Many communities on Chicago’s North Shore and in DuPage County require stormwater management systems to handle increase in stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces due to new construction such as paved roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Water-resistant surfaces like these alter natural drainage, which can lead to increased flooding and pollution in heavy rains.
The system pictured here is one Bono Consulting designed for a house in Northbrook. We have also designed similar effective systems in Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Northfield, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Elmhurst and Burr Ridge.
The Northbrook site uses a StormTechâ chamber system. The StormTechâ system stores the collected stormwater runoff from the site and holds it for slow release to the Village’s storm sewer system. Other site systems we have designed incorporated a variety of elements such as corrugated metal pipes, dry wells, surface ponds, and rain gardens to reduce runoff.
Are you wondering which design might be best for your project? Surface ponds are less expensive than a chamber system, but they take up a significant portion of the yard. Rain gardens, which enhance water reabsorption through landscaping, also use up an extensive area of the yard, but they can become an attractive, valuable amenity if the homeowner likes to garden and can maintain the plantings. Plastic arch systems are great for under-lawn areas where there would be no vehicle loading. Heavy duty plastic or concrete pipe is specified under pavement areas.
Bono Consulting will work with you to understand your site’s requirements, discuss options, and help you make the decision on the type of system that is right for you.
