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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: L. Eric Schoeny, P.E. Drainage and Underground Coordinator
DATE: April 7, 2015
SUBJECT:
Resolution authorizing payment to the Fox River Study Group to conduct water quality studies of the Fox River and create a pollutant removal implementation plan.
PURPOSE:
To adopt a resolution authorizing payment to the FRSG to conduct water quality studies of the Fox River and to create an implementation plan in order to comply with the federal Clean Water Act. The resolution will authorize payment from the 2015 budget through and including the 2018 budget.
BACKGROUND:
Starting in 1998, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has included the Fox River on the 303 (d) list of impaired water ways. Federal law requires that a Total Maximum Daily Load Study (TMDL) be conducted for water ways that are listed on the State's 303(d) list. In 2001 the Fox River Study Group (FRSG) was formed to plan and conduct a TMDL of the Fox River. The FRSG is a diverse coalition of stakeholders and is supported by financial contributions from the IEPA, Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, Sierra Club, Aurora, Algonquin, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Yorkville, Elgin, Fox River Water Reclamation District, Yorkville-Bristol Sanitary District, Crystal lake, Illinois State Water Survey, and Kane County.
The FRSG is in the process of completing the 4th phase of a 4 phase work plan. The work plan consists of the following:
Phase I: Critical and comprehensive review of existing water quality and quantity and land use data.
Phase II: Design and implement watershed monitoring and modeling.
Phase III: Develop and calibrate water quality computer models for the Fox River water shed and major tributaries.
Phase IV: Utilize the computer model to develop an pollutant removal implementation plan that will promote the efficient use of taxpayer's funds to improve the water quality of the Fox River.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Aurora ...
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