MWRD, partners break ground on $20M stormwater project
On August 12, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and the Village of Robbins, Ill. were joined by several partners to mark the construction of the Robbins Stormwater Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project.
“This is a model project for collaboration and engagement and demonstrates the potential of what can be accomplished when we address stormwater management and how it can lead to any number of community improvements,” said MWRD Commissioner Chakena D. Perry.
The estimated construction cost of the two phases is $20 million, and costs are covered by the MWRD with support from Cook County via Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chi-Cal Rivers Fund.
The Robbins Stormwater Park and Midlothian Creek restoration will increase the existing stormwater drainage system from less than a 5-year storm level of protection to a 100-year level of service. As a result, the project will remove approximately 140 acres from the flood plain, protect 92 structures and remove more than 1,300 parcels from the 100-year floodplain. The project will also bring about increased awareness for the watershed, provide critical drainage for an area with no existing stormwater infrastructure, promote green infrastructure and maintenance, improve local water quality and attract further housing, transportation, recreation and economic development opportunities.
The first phase of the project involves the establishment of a diversion channel. A culvert will be constructed under 135th Street, where the diversion channel will connect to a stormwater pond. Three drop structures will control flow from the stormwater pond to the diversion channel and Cal-Sag Channel. Stone armoring will be installed along the diversion channel waterline.
“The Robbins Stormwater Park and Midlothian Creek restoration project will increase the existing stormwater drainage system, mitigate flooding for homes and businesses and strengthen the community in myriad ways,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele.
As construction of the diversion channel is underway, work will begin on the second phase, which includes a stormwater park and pond and conveyance improvements along Midlothian Creek. The MWRD will stabilize 2,200 linear feet of streambank along Midlothian Creek, controlling erosion by cutting back both banks and providing a stable slope that features native plants appropriate to the moisture and soil conditions. The new Robbins Stormwater Park will allow for a naturalized wetland detention area along with channel improvements to resemble a park-like setting in central Robbins.
“The development of the Robbins Stormwater Park serves as an impactful piece to the Village of Robbins,” said Robbins Mayor Darren E. Bryant. “As a result, hundreds of Robbins homeowners will get relief from paying flood insurance, the floodplain in Robbins will get mitigated for the next 100 years, and green infrastructure will get created to help spur economic and recreational development. Thank you to the leadership of MWRD President Steele, commissioners, and staff alongside many other partners who played crucial roles in seeing this project through.”
Bioswales will be planted along Spaulding and Sawyer Avenues from 137th to 139th streets, capturing stormwater runoff. A rain garden will also be installed in the 138th Street right-of-way between Sawyer and Kedzie avenues to absorb more runoff from the bioswales and surrounding area before it can discharge into Midlothian Creek. The rain garden will create more than two acres of bioretention, collecting runoff and other contaminants before it can reach the creek.