MWRD Approves Watershed Management Ordinance

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO). The WMO provides uniform storm water management regulations for Cook County in order to prevent future commercial, municipal, and residential development and redevelopment projects from exacerbating flooding. 

The MWRD hosted four public meetings and a study session earlier this year to offer the public the opportunity to voice their opinion regarding the proposed ordinance. Paved roads, parking lots, walkways and buildings make cities livable, but they also reduce the amount of land on which water can be absorbed, and can lead to increased flooding without sufficient regulation.

In 2007, the MWRD formed an advisory committee comprised of representatives from municipalities, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations to evaluate and prepare the WMO.

The WMO incorporates comments received during both the 2009 and 2013 public review periods, results received from an economic impact study and input from the WMO advisory committee. Numerous changes were made since the original public review period was held in 2009. The first public meeting was held on July 24 in Northlake, and additional meetings were held in August in Chicago Ridge, Mount Prospect and East Hazel Crest, Ill.

Source: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago