Clarendon Hills officials are hoping to have a report from an engineering consultant in about six weeks about possible solutions to deal with future flooding in the village, following recent severe storms in the area.
The village has entered into a contract with Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. in an amount not to exceed $25,000 to begin a preliminary study of the stormwater areas north of Chicago Avenue.
Public Works Director Brendan McLaughlin said the village experienced torrential downpours on Aug. 1, causing flooding in several areas. The hardest hit area was the vicinity of Middaugh Road and Walnut Street, where water entered some homes and made streets impassable.
“The intensity of the rain was beyond what the village’s storm pipes could convey, and even beyond what overland flood paths could convey,” McLaughlin said.
He said high-intensity storms appear to be occurring more frequently in recent years, as weather patterns have changed.
“The ability to review the recent storm events and resulting flooded areas requires review by stormwater engineers to identify areas where the village could make changes to reduce or better direct overland flooding in future storm events,” McLaughlin said.
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The scope of work will include collecting data from impacted residents, reviewing water elevations, confirming all storm pipes are flowing appropriately and offering recommendations for short-term and long-term actions to help reduce the impacts of overland flooding.
Village manager Paul Dalen said the village experienced heavy storms in 2013 and saw similar results.
“We treat each storm as a separate occurrence and respond accordingly, much like winter snow storms,” Dalen said. “As a staff, we know we can’t change what Mother Nature provides, but we work to see where we can mitigate impacts and recover as quickly as possible.”
Dalen said when strong storms are forecast, Public Works crews prepare by doing a sweep of the village to clear storm grates. Trucks are preloaded with cones and barricades to close flooded roads.
“Chain saws are sharpened and fueled,” he said. “Our chipper is hooked up to the truck in advance, so when the storm arrives we are ready to respond. Staff also monitors rain gauges and the Chestnut Alley storm pump. The village will call in public works staff after hours and on weekends to respond to storm events.”
Along with the recent flooding, several residents were without power, as the result of the storms, some for up to about a week.
“Crews will close roads and deploy stop signs when intersection traffic signals go without power,” Dalen said. “The Fire Department will respond to downed power lines and elevate those calls to ComEd.”
Dalen said the village typically puts out warnings or updates on social media and sends out constant emails to keep residents informed about storm-related issues.
“Some basic advice is to not go out in strong storms and to be prepared to take shelter should a tornado warning be issued,” he said. “During and after a storm, do not drive or walk into flooded areas. Do not go near downed power lines.”
Dalen suggested that those who have the resources might want to consider installing a whole-house generator or purchase a small generator to power essential household items, such as a sump pump and refrigerator.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.