Overview
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) assumed authority over stormwater management in Cook County pursuant to the passage of Public Act 93-1049 by the Illinois State Legislature on November 17, 2004. The Act also requires the preparation and adoption of a countywide stormwater management program and the development of a stormwater management regulatory ordinance. More about the Act.
Since that time, MWRD has been working with local Councils of Government, municipal officials, and other watershed stakeholders to develop the program and ordinance.
The District's first step was to create a framework for developing the program. On February 15, 2007, the MWRD Board of Commissioners adopted the Cook County Stormwater Management Plan (CCSMP). Read the Plan.
A Team Approach
MWRD is working with several advisory committees to develop the ordinance, which is to be known as the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO).
Watershed Planning Councils
These planning councils represent communities located within major watersheds in Cook County, and they communicate the needs and interests of the members of the public and local governments to the MWRD. Council meetings are open to public, and citizens are encouraged to attend to learn more about the process.
Currently there are six watershed planning councils. Confusingly, the Cook County portions of the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed are covered by the MWRD's "Lower Des Plaines Watershed Planning Council".
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
As the name suggests, the TAC provides MWRD with technical review and advice. Membership on the TAC is limited to municipalities and various agencies with stormwater management regulatory authority and enforcement responsibilities.
Public and Private Organization Advisory Committee (PPOAC)
The PPOAC provides an opportunity for environmental groups, nonprofit agencies, and private industry representatives to participate in the development of the WMO.
Longtime UDPREP Planning Committee member Sheila Schultz is representing UDPREP on the PPOAC, bringing a wealth of information and experience to the role. Ms. Schultz has held numerous elected positions in the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed, including President and Trustee of the Village of Wheeling, Chair of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County, President of the Northwest Municipal Conference, President of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission, and Vice-President of the Illinois Municipal League.
We will post updates on the PPOAC's progress and minutes from their meetings as they become available.
Minutes of past PPOAC meetings
- November 16, 2007 Meeting
Learn More
More information about the WMO is on MWRD's web site. Visit http://www.mwrdgc.dst.il.us/
and click on "Stormwater Management" under the "Public Interest" header.
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