Wednesday Meeting

8:30 a.m.--Natural and Environmental Resources Committee

Meets in the Conference Room of the McHenry County Administration Building,

667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A review of a subsection of the Stormwater Management Ordinance is to be reviewed.

The committee is also to consider remarks provided by McHenry County Conservation District regarding the County Unified Development Ordinance Open Space.

The Army Corps of Engineers is providing $50,000 in planning and assistance for the restoration of the Kishwaukee River Riparian Marsh. The project is being completed in partnership with McHenry County Conservation District. The grant requires a 50% match ($25,000) of which 25% must be cash and 25% may be work in kind services.

The riparian mash restoration will take place along the main stem of the Kishwaukee River at the McHenry County Conservation District's Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. Eventually the project will reconnect 1.5 miles of the Kishwaukee River to the surrounding flood plain marsh areas which was drained in the 1920's. It will also result in the creation of a hydrologic model for the stream and proposed marsh restoration.

The committee is also to consider the installation of a rain garden and xeriscaping educational project utilizing a $1,800 grant from the McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District and $6,000 grant from the American Water Association.

The garden is to be located near the front entrance doors to the County Administration Building. This garden will channel a portion of stormwater runoff from the front of the building into a small depression area that will be planted with native vegetation. The garden will allow the precipitation to be stored and slowly infiltrate into the soil, where it will nourish the rain garden vegetation. This also helps to replenish ground water aquifers.

It will also serve as an example to property owners regarding alternative methods of stormwater management, as well as alternative landscaping techniques that can reduce water consumption.

A discussion is slated regarding the legal regulation of coal tar sealant use, which has been found to be detrimental to human heath and toxic to aquatic life.

Since the County has adopted a Hazard Mitigation plan, it now qualifies for federal and state grant programs. This could assist a number of property owners whose property is located in the floodplain along the Nippersink Creek near Route 12 outside of Spring Grove. If funds are provided, they may used to assist property owners to floodproof residential structures. Also the funds may be used to purchase and demolish flood prone structures and properties and convert them to open space.

The idea of rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses is also to be discussed.