IGI grant application made to finance Downspout Disconnections Program of 500 homes across Berwyn. Submitted December 2013: (Status Unknown).

1. A Century of Progress with Pride
The City of Berwyn
Robert J. Lovero
Mayor
December 10, 2013
Amy Walkenbach
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Watershed Management Section #15
P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
Dear Ms. Walkenbach:
As Mayor of the City of Berwyn, I would like to convey my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to
submit this application for the Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program. As mayor of a densely
populated, inner ring suburb I see firsthand the effects of an overworked combined sewer system such as
flooded basements, polluted waterways and damaged infrastructure.
In order to be part of the solution to these problems, the City of Berwyn seeks funding in the amount of
$42,000.00. This financial assistance will be used to initiate Berwyn’s Residential Downspout
Disconnection Program to assist Berwyn residents in disconnecting their downspouts from the City’s
sewer system. By returning stormwater runoff to the ground, we hope to be able to reduce the likelihood
of combined sewer overflows; an occurrence that has become all too common.
Enclosed you will find two hard copies and a digital version of our proposal for green infrastructure.
Through your support of this initiative we hope to collectively address the amount of pollutants entering
the Des Plaines River watershed. Thank you for your time and consideration of our proposal. If you
have any questions about the plan, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Robert J. Lovero
Mayor
6700 West 26th Street Berwyn, Illinois 60402-0701 Telephone: (708) 788-2660 Fax: (708) 788-2567 www.berwyn-il.gov

2. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection
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Program
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 0712000407
Des Plaines River Watershed
Category: Green Infrastructure Small Projects Category
Rivers: IL G‐39 Des Plaines River
Contact Information: Robert Schiller
Public Works Director, City of Berwyn
6700 West 30th Street
Berwyn, IL 60402
(708) 788.2660
rschiller@ci.berwyn.il.us
City of Berwyn Website: http://www.berwyn‐il.gov/

3. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
Abstract:
The City of Berwyn requests $42,000.00 in grant funds through the Illinois Green Infrastructure
Grant Program (IGIG) to implement the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program. The
total cost of this project is $56,000.00. The City will provide the local match supporting 25% of
the project in the amount of $14,000.00. The proposed project will assist residents in
disconnecting their downspouts therefore decreasing the volume of water entering the sewers
during a storm. This program will significantly increase permeability thus enabling 50% of
stormwater to infiltrate into the ground. Furthermore, the downspout disconnect program will
allow stormwater runoff to be absorbed by the ground and reduce pollutant concentrations
entering the sewer system. Through this project the City hopes to demonstrate to the public
the benefits of green infrastructure and sustainability.
Berwyn, as an urban infill community, has active Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) problems
and recognizes the environmental and health risks that are associated. The proposed
Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will decrease the amount of stormwater
entering the sewer system and therefore allow stormwater to matriculate into the ground
naturally instead of taxing the areas combined sewer system.
1. Project Narrative:
Characterization of the Area:
The City of Berwyn is located within ten miles of the Chicago Loop, situated between the
Stevenson (I‐55) and Eisenhower (I‐290) Expressways and is in close proximity to Midway
Airport, O’Hare Airport and served by the Metra Rail line. Due to its prime location and
availability of affordable housing, the City has seen an increase in population, traffic and urban
density over the past several decades.
The City’s land area is 3.9 square miles with a growing population of 56,657 in which 72% are
over the age of 18. This equates to a population density of 14,527 per square mile; 20% higher
than that of Chicago’s.
The City’s combined sewer system is nearing 100 years old and incapable, at times, of handling
the increased capacity especially during a storm. Much of the combined sewer system was
designed to handle small one story structures when pervious green areas were much larger.
While the population and density of Berwyn has grown, the combined sewer system has
remained largely untouched. Currently the City contains only 2.0% of open space. The City’s
current stormwater management system is a combined sewer system provided by the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC), comprised of a
conveyance system nearly 100 miles in length and storm laterals totaling 19 miles. Stormwater
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4. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
runoff and sewage are collected into a single pipe and ultimately discharged into the large
interceptors of the MWRDGC where it is eventually treated at their Stickney Treatment Plant.
The Stickney Plant has the capacity to treat 1.2 billion gallons of wastewater per day, serving a
260 square mile area with 2.5 million people. This area encompasses parts of Chicago and 43
suburban communities. Many of Berwyn’s neighboring communities which are serviced by the
Stickney Plant are also built out, land locked communities with aging infrastructure.
The City of Berwyn is located within the Des Plaines River watershed. This watershed covers
over 850,000 acres of predominately urban and industrial uses within Lake, DuPage, Cook and
Will Counties. The Illinois EPA found that only 24% of the watershed was in “good” condition.
The EPA went on to attribute the primary cause of problematic conditions to municipal point
source pollution and urban runoff. Berwyn is located near a segment of the Des Plaines River
identified as a Section 303(d) impaired water body for which sources of impairment include
CSOs and urban stormwater runoff.
Although, 66% of the watershed’s land is of an urban land use, 19% is covered by forest, 5% is
cropland and the remaining 10% is open water, wetland and grassland, much of these areas
preserved by the Forest Preserve Districts. The wildlife represented in these areas is comprised
of 263 bird species, 45 mammal species, 16 species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles, 49
species of fish, 33 species of mussels and 18 species of dragonflies. Of the species of plants
found throughout the area, 25 species are state threatened or endangered, 4 of which are on
the federal list, and one species of dragonfly is federally endangered, making the Lower Des
Plaines River basin one of few breeding places in the country.
Planning efforts are currently underway to reduce combined sewer overflows. The MWRDGC
Tunnel and Reservoir Project (TARP) is currently underway to increase the region’s capacity to
contain and direct combined sewer flows to water reclamation plants for treatment instead of
discharging into rivers and lakes. CSO communities are also implementing long‐term control
plans and aggressive pollution prevention strategies to minimize pollutant loads entering the
combined sewer systems.
Berwyn in particular is taking a multifaceted approach to addressing CSO. The City is slowly
acquiring blighted property and constructing green space called “pocket parks.” Beyond serving
as public space, the pocket parks work to increase the permeability of the entire area. The City
is working with three large commercial development projects that will include onsite detention
of stormwater runoff. Additionally, the City actively supports a rain barrel program for its
residents in an effort to further allay runoff and in the process of updating its zoning ordinance
to allow native plantings normally found in raingardens. The City is actively pursuing additional
projects that can be implemented to reduce flooding, stormwater runoff and CSOs. The City
recently replaced a 25,580 square foot asphalt parking lot for a Park District facility with
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5. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
permeable pavers. In addition, a StormTrap underground stormwater storage system was
installed in a park in a section of the City that experiences flooding regularly, designed to
provide 5,507 cubic feet of underground storage.
Project Need:
The City has experienced several instances of damaging flooding over the past couple of
years. The City’s combined sewers are outdated and were not originally designed to sustain the
demands of a growing urban area. The Residential Downspout Disconnection Program is
intended to provide storm sewer relief to the City’s combined sewer system by decreasing the
volume of water entering the sewers during a storm. The City is looking to the development of
this program as a response to ongoing stormwater management issues, to mitigate flooding
concerns and prepare for the future. Over the past couple of years, the City has experienced
severe flooding events resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and the
displacement of residents from their homes.
Berwyn’s stormwater and sanitary sewerage is conveyed to the MWRDGC interceptor system.
Most of these City collection sewers have a very limited capacity to convey stormwater runoff
due to their small size and long distances to the MWRDGC interceptor. During heavy rainfall
events, MWRDGC has been forced to close the sluices gates to their system and excess flows
are diverted into the surrounding waterways untreated.
Downspout disconnection has been identified as a stormwater management best practice to
alleviate residential flooding and mitigate Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) problems. Many of
the gutter downspouts on Berwyn’s homes are directly connected to the City’s sewer system,
increasing the volume and rate of stormwater entering the sewer system during a storm.
Disconnecting the downspouts and allowing the water to drain onto a resident’s front or rear
yard will prolong the time at which the sewers reach capacity. Berwyn is hopeful that the
Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will reduce the volume of stormwater entering
the combined sewer system by 50%. Roof runoff will enter the green areas within the
residential property limits and will infiltrate the ground rather than end up in the combined
sewer system. This initiative will also reduce pollutant loads entering both the City system and
the MWRD system and will ultimately reduce the discharging of pollutants into the area
waterways. Thus, the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will help improve local
water quality in the long term. Residents will also have the option of collecting their rainwater
for watering on dry days, which will also conserve City water.
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6. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
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Des Plaines River
Not Supporting Use Cause Source
Aquatic Life
Fish Consumption
Primary Contact
Aldrin, Arsenic, Chloride, Lindane,
Mercury, Methoxychlor, Flow
regime alternations,
Polychlorinated biphenyls, Fecal
Coliform, pH, Phosphorus (Total)
Atmospheric Deposition – Toxics,
Combined Sewer Overflows,
Contaminated Sediments, Impacts
from Hydrostructure Flow
Regulation/modification, Municipal
Point Source Discharges, Unknown,
Dam or Impoundment, Urban
Runoff/Storm Sewers
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
Not Supporting Use Cause Source
Fish Consumption
Indigenous Aquatic
Life
Iron, Oil and Grease, Oxyden –
Dissolved, Polychlorinated
biphenyls, Phosphorus (Total)
Combined Sewer Overflows,
Impacts from Hydrostructure Flow
Regulation/modification, Municipal
Point Source Discharges, Unknown,
Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
The chart above indicates the number of pollutants in the surrounding waters that can be
attributed to CSOs and stormwater runoff. The capacity of the existing system is exceeded
during heavy rainfall and has been the case of flooding within the City. The City wishes to
pursue future projects to aid in stormwater management.
Project Plan:
The City of Berwyn proposes to utilize IGIG funds to initiate the Residential Downspout
Disconnection Program with a starting goal of servicing 500 homes; totaling 82,300 square
yards of impervious area throughout the City. The program has the potential for expansion
and/or continuation based on resident need, interest and/or eligibility.
Project Components:
The project will consist of public outreach and education of the program. The City will begin
these steps. The City will also assist residents in identifying if their downspouts are connected,
the best location for discharge and the steps in the labor and supplies required for
disconnection. The actual downspout disconnection will be performed by a licensed contractor
with the necessary tools and materials. Upon completion of the work, the City will inspect and
follow up with the resident. This project will require public education and notice of the project;
resident application for the program; a period for review, questions and answers; inspection by
City staff; and project close out by City staff. It is anticipated that the start‐up round for the
disconnect program will take 12 – 18 months from start to completion. The City wishes to

7. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
continue this program for years to come and hopes that once the initial process is established,
the program will run more efficiently in the following years. The key project components are:
1. Public Notification and Education: The City will notify residents of the Residential
Downspout Disconnection Program, outlining the benefits of stormwater management
and the application process. Any questions arising from the notice can be submitted
and addressed to Public Works during this period.
2. Public Application: Residents will submit applications for the program. The scope of the
project will be determined at this point based on the interest and eligibility
requirements. Locations for work will be determined and reviewed during this process.
3. Public Bidding: The construction bid notice will be released.
4. Bid Opening/Contract Awarded: Proposals will be opened and evaluated, and the
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contract will be awarded to the successful bidder.
5. Construction Phase: Construction of the project will commence.
6. Project Completion/Operations and Maintenance Plan.
Project Plan Summary:
Timeline
Project
Components/Tasks Deliverables
Performance
Measures
Months 1‐6 Public
Notification/Education
Outreach regarding the
program to residents;
Complete Operations &
Maintenance Plan
Residents applying
for the program
Months 7‐9 Public Application
Applications received and
reviewed; Scoping of the
project
Determining the
scale of the program
and public
acceptance
Months 10‐
11 Public Bidding/Bid Opening
Construction bid notices
released; Bids opened and
evaluated
Contract awarded
and executed
Months 12‐
18
Construction of the
Residential Disconnects
Citywide
Project Completed
Final project report/
documentation
complete
The project is designed in such a way that the total project, from grant award to final payment,
would be accomplished in 12 to 18 months; with ample time to address the concerns and
questions that residents may have and to ensure a successful program.
Partnering:
Berwyn will work closely with the IEPA in initiating this project, but will not need to partner
with any other agencies to implement the project. Berwyn will however work with residents

8. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
and businesses to not only make them aware of the project but to also educate them about the
benefits of green infrastructure projects.
2. Project Budget:
The total cost of this project is $56,000.00. The City of Berwyn seeks funding in the amount of
$42,000.00 (75%) from the IGIG program. The City will provide a 25% local match totaling
$14,000.00.
Cost Summary for the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program:
Description Estimated Cost
Construction $ 50,000.00
City Inspector Direct Labor $ 3,200.00
City Inspector Indirect Costs $ 2,800.00
Subtotal $ 56,000.00
IGIG Assistance Amount (75%) $ 42,000.00
City of Berwyn Funding (25%) $ 14,000.00
Anticipated Outputs:
The City of Berwyn will disconnect the downspouts of a minimum 500 homes; totaling 82,300
square yards of runoff from residential roofs from entering the aging sewer system. In
addition, residents will have the option of collecting the rainwater for watering during dry days
or creating a raingarden. This solution is not only beneficial to the resident’s plants and garden,
but is also a water conservation measure.
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Anticipated Outcomes:
The City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program will result in:
1. The reduction of surface runoff volume by 50% in the project area.
2. The reduction of the phosphorus pollutant load by 6.35 lb/yr (50%).
3. The reduction of the nitrogen pollutant load by 86.53 lb/yr (50%).
4. The reduction of the amount of sediment found in runoff by 0.88 tons/yr (80%).
Programmatic Capability/Technical Experience:
The City of Berwyn has all of the necessary experience and qualifications to undertake the
proposed green infrastructure projects. Berwyn has a long history of successfully implementing
infrastructure projects. The City’s Public Works Director, Robert Schiller, will oversee the
projects and ensure that all project components are completed as proposed. John Fitzgerald,

9. City of Berwyn Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
the City’s Engineer, will be responsible for the design phase and preparation of construction
plans and specifications. John is a Professional Engineer and Vice President for the City’s
Consulting Civil Engineering Firm; Frank Novotny & Associates, Inc. Frank Novotny & Associates
has successfully performed municipal consulting engineering services for the City of Berwyn
since 1965. John brings a well‐rounded balance of specialized technical expertise to the City of
Berwyn. Along with a team of engineers, technicians and field personnel, John designs, bids and
oversees the following types of improvements:
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 Street Paving & Rehabilitation
 Water Mains, Distribution Systems & Pumping Stations
 Sanitary Sewer Extension & Collection Systems
 Stormwater Drainage, Detention, Management & Hydraulic Studies
 Roadway Lighting & Traffic Control Systems
 Subdivision Plan Review & Inspection of Improvements
 Commercial Area Redevelopment
 Sidewalk, Pathway & Bikeway Systems Planning & Design
 Parking Lot Facilities and Green Parking Lots
John has been with Frank Novotny & Associates since 1987, after receiving his B.S. in Civil
Engineering from Marquette University.

10. Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management (IGIG)
Attachment 1
High Significantly reduces the volume of runoff from the site that enters the stormwater collection and conveyance system by
Page 1 of 2
September 15th, 2010
Project Name:
Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information
X 1 High
X
2 High
High Reduces pollutant load amount reduced
6.35 lb/yr (50%)
86.53 lb/yr (50%)
0.88 tons/yr (80%)
50% volume reduction
Flow reduction = 50% volume reduction
Name(s) and Assessment Unit IDs of lake and stream: Des Plaines River Watershed
712000407
Des Plaines River, Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
Name(s) of source water:
5
Med
City of Berwyn Downspout Disconnect Program
Applicant:
Date:
City of Berwyn
13-Dec-13
Preserves, restores or enhances the natural hydrology of the area
High
increasing infiltration of stormwater into site soils or using vegetation to intercept, take up and evapotranspire stormwater or
capturing stormwater for reuse. Reduces volume of stormwater entering a combined sewer system. Eliminates or reduces
untreated stormwater runoff.
Project is within the drainage area of a Section 303(d) identified impaired water, a 305(b) assessed waterbody not meeting
full use support or a completed TMDL watershed
Improves water quality of a local source of drinking water. Site is located within a delineated source water protection area
(groundwater)
Water Quality
X
4
X
Reduces existing impervious surfaces or otherwise increases the effective permeability of existing impervious surfaces at the
site or is located on land with permeability reduced due to pre-existing development (e.g., buildings, paved surfaces and
compacted soils)
X
X
6
Total Phosphorus (lbs) =
Nitrogen (lbs) =
Sediment (tons)=
Flow reduction =
Other (name and amount) =
3
Instructions:
Step 1 - Complete Project Name, Applicant and Date.
Step 2 - Check "Yes", "No" or "NA" (not applicable) on the left side of
each criteria listed to identify if the project addresses that consideration.
Step 3 - Provide detailed information, as requested, on the right side.
Add lines as necessary.
Step 4 - Submit this form with your IGIG Application to Illinois EPA

11. Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management (IGIG)
Attachment 1
Implements and is Consistant with Regulations, Permits and Plans
Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information
Identified as a recommended action to improve water quality in a:
Directly addesses noncompliance issue, whether or not enforcement action has been taken
Integral part of a solution to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) documented flood problem
Creates, preserves or restores terrestrial wildlife habitat
Creates, preserves or restores recreational open space
Reduces heat island effect
Provides education oportunities (note - education components are not eligible for reimbursement or as match)
Generates performance data (note - data collection components are not eligible for reimbursement or as match)
The applicant or its partner have a dedicated source of funds for long term maintenance for the proposed project
Page 2 of 2
September 15th, 2010
Citation:
High Approved Long Term Control Plan (CSO Communties)
High Stormwater Management Plan Under development
High Stormwater Regulation or Ordinance Cook County Stormwater Management Plan (CCSMP)
High Regional Water Supply Plan IDNR Lake Michigan Water Allocation Program
High Watershed Based Plan Lower Des Plaines River Watershed Management Plan
Med Local Comprehensive Plan Yes, adopted 10/23/12
Low Conservation Plan
Low Water Quality Management Plan
X 8 Low
Documentation:
X 9 Low
X 10 Low
X 11 Low
X 12 Low
X 13 Low
X 14 Low
X 15 Low
Yes No NA Priority Criteria Detailed Information
Citation:
X
16 High
X 17 High
X 18 Med
X 19 Low
The community has adopted a dedicated revenue source for green infrastructure stormwater management practices and
their long term maintenance
7
Reduces consumption of potable, treated water
Sustainability and Other Policy Priorities
Uses low impact construction technology to minimize impact on the environment
The community has adopted an integrated resource plan, including demand-side management, for water supply, waste water
and stormwater.
X

12. Residential Downspout Disconnection Program
Citywide – City of Berwyn, Cook County