Calumet Stormwater Collaborative Kicks Off New Chapter Under Friends' Leadership
Jack Chan, Senior Civil Engineer at the MWRD, presenting about the Deer Creek project.
On July 29, Friends of the Chicago River gathered participants of the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative (CSC) to restart case study learning sessions about innovative local stormwater management projects. This is the first convening of the CSC since Friends formally assumed its leadership, now incorporating it under the umbrella of the broader Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance, which Friend initiated in 2020. Previously facilitated by the Metropolitan Planning Council, the CSC continues its mission to strengthen cross-jurisdictional collaboration around stormwater management in the Calumet River, with renewed emphasis on equitable nature-based solutions and multi-benefit projects.
Thirty-three partners from local governments, nonprofit organizations, regional agencies, and engineering firms attended the discussion. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) presented their exciting progress on the Deer Creek-Third Creek Reservoir Feasibility Study, a joint effort between MWRD and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The project envisions 1,650 acre-feet of naturalized stormwater storage that would reduce flood risk in at least seven communities, while restoring native habitat and creating new recreational amenities. The project is still in the very early phases of feasibility planning and design.
Friends has been supportive of this project for several years, and even recognized the Forest Preserves Southeast Cook County Land Acquisition Plan with a Chicago River Blue Award in 2020. The plan is a visionary framework completed in 2019 that laid the foundation for identifying the Deer Creek-Third Creek as a key opportunity site for nature based stormwater solutions. The plan continues to inspire open space protection and natural areas in a low-lying, flood-prone watershed.
The next meeting of the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative will include a site visit to south suburban Robbins Heritage Park on August 21.
