February
1, 2006
DuPage County
Stormwater Management
Division
421
N. County Farm Road
Wheaton,
Ill 60187
Attn:
Angela Bendinelli
Dear Ms. Bendinelli:
On behalf of its 2,800 members, the River Prairie Group of the
Sierra Club would like to commend all those involved for their contributions to
the projects proposed under the $9.4 million grant received from the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Restoration efforts on such a large scale are very unusual
for urban areas, and we commend Forest Preserve District and DuPage County
officials for considering these projects on such a comprehensive scale. While we
feel that many of the projects have merits, we suggest that funding of these
projects be prioritized as follows:
1.
COMPLETE Removal of Warrenville Dam – This proposed project most represents river
restoration and will improve water quality and the river ecosystem, providing
fish and mussel passage. In addition, it
will improve recreation for canoeists and kayakers. The removal of the sediment upstream of the
dam by the Kerr-McGee Superfund cleanup presents a rare and immediate
opportunity to return this segment of the West Branch to its natural riparian
habitat. Complete removal of the
Warrenville Dam pool is likely to help resolve the documented problems with low
dissolved oxygen levels.
2.
Historical Hydrology Restoration of McKee Marsh Area– Wetlands are one of the most endangered habitats in
Illinois. By restoring the hydrology of
this area, this project will significantly improve existing wetland habitat and
facilitate quality vegetative areas.
3.
Storm Water Quality Wetlands –
This concept will improve river water quality and provide natural filtration
through wetland habitat.
4. Vernal Pools – This project will complement and enhance the restoration of the
historical hydrology of the area by providing needed seasonal habitat for
reptiles, amphibians and migrating waterfowl.
5. Creek Side Channel
– This project will provide improved habitat for non-game native fish, mussels
and other invertebrates.
Regarding
the other proposed projects, The River Prairie Group suggests the following:
·
Riverarium
– We believe this concept is impractical and should be eliminated. The $1.4 million (less the cost of
educational kiosks) saved could be put towards the total removal of the
Warrenville dam (if needed) and the other restoration projects we recommend as
priorities.
·
Deep
Pool Concept – This concept as detailed on the county
website should be reconsidered. This
artificial structure requires significant use of man-made materials which will
degrade over time and require future funding to maintain.
·
Research
Facility – We support the creation of a research facility.
We are concerned, however, with the cost ($2.9 million), and facility size
(8,000 sq ft) and associated parking which introduce new impervious surfaces
into Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve.
Additionally,
we have the following questions regarding these projects:
1.
We understand that the development of these
projects is an ongoing process and that the costs provided may be estimates and
subject to change. If the current grant amount does not cover the total costs
of these projects, can you detail where you plan to obtain further financing?
2. Please
provide the order in which you plan to begin each of these projects and how
this order was determined.
3. What
is the estimated timeline for completion of each project?
4. Regarding
the Storm Water Quality Wetlands:
a.
We are concerned that wildlife will travel
across Route 59 between this area and Forest Preserve. This is potentially hazardous to motorists
and fatal to wildlife. Have
modifications, such as passage ways under the roadway, been considered to
provide safe passage for wildlife?
b. The
drawing shown on the website indicates that additional flows from the north may
potentially be brought into this area for wetland treatment. What plans are in place to prevent these
flows from degrading the existing high quality fen area?
5. The
Creek Side Channel and Storm Water Quality Wetlands are adjacent to Route
59. How will these areas handle airborne
and waterborne pollution effectively while preserving water and habitat
quality? Have current runoff and
pollution levels been measured?
6. Plans
are to clear forested areas near the river to allow Kerr McGee space to stage
excavated material. Do these areas
contain native species? What plans exist
to preserve or replace these trees and other plants?
7. Have
efforts been made to identify the species and numbers of individual plants and
animals inhabiting the areas which will be affected by the Kerr McGee
work? What efforts are being made to
minimize impact to wildlife?
We would like to thank DuPage County and the Forest Preserve
District for the opportunity to have meaningful input on these major
restoration projects. We look forward to
discussing our questions and priorities in the near future.
Sincerely,
The
Executive Committee of the Sierra Club’s River Prairie Group of DuPage County,
Illinois:
Frank Orto Linda
Sullivan Carol
Rechtoris
Executive Chair Executive
Vice-Chair Treasurer
239 S. Fairfield Ave. 302 W. Windsor Ave. 5200
Carriageway Dr., Apt. 117
Lombard, IL
60148 Lombard,
IL 60148 Rolling
Meadows, IL 60008
Forto@aol.com lsullivan23@hotmail.com crechtor@comcast.net
Bonnie Blake Bruce
Blake Joe
Pokorny
Executive Member at-large Executive Member at-large Executive
Member at-large
1177 Londberry Lane 1177 Londberry Lane 1627
Buckingham Ave.
Glenn Ellyn, IL
60138 Glenn Ellyn,
IL 60138 Westchester,
IL 60154
Bblake1892@aol.com rllnstns1@aol.com rpgsierra@comcast.net