A CSO is the release of untreated waste and storm water from a combined sewer system directly into a waterway. The release of untreated water occurs a a CSO structure. The Village’s combined sewer system contains 2 overflow structures located along the North Shore Channel. The Village has a program in place to minimize CSOs, which can be viewed by clicking here. The link provides information on the CSO Operational and Maintenance Plan, Pollution Prevention Plan, and Public Notification Plan.

For more information on combined sewer overflows, please visit the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD) website. The MWRD offers a CSO notification system on their website to alert residents when a CSO has occurred.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires municipalities that operate a separate storm sewer obtain a permit for stormwater discharges into local waterways. The majority of the Village utilizes a combined sewer system, however, the northeast corner of the Village contains a separate storm sewer. In order to obtain the permit, the Village follows best practices for stormwater management, aimed at reducing pollutants from entering the storm sewer system. The Village’s permit and annual inspection report can be found below. To view the September 20, 2018 Committee of the Whole presentation regarding the Village’s MS4 permit, please click here. The Village is also a member of the North Branch Chicago River Watershed Council, which meets to discuss stormwater management. Information regarding the North Branch Chicago River Watershed Council can be found by clicking here.