Village Wins Award for Storm Water Management Project

While the construction along Hillside Avenue last year was a headache for many, the village is getting recognized for their innovative environmental work that caused the construction delays.

The village was honored with the American Public Works Association Lake Branch Project of the Year Award for creating a storm water management pond next to Baker’s Lake.

“There were a lot of sensitive environmental issues that were involved in this project,” said Darren Monico, Assistant Director of Engineering and Building.” The village had a choice to put the storm sewer directly connected to Baker’s Lake, or find out a better environmental alternative.”

Baker’s Lake is part of the Cook County Forest Preserve, and is home to one of the largest bird rookeries in the area.

“Instead of directly connecting the storm sewer to Baker’s Lake, the village worked with local conservation groups to create a storm water management pond located in the old savannah on the south side of Hillside to the west of Baker’s Lake,” Monico said.

The new storm water management pond has several environmental-friendly uses. In addition to water infiltration, it collects the sediment and debris from the roads.

“The water drains through the grasses towards Baker’s Lake, and that also saves the village 500 feet of pipe,” Monico said.

The village was presented with the award at the March 12 Board of Trustees meeting.