Stormwater Management

Lake County Stormwater Management

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) was established in 1991 through state legislation to coordinate stormwater management activities from a countywide and inter-jurisdictional perspective.

The main focus of the commission is to manage Lake County's floodplains and watersheds by administering County-wide floodplain and stormwater management standards; in addition to flood damage reduction through flood hazard mitigation projects, and implementing Best Management Practices (BMP's), watershed management plans and effective floodplain and stormwater management regulations. The commission also focuses on Natural Resource protection and restoration by utilizing a mix of funding sources and partnerships to restore and enhance the natural drainage system.

For additional information about the SMC; including special forms and applications, please visit them at their website.

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a depressed, landscaped garden planted with native plant species that is designed to retain and infiltrate stormwater runoff from individual residential, sump pumps and roofs.

Rain gardens are versatile features that can be installed in almost any unpaved space. Rain gardens have also been used successfully in residential yards to reduce and filter roof and driveway stormwater runoff. Rain Gardens are easy to install yourself and are inexpensive.

NPDES

Vernon Hills NPDES Reports

Vernon Hills SMPP

Vernon Hills Stormwater Management Program Plan (SMPP)

Notice of Intent
Village of Vernon Hills Notice of Intent for Renewal General Permit for Discharges from Small MS4

Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup

The Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DRWW) is a voluntary, dues paying organization with a mission to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to work together to improve water quality in the Des Plaines River and its tributaries in a cost effective manner to meet Illinois EPA requirements. Membership of the DRWW consists of communities, Publically Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), and other interested parties. The Workgroup consists of Agency members represented by NPDES permit holders, Associate members which are non-permit holding organizations, and individual members. The DRWW will monitor water quality in the river and tributaries, prioritize and implement water quality improvement projects, and secure grant funding to offset the cost. Monitoring data will allow for a greater understanding of the water quality impairments, identify priority restoration activities, and track water quality improvements. The Workgroup is committed to an approach for attaining water quality standards that focuses on stakeholder involvement, monitoring, and locally led decision-making based on sound science. Des Plaines River Watershed Workgroup (DPRWW)

Public Education

Guidelines for Draining Swimming Pools

Homeowners

Where Sources of Pollutants Might Be Found
General Auto Care
SWALCO Disposal Guide

Lawncare Tips to Reduce Potential Pollution
Watering
Fertilizers
Composting
Streambank Protection/Restoration
Pesticides
Yard Work

Landscaping Options

Native Plant Materials
Rain Gardens - General Introduction
Rain Garden - How To Guide
Plant Trees
Shoreline Plantings

Water

Stream & Lake Property Best Practices

Commercial Property Owners

Business/Campus Best Practices
Typical Sources of Illicit/Unpermitted Discharges
Stream & Shoreline Restoration Manual - SMC

Homeowner's Associations

Homeowners Best Practices
Best Management Practice (BMP) Maintenance Guide
Conservation Easement Information

Service/Youth Group Project Suggestions


Storm Inlet Stenciling

Information for Kids

EPA Drinking Water & Groundwater Education Activities
US Geological Service Water Science for Schools
EPA Wetlands Information Website

The Relationship between Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens

So you have a rain barrel . . . now what. Has it been installed? Does it capture all the rain from that area of your roof? Does it often overflow? If you find your rain barrel overflows often it might be beneficial to install a rain garden that will absorb the extra rainwater.

Working on Three New Programs
Since 2003, Rain Garden Network has been helping individuals and communities understand the importance of rain gardens, rainwater harvesting and diversion of rainwater away from streets and sewers and assisting them with the installation and maintenance of their gardens and development of their programs. We offer step-by-step instructional documentation, personal consulting, training, installation and maintenance services. See our capabilities.