DuPage County and the DuPage County Forest Preserve Meeting on $10M NOAA

(National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) Grant

NOAA has awarded DuPage County a $10M grant for restoration work over and above what Kerr-McGee is responsible for after the thorium is removed from the West Branch of the DuPage River. Seven “Conceptual Projects” were unveiled on Wednesday, October 26th, at the Danada House Atrium. The DuPage County Stormwater Department and the DuPage County Forest Preserve held the public information meeting and invited comment on the seven conceptual projects.

The County and Forest Preserve did an outstanding job providing a broad array of information and knowledgeable staff to discuss areas of interest one-on-one. The room was resplendent with eye catching visuals, demonstrations, maps, and an aerial photo layout of the West Branch of the DuPage River from the West Chicago Sewage Treatment Plant down through McDowell Forest Preserve. Representatives from other key organizations involved with the removal of the thorium and the restoration were also available.

The event was very well attended by Warrenville residents, City staff and some elected officials. Perhaps the event with all of the experts, visuals, etc. could be held at Warrenville City Hall?

Following is the list of conceptual projects as outlined:

Stormwater Quality Wetlands Concept. This concept will enhance water quality to the river by natural filtration of urban runoff traveling through restored native vegetation.

Deep Over-wintering Pool Concept. A unique deep pool is created along the West Branch to improve over-wintering habitat for sport fish. Additional habitats within a larger wetlands project will support macroinvertebrates, non-gave fish, and other aquatic life.

Vernal Pool Concept. Vernal pools constructed about the preserves will improve critical reptile/amphibian habitat and restore populations. In addition, vernal pools will provide feeding grounds for mammals and waterfowl.

Side Channel Concept. A created side channel to the river will collect high quality fen waters and create unique habitats for aquatic life. The side channel flow, markedly better than the river, attracts and supports non-game fish, mussels and macroinvertebrates.

Warrenville Grove Dam Removal (Partial/Complete) and Restoration Concept. This concept explores some form of dam removal to improve recreational activities along the river, improve navigation of the river for boaters, facilitate fish passage and improve water quality up stream. Restoration of the resultant floodplain and channel will contribute towards improvement of the river valley habitat.

Urban Stream Research Center Concept. The creation of stream research center is critical to re-introducing non-game fish and mussel species. Applied research to stream habitat restoration leads to an increased success in the sustainability and reproduction of our native fish/mollusk populations and improves the health of the river.

Riverarium and Educational Kiosks Concept. Through watershed education exhibits, the public will view stream dynamics and learn restoration principles that are being applied to the river restoration projects. Kiosks and exhibits will communicate important urban watershed issues influencing the health of our river.

For information on the first initiative of the restoration (the Kerr-McGee portion), contact: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189, 630-933-7200, email: forest@dupageforest.com

For more information or to comment on these conceptual projects, the second initiative, contact DuPage County, County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL, 630-407-6800 (NOTE: suggest calling first and confirming the mailing address if sending written comments), email: wbriver@dupageco.org or the website: www.dupageco.org/dec Follow the “West Branch River Restoration” link to the projects page.

The cleanup of Kress Creek and the West Branch of the DuPage River is progressing. Work on Reach 2 was started the week of October 24th. To obtain a first hand view of three stages of the cleanup, take Rt. 59 north to Joliet St. Take Joliet St. to the second street on the left, Joy. Reach 1, which extends south from below Roosevelt Rd. to May St., has been excavated and is being regraded. By publication date, plantings could be well underway. Reach 2, the section of the creek from May St. south to Joy, provides a front row seat of the clearing and the excavation work in progress. Looking south down the creek from Joy, presents a view of the natural, pre-cleanup appearance of the creek. Thus, Reach 1 demonstrates the restoration work underway, Reach 2 showcases the removal/excavation stage and Reach 3 offers a pre-cleanup picture. Words can not convey the full impact and visual image that seeing it in person affords.