Lake Ellyn Park 2013 Master Plan

3. the vision
Watershed-wide Strategies
Many urban runoff pollutants entering Lake Ellyn,
particularly those associated with sediments will not be
taken up by the proposed in-lake improvements described
above and instead they will settle to the bottom of the
lake. Further, the proposed improvements above will
not address the frequent pulses of stormwater runoff
that cause water levels to fluctuate and destabilize the
shorelines in addition to causing periodic flooding.
To address these issues, a long-term, watershed-wide
approach is recommended to reduce the volume and rate
of stormwater runoff discharged to the lake during rainfall
events.
Glen Ellyn is not alone in its need to address the issues
associated with stormwater runoff. Many communities are
faced with the impacts and costs associated with managing
stormwater runoff, including nuisance ponding, flooding,
and the installation, maintenance, and replacement of
a conveyance systems (ditches, pipes, and detention
ponds). Many communities are currently investigating
and beginning to implement watershed-wide infiltrationbased
stormwater management approaches, sometimes
referred to as “green infrastructure,” to naturally absorb
and filter stormwater runoff to improve water quality
and reduce the need and size of traditional storm sewer
systems. Benefits of green infrastructure include reduced
flooding, improved water quality, reduced discharge
of polluted runoff to streams and rivers, and longer
lasting, better performing streets, sidewalks, and alleys.
Infiltration practices include permeable, decorative
paving, rain garden planters, and bioinfiltration practices
integrated within parkways and medians. These practices
can be installed within or adjacent to nearly any street,
alley, parking lot, or other paved, impervious surface to
help capture and infiltrate rainwater runoff. Examples of
this approach can be seen throughout the Chicago region
as well as in West Union and Charles City, Iowa, where
multiple blocks and streets have been reconstructed using
infiltration practices and help contribute to a healthier
watershed.
The Iowa Green Streets Pilot Project in West Union, Iowa includes permeable pavement, bioretention, geothermal heating and
cooling, art, and interpretation in complete-streets renovation throughout the downtown area
40 Glen Ellyn Park District