Stormwater Commission

Stormwater Workshop Well Attended The Wednesday, May 20th Stormwater Workshop hosted by the Stormwater Commission was well attended by approximately 250 residents. Some who have completed stormwater surveys and some who provided information for the first time. The goal for the workshop, which was to validate data collected, to gain additional stormwater data from residents, and to provide educational opportunities, was achieved. Residents had the opportunity to meet with commission members one-on-one to review their neighborhood stormwater issues on a map and then ask questions. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from several regional agencies to learn about everything from their personal stormwater/sanitary system to the regional system of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC). “Residents are beginning to realize that there is nothing the Village of Niles could have done or will be able to do to protect homes from another epic storm similar to the storm on September 12-14, 2008. That rain storm was disastrous for the residents of Niles and much of the State,” stated Assistant Manager Steven Vinezeano. “However, the Stormwater Commission is doing everything it can to identify ‘chronic’ stormwater issues that negatively impact residents after much smaller rain events.” In addition to identifying ‘chronic’ stormwater issues in an effort to identify solutions, the Commission is working to better educate residents about what is their responsibility and what they can do to mitigate flood damage in and around their homes. The Commission has observed that residents need to learn more about how stormwater works on their property and how their stormwater/sanitary system works or does not work. The Stormwater Workshop in May has generated some additional study, but the Commission will soon finish their work and provide a report to the Village Board of Trustees. The report will contain numerous recommendations for the Board to consider. In the meantime, the Stormwater Commission is working diligently to help mitigate third party stormwater issues where and when possible as well to educate homeowners about their stormwater/sewer system, so that they may help themselves.