Chicago is one of 700 U.S. cities with combined sewer and stormwater systems that often lead to flooding during major rain events.
Chicago will update its 2014 green stormwater infrastructure plan in response to a new state permit program that requires cities to make improvements to combined sewer and stormwater systems that allow sewage to enter local waterways during flood events, a type of system common in hundreds of cities around the country.
As Ysabelle Kempe explains in Smart Cities Dive, the city is issuing a request for proposals for building more sustainable water infrastructure and collecting stormwater where it falls before letting it flow to rivers and lakes. “Chicago is looking for a consultant to map the city’s progress on GSI since 2014, conduct a cost-benefit analysis of existing GSI, examine other cities’ strategies, determine implementation challenges and identify potential policy changes that could promote more equitable GSI investments.”
The Illinois National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit requires an expansion of the GSI strategy as well as a focus on environmental justice communities and improved monitoring, reporting, and public engagement on stormwater and sewer issues.
FULL STORY: Storms send sewage into Chicago waterways. The city hopes a new green infrastructure plan can help.
Adapting Combined Sewer-Stormwater Systems to Climate Change
Only one coastal city has a sewer system that must handle stormwater as well as wastewater. San Francisco's efforts to adapt its combined sewer-stormwater system has put it on the vanguard of the city's climate adaptation efforts.
Study: Outdated Stormwater Infrastructure Exacerbates Flooding
Infrastructure built to mitigate flooding a century ago no longer serves current needs.
Study: Combined Sewer Systems Face Increased Flood Risk
Cities like Philadelphia and Boston are at higher risk of sewage overflows due to their aging sewer systems and rising sea levels.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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