Environmental Progress - Spring 2003

In-Depth Study Planned for Chicago Waterway System

Potential for expanded uses will be evaluated

A comprehensive multi-year evaluation of current conditions in the Chicago Waterway System, and its potential for expanded uses, has been launched by the Illinois EPA. It will be the first in-depth look at the system in nearly three decades.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano in mid-February announced plans for the project that involves the Chicago River, its two main branches (North Branch and South Branch), the Cal-Sag Channel, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and tributaries in an area extending from the metropolitan Chicago area to the Lockport vicinity.

The potential for more recreational use of Chicago's waterways will be studied in the upcoming Chicago Waterway System Evaluation

The Chicago Waterway System makes up the surface drainage network serving most of the Greater Chicago metropolitan area. The system receives discharge from three of the largest municipal wastewater treatment plants in the nation as well as releases from more than 100 combined sewer outfalls.

“We are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people who live and work along the Chicago River and its tributaries and this study will give us a better sense of what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done to clean up this waterway,” said Director Cipriano.

Major upgrades have been occurring

Since passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, there have been major upgrades of treatment facilities along the Chicago Waterway. Under IEPA oversight, extensive pretreatment programs have begun, as well as treatment of industrial wastes before discharge. The first phase of the Tunnel and Reservoir (TARP) project, the nation’s most ambitious long term combined sewer overflow control plan, has been completed. Known as the “Deep Tunnel” project, it directs combined sanitary waste and infiltrating rainwater into massive tunnels and collection reservoirs during periods of heavy rainfall.

When drier conditions return, the combined wastewater is pumped back to the treatment plants for full treatment prior to discharge, significantly reducing releases to the system, and preventing basement backups.

Jointly, these efforts have significantly improved conditions and public interest in the waterway, resulting in increased efforts to restore abandoned areas and provide public open spaces along the banks.

Recreational boating and other sports are on the rise within the system and improved fish populations and species diversity now support a modest recreational fishing use. These benefits indicate that the current use classification is outdated, making the planned study a timely undertaking.

The Agency is currently conducting a similar study on the Lower DesPlaines River, immediately downstream of the Chicago Waterway System. That review is addressing many similar issues to those that will be part of the Chicago Waterway System review.