities with financial grants to address water quality and stormwater issues and includes public education as part of its mandate.
“This flexible demonstration model will enhance environmental education and assist schools in relating environmental issues and concerns to their students,” said Jim Zay, a DuPage County Board member and Chairman of the Stormwater Committee. “This is the first of many educational initiatives we hope to implement in order to increase our outreach.”
“This model, which is the first of its kind, will not only instruct students on water issues, but will work to develop responsible citizens and environmental consciousness,” Schillerstrom concluded. “We are proud to be part of this educational initiative.”
The Danada House is located at 3S501 Naperville Road, on the east side of the road and south of Butterfield Road (Route 56). The house is located across from the Forest Preserve District headquarters.
"This meeting will provide the public with a great opportunity to learn about proposed projects in the West Branch River Valley Restoration Project and to express their views," said James Zay, Chairman of the County’s Stormwater Committee.
The objectives of the public information meeting on the West Branch River Valley Restoration Project are to:
During the public information meeting, representatives from DuPage County, Christopher B. Burke Engineering West and the Forest Preserve District will present information stations that detail involvement and participation in the West Branch River Valley Restoration Project. Zay notes that citizens are encouraged to visit each station to learn about the project and meet involved parties. The format allows for education, exchange of information and encourages one-on-one discussions.
2006 Press Releases
COUNTY RECEIVES $10.8 MILLION FOR WETLAND MITIGATION PLAN FROM CITY OF CHICAGO
WHEATON, January 25, 2006 - Chairman Robert Schillerstrom accepted a check for $10,860,000 from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley Saturday. The Mayor gave the check to Chairman Schillerstrom at an event announcing an historic wetlands mitigation plan that will replace 69 acres of low-quality wetlands with 90 acres of new high quality, publicly accessible wetlands at the DuPage County West Branch Forest Preserve near Bartlett. The plan will also make significant improvements in the reduction of storm water runoff, which will have long term flood control benefits for the Des Plaines River Watershed, benefiting both Cook and DuPage Counties.
The new wetlands will replace wetlands associated with Willow Higgins Creek, which flows through the footprint of the proposed new runway configuration. The wetlands, located on the DuPage County portion of the airport, needed to be relocated in order to reduce conflict between wildlife and aircraft. City, County and Forest Preserve officials attended the event that overlooked construction of box culverts to divert the relocated creek.
Mayor Daley thanked Chairman Schillerstrom for his leadership in forging the agreement and noted the regional benefits that can be realized when the City and the County work together.
Chairman Schillerstrom thanked Forest Preserve District President Dewey Pierotti and Executive Director Brent Manning for working to develop a visionary plan that will also improve water quality by reducing sedimentation, stabilizing steam banks, creating filtered grass-lined channels, and restoring native environments.
“We stand here this morning in view of construction for one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country,” Schillerstrom said. “The Modernization of O’Hare Airport will stimulate our economy and create jobs and opportunities for generations to come. But what is special about this morning’s announcement is that the City and the County have worked together to include consideration for our environment into these ambitious plans.”
Chairman Schillerstrom also acknowledged the significant role of the DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee and its Chairman Jim Zay in forging this historic agreement. “Mr. Zay’s Committee meticulously prepared and then adopted the Upper Des Plaines River Tributaries Watershed Plan, of which O’Hare Airport occupies a dominant portion of the Watershed. The success of this agreement will rely on following the Stormwater Ordinance and Watershed Plan,” Schillerstrom stated.
Mr. Zay attended the announcement and explained that the elements in the Watershed Plan will allow the County to deliver watershed benefits in both Cook and DuPage Counties and will deliver a wide spectrum of benefits.
“This agreement will make significant improvements in the reduction of storm water runoff, which will have long term flood control benefits for the Des Plaines River Watershed,” Zay said. “DuPage County recognizes the important role that wetlands play in our environment and we are pleased that the City chose to work with us to maintain those benefits within DuPage County.”
COUNTY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF PROJECT THAT WILL ALLOW HOMEOWNERS ACCESS TO CLEAN, QUALITY, WATER
WHEATON, October 25, 2006 ― Providing families on Judith and Rivera Courts with access to clean, quality water was the goal of a project recently completed by the DuPage County Department of Public Works.
The project to provide water access to residents came after the DuPage County Health Department discovered that wells in the area were contaminated. As a result, DuPage County moved expeditiously to ensure residents had access to quality drinking water, something DuPage County Board Member James Zay said was the number one priority of this $658,000 project.
“This was something we had to do to ensure those families had the opportunity to access clean, affordable water,” said Zay (District 6), Chairman of the County’s Stormwater Committee. “I commend our Public Works department, and the Village of Carol Stream, for moving quickly on this important project, and for the homeowners who worked in tandem with the County to ensure this project got completed.”
Pam Rion (District 6), who chair’s the County’s Transportation Committee, noted that this project was done in both a timely manner, and under budget.
“When we first discovered this problem, our first goal was to move as fast as possible, and I’m pleased we were able to accomplish that goal,” said Rion. “Secondly, I am thrilled that in completing this project in a timely manner, we were able to stay under budget, which is a win-win for everyone.”
The next step for homeowners in this endeavor will be to decide whether or not they want to be connected to the water lines installed by the County. The cost of the water main project will be applied to the property owner’s tax bill. The individual water service lines connecting each home to the new water system will be incurred by the resident.
“Having access to clean, quality water is something no homeowner should go without,” said Linda Kurzawa, District 6 Board Member and President of the DuPage Health Department. “From beginning to end, everyone involved in this process worked together toward one common goal, and we are thrilled that goal has come to fruition.”
County Board Passes Resolution Asking General Assembly for a Permissive Cigarette Sales Tax
WHEATON, November 14, 2006 — The DuPage County Board passed a resolution at today’s Board meeting officially requesting the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation during the 2006 veto session that would give counties the ability to impose a cigarette sales tax if approved by their county boards.
The resolution cited significant demographic changes in the DuPage County that are forcing new budgetary pressures and demands for services, including the number of new immigrant citizens and a growing senior citizen population.
The resolution was presented by Board Member James Zay (District 6), Chairman of the Financial Forecast Committee, which earlier this year recommended that DuPage County pursue a new source of revenue. Zay stated and reiterated to his fellow board members today that the cigarette tax would be the best way the County could raise significant revenue without overburdening the taxpayer.
“Even though we are the second largest County in Illinois, we have limited revenue enhancement options and we are statutorily prohibited from implementing any action that would raise significant revenue,” said Zay.” We must have the intervention of the General Assembly in order to be able to impose a cigarette sales tax.”
The Legislation requested is House Amendment Two to Senate Bill 716. If passed, the legislation would allow County Boardsto vote on whether or not they wish to impose a cigarette tax.
“County governments should be granted local control and revenue authority consummate with their responsibilities. We are only asking for the tools to do our jobs,” said Zay. “Speaking with our legislators, we have found them understanding about the need for new revenue to support public health and safety. I hope the General Assembly will agree with us about the urgency of this issue.”
Last Thursday, the DuPage County Board of Health endorsed state legislation that would allow DuPage County to add a cigarette tax as a way to discourage the use of tobacco. They also strongly encouraged the DuPage County Board to support the legislation as well.
“Tobacco usage is a significant and costly public health threat and smoking is a contributing factor in the leading causes of death in the County of DuPage, including heart disease, cancer, stroke and emphysema. Counties bear the cost of healthcare needs due to tobacco related illnesses. Data has proven that an increase in a cigarette tax will result in a decrease in teen smoking. I urge all legislators to support this bill which would help address a serious public health threat,” said Linda Kurzawa (District 6), Board Member and President of the Board of Health.
DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom outlined the county’s financial situation in his budget address last month. He warned of significant reductions in programs across the board if a new revenue source was not found.
“County governments statewide are facing serious financial challenges and have become a safety net for many services that state and federal governments no longer provide or adequately fund,” said Schillerstrom. “Due to unprecedented demographic changes, we are in need of a new significant revenue source to support the increasing demand on public health and safety programs.”
Schillerstrom has pledged that if a new revenue source were found, he would work to restore funds wherever possible and prudent and work to protect and enhance critical public health and safety programs.
For more statistics on tobacco usage and the effects of
a cigarette tax on teen smoking, please visit the DuPage
Coalition Against Tobacco
http://www.dupagehealth.org/dcat/
2007 Press Releases
HEATINGS SITES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DuPAGE COUNTY
WHEATON, January 31, 2007 — With temperatures forecast to drop into the single digits over the weekend, and with below freezing temperatures currently settling in over the area, DuPage County wants to remind residents that there are heating centers located throughout the County should they need to take refuge from the extreme conditions.
By visiting www.dupageco.org, residents can find a complete list of heating centers in their community. These centers include libraries, municipal buildings, police stations, and community centers.
Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health.
Follow these tips to stay safe in cold weather:
-
Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.
-
Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
-
Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
-
Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
-
Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
To learn more on how to protect yourself from dangerous weather conditions, please visit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago at
www.chicagoredcross.org.
DuPage County also wants to remind pet owners about the dangers their animals face during extreme cold weather. The best prevention for pets is to keep them indoors. To learn more about how to protect your pet, visit the Humane Society of the United States at
www.hsus.org/pets.
DUPAGE COUNTY SCARCE GREEN BUILDING DESIGN CHALLENGE
WHEATON, April 4, 2007 -
SCARCE will hold a design challenge on Tuesday April
10th for high school student teams to educate students
and their teachers about designing and building a green
building with a focus on “best management practices” for
stormwater management, such as green roofs, native
plants, and permeable parking surfaces.
The high school students will have their models, power point presentations, poster boards, and notebooks on display from nine in the morning to noon in commemoration of Earth Month.
The Green Design models will be showcased outside of the
county board office for the County Board meeting,
employees and the general public to view. This
green building design showcase event is partially funded
by DuPage County through the stormwater and
environmental committees.
High school science, design, and economic teachers attended meetings to learn about green buildings and how careers in product design and services, green construction, chemistry, landscaping, forestry, energy conservation, parking-lot and roadway construction, roofing, plumbing, and lighting are changing to consider environmental impacts.
Last month twenty teachers attended a green building
workshop sponsored by SCARCE to learn through experience
how “best management practices” are being incorporated
into building design to improve stormwater management,
energy conservation, cleaner air, recycling and more.
Volunteer LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) accredited chemists and architects were involved
in meetings to plan the green building design event and
offered their time to help students and their sponsors
with questions and ideas for their displays.
The high school students were given a challenge to learn about green buildings and then design and create a room, building, or city demonstrating green practices. Participating students researched products, websites, and publications to find green alternatives for their exhibits and models. The students displaying their designs will receive certificates of participation by SCARCE. Forty to fifty students and six teachers are expected to participate in the event. Six DuPage County High Schools will be partaking in the Green Building Design Challenge. The six schools participating will be the Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Wheaton North High School, Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove North, and Naperville North High School.
For more information, contact Veronica Valladolid, DuPage County Stormwater Management, at 630.407.6719 or veronica.valladolid@dupageco.org or Kay Mckeen, SCARCE, at 630.545.9710 or ecoed@sbcglobal.net.
DuPage County Stormwater Management Division to Benefit from Universityof IllinoisResearch Grant
WHEATON, August 6, 2007 ― The Stormwater Management Division of DuPage County (SMD) has been informed that the Salt Creek Real-Time Streamflow Simulation System, developed by the SMD in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has been selected for a grant worth $87,514 by the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Adaptive Environmental Sensing and Information Systems (AESIS) Initiative.
“This research study recognizes the people of DuPage County who have made a tremendous investment in proactive stormwater management and flood damage prevention,” says Jim Zay, Chairman of the DuPage County Stormwater Management Planning Committee.
The grant will fund a research project, the Urban Digital Watershed--Real-time Hydrological Data Dissemination and Analysis using an Integrated Stormwater Management Information System in and near the Salt Creek Watershed, which will incorporate real-time streamflow, NEXRAD, and rainfall gage information collected by DuPage County Stormwater Management Division, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
This will then be converted into a browsable aerial photograph type of map interface that will improve public access and understanding of streamflow-related conditions such as flooding and potential flooding throughout Salt Creek.
“By being able to conduct this study, we will be able to provide valuable data analysis for the operation of flood control structures by the engineers of the Stormwater Management Division,” says Zay. “Automated detection of anomalous and missing data will also be studied, and data summaries developed for decision support.”
In connection with this project, several other UIUC research projects are also funded to focus on aspects of water-use decisions, data-collection network optimization, catch basin effects on West Nile virus outbreaks, human impacts on watershed management, and stormwater management optimization.
According to Barbara Minsker, UIUC professor and director of AESIS, “the Salt Creek watershed provides an excellent test bed for prototyping the Digital Watershed in supporting both research and decision making, given the large investments made in data collection networks and modeling infrastructure by the SMD and other agencies.”
AESIS is funded by the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Vice Chancellor for Research, National Center for Supercomputing Applications, and Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The Stormwater Management Division in cooperation with the USGS operates 36 rainfall gages throughout and near DuPage County. Stream elevations are monitored at more than 15 locations, and streamflows at 11 sites are monitored, computed, and published by the USGS. NEXRAD estimates of precipitation data in the form of digital files for 4-kilometer by 4-kilometer areas are formatted and used in streamflow simulation models and made available through the Internet.
The Digital Watershed project will graphically present the NEXRAD data and provide comparison with the precipitation gauging and stream gauging in real time. The forecasted elevations determined through the computer models operated by the SMD will be improved by the access to the analyzed and displayed data, and the computer model results will be also incorporated into the interface for operational decision support.
STORMWATER DIVISION’S HARD WORK HELPS COUNTY AVOID DAMAGING FLOODS
WHEATON, August 22, 2007—
With rain forecast to continue throughout the week and
into the weekend, DuPage County’s Stormwater Division
will continue working around the clock in order to
ensure rising water is directed into quarries and
reservoirs located throughout the County, thereby
reducing the flooding problems that have occurred in
other communities.
This work, notes Stormwater Chairman Jim Zay, is part of the County’s comprehensive plan to ensure flooding is held in check during heavy rains, and is the result of the intergovernmental cooperation between the County and municipalities throughout DuPage.
“The County’s Stormwater Division has worked tirelessly to help reduce the risk of damaging floods throughout the County, and I commend our staff for their outstanding work,” said Zay. “For the past ten years, we have worked with local leaders throughout the County to ensure that the flooding problems that plagued DuPage in the past were addressed and rectified. That work is evident today as rising waters are steered away from homeowners.”
As
of Tuesday morning, the Wood Dale-Itasca reservoir, the
Addison Dam, the pump on Salt Creek and the Fawell Dam
on the West Branch remain in operation. Stream
levels on the West Branch have peaked at Warrenville.
Salt Creek has also peaked in both the upper and lower
portions of the watershed.
The preliminary estimate is that 800-900 acre-feet of water have been diverted into the facility thus far. This is the second largest diversion — second only to the February 1998 event — since Stormwater’s facilities went online. The Addison Dam and pump station is projected to operate throughout all of Tuesday.
Zay also notes that the Lower Salt peaked at the diversion point for the Elmhurst Quarry so that facility did not go into operation.
[ Back to the Top ]
