City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 0712000407

Des Plaines River Watershed

Category: Combined Sewer Overflow Rehabilitation

Rivers: IL G-03, IL G-11, IL G-23, IL G-39 Des Plaines River, IL GI-02, IL GI-06 Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, IL GHC Fiddyment Creek, IL GK-03 Flag Creek, IL H-01 Calumet-Sag Channel

Streams: IL GI-03 Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

Lakes: IL RGZO Tampier Lake, IL RHD Maple Lake, IL RHH Saganashkee Lake, IL RHT Columbus Park Lagoon, IL RHZB Horsetail Lake, IL RHZF Bullfrog Lake (Source: http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/tmdl/303-appendix/appendix-g.pdf)

Contact Information: Robert Schiller Public Works Director, City of Berwyn 6700 West 30th Street Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788.2660 rschiller@ci.berwyn.il.us

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

City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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Abstract:

The City of Berwyn requests $1,445,765.17 in grant funds through the Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program (IGIG) to implement the Green Alleys Program. The total cost of this project is $1,700,900.20. The City will provide the local match supporting 15% of the project in the amount of $255,135.03. The proposed project involves reconstructing 8,840 square yards of alley space with Permeable Concrete. These green alleys will significantly increase permeability thus enabling 97% of stormwater to infiltrate into the ground. Furthermore, the permeable pavement will filter stormwater runoff and reduce pollutant concentrations. 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 Green Alleys Program will increase the amount of permeable land 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 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 with minimal parking and green, pervious areas; 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 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.

City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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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 part 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 Chicago 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 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. From a permeability standpoint, the City is slowly acquiring blighted property, demolishing barriers to permeability and constructing green space and thus creating so-called “pocket parks.” Beyond serving as public space, the pocket parks work to increase the permeability of the entire area. Also, the City has several large commercial development projects in the pipeline that will require onsite detention of stormwater runoff. Additionally, the City actively supports a rain barrel program for its residents in an effort to further allay runoff. The City is actively pursuing additional project that can be implemented to reduce flooding, stormwater runoff and CSOs.

City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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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 Green Alley Program is intended to provide storm sewer relief to the City’s combined sewer system by providing detention and percolation areas in the alleys. The City is looking to redevelop these areas using a green pavement solution as a way to mitigate flooding concerns as well as 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.

Permeable Concrete is a highly effective on-site stormwater management practice and considered amongst the Best Management Practices (BMPs) of the EPA. Berwyn is hopeful that the Green Alleys Program will reduce the volume of stormwater entering the combined sewer system by 97%. Surface runoff entering the green alleyways 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 Green Alleys Program will help improve local water quality in the long term.

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

City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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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 for to initiate the Green Alleys Program and construct eight (8) Permeable Concrete alleys, totaling 8,480 square yards, at the following locations:

1. Alley 14th Street To 15th Street – Kenilworth to Grove Avenues 2. Alley 18th Street to 19th Street – Clinton to Kenilworth Avenues 3. Alley 18th Street to 19th Street – Clarence to East Avenues 4. Alley 19th Street to 21st Street – Ridgeland to Cuyler Avenues 5. Alley 23rd Street to 24th Street – Clarence to East Avenues 6. Alley 31st Street to 32nd Street – Wisconsin to Wenonah Avenues 7. Alley 34th Street to 35th Street – Harvey to Lombard Avenues 8. Alley Ogden Avenue to 38th Street – Wisconsin to Wenonah Avenues

Project Components:

The project will consist of earth excavation, installing several stone base courses, geotechnical fabric, removal and replacement of alley pavement and installation of P.C. Permeable Concrete. The construction of the 8 alleys will take approximately 3 months to complete. Berwyn will begin implementation upon notification that this application has been approved for IGIG funding. The key project components are:

1. Design/Engineering Phase: The City Engineer will prepare the specifications and plans for the construction work of the alleys. The ten (10) year Operations and Maintenance Plan will be developed during this phase.

2. Public Bidding: The construction bid notice will be released. 3. Bid Opening/Contract Awarded: Proposals will be opened and evaluated, and the

contract will be awarded to the successful bidder.

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4. Construction Phase: Once the subcontract has been approved by the IEPA, construction of both projects will commence.

5. Project Completion/Operations and Maintenance Plan

Project Plan Summary:

Timeline Project Components/Tasks Deliverables

Performance Measures

Months 1-4 Design/Engineering; Submission of plans to IEPA for Approval

Completed contract plans & specifications Complete Operations & Maintenance Plan

Construction plans approved

Months 5-6 Public Bidding/Bid Opening Construction bid notices released; Bids opened and evaluated

Contract awarded and executed

Months 6-7 Request approval of subcontract by IEPA

Subcontract submitted to IEPA

Subcontract approved

Months 7-10 Construction of green alleys

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 less than a year.

Partnering: Berwyn will not need to partner with any other agencies to implement the project. Berwyn will however work with residents 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 Narrative:

The total cost of this project is $1,700,900.20. The City of Berwyn seeks funding in the amount of $1,445,765.17 (85%) from the IGIG program. The City will provide a 15% local match totaling $255,135.03.

Cost Summary for the Green Alleys Program:

Description Estimated Cost Design / Engineering $90,018.40 Construction $1,543,368.00 Construction Oversight $67,513.80 Subtotal $1,700,900.20 IGIG Assistance Amount (85%) $1,445,765.17 City of Berwyn Funding (15%) $255,135.03

City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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Green Alleys Program Detailed Cost Estimate:

Anticipated Outputs: The City of Berwyn will replace 8 permeable concrete alleys with 8,480 square yards of permeable concrete pavement. Anticipated Outcomes: The City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program will result in:

1. The reduction of surface runoff volume by 97% in the project area. 2. The reduction of the phosphorus pollutant load by 2.4 lb/yr (65%). 3. The reduction of the nitrogen pollutant load by 12.0 lb/yr (58%). 4. The reduction of the amount of sediment found in runoff by 0.42 tons/yr (90%).

City of Berwyn Green Alleys Program

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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, 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

• Storm Water Drainage, 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

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

Project Name:

Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information X 1 High

X2 High

High Reduces pollutant load amount reduced2.4 lb/yr (65%)12.0 lb/yr (58%)0.42 tons/yr (90%)97% volume reduction

Total Phosphorus (lbs) =Nitrogen (lbs) =

Sediment (tons)=Flow reduction =

Other (name and amount) =

3

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

Water Quality

4

Preserves, restores or enhances the natural hydrology of the area

High Significantly reduces the volume of runoff from the site that enters the stormwater collection and conveyance system by

City of Berwyn Green Alleys ProjectApplicant:Date:

City of Berwyn15‐Dec‐01

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

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Flow reduction = 97% 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:X

6

X

4

XHigh

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)

5

Med

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

Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information 

Citation:High Approved Long Term Control Plan (CSO Communties)High Stormwater Management PlanHigh Stormwater Regulation or Ordinance Follow MWRD criteriaHigh Regional Water Supply Plan IDNR Lake Michigan Water Allocation ProgramHigh Watershed Based Plan Lower Des Plaines River Watershed Management PlanMed Local Comprehensive Plan Under developmentLow Conservation PlanLow Water Quality Management Plan 

X 8 Low

Documentation:X 10 LowX 11 LowX 12 Low

X 13 LowX 14 Low

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

X

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)

Implements and is Consistant with Regulations, Permits and Plans

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

Reduces consumption of potable, treated water

X

7

9 Low

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X 14 LowX 15 Low

Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information 

Citation:X 17 High

X 18 Med

X 19 LowUses 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.

Provides 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

Sustainability and Other Policy Priorities

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

16 High

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