We have another project in Shields Township that implemented stormwater best practices! Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) and Shields Township recently collaborated to improve drainage and mitigate flooding between Talbot and Atkinson Roads.
The project repaired and replaced an undersized storm sewer structure and overland flow path between Talbot and Atkinson Road. This included:
- Expanding an existing stormwater channel.
- Soil grading and site restoration with native landscaping. This is considered a best practice because native plants:
- Have deep root systems that create soil stability, higher evapotranspiration, and better infiltration of stormwater. This greater infiltration results in better pollutant filtering and more water replenishing the aquifer.Attract several wildlife species, including butterflies and other pollinators.
- Requires less maintenance (no mowing) and doesn’t require fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or watering.
These activities will provide flood mitigation benefits for the two roadways and fourteen residential properties. We encourage you to wander over to Talbot and Atkinson Roads to see a healthy watershed in action!
The work was constructed by Campanella & Sons, with design and construction management provided by Gewalt Hamilton Associates. Funding was supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-3381 awarded to the State of Illinois by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It was one of the projects included in the 2021 DCEO Application of $30M.
Aull Nature Preserve 