TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Mark Phipps, Engineering Coordinator
DATE: February 17, 2020
SUBJECT:title
Presentation on keeping Aurora’s waterways clean.
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PURPOSE:
A presentation at a public meeting about the City's stormwater management program is an annual requirement of the City's permit. The City is actively working to protect the Fox River and its tributaries from pollution. It has been for decades. This presentation summarizes what the City is currently doing to improve the quality of stormwater runoff and meet the requirements of its permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
BACKGROUND:
The City's stormwater management program is designed to minimize the discharge of pollutants from its storm sewer system through: public engagement, code enforcement, and good housekeeping for municipal operations. The components of this program are prescribed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
DISCUSSION:
The City relies on the Fox River for drinking water. The Fox River and its tributaries are also recreational and visual amenities in the community, so the City has a vested interest in protecting the health of its water resources. Much of the work being done to protect these resources is performed by City staff, but the City budgeted $30,000 to cover additional expenses in 2020 (Account #280-1852-512-81-22). These additional expenses include: fees paid to Friends of the Fox River for an educational program targeting school-aged children; fees paid to a consultant assisting with storm sewer outfall inspections and collecting water quality samples; and printing costs for educational materials.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The City's stormwater management program involves the collaborative work of multiple City Departments, most notably Public Works and Community Services, but no additional staff or funding is requested at this time.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
This presentation will be made for information and discussion only. No action is recommended at this time.
cc: Infrastructure and Technology Committee