EIS771334D
RL
WATER DIVISION
UNITED STATES 230 S. DEARBORN STREET
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604 MARCH 1977
£ , ENVIRONMENTAL DRAFT
«IMPACT STATEMENT
TUNNEL COMPONENT OF THE TUNNEL
AND RESERVOIR PLAN PROPOSED BY THE
METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT
OF GREATER CHICAGO
Lower Des Plaines Tunnel System
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
TUNNEL COMPONENT OF THE
TUNNEL AND RESERVOIR PLAN
PROPOSED BY THE
METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT
OF GREATER CHICAGO
LOWER DBS PLAINES SYSTEM
Prepared By The
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION V
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
And
BOOZ, ALLEN AND HAMILTON, INC.
BETHESDA, MARYLAND
APPROVED BY:
GEORGE R. "ALEXANDER, Jl
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
MARCH 1977
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SUMMARY SHEET
(X) Draft
( ) Final
J.S. Environmental Protection Agency
i. ( x) Administrative Action
( ) Legislative Action
2. Description of the Action - see Executive Summary, pgs. xvii to xxviii
3. Environmental Impact - see Executive Summary, pgs. xxix to xxxvi
4. Alternatives Considered - see Executive Summary, pg. xviii to xix
5. Federal, State, and Local Agencies and Individuals Notified to
this Action
Senator Adlai E. Stevenson, III
Senator Charles H. Percy
Representative George M. O'Brien
Representative Philip M. Crane
Representative Frank Annunzio
Representative Abner J. Mikva
Representative Sidney R. Yates
Representative Dan Rostenkowski
Representative Martin A. Russo
Representative Candiss Collins
Representative Henry J. Hyde
Representative John G. Fary
Representative Edward J. Derwinski
Representative Morgan F. Murphy
Representative Ralph H. Metcalfe
Water Resources Council
Council on Environmental Quality
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Federal Activities
Office of Public Affairs
Office of Legislation
Office of Water Programs Operations
Environmental Evaluation Branch
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Fish and Wildlife Servies
National Park Service
Geological Survey
Bureau of Mines
Department of Defense
Army Corps of Engineers
North Central Division
Chicago District Office
Department of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service
Forest Service
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Department of Housing and Urban Development
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Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administrator
Coast Guard
Department of Commerce
Natinal Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of Labor
Occupational Health and Safety Administration
Great Lakes Basin Commission
Governor of Illinois
Illinois Institute for Environmental Quality
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Illinois Division of Waterways
Illinois Department of Public Health
Illinois Department of Conservation
State Historic Preservation Office
Business and Economic Development
Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission
Cook County Department of Environmental Control
Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
City of Chicago
Department of Environment Control
Department of Development and Planning
Department of Aviation
Public Libraries
Others
6. Dates Draft Statement made available to:
The Council on Environmental Quality:April 1, 1977
The Public: April 8, 1977
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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FORWARD
This executive summary supplements the Draft Environ-
mental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Tunnel Component of
TARP, specifically the segments and branches of the Lower
Des Plaines Tunnel System. Copies of the Draft EIS may be
obtained by writing the U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Region V, Planning Branch, EIS Preparation Section,
230 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604; or by
telephoning the TARP project officer at (312) 353-2157.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary
Page
Number
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION -iii-
1.1 Legal Basis for the EIS -iv-
1.2 Scope of the EIS -iv-
1.3 Identification of the Applicant -iv-
1.4 Project History -v-
1.5 Objectives of TARP -vii-
II. EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING -viii-
2.1 Natural Environment -viii-
2.1.1 Water Resources -viii-
2.1.2 Land Resources -xi-
2.1.3 Atmospheric Resources -xii-
2.1.4 Biological Resources -xii-
2.2 Man-made Environment -xiii-
2.2.1 Socioeconomic -xiii-
2.2.2 Land Use -xiv-
2.2.3 Sensitive Areas -xv-
2.2.4 Financial Resources -xv-
2.2.5 Labor Resources -xvi-
2.2.6 Transportation -xvi-
2.2.7 Major Projects and Programs -xvi-
III. THE PROPOSED ACTION -xvii-
3.1 Alternative Plans -xvii-
3.2 Plan Selection -xviii-
3.3 TARP Tunnel Systems -xix-
3.4 TARP Subsystems -xxi-
3.5 Des Plaines Tunnel Segments and Branches -xxii-
3.6 Cost of Tunnel System and Subsystems -xxii-
3.7 TARP Financing -xxiv-
IV. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CONCERNING THE EFFECTS OF
THE PROPOSED ACTION -xxix-
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
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I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This chapter first defines the legal basis and the scope
of the EIS and then describes .the authority and program of the
applicant for EPA funding, the MSDGC. Finally, the history
and objectives of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) are
reviewed. This chapter of the executive summary corresponds
to Chapter I of the -.environmental impact statement (EIS) .
1-1 LEGAL BASIS FOR THE EIS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the
administering agency for a major Federal environmental pro-
gram entitled "Grants for Construction of Treatment Works. "•*•
This program allows the EPA Administrator to provide finan-
cial aid to any state, municipality, intermunicipal agency,
or interstate agency for the construction of publicly owned
water pollution control facilities. The program will en-
courage reduction of point sources of water pollution and
improve national water quality.
The EPA's granting of funds for a water pollution con-
trol facility may require an EIS. Each proposed water pollu-
tion control facility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis
by the appropriate EPA regional office to determine whether
the proposed facility is expected to have significant en-
vironmental effects or be highly controversial. The EPA has
prepared this EIS because it expects the environmental ef-
fects of the tunnel system to be significant.
This EIS is being issued pursuant to PL 91-90, the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, and Exe-
cutive Order 11514, "Protection and Enhancement of Environ-
mental Quality" dated March 5, 1970. Both NEPA and Execu-
tive Order 11514 require that all Federal agencies prepare
such statements in connection with their proposals for major
Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment.
Authorized by Title II, Section 201(g)(1), of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-500 (FWPCAA)
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This EIS has been prepared in accordance with the
regulations and guidance set forth in the President's Council
on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Guidelines dated August 1, 1973,
and the EPA's Final Regulations 40 CFR-Part 6, dated April 14,
1975.
1.2 SCOPE OF THE EIS
The EIS addresses the cumulative effects of constructing
and operating three conveyance tunnel systems which are part
of the total Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) proposed by
MSDGC. These three tunnel systems are:
Mainstream (59th Street to Addison Street)
Calumet
Lower Des Plaines.
Where appropriate, this statement also assesses the effects
associated specifically with the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel
system route. Two other statements address separately the ef-
fects associated with the Mainstream Tunnel system and the
Calumet Tunnel system. The Mainstream and Calumet statements
have already been developed and issued. These tunnel systems
comprise what is referred to in the statement as "TARP, Phase I.
The subject of these statements is confined to the tun-
nel systems and their associated components because EPA is now
considering whether to grant funds to construct these tunnels
under its water pollution control authority. Other compo-
nents of TARP, including the reservoirs, flood relief tun-
nels, instream aeration, and wastewater treatment plant im-
provements, are either ineligible for EPA funding or are not
now under consideration for construction grants. Therefore,
these other components are not considered to be part of the
proposed action under review. The effects of these other
components on water quality and the likelihood of their being
financed is analyzed in this EIS in order to provide a con-
text for evaluating the significance of the water quality
improvements expected from the three tunnel systems.
1.3 IDENTIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT
The Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
(MSDGC) is the construction grant applicant for the compo-
nent of Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) addressed by this
EIS. The MSDGC was organized in 1889 under an act to create
sanitary districts to remove obstructions in the Des Plaines
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and Illinois Rivers.^ Under the provisions of the act, the
MSDGC is responsible for providing surface water and sewage
drainage within the District's boundaries, which it does by
constructing necessary facilities, conveyance systems, and
treatment plants. The MSDGC is authorized to treat waste-
water, either totally or partially, from any municipality
within its designated jurisdiction, as well as to own and
operate all wastewater facilities located within the MSDGC
jurisdiction.
The MSDGC service area is approximately 860 square mile.s.
Approximately 44 percent of this area, or 375 square miles,
is served by MSDGC-owned combined-sewer systems (see Figure 1-1)
in which wastewater or sewage collected in local sewer systems
is conveyed to treatment plants. These systems serve 120
municipalities which have a. total population of approximately
5.5 million. The District owns and operates 70.5 miles of
navigable canals, 6 wastewater treatment plants, and approxi-
mately 440 miles of intercepting sewers. The three major
plants (North-Side, West-Southwest, and Calumet) in the MSDGC
service area have a secondary capacity of over 1,750 million
gallons per day (MGD). The remaining plants have a combined
tertiary capacity of over 70 MGD. A water reclamation plant,
the John F. Egan plant, is presently under construction and
will have a capacity of about 30 MGD.
1.4 PROJECT HISTORY
The MSDGC initiated its wastewater facilities planning
study in September 1967, with a ten-year clean-up and flood
control program. The objectives of the program are to solve
the District's flooding problem, protect Lake Michigan from
further pollution, and improve the water quality of rivers
and streams in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Tunnel
and Reservoir Plan (TARP) has evolved from this ten-year
program.
Concerned officials from the State of Illinois, Cook
County, the MSDGC, and the city of Chicago reactivated a
Flood Control Coordinating Committee (FCCC) in November 1970
to investigate the pollution and flooding problems in the
Chicago metropolitan area. The Committee's primary assign-
ment was to develop a viable plan to minimize the area's
Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 42, Section 320, approved
May 29, 1889.
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FIGURE 1-1
Metropolitan Sanitary District
of Greater Chicago
Service Area
SERVICE AREA OF MSDGC
COMBINED-SEWER
SERVICE AREA
BOUNDARY
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pollutant discharges and the flooding caused by overflows
of mixed sewage and wastewater. Another priority item in
the plan was elimination of the need to release polluted
river and canal flood waters into Lake Michigan. The Com-
mittee's plan was to address the combined-sewer area within
Cook County, covering 375 square miles. The deliberations
and studies of the FCCC and of a technical advisory commit-
tee which they formed resulted in the selection of TARP as
less costly and more environmentally acceptable than the
other plans they evaluated. The Committee then initiated
additional studies to develop and refine TARP.
1.5 OBJECTIVES OF TARP
A primary objective of TARP is to improve surface water
quality within the planning area. TARP is designed to meet
the standards set forth in the "Water Pollution Regulations
of Illinois."^ These regulatory standards were established
for three surface water-use classifications: (1) General
(primary body contact), (2) Public and Food Processing
(drinking water), and (3) Secondary Body Contact and Indigenous
Aquatic Life. All surface waters in the State of Illinois
have been given a water-use classification by the Illinois
Pollution Control Board (IPCB) and should comply with the ap-
propriate water quality standards. Details of these standards
are presented in Chapter II of this EIS. Other important
objectives of TARP are to:
Preserve the health and well-being of the population
Prevent further pollution of Lake Michigan due to backflow
Utilize treated waste byproducts
Prevent flooding.
The final TARP is a combination of several alternative
plans designed to collect urban runoff during all wet wea-
ther conditions except those storms of a magnitude equal to
the three most severe storms recorded to date by the U.S.
Weather Bureau Service.
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II. EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
To provide a basis for assessing the impacts of a pro-
posed project, an EIS initially describes the existing natural,
social, economic, and cultural setting of the area which
may be affected by a project. This chapter summarizes the
major findings of the EIS with respect to the natural and
man-made environments of the Chicago metropolitan area. This
chapter is divided into two sections which correspond to
Chapters II and III of the EIS text: Natural Environment
and Man-made Environment.
2.1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The existing natural environment of the Chicago area
summarized in this section focuses on those features rele-
vant to impact assessment of the proposed TARP project. This
section is divided into the following categories:
Water Resources
Land Resources
Atmospheric Resources.
2.1.1 Water Resources
The surface water systems of the Chicago area consist
of a network of rivers and canals whose natural flow into
Lake Michigan is controlled by a series of locks. These
surface water systems include the Chicago River, the Sanitary
and Ship Canal, the Calumet River system , and the Des Plaines
River system. Lake Calumet and Lake Michigan also constitute
an important part of the area's surface water resources.
The quality of the surface water systems is affected by
steady-state effluent discharges and by injections or dis-
charges of polluted wastewaters. The polluted wastewater
results from overflows of combined-sewer systems during rain-
fall events of nominal size (approximately 0.1 inches or
greater). The frequency of these rainfall events is approxi-
mately 100 times per year, and the resulting overflows are
discharged directly to the Chicago area's streams and rivers.
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Pollutant concentrations in the streams and rivers presently
exceed water quality standards established by the State of
Illinois Pollution Control Board. Concentration ranges of
various pollutants in the Chicago area's surface systems are
presented in Table II-l. Further details on the water quality
of specific water systems are presented in Section 2.1.1 of
the EIS.
Table II-l
Summary of Pollutant Concentration Ranges
in Chicago's Surface Water Systems
Pollutant
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
Biochemical oxygen
demand (BOD)
Ammonia (as N)
Suspended solids (SS)
Fecal coliform
Chicago River —
Sanitary and
Ship Canal System
1.2 to 7.7 mg/1
5.2 to 9.2 mg/1
0.8 to 6.2 mg/1
19 to 54 mg/1
477 to 12,700
(counts/100 ml)
Calumet River
System
3.9 to 9.0 mg/1
4.1 to 7.3 mg/1
1.3 to 13 mg/1
12 to 73 mg/1
152 to 738
(counts/100 ml)
Des Plaines
River System
6.0 to 10 mg/1
5.0 to 6.7 mg/1
0.3 to 1.2 mg/1
29 to 68 mg/1
411 to 8,700
(counts/100 ml)
Applicable Illinois Standards*
Secondary
Contact
5.0 mg/11
4.0 mg/1 (1978) 2
3.0 mg/1
4. 0 mg/1 min. ^
2.0 mg/1 min.
4-20 mg/14
4.0 mg/1 (winter)
2.5 mg/1 (summer)
5-25 mg/15
1000/100 ml1
General
Use
6.0 mg/1
5 . 0 mg/1 mm.
4-20 mg/14
2.6 mg/13
5-25 mg/15
200/100 ml2
* Effluent discharge standards apply if water quality standard is not designated.
1 North Shore Channel Standards
2 Chicago River-Sanitary and Ship Canal System and Calumet River system.
3 General Use Standard applicable to Des Plaines River system.
4 4 mg/1-Hanover, Egan, and O'Hare Sewage Treatment Plants
10 mg/l-WSW and Calumet Sewage Treatment Plant
20 ma/1-Lemont Sewage Treatment Plant
5 5mg/l-Hanover, Egan, and O'Hare STP
12mg/l-WSW and Calumet STP
25mg/l-Lemont STP
Serious public health problems involving contamination
of Chicago's drinking water supply has led to implementation
of regulatory measures to protect Lake Michigan, an important
drinking water resource, from pollution. Locks and gates have
been installed to divert river flows away from Lake Michigan,
allowing eventual drainage into the Illinois River. Lake
Michigan supplies most of the drinking water for the Chicago
area. The withdrawal amount is approximately 1,600 cubic
feet per second (CFS), and the maximum amount that can be
withdrawn from Lake Michigan is 3,200 CFS.l This withdrawal
limit, or allotment, is presently divided into three usage
types: domestic water supply, indirect waterway diversion,
and direct waterway diversion. The diversion usages allow
improved effluent dilution and improved navigation.
Supreme Court Decision.
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In the Chicago metropolitan area, there are two main
aquifer systems: the upper aquifer, which consists of gla-
cial drift and dolomites, and the lower aquifer, which con-
sists of dolomite and sandstone formations. Unconsolidated
Quaternary deposits and Silurian dolomites of the upper aqui-
fer are hydraulically connected and function, in most areas,
as a single water-bearing unit. Clayey deposits in the gla-
cial drift act as confining layers to create artesian condi-
tions in the upper aquifer. The lower aquifer includes dolo-
mite and sandstone formations extending from the base of the
Maquoketa Group to the top of the Eau Claire shales of the
Cambrian system. The average thickness of the upper aqui-
fer and lower aquifer is approximately 400 feet and 1,000
feet, respectively. The sources of recharge for the ground-
water in the upper aquifer are infiltration of precipitation
and influent streams. The lower aquifer is recharged in
parts of McHenry, Kane, and De Kalb Counties where the
Maquoketa Group outcrops, and further west where the Group
has been removed by erosion. With respect to using the
aquifers as a water resource, studies indicate that the
lower aquifer is capable of producing about 25 Million Gal-
lons per Day (MGD) and the upper aquifer is capable of a
potential yield of 108 MGD.
Discharges into the waterways of the Chicago area ori-
ginate from several sources, including: wastewater treat-
ment facilities, industrial plants, and combined-sewer over-
flows. Six wastewater treatment facilities currently dis-
charge treated water to existing waterways. The outfalls
are located adjacent to the facilities. Most of these faci-
lities are in compliance with the BOD and SS effluent
standards (under present permit conditions), and two smaller
plants are within the ammonia-nitrogen standard. With re-
spect to industrial plants, wastewater is conveyed to treat-
ment plants and processed before discharging. The industrial
waste load averages approximately 195 MGD or equivalent to a
population of 4.5 million. Combined-sewer overflows, which occur
about 100 times per average year, inject pollutants in large
amounts into waterways at approximately 640 outfall points in the
Chicago area. During such events, minimum Illinois water quality
standards established for restricted-use waters are not met.
Numerous water resource management programs have been
initiated to address the flooding and/or pollution problems
of the Chicago area. These programs have been or are cur-
rently being conducted either regionally or locally. A few
of these programs include: the Section 208 Areawide Waste
Treatment Management Planning program, the Chicago-South
End of Lake Michigan study (C-SELM), the City of Chicago
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Sewer Construction program, Thornton Quarry Flood Control
project, and the Chicago Metropolitan Area River Basin Plan
(CMARBP).
2.1.2 Land Resources
The Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Calumet-Sag Channel
have significantly altered the natural drainage patterns
which are from west to southwest in the area near Lake Michigan.
Prior to construction of the Canal and Channel, the drain-
age flow was toward Lake Michigan. The flow is presently
toward the Chicago River and the Sanitary and Ship Canal,
which drain into the Illinois Waterway system. The overall
low relief of the MSDGC combined-sewer system area makes it
prone to flooding caused by sewer system backups and/or over-
bank flows. The areas with the highest overbank flooding
potential lie along the North Branch-Chicago River and in
the Calumet River system.
The Chicago area lies on the broad, gently sloping, north-
westerly-trending Kankakee Arch. This arch, which connects
the Wisconsin Arch to the northwest with the Cincinnati Arch
to the southwest, separates the Michigan Basin from the
Illinois Basin. The northeast sector of the Chicago area
lies on the northeastern side of the Kankakee Arch, while
the southwestern sector of the Chicago area lies on the
southwest flank of the Arch. In the Chicago area, overall,
a number of gentle east-west-trending folds are superimposed
on the area's broad regional geologic structures. Numerous
minor faults and several major faults have been mapped, in-
cluding: the Sandwich fault near Joliet and the Des Plaines
disturbance near the community of Des Plaines. The upper-
most 500 feet of rock layers, particularly the dolomites
and shales between the top of the Racine formation and the
base of the Brainard formation, will be relevant to the pro-
posed construction of the TARP tunnel systems. The surface
layer (glacial deposits) has an average thickness of approxi-
mately 80 feet. Drop shaft and construction shaft installa-
tions will be constructed within this layer.
Based on 175-year historical earthquake records, four
major earthquakes occurred within 100 miles of Chicago with
intensities equal to or greater than MMI VIII (Modified
Mercalli Intensity scale). These earthquakes originated at
Fort Dearborn (Chicago) (1804), near Rockford (1909), near
Aurora (1912), and near Amboy (1972). Within the MSDGC
combined-sewer service area, there are 30 faults with moder-
ate vertical displacement characteristics and 86 minor
faults with small vertical displacement characteristics.
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2.1.3 Atmospheric Resources
Air quality in the Chicago metropolitan area is pres-
ently monitored by the city of Chicago Department of Environ-
mental Control and the Cook County Department of Environ-
mental Control. A total of 61 monitoring stations have been
established in Cook County; 30 of these are located within
the city limits of Chicago. Based on the 1974 Annual Air
Quality Report published by the State of Illinois EPA, am-
bient air quality standards were frequently violated at one
or more stations. The pollutant standards violated include:
sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydro-
carbons, and photochemical oxidants (measured as ozone).
The existing outdoor noise levels in most areas of
Chicago are caused mainly by street traffic. Other noise
sources include trains, aircraft, and industrial plants in
city areas, and power lawn mowers, power tools, and other
motor-driven equipment in residential areas. Based on a
recent EPA study, typical noise levels for the Chicago area
ranged from 36.3 dBA (decibels-A scale) (night) to 106.2
dBA (day). The day-night level (Ldn) ranged from 59.0 dBA
to 71.2 dBA (overall average).
2.1.4 Biological Resources
Many species of wildlife reside in or migrate to the
forest preserves, parks, and other natural areas in the
Chicago region. Over 200 species of birds have been sited
in these areas and about half of these species are the mi-
gratory and waterfowl type. Common mammals residing in the
preserves include: whitetail deer, eastern cottontail,
opossum, raccoon, gray squirrel, red fox, and woodchuck.
Approximately 28 species of reptile and amphibian can also
be found in the Des Plaines area. A comprehensive list of the
wildlife species is provided in Appendix J of the EIS.
Aquatic life in the rivers and streams of the Lower Des
Plaines watershed is currently limited to pollution-tolerant or
hardy species. Poor water quality conditions in the Cook
County reaches of the Des Plaines River have reduced the
diversity and abundance of aquatic life. The major species
of fish in the watershed include: goldfish, carp, green
sunfish, black bullhead, golden shiner, hybrid sunfish, black
crappie, blunt-nosed minnow, pumpkinseed sunfish, northern
pike, largemouth bass, yellow bullhead, redfin shiner, white
crappie, bluegill and yellow perch.
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The natural vegetation normally found in the natural
areas of the Des Plaines Tunnel project area consists of a
modified form of the beech-maple forest, in the more moist
areas, and oak-hickory forests in the more open areas. The
transitional flora between these two forest types include
maple-basswood and maple-basswood-red oak forest.
In the stretch between the Lake-Cook County line and
Summit, Illinois, the Des Plaines River flows through a highly
urbanized primarily residential watershed. However, most of
the river and adjacent flood plain is owned by the Cook County
Forest Preserve District so that some woodlands and wetlands
have been preserved, and urban development has generally
been kept out of the Des Plaines River flood plain. Thus, the
Des Plaines flood plain is an attractive greenbelt. It is
composed of several types of vegetation including cottonwood,
ash, oak, willow and boxelder.
2.2 MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
The various components related to man's activities in
the Chicago area are summarized in this section. These com-
ponents include: Socioeconomic, Land Use, Sensitive Areas,
Financial and Labor Resources, Transportation, and Major
Projects and Programs.
J1
2.2.1 Socioeconomic
The Chicago metropolitan area has experienced growth
and change in its demographic profile similar to other major
cities in the United States. Chicago, the third largest
standard metropolitan statistical area (SMSA) in the United
States, has experienced typical population redistribution
trends within the SMSA. The close-in suburban jurisdic-
tions grew rapidly during the 1950's from a substantial in-
migration of population from the south and an out-migration
of people from the city of Chicago. During the 1960's, the
counties adjacent to Cook County urbanized rapidly. Con-
tinued redevelopment of the City, when combined with smaller
household trends, uncertainties regarding energy availability
and cost, and the increasing cost of suburban new construction,
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should result in a strengthening of the urban centers and a
lessening of the outward population movements. Chicago's
population is expected to stabilize after 1980.
Contract construction income accounts for less than
eight percent of total earnings in the Chicago region. While
average monthly wages for construction employment are high
relative to other industries in_the Chicago region, , total __.
earnings from contract construction have ranged from 6.5 to
7.7 percent of total earnings over the period 1950 to 1971.
The construction industry is heavily unionized, and the
current union hourly wage rate averages $11.02. (Refer to
Table III-6 of the EIS).
The Chicago area has traditionally sustained strong
construction activity in the public and private sectors.
Major public redevelopment projects have stimulated private
investment and development, particularly within the city of
Chicago. Construction employment opportunities have thus
attracted and created a large construction labor force. Con-
struction employment in the Chicago SMSA numbered 136,897
people in 1970 or approximately 4.8 percent of the total
employed. Construction employment in the Chicago SMSA ac-
counted for 61 percent of total construction employment in
the State of Illinois. The Chicago area construction work
force is highly flexible and can expand rapidly, given the
demand for construction services.
2.2.2 Land Use
The predominant land use bordering the Des Plaines
tunnel route can be characterized by its residential zoning
in which large portions of land are fully developed. Rock
taken from the tunnel will probably be disposed of at two
sites on Forest Preserve lands as well as at McCook, Stearns,
and Thornton quarries. Sludge will be disposed of at a
number of sites or by a number of programs, including: the
Fulton County project, NuEarth, broker sales, Lawndale
Lagoons, and other landfills.
The land areas bordering the proposed tunnel route are
expected to remain generally the same along the main and
branch segments. Enhanced recreational uses along the
riveredges are envisioned as a land improvement by the
communities in the Des Plaines area.
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2.2.3 Sensitive Areas
There are no known archeological or historically signi-
ficant sites adjacent to or within the Des Plaines Tunnel
route. MSD is presently investigating areas adjacent to
planned tunnel routes. There are selected sites of historic
and architectural interest within the vicinity of the tunnel
route, but none within the immediate 500-foot impact area
of the tunnel. These sites are listed in Chapter III of
the EIS.
2.2.4 Financial Resources
Financial resources are currently available to fund the
Calumet Tunnel system. TARP's Phase I tunnel system cost
breakdown is approximately $1.46 billionl for water pollu-
tion elements and $0.69 billion for flood control measures.
Operation and maintenance of TARP has been estimated at
$13.6 million annually. The estimated cost of the Des Plaines
system alone is $346.9 million, with an annual maintenance
cost of $2.5 million.
Analysis of the funding resources required to finance
the Des Plaines Tunnel system reveals that sufficient funds
are currently available from the Federal Government, the
State, and the MSDGC. (See Section 3.3.I1of the EIS).
Additionally Federal Water Pollution Control funds of ap-
proximately $456.7 million will be required to meet the
implementation plan for all three conveyance tunnel systems.
In view of the sound fiscal posture of the MSDGC, the high
funding priority assigned TARP by the State, and the very
conservative estimates of future Federal appropriations,
it can be reasonably assumed that future financing require-
ments can be satisfied.
Maintenance costs can either be covered through an ad
valorem property tax, or through a user charge system based
on water consumption. EPA favors the latter approach and
has awarded the MSDGC two grants to develop such a user
charge system.
Cost estimates based on values presented in MSDGC's "Facilities
Planning Study—MSDGC Overview Report," Revised, January 1975.
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2.2.5 Labor Resources
Labor resources are considered adequate to meet con-
struction and implementation needs of TARP and other proj-
ects. The diversified labor force in the Chicago metro-
politan area is vulnerable to economic recession because
of the emphasis upon manufacturing and nonservice employ-
ment. Thus, while national unemployment was about 8.4 per-
cent in the third quarter of 1975, Cook County had a 9.6
percent rate, and the city of Chicago sustained a 11.2 per-
cent rate of unemployment. Increasing productivity rates
and an expanding labor force should contribute to keeping
Chicago unemployment levels higher than the national rate
for the next few years. Therefore, new employment oppor-
tunities presented by TARP and other projects should not
experience a shortage of labor resources.
The labor force is predominantly male, with white
collar workers comprising 53 percent of the labor force in
the SMSA.
2.2.6 Transportation
Implementation of the Des Plaines Tunnel system will in-
volve the use of roadways and waterways. Trucks carrying
rock and spoil material from construction sites will utilize
several surface streets and expressways in reaching the
quarry or disposal site. The roadways range from dirt roads
to.six-lane divided highways. The Des Plaines tunnel route
is proximate to the Des Plaines River although no waterborne
commerce is possible since the river is not physically
navigable.
2.2.7 Major Projects and Programs
There are no planned major projects and programs pro-
posed over the next 10 years in the vicinity of the Des Plaines
Tunnel route.
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III. THE PROPOSED ACTION
Identifying and defining a plan and its systems and
subsystems establishes the proposed action for which the en-
vironmental setting is described and the environmental im-
pacts are assessed. The proposed action identified and de-
fined for this EIS is the Phase I conveyance tunnel systems
and their associated subsystems only. The planned storage
reservoirs, waste treatment plant upgrading and expansion,
on-line reservoirs, and instream aeration facilities were
not included.
The information presented in Chapter IV and V of the
EIS is summarized in this chapter and divided into seven
parts:
Alternative Plans
Plan Selector
TARP Tunnel Systems
TARP Subsystems
Des Pladnes Tunnel Segments and Branches
Cost of Tunnel System and Subsystems
TARP Financing.
3.1 ALTERNATIVE PLANS
Many plans to resolve the Chicago area's flooding and
water pollution problems were developed during the past two
decades by concerned government agencies, local organiza-
tions, and individuals. At first, the plans focused prima-
rily on the flood control problem, however, as water quality
conditions in the area worsened, more emphasis was placed
on controlling the water pollution. A total of 23 plans
were formulated, and many were evaluated in detail by a
Flood Control Coordinating Committee (FCCC), consisting of
representatives from the State of Illinois, Cook County,
the MSDGC, and the city of Chicago.
In screening the alternative plans, the FCCC established
overall flood and pollution control objectives which pro-
vided a basis for evaluating alternative plans. A plan was
automatically rejected if it did not:
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Prevent all backflows to Lake Michigan to protect
water supply resources
Reduce pollutant discharges caused by combined-
sewer overflows
Reduce flooding in the combined-sewer and down-
stream areas.
In the initial screening, 6 plans were eliminated and
the remaining 17 were modified to meet the objectives more
fully as well as to provide a more quantitative basis for
comparison. The modifications were referred to as MODs,
and consisted basically of a combination of different sto-
rage capacities and waterway improvement actions. The
resulting MODs yielded 51 alternative subsystem plans, or
subplans, to be evaluated by the FCCC. In the next screen-
ing phase, the FCCC defined eight principal parameters,
including capital costs (1972 dollars), estimated annual
operating and maintenance costs (1972), project benefits,
land acquisition acreage, underground easement requirements,
resident and business relocations, construction impacts,
and operation impacts. A technical advisory committee was
organized by the FCCC to evaluate the modified alternatives
in detail using the eight parameters. The advisory commit-
tee's interim report, "Evaluation Report of Alternative
Systems," recommended a 50,000 acre-feet (ac-ft) storage
level, which was part of the modified alternative designated
as MOD 3. After reviewing the report, the members of the
FCCC unanimously concluded that the flood and pollution con-
trol plan should be in the form of one of the four Chicago
Underflow plans developed (four of the seventeen plans) or
a combination of these plans, along with the recommended
storage level. The FCCC stated that, "These alternatives
are less costly and more environmentally acceptable to the
community than any of the other plans presented. Detail
studies along the lines of these alternatives should pro-
ceed to develop the final plan layout."
3.2 PLAN SELECTION
In August 1972, the FCCC members presented their final
recommendations in a report with seven technical appendices.
The report recommended consolidating the favorable features
of the four Underflow plans into the Tunnel and Reservoir
Plan (TARP). TARP was developed further and refined, then
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evaluated in detail with four selected alternatives and the
"no-action" alternative. In this evaluation, 15 significant
environmental impact parameters were identified as the basis
for evaluation. The FCCC concluded that very few negative
impacts are expected for any of the alternatives incorporat-
ing conveyance tunnels, and that adverse impacts will occur
if the "no-action" alternative is chosen. The FCCC also con-
cluded that the construction impacts of all plans on the en-
vironment will most likely be relatively short-term and local-
ized. Finally, the beneficial "impacts of the plans will far
exceed the adverse impacts. Within*the scope of the FCCC
analysis, TARP had the highest ranking and was selected as
the most suitable plan to solve the1 flood and pollution prob-
lems of the Chicago metropolitan area.
TARP would provide the most benefits for the lowest
cost and the least adverse environmental impacts. Field
studies and subsurface exploration programs further refined
the plan; however, they did not change the original TARP
concept. They were conducted only to optimize overall sys-
tem effectiveness. Presently, TARP will enable collection
of runoff water resulting from all but three of the severest
rainfall storms recorded during the past 21 years.
3.3 TARP TUNNEL SYSTEMS
The four tunnel systems that are~~a part of the Tunnel
and Reservoir Plan are the Mainstream, Calumet, Lower Des
Plaines, and O'Hare systems. Each system is a completely
independent operating unit with collection, storage, convey-
ance, and treatment capabilities. Figure III-l shows the
present routes and layout of these systems relative to the
MSDGC combined-sewer service area, the MSDGC overall, service
area, and Cook County. Each of the TARP systems shown in
the figure consists of three component systems: reservoirs,
conveyance tunnels, and sewage treatment plants. A total
of three reservoirs, 120 miles of conveyance tunnels, and
four sewage treatment plants are included in the plan.
The TARP systems have two basic features which play a
major role in solving the flood and pollution problems.
First, the combined storage capacity of the plan is almost
136,800 ac-ft of which 127,600 ac-ft of the total is reser-
voir capacity and 9,200 ac-ft is tunnel capacity. The
planned treatment capacity of TARP will be approximately
2,240 MGD. Second, over 640 existing overflow points
will be eliminated within the MSDGC combined-sewer service
area by the TARP systems.
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FIGURE III-l
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
System Layout and Routes
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The proposed locations for the three reservoirs are:
McCook quarry, Thornton quarry, and an area northwest of
O'Hare International Airport. The conveyance tunnels,
located 150 to 290 feet below ground level, will be con-
structed under existing waterways and public rights-of-way.
Of the sewage treatment plants, three of the four plants
are currently activated sludge plants with a combined
planned capacity of approximately 2,150 MGD. The remaining
plant is the proposed O'Hare-Des Plaines plant which will
have a treatment capacity of over 70 MGD. A water reclama-
tion plant, the John F. Egan plant, is presently under con-
struction and the capacity will be 30 MGD.
3.4 TARP SUBSYSTEMS
The subsystems common to all TARP tunnel systems in-
clude drop shafts, collecting structures, and pumping sta-
tions. The drop shafts range from 4 to 15 feet in diameter
and have two basic designs. One design features a slotted
inner wall to assist in aerating the incoming water. The
wall separates the air shaft from the water shaft and allows
air either to enter or to escape while water is flowing in
or being pumped out. The other design features a separate
air shaft, to ba installed in areas where high overflow rates
prevail. The inside diameter of this drop shaft design
ranges from 10 to 15 feet.
Approximately 640 collecting structures will be con-
structed to collect the overflows at established locations.
The collecting structure basically consists of a diversion
unit at the overflow point and a connecting pipe to the
drop shaft entrance chamber. Most of the new structures
will be constructed near curbs or in low points adjacent to
major public thoroughfares.
Pumping stations will be constructed underground at the
end of all conveyance tunnel routes and adjacent to all sto-
rage reservoirs. These stations permit a rate of dewatering
of the tunnels and reservoirs which will allow a full tunnel
or reservoir to be emptied within two to three days. The
stations will also be used to transport bottom sludge dredged
from reservoirs to treatment facilities.
-xxi-
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3. DBS PLAINES TUNNEL SEGMENTS AND BRANCHES
The Des Plaines system of TARP consists of: one waste
treatment plant with a total capacity of approximately 220
MGD; over 26 miles of conveyance tunnel with a storage
volume of 1,668 ac-ft; and onw main storage reservoir with
a maximum capacity of 84,000 ac-ft. The component subsys-
tems associated with the Des Plaines system include 55 drop
shafts; and one pumping station located near the West-
Southwest Sewage Treatment Plant. The system and its com-
ponent subsystems will be constructed in one pahse.
This EIS addresses the TARP Phase I segments and
branches of the Des Plaines system and focuses only on the
conveyance tunnel system. The overall length of this tun-
nel system is approximately 26 miles. The subsystems
associated with it include 55 drop shafts, 5 construction
shafts, 10 access shafts, 80 collecting structures, and
1 pumping station.
3.6 COST OF TUNNEL SYSTEM AND SUBSYSTEMS
The MSDGC estimated cost of a 10-foot diameter tunnel
in rock with nominal aquifer protection is $200^ per lineal
foot. In rock with high quality aquifer protection, the
cost is $230. Tunnel cost for soft ground construction is
$350. Similarly, for a 35-foot diameter tunnel, the esti-
mated costs are $1,030, $1,090, and $1,680 per lineal foot,
respectively.
Large rectangular tunnels adjacent to construction shafts
will be excavated by the drill and blast method and the estimated
cost with nominal aquifer protection is $2,090 per lineal foot
1 MSDGC, January 1975.
2 All cost figures presented in this section are based on 1972 values.
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for a 30-foot square tunnel. The same type and size of tun-
nels with high quality aquifer protection would cost an esti-
mated $2,170 per 1\neal foot.
The tunnel costs estimated above include the following
base figures:
Cost of muck disposal, estimated to be $4.00 per
solid cubic yard
Nominal grouting for control of infiltration
during construction, estimated to be $0.30 per
square foot of tunnel wall
Access and ventilation shaft construction
Ventilation and hoist equipment
Grout and grout inspection equipment
Average aquifer protection costs.
Additional grouting for aquifer protection in unlined tun-
nel segments in the upper aquifers is estimated to cost
$1.50 per square foot of tunnel wall. This grouting would
be provided to a depth of about one tunnel diameter beyond
the excavated tunnel limit.
The total construction cost for all the Phase I TARP
tunnel systems is approximately 1.46 billion. The estimated
total costs for the subsystems are: $93 million for collect-
ing/connecting structures, and $38 million for pumping
stations. These subsystem costs are based on the following:
Collecting Structures and Connecting Lines. The
cost of the near-surface collection structures
leading to the drop shafts includes the gravity
interceptor sewers and the necessary connecting
structures. Table III-l lists the costs for these
subsystems with respect to the TARP tunnel systems,
Grouting is a procedure whereby a mixture of cement and water is
injected under pressure into a drilled hole that intersects a
source of seepage such as an open joint, fault, or bedding plane.
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Table III-l
Estimated Costs For
Collecting Structures and Connecting Lines
Tunnel System
Mainstream
Calumet
Lower and Upper
Des Plaines
TOTALS
Estimated Cost ($ Million)
Intercepting
Structures
8.701
1.084
1.043
10.828
Collection
System
3.648
1.088
3.489
8.225
Total
12.349
2.172
4.532
19.053
Drop Shafts. The estimated cost of drop shafts
includes all drop shaft components. The costs are
related to the shaft diameter and to the depth of
penetration into the rock formations. The cost of
250-foot deep drop shafts varies from $80,000 for
a shaft two feet in diameter to $1,400,000 for a
20-foot diameter shaft.
Pumping Stations. The estimated construction cost
of pumping facilities includes the structure, pump-
ing equipment, power generation for the operation
of larger units, and discharge piping to the appro-
priate treatment plant. The estimates have been
based on use of variable-speed, motor-driven units.
Total capital costs for pumping vary as follows:
Lift
Height
300 feet
525 feet
Estimated Cost ($ Million)
Pumping Capacity
1000 cfs 100,000 cfs
5.6 200
5.7 300
3.7 TARP FINANCING
Financing of the entire $3.75 billion MSDGC Flood and
Pollution Control Plan over the next 11 years is doubtful.
As illustrated in Table III-2, however, the financing re-
quirements for all conveyance tunnels could be met by a
modest increase in Federal and MSDGC funding over a period
of 11 years, from 1976-1986. An additional $456.7 million
appropriation of funds are estimated to be required to
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FOOTNOTES TO TABLE III-2
1 All cost estimates are based on those presented in the MSDGC's
Facilities Planning Study (January 1976) and are escalated 6
percent annually for inflation.
2 These funds represent the remainder of the FY 1975 and FY 1976
PL 92-500 appropriation which are expected to be allocated to
MSDGC by the State.
3 These are Federal funds, above and beyond the existing PL 92-500
appropriation, which are expected (in the form of a new appropria-
tion) over the period FY 1977-1982.
4 These are Federal funds above and beyond the additional $780 million
expected over the FY 1977-1982 period.
5 These are funds, under the State's current $750 million bonding
authorization, which are expected to be available to MSDGC to
finance the Tunnel Plan.
6 The funds in this category represented those available by virtue
of the unused bonding authority of the MSDGC under the current
$380 authorization.
7 This category represents funds expected to be available under an
additional $200 to $400 million bonding authority for which the
MSDGC is currently formulating plans to ask the State of Illinois.
8 There is no current COE appropriation for any MSDGC Flood and
Pollution Control Plan elements.
9 There is no near future COE appropriation expected for any MSDGC
Flood and Pollution Control Plan elements.
10 Includes approximately $49.6 million already obligated to the
North Shore section of the Mainstream Tunnel Plan (Addison-
Wilmette segment).
11 Figure doesn't include the estimated $124 million already obligated
for the O'hare treatment plant project.
12 The total estimated cost $3311.9 million differs from the >3750
million (Table 111-10 of the main body of the EIS) because of the
exclusion of the following projects: sewers, solids disposal,
O'Hare Treatment plant, and flood control (non-TARP).
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finance the thr^e (Mainstream, Calumet, and Lower Des
Plaines) TARP tunnel systems. The additional Federal
funds represent a modest portion (58.5 percent) of the
conservatively estimated $780 million of new PL 92-500
money which is expected to be forthcoming to MSDGC over
the next six fiscal years. Congress, however, has not
yet approved any additional appropriation beyond the
initial $18 billion which was authorized under PL 92-500
and totally allocated over the FY 1972-1976 period. The
$73.5 million of MSDGC funds represents an increase of
about 19 percent over the current MSDGC bonding autho-
rization. This amount, however, represents a very modest
proportion of the additional $200-400 million bonding
authorization for which MSDGC is currently formulating
plans to ask the State of Illinois.
If the Phase I tunnels of TARP are not implemented, there
is a very high probability that approximately 90 percent of
the currently available Federal funds assigned to the MSDGC
will be lost by both the State of Illinois and the MSDGC.
This potential loss to the MSDGC and state stems from the
fact that the Calumet treatment facility expansion project,
(which represent the next major project in terms of priority
for Federal funds) will not meet the September 30, 1977 dead-
line for Step 3 funding eligibility. Assuming this project
did not qualify in time for existing Federal funds, it is
estimated that only approximately 10 percent of the $323.6
million could alternatively be allocated to other MSDGC or
statewide prioritized pollution control projects.
The financing feasibility of other key elements (non-
Phase I TARP) of the MSDGC's Flood and Pollution Control
Plan (see Table III-2), which are closely related to the
overall goal of meeting the 1983 water quality standards,
ranges from almost certainty to near zero. Addressing
these elements in the order of priority specified in the
MSDGC's 1975 Facilities Plan, instream aeration stands
slightly ahead of the conveyance.tunnels. The approximately
$30.7 million required for instream aeration can easily be
met from existing state and MSDGC funding sources.1 It is
very unlikely, however, that the financing will be available
to increase the treatment levels, efficiencies, and capacities
at the Calumet and West-Southwest treatment plants. The
total required financing ($1.13 billion) would necessitate
a significant increase above the additional levels of Federal
($780 million) and MSDGC ($200-400 million) funds expected
to be available over the FY 1977-1986 timeframe. The fi-
nancing feasibility of the Calumet treatment plant expansion,
however, is reasonable in view of their combined total
1 As of May 1976, funding for instream aeration has already been
authorized.
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estimated costs of $356.5 million. The Federal funding
portion ($267.4 million) could be provided from the additional
$780 million PL 92-500 appropriation expected over the next
six years. The MSDGC portion ($89.1 million) could be
provided from the anticipated $200-400 million additional
bonding authorization. In terms of the West-Southwest'
treatment plant expansion project (estimated cost of $774.7
million), the financing feasibility is very questionable in
view of the requirement for additional funds beyond the
levels (Federal and MSDGC) expected to be available over
the period FY 1977 to 1986.
The operation and maintenance costs of the TARP tunnel
systems will be financed by a user charge system rather than
the current ad valorem tax system. PL 92-500 requires the
development of a user charge system and the State of Illinois
presently has the authority to impose a user charge. This
system of financing the annual operations and maintenance
costs of the tunnel systems is not expected to have a sig-
nificant economic impact in the commercial, industrial, and.
household sectors. The incremental charge in the MSDGC tax
rate per $100 of assessed valuation (1975 rate was $.4005)
is estimated to be $.0736 (for operations and maintenance)
and $.002 (for tunnel construction) by the year 1986. The
tunnel construction impact will continually decline after
1986 with the continuing growth of the tax base. Details
of this financial system are provided in the EIS in Sections
3.3.1 and 9.3.
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IV. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CONCERNING THE EFFECTS
OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
Chapters VI through IX of the EIS assess the beneficial
and adverse effects of the construction and operation of the
conveyance tunnel systems on greater Chicago's natural and
man-made environments. This chapter presents the principal
findings of that analysis only for those effects expected
to be relatively significant.
The most significant finding relates to the expected
improvement in water quality resulting from the operation
of the three Phase I tunnel systems. To assess the signi-
ficance of this improvement, the EIS includes the considera-
tion of the possible and likely cumulative effects of TARP
components which are not a part of the Phase I systems. These
other components are the reservoirs, treatment plant improve-
ments, and instream aeration.
The principal findings of the EIS are listed as follows:
(1) Effects of Operation on Water Quality
(2) Funding Uncertainty for TARP
(3) Effects of Rock Spoil Generated During Construction
(4) Effects of Construction on Employment
(5) General Effects of Construction
(6) Effects of Infiltration and Exfiltration
(7) Worker Safety During Construction
(8) Effects of Operation on Land Use
(9) Effects of a Significant Earthquake on Tunnel System
(10) Effects of Flooding on Lake Michigan.
1. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON WATER QUALITY
THE TUNNEL WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE POLLUTANT LOAD
CURRENTLY DISCHARGED TO CHICAGO'S WATERWAYS, HOWEVER,
THE TUNNELS ALONE WILL NOT RESULT IN ATTAINING APPLI-
CABLE ILLINOIS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS, AND, THEREFORE,
WILL NOT ENABLE ADDITIONAL USES OF THE AFFECTED WATER-
WAYS. THE ATTAINMENT OF ILLINOIS WATER QUALITY STAN-
DARDS DEPENDS ON ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES FOR WHICH
THE FUNDING PROSPECTS ARE NOW POOR.
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This conclusion is based on the following findings:
The tunnels will capture approximately 90 percent
of the pollutant load now discharged during com-
bined-sewer overflows and will reduce the pollu-
tant load 75 percent overall and the frequency of
overflows from 100 to 10 times per year. 1977
Illinois water quality standards will continue to
be violated during overflow events because of un-
controlled injections of pollutants into the water-
ways.
The tunnels may not result in the attainment of 1977
Illinois standards for ammonia over lengthy reaches
of waterway, because high concentrations of this
pollutant are discharged from local wastewater
treatment plants. Although data are not presently
available to allow a more definitive determination
of effects on this point, the attainment of water
quality standards in the area's major river systems
is clearly and intimately tied to the upgrading
and expansion of MSDGC treatment plants.
With the tunnels on line, 1977 Illinois standards
of 4 mg/1 for dissolved oxygen (DO) will still be
violated along approximately 50 of the 80 miles
of the Main Channel and of the Calumet River sys-
tems during the critical late summer months. Con-
ditions along the Des Plaines River system have not
yet been modeled by the MSDGC, but will be com-
pleted under the Section 208 planning program.
1977 Illinois standards for DO are likely to be
met over the entire 80-mile length of the modeled
waterways during critical summer dry flow condi-
tions, assuming implementation of the following
pollution control components:
- Tunnels
Reservoirs
Treatment plant improvements
Instream aeration.
The water quality impact of these various pollu-
tion control options is summarized in Table IV-1.
Given current projections of Federal, state, and
MSDGC financing capabilities and policies, the fi-
nancing of the tunnels and instream aeration ap-
pears secure. The financing of the Calumet treatment
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-xxxi-
-------
plant expansion is probable; but financing the
costly West-Southwest Treatment Plant is very
doubtful. The financing of the reservoirs in the
near future is very unlikely given the absence of
any Federal commitment to provide assistance.
Additional details on water quality are provided in Sec-
tions 2.1 and 8.1 of the EIS text and details on financing
in Section 3.3.1.
2. FUNDING UNCERTAINTY FOR TARP
THE CONVEYANCE TUNNELS CAN BE FINANCED BETWEEN 1976-
1987 WITH MODEST INCREASES IN ANTICIPATED FEDERAL AN.D
LOCAL FUNDING. HOWEVER, THE FUNDING OF THE RESERVOIR
DURING THIS TIME PERIOD IS NOT A PART OF THE CURRENT
FINANCING PLAN AND COULD NOT BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT
HAVING A MAJOR FINANCIAL IMPACT ON THE STATE, CITY, OR
MSDGC.
Additional details on this finding may be found in Sec-
tion 3.3.1 of the EIS.
3. EFFECTS OF ROCK SPOIL GENERATED DURING CONSTRUCTION
THE ROCK SPOIL MATERIAL GENERATED DURING TUNNEL CON-
STRUCTION IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE MARKETABLE. THEREFORE,
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH DISPOSAL OF THE
ROCK SPOIL WILL DEPEND LARGELY ON THE AVAILABILITY OF
LANDFILL DISPOSAL SITES.
Approximately 3,784,000 cubic yards (bulk measure) of
spoil will be removed from the Des Plaines tunnel segments
and branches. Although this amount can be adequately con-
tained within area quarries, approximately 2,200,000 cubic
yards of spoil will be stored on Forest Preserve lands for
their use. Disposal of rock spoil from the reservoirs was
addressed briefly in Section 6.2.4 of the EIS. A signifi-
cant portion of rock spoil generated by reservoir construc-
tion is likely to be marketable and to be stockpiled on the
quarry site for eventual sale by the quarry owners.
Major findings supporting the above conclusions are:
Shale and other constituents present in the rock
excavated from the Phase I tunnels will limit the
rock's suitability for low-grade commercial uses.
-xxxii-
-------
Landfill disposal sites capable of accepting the
entire volume of tunnel spoil to be generated dur-
ing TARP Phase I have not yet been identified by
the MSDGC.
McCook Quarry has enough volume to accept the en-
tire quantity of spoil to be excavated from the
Des Plaines tunnel segments and branches.
Since conventional methods will be used to exca-
vate rock from area quarries for reservoir con-
struction, it is likely that a significant portion
of the spoil will be marketable. Present plans
envision stockpiling the saleable portion on the
quarry sites for eventual sale by the quarry owners
Various stockpile configurations are being con-
sidered. Non saleable spoil can be stockpiled on-
site, as is proposed for the McCook Quarry site.
A more detailed discussion is provided in Section 6.2.4
of the EIS.
4. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON EMPLOYMENT
CONSTRUCTION OF THE DES PLAINES TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE
ABOUT $87 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION INCOME OVER A 7-YEAR
PERIOD AND WILL CREATE A PEAK SUPPLY OF APPROXIMATELY
548 JOBS OVER A 3-YEAR PERIOD.
Further information may be found in Section 7.1.3.
5. GENERAL EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TARP TUNNEL SYSTEMS WILL RESULT IN
TEMPORARY PUBLIC ANNOYANCE AND INCONVENIENCE FROM THE
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF NOISE, HANDLING OF CONSTRUCTION
DEBRIS, VIBRATION FROM BLASTING, DISRUPTION OF VEHICULAR
AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC, AND GLARE FROM THE ILLUMINATION
OF CONSTRUCTION AREAS AT NIGHT. ALTHOUGH THE CUMULATIVE
EFFECTS MAY BE NOTICEABLE, TAKEN SINGLY, EACH EFFECT IS
MINOR.
This conclusion is supported by the following findings:
Surface construction sites are located in areas
which are generally either vacant or near low-
utilized industrial land.
-xxxiii-
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Noise at each construction site should be within
levels mandated by Chicago ordinances and, at each
surface construction site, noise will only occur
for periods of 3 to 9 months.
Because blasting will be used only to excavate shafts
and not the tunnel, itself, blasts will be relatively
infrequent and will continue at any one site for not
more than 120 days.
Further information on this subject may be found in
Sections 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 7.1.1, 7.2.1, 7.4, and 10.2.
EFFECTS OF INFILTRATION AND EXFILTRATION
IF THE GROUTING PROGRAM IS NOT EFFECTIVE,1 GROUNDWATER
INFILTRATION DURING CONSTRUCTION AND WASTEWATER EXFIL-
TRATION DURING TUNNEL OPERATION CAN BE A SIGNIFICANT
PROBLEM.
This conclusion is supported by the following findings:
The inflow rate of groundwater for the TARP tunnel
systems is estimated to be an average of approxi-
mately 0.5 MGD per mile of tunnel. In the absence
of appropriate mitigative measures, this rate is
sufficient to lower the piezometric or hydraulic
pressure level of the upper aquifer. Tunnel grout-
ing is the most effective method to reduce infil-
tration and a grouting program has been incorporated
in TARP. Grouting integrity, however, must be main-
tained to keep inflows below the allowable limit
of 500 gallons per day per inch of tunnel diameter
per mile of tunnel. Observation wells will be re-
quired to monitor integrity throughout the opera-
tional phase of the tunnel.
Exfiltration will most likely occur when tunnel
pressures exceed inflow pressures during high
storm runoff conditions. The TARP grouting pro-
gram is expected to prevent extensive exfiltration
of tunnel wastewaters into the upper aquifer.
The objective of grouting is to achieve maximum penetration and a
uniform grout spread. If grouting is ineffective, maximum infil-
tration/exfiltration flows will result.
-XXXIV-
-------
However, if grouting integrity is not maintained
during tunnel operation, exfiltration will be at
a high enough rate to degrade groundwater quality
of the upper aquifer. Observation wells will be
necessary to determine whether exfiltration is oc-
curring along the tunnel routes.
EIS Sections 2.1.2, 6.1.2, and 8.1.2 provide more in-
formation on the subject of groundwater infiltration and
wastewater exfiltration. Specifications for observation
well spacing and for the monitoring program are also pre-
sented in these sections.
7. WORKER SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION
TUNNEL OR UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WILL BE MORE
SUSCEPTIBLE TO INJURY, DISABILITY, AND FATALITY THAN
SURFACE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS. THE INCIDENCE OF INJURIES
AND FATALITIES, HOWEVER, IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE GREATER
THAN NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK.
This conclusion is supported by the following findings:
Based on recent national statistics for all types
of construction activities, the Des Plaines Tunnel
system construction may result in 84 disabling in-
juries and intone permanent disability or fatality.
—-- * For construction of the entire tunnel system, in-
juries and fatalities*" are expected to increase pro-
portionately .
Based on the safety statistics of the current con- .
struction of a rapid-transit system subway in Wash-
ington, D.C., construction of the entire TARP tun-
nel system could result in 1,525 injuries and in
9 fatalities.
Analysis of the geologic and seismic characteris-
tics of the project area indicates that most of
the area is stable and suitable for the construc-
tion of underground tunnels. Precautionary measures
will be required to protect workers in segments
where rockfall and partings (loosened material) may
occur frequently and shale deterioration conditions
prevail.
Further information on this subject may be found in Sec-
tions 6.2.2 and 7.1.2.
-xxxv-
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8. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON LAMP USE
THE QUALITY OF LAND IN CERTAIN RIVERBANK SECTIONS ALONG
THE DES PLAINES TUNNEL ROUTE MAY BE ENHANCED BY REDUCED
FLOODING CONDITIONS.
Vacant land exists in the flood-prone areas associated
with the Des Plaines Tunnel system. The reduction of flood-
ing in these areas may enable development of this under-
utilized land into open space uses such as: parks, play-
grounds, sport fields, and parking areas.
9. EFFECTS OF A SIGNIFICANT EARTHQUAKE ON TUNNEL SYSTEM
IF A SIGNIFICANT EARTHQUAKE OCCURS IN THE CHICAGO AREA,
THE EVENT MAY OFFSET TUNNEL ALIGNMENT AND CAUSE SIGNI-
FICANT DAMAGE TO PORTIONS OF THE TUNNEL SYSTEM.
This conclusion is based on the following findings:
The 175-year historical earthquake records indicate
that a seismic event with a Modified Mercalli In-
tensity (MMI) of VIII can recur in the Chicago area
at a rate of about once per 100 years. Assuming
the tunnel system is in operation for 100 years,
the probability of this event occurring at some
time during this period is 100 to 1 or 10,000 to
1 for any given year. If an MMI VIII event occurs,
severe alterations to tunnel alignment or tunnel
surface may result.
The conveyance tunnels will pass through several
active faults prevalent in the TARP project area
' and will be sensitive to earth movement at these
locations. Information on the distribution and na-
ture of the active faults is insufficient to assess
accurately the extent of damage which could result
from an MMI VIII earthquake.
Further information on this subject may be found in Sec-
tions 2.2.3, 2.2.4, and 8.2.2 of the EIS.
10. EFFECTS OF FLOODING ON LAKE MICHIGAN
THE FLOODING PROBLEM EXISTING IN THE CHICAGO AREA WILL
NOT BE RESOLVED BY THE PHASE I TUNNELS. OVERFLOW TO
LAKE MICHIGAN WILL STILL PERSIST IF THE PROPOSED RESER-
VOIRS ARE NOT IMPLEMENTED.
-xxxvi-
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V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following is a summary of the principle conclusions
of the Draft EIS, as well as recommended and suggested miti-
gative measures.
1. Implementation of the Lower Des Plaines System will
significantly reduce the pollutant load in the Chicago water-
ways. These loadings will be reduced further with the imple-
mentation of the Mainstream and Calumet Tunnel systems.
Water quality will be enhanced further with the upgrading of
MSDGC's treatment facilities and the construction of the flood
control aspects of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan.
2. The rock spoil excavated from the Phase I tunnels is
not expected to be marketable. Evaluation of various disposal
alternatives leads to the conclusion that adequate environ-
mentally acceptable landfill sites are available to handle
the volume of rock which will be generated by the Phase I
tunnels under consideration. We will rely on existing local,
state, and Federal regulations to insure that disposal takes
place in an acceptable manner. Additionally the MSDGC will
be required to inform USEPA of their spoil disposal program
as it is developed through discussion with the Contractor.
This will be a condition of any grant awarded to the MSDGC
for the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel System.
3. Although an effective grouting program is proposed,
it must be sufficiently flexible to respond to the actual
conditions encountered during construction. Should the
grouting not be sufficient, additional infiltration could
adversely affect the hydraulic pressure of the upper aquifer.
Additionally, under surcharged conditions, exfiltration
will occur, resulting in adverse impacts on the groundwater
quality of the upper aquifer. Observation wells to monitor
grouting integrity during operation are necessary along
the entire tunnel alignment. If pollutants are detected
in the observation wells, additional mitigative measures
must be implemented to protect the upper aquifer, including
a groundwater recharge system. Chapter X discusses particular
aspects of the monitoring program, which will be developed
in conjunction with the MSDGC, IEPA and USEPA. This monitoring
program will also be a grant condition.
4. Since the majority of the construction shafts and
drop shafts are in close proximity to area waterways, runoff
from these sites could adversely affect water quality. Berms
will be constructed around stockpiles of construction materials
and spoil materials to preclude runoff into the waterways.
xxxvn
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5. It is presently proposed that water pumped from the
tunnels during construction be discharged directly to the
waterways after a period of settling. Since the possibility
of silt and other pollutants still exists after settling, it
is recommended that these dewatering flows be discharged to
MSDGC's intercepting system for treatment, except during
periods of combined sewer overflows. This will be a condition
of any grant awarded for the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel System.
\
6. Although no known historic, architectural, or arch-
aeological resources will be affected by the proposed project,
the possibility of finding archaeological resources must be
investigated by the MSDGC. This must be accomplished by
contacting the State Historic Preservation Officer.
7. Conformance with applicable regulation of the Occupa-
tional Health and Safety Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor, and the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior
is essential for safety of construction workers.
8. Significant earthquake events could adversely affect
tunnel alignment and tunnel lining. Smaller earth movements
could also affect the lining and grouting of the tunnels. It
is, therefore, essential that MSDGC's inspection and main-
tenance program be extensive enough to insure efficient
operation of the system.
9. There exists a wide range of potential adverse impacts
which could develop during construction. This includes blasting,
waste spillage, traffic congestion, light glare, and fugitive
dust at construction and disposal sites. While these effects
could be considered insignificant any measures taken to reduce
their impact would aid in public acceptability of the project.
These suggested mitigative measures are discussed in Chapter X.
XXXVlll
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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
I. INTRODUCTION 1-1
1.1 Environmental Policies and Goals 1-1
1.2 Environmental Impact Statements 1-2
1.3 Government and Public Participation 1-4
1.4 Identification of the Applicant 1-4
1.5 Background Information and Project
History 1-6
1.5.1 Background Information 1-6
1.5.2 Project History 1-7
1.6 Objectives and Description of the
Plan 1-9
1.7 Environmental Reviews of the Plan 1-11
1.8 Scope of the TARP EIS 1-12
II. EXISTING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT II-l
2.1 Water Resources II-l
2.1.1 Surface Water II-2
2.1.2 Groundwater 11-24
2.1.3 Pollution Sources 11-35
2.1.4 Water Management Programs 11-39
2.2 Land Resources 11-46
2.2.1 Drainage Basins 11-46
2.2.2 Flood-Prone Areas 11-51
2.2.3 Geology 11-51
2.2.4 Seismicity 11-74
2.3 Atmospheric Resources 11-82
2.3.1 Air Quality 11-82
2.3.2 Noise 11-83
-11-
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Page
Number
2.4 .Biological Resources 11-85
2.4.1 Vegetation 11-85
2.4.2 Fish 11-85
2.4.3 Wildlife 11-86
III. EXISTING MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT III-l
3.1 Socioeconomic III-2
3.1.1 Current and Projected Population III-2
3.1.2 Contract Construction Income III-4
3.1.3 Contract Construction Employment III-7
3.2 Land Use III-ll
3.2.1 Current Urbanization Patterns III-ll
3.2.2 Urbanization Plans 111-13
3.2.3 Archeological Sites 111-15
3.2.4 Cultural Sites 111-15
3.2.5 Historical Sites 111-17
3.2.6 Recreational Sites 111-18
3.3 Resources 111-18
3.3.1 Financial 111-19
3.3.2 Labor III-34
3.4 Transportation 111-36
3.4.1 Highways and Streets III-36
3.4.2 Waterways 111-37
-ill-
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Page
Number
IV. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES IV-1
4.1 Alternative Plans IV-1
4.1.1 Description of Plans IV-3
4.1.2 Plan Evaluation and Elimination IV-11
4.1.3 The No-Action Alternative IV-12
4.2 Alternative Plan Modifications IV-14
4.2.1 Description of Modifications IV-15
4.2.2 Evaluation and Comparison of
Modified Plans IV-16
4.2.3 Recommendations and Further
Studies IV-22
4.2.4 Plan Selection IV-23
4.3 Waste Disposal Alternatives IV-26
4.3.1 Drainage Flow From Tunnel
Construction IV-26
4.3.2 Ultimate Disposal of Sludge IV-27
4.3.3 Disposal Costs IV-29
4.3.4 Spoil Material IV-31
V. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION V-l
5.1 The Selected Plan V-l
5.1.1 TARP Systems V-2
5.1.2 TARP Subsystems V-4
5.2 The Lower Des Plaines V-7
5.2.1 Component System V-ll
5.2.2 Component Subsystems V-18
5.3 Des Plaines Tunnel System, Operation
and Maintenance V-24
*' 5.3.1 System Operation V-24
5.3.2 Maintenance Steps V-25
5.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Costs V-26
5.3.4 Management Steps V-27
-iv-
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Page
Number
VI. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT VI-1
6.1 Water Resources VI-1
6.1.1 Surface Water VI-2
6.1.2 Groundwater VI-4
6.1.3 Effluent Disposal From Tunnel.
Dewatering Operations VI-8
6.1.4 Water Management Programs VI-9
6.2 Land Resources VI-9
6.2.1 Flood-Prone Areas VI-9
6.2.2 Geology VI-10
6.2.3 Seismicity VI-19
6.2.4 Spoil Disposal VI-20
6.3 Atmospheric Resources VI-27
6.3.1 Air Quality VI-27
6.3.2 Noise VI-29
6.4 Biological Resources VI-31
6.5 Commitment of Resources VI-31
VII. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE MAN-MADE
ENVIRONMENT VII-1
7.1 Socioeconomic VII-1
7.1.1 Public Annoyances VII-1
7.1.2 Worker Safety VII-4
7.1.3 Construction Income VII-8
7.1.4 Business Disruption VII-12
7.1.5 Spoil Disposal VII-14
7.2 Land Use VII-16
7.2.1 Alterations Near Surface
Construction VII-17
7.2.2 Rock and Spoil Disposal VII-18
7.2.3 Archeological and Historical
Sites VII-19
7.2.4 Cultural and Recreational Sites VII-19
-v-
-------
7.3 Resources
Page
Number
VII-20
7.3.1 Financial Resources VII-20
7.3.2 Labor Resources VII-24
7.4 Transportation VII-24
7.4.1 Construction Shaft VII-25
7.4.2 Drop Shafts VII-25
7.5 Major Projects and Programs VII-26
7.5.1 Transit Improvements VII-26
7.5.2 Streets and Expressway
Improvements VII-26
7.5.3 Public Acquisition of Energy
Utility Corridor VII-27
7.6 Commitment of Resources VII-27
VIII. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON THE NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
8.1~ '"Water, Resources
*
8.1.1 Surface Water
8.1.2 Groundwater
8.1.3 Wastewater
8.1.4 Water Management Programs
8.2 Land Resources
8.2.1 Flood-Prone Areas
8.2.2 Geology and Seismicity
8.2.3 Sludge Waste
8.3 Atmospheric Resources
8.3.1 Air Quality
8.3.2 Odor
8.3.3 Aerosols
8.3.4 Noise
8.4 Biological Resources
VIII-1
VIII-1
VIII-1
VIII-8
Vlll-13
VIII-16
VIII-17
VIII-17
VIII-18
VIII-22
VIII-23
VIII-23
VIII-24
VIII-24
VIII-24
VIII-25
-vi-
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Page
Number
8.5 Commitment of Resources
VII1-25
IX. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON THE MAN-MADE
ENVIRONMENT
9.1 Socioeconomic
9.1.1 Operation-Related Income
9.1.2 Operation-Related Employment
9.2 Land Use
9.2.1 Alterations Near Surface
Structures
9.2.2 Sensitive Resource Areas
9.2.3 Sludge Disposal
9.3 Financial Resources
9.4 Transportation
9.5 Major Projects and Programs
9.6 Commitment of Resources
IX-1
IX-1
IX-1
IX-1
IX-2
IX-2
IX-2
IX-3
IX-4
IX-7
IX-7
IX-8
X. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS AND MITIGATIVE
MEASURES
10.1 Natural Environment
10.1.1 Water Resources
10.1.2 Land Resources
10.1.3 Atmospheric Resources
10.1.4 Mitigative Measures
10.2 Man-Made Environment
10.2.1 Socioeconomic
10.2.2 Land Use
10.2.3 Financial and Labor Resources
10.2.4 Transportation
10.2.5 Major Projects and Programs
10.2.6 Mitigative Measures
X-l
X-l
X-l
X-3
X-5
X-6
X-10
X-10
X-12
X-12
X-12
X-13
X-13
XI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
XI-1
-Vll-
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APPENDICES
A. WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA
B. STRATIGRAPHY DESCRIPTION FOR THE CHICAGO AREA
C. DESCRIPTION OF FAULTS LOCATED IN THE CHICAGO AREA
D. AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
E. NOISE: UNITS AND STANDARDS
F. SOCIOECONOMIC DATA BY COMMUNITY FOR THE MAINSTREAM,
CALUMET, AND DES PLAINES TUNNEL SYSTEMS
G. CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS - 1954 THROUGH 1975
H. METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO -
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS
I. METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO -
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS - SEWERS
J. WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION INVENTORIES
-Vlll-
-------
I. INTRODUCTION
-------
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND GOALS
In 1969, Congress enacted the National Environmental
Policy Act, Public Law 91-190 (NEPA). NEPA established a
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and a national policy
to:
Encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between
man and his environment
Promote efforts to prevent or eliminate damage to
the environment and stimulate public health and
welfare
Enrich man's understanding of ecological systems
and of the Nation's natural resources.
NEPA states that the Federal Government will have the con-
tinuing responsibility of improving and coordinating Federal
actions (i.e., plans, programs, resources, and functions)
which affect environmental, resource, and health quality.
NEPA further states that all Federal agencies are required
to "... utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach
which will insure the integrated use of the natural and
social sciences and the environmental design arts in plan-
ning and in decisionmaking which may have an impact on man's
environment ..." Federal agencies are also required to in-
vestigate and develop procedures and technology to evaluate
unquantifiable environmental amenities and values and give
them appropriate consideration, in addition to quantifiable
technical and economic factors.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is ad-
ministering a major Federal environmental program entitled
"Grants for Construction of Treatment Works."! This program
allows the EPA administrator to provide financial aid to any
state, municipality, intermunicipal agency, or interstate
Authorized by Title II, Section 201(g)(1), of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-500 (FHPCA)
1-1
-------
agency for the construction of publicly owned water pollu-
tion control facilities. The national program encourages
reduction of point sources of water pollution to improve
water quality.
1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
Pursuant to Section 102 (2) (c) of NEPA, all Federal
agencies are required to prepare environmental impact state-
ments (EIS) for those actions significantly impacting the
human environment. On August 1, 1973, the CEQ published
guidelines^ on the preparation of an EIS to instruct agen-
cies in meeting NEPA requirements. The EPA subsequently
published its own regulations^ for the preparation of an
EIS. The regulations specify minimum standards to present
all pertinent data in a consistent, organized and comprehen-
sive manner to enable the reader to assess the proposed action
independently. As stated in both the CEQ and EPA guidelines,
the purpose of an EIS is to provide a means of assessing
impacts on the environment and not to provide a justification
for decisions made.
The EPA's granting of funds for water pollution control
facilities may be contingent on whether an EIS is required.
Each proposed water pollution control facility is evaluated
on a case-by-case basis by the appropriate EPA regional office.
Generally, an EIS is required if the action is expected to
have significant environmental effects or is highly contro-
versial. The EPA has determined that the TARP tunnel system
may have an effect on the environment and, therefore, has
prepared this EIS.
An EIS presents only the information necessary to address
the specific environmental issues of the action, while focus-
ing on the critical issues and summarizing the less critical
issues. An overview of the contents of a typical EIS is
presented as a flow scheme in Figure 1-1. The scheme illus-
trates the approach normally used for systematic gathering
and processing of information during document preparation.
Initially, a draft statement is prepared and circulated for
comment. After the comment period, the final statement is
prepared and issued to all agencies, organizations, and indi-
viduals affected by the proposed action.
1 Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter V, Part 1500.
2 Title 40, CFR, Chapter I, Part 6.
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1.3 GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The draft EIS must satisfy, to the fullest extent pos-
sible, the requirements established for the final EIS as
set forth in Section 102(2) (c) of NEPA. Once completed, the
draft statement is distributed for comment in accordance
with the CEQ guidelines. Decisionmakers and outside reviewers
are allowed at least 45 days to comment on the environmental
issues as described in the draft statement. Comments from
Federal, state, and local agencies with jurisdiction by law
or with special expertise in environmental impacts are solicited
and considered in the impact statement process. In addition,
comments are solicited from public and private sources.
Although every effort is made to define and evaluate
all major environmental effects of the proposed action in
the draft statement, the commenting process often reveals
additional environmental effects, relevant facts, and differ-
ent viewpoints. When previously overlooked issues and opposing
views are brought to the attention of the agency preparing
the EIS, the agency addresses them in the final environmental
statement. All substantive comments received on the draft
EIS are included as an attachment to the final EIS, some of
which may be addressed by the agency in the EIS text.
1.4 IDENTIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT
The Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
(MSDGC) is the construction grant applicant for the Tunnel
and Reservoir Plan (TARP) addressed by this EIS. The Dis-
trict presently covers an area of approximately 860 square
miles within Cook County, Illinois, as shown in Figure 1-2
The MSDGC was organized in 1889 under an act to create sani-
tary districts to remove obstructions in the Des Plaines and
Illinois Rivers.1 Under the provisions of the act, the MSDGC
is responsible for providing surface water and sewage drain-
age within the District's boundaries. The District, constructs
the necessary facilities, conveyance systems, and treatment
plants to service this area and is authorized to treat waste-
water from any municipality within its boundaries. In addition,
MSDGC may operate all wastewater facilities located within
its jurisdiction.
Although the major function of the MSDGC is planning,
construction, and operation of sewers and sewage treatment
facilities, the District also oversees various flood control
and electrical generation operations. Other MSDGC functions
1 Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter.42, Section 320, approved
May 29, 1889.
1-4
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FIGURE 1-2
Metropolitan Sanitary
District of Greater Chicago
Service Area
SERVICE AREA OF MSDGC
COMBINED-SEWER
SERVICE AREA
BOUNDARY
1-5
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involve: purchasing or leasing real and personal property,
both within and outside its jurisdiction; initiating con-
demnation proceedings within its service area; approving
sewer connection plans; and issuing water discharge permits.
The MSDGC presently collects, treats, and disposes of
wastewater from a highly urbanized and industrialized area
consisting of 120 municipalities and a total population of
approximately 5.5 million. The district owns and operates
70.5 miles of navigable canals/ six sewage treatment plants,
and over 440 miles of intercepting sewers. The three major
plants (North-Side, West-Southwest, and Calumet) in the
MSDGC service area have a secondary capacity of over 1,750
million gallons per day (MGD). The remaining plants have
a combined tertiary capacity of over 70 MGD. A new plant,
the John Egan Reclamation Plant, will be operational in
the near future and will have a capacity of approximately
30 MGD.
1.5 BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PROJECT HISTORY
The MSDGC initiated its wastewater facilities planning
study in September 1967, with 10-year cleah-up and flood
control program. The objectives of the program are to solve
the District's flooding problem, protect Lake Michigan from
further pollution, and improve surface water quality in the
Chicago metropolitan area. The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
(TARP) evolved from this 10-year program, as most of the
MSDGC's planning efforts have to date. The following sections
present background information on the MSDGC's TARP planning
effort and describe the events leading to its selection.
1.5.1 Background Information
Approximately 44 percent of the 860-square mile MSDGC
service area, or 375 square miles, consists of
combined-sewer systems (see Figure 1-2) in which sewage
collected in local sewer systems is conveyed to treatment
plants. These combined-sewer syst3ms handle only industrial,
commercial, and household wastewater at the present time, and,
when urban runoff in amounts greater than 0.1 inch enters the
systems during wet weather conditions, the systems' capacity is
easily exceeded. Once this occurs, the pollutant-laden runoff
bypasses or overflows to adjacent streams. Overflows have
occurred on an average of 100 times per year in the Chicago
area and have significantly affected the water quality of the
streams.1
1 The Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, "Environ-
mental Impact Statement," preliminary draft, November 1973.
1-6
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During heavy rain storms, excessive overflows raise the
water levels in the region's waterways several feet above
flood stage levels. The resulting flooding damages private
and public property and creates health problems along certain
reaches of the waterways. In addition, backflows to Lake
Michigan are allowed to help reduce flooding when water levels
reach a critical height. Over a 30-year period, many
plans and studies were made to solve the flooding problem,
which have been followed, since 1967, by efforts to solve
both the flooding and pollution problems.
1.5.2 Project History
Concerned officials from the State of Illinois, Cook
County, the MSDGC, and the city of Chicago reactivated the
Flood Control Coordinating Committee (FCCC) in November 1970,
to investigate the pollution and flooding problems in the
Chicago metropolitan area. The Committee's primary assign-
ment was to develop a viable plan to minimize the area's
pollutant discharges and flooding caused by overflows of
mixed sewage and runoff water. Another priority item in the
plan was elimination of polluted river and canal flood water
backflows into Lake Michigan. The Committee's plan was to
address the 375-square mile combined-sewer within Cook
County. The location of this area with respect to the
surrounding counties is shown in Figure 1-3. The Committee,
formed a technical advisory committee to develop the plan and
to solicit engineers and scientists from government agencies
and private consulting firms to assist in the study. Fifty-
one alternative solutions were identified which met water
quality standards, reduced flooding conditions, and prevented
backflows to Lake Michigan. These alternative solutions
were analyzed by comparing their capital cost, annual
maintenance and operation costs, benefits, land acquisition
and underground easement requirements, and requirements
for relocating residential, commercial and industrial
developments.
The Flood Control Coordinating Committee members evalu-
ated the alternative plans in detail and selected TARP as the
least costly and most environmentally acceptable. They
initiated further studies to develop and refine TARP and in
October 1972, the final TARP plan was presented at a public
meeting conducted by the MSDGC to obtain community and citizen
reaction. On July 26, 1973 the MSDGC conducted a public
meeting to discuss TA~'.P environmental issues and assessments.
Many hearings conducted by government and local agencies have
been held on TARP. A few of the recent hearings include:
1-7
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FIGURE 1-3
Planning Area and
Surrounding Counties
AREA COVERED BY TUNNEL
AND RESERVOIR PLAN
1-8
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hearing on the
entire tunnel and reservoir plan (November 1975)
The State of Illinois EPA hearing on the design
grants for the first phase tunnels (September 1975)
The MSDGC hearing concerning the EPA construction
grants for the Wilmette-to-Addison segment of TARP's
Mainstream system (July 1975)
The Northern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC)
hearing on the TARP facility plans (April 1974).
1.6 OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
The primary objective of TARP is to improve surface
water quality within the planning area. The plan is designed
to meet water quality standards set forth in the "Water Pol-
lution Regulations of Illinois."-'- These regulatory standards
were established for three surface-water-use classifications:
(1) General (primary body contact), (2) Public and Food Pro-
cessing (drinking water), and (3) Secondary Body Contact and
Indigenous Aquatic Life. All surface waters in the State of
Illinois have been given a water-use classification by the
IPCB and must comply with the applicable water quality stan-
dards. These standards are described in Chapter II of this
EIS. Other objectives of TARP include:
Preserve the health and well-being of the population
Prevent further pollution of Lake Michigan
Utilize treated waste byproducts
Prevent flooding.
The final TARP is a combination of features from several
alternative plans. TARP is designed to collect urban runoff
during all wet weather conditions except those storms of a
magnitude equal to the three most severe storms recorded to
date by the U.S. Weather Bureau Service. The plan consists
of four tunnel systems, 150 to 290 feet below existing water-
ways, as shown in Figure 1-4, with a total length of approx-
imately 120 miles. Within the 375-square-mile combined-
sewer area, urban runoff from 640 existing overflow points
and sewage from industrial facilities and residents will be
collected in the tunnel systems, conveyed to four treatment
Issued by the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) on January 31,
1974 (amended).
1-9
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FIGURE 1-4
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
System Layout and Routes
1-10
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plants, and then discharged to waterways. Three storage
reservoirs are also a part of TARP and will have a total
capacity of over 130,000 acre-feet. During peak rainfall
periods, overflow water will be collected in these reservoirs,
stored until dry weather conditions, and then conveyed to
treatment facilities and processed.
1.7 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS OF THE PLAN
In view of the potential environmental impacts of TARP,
the MSDGC has prepared facilities planning documents and
several environmental assessment reports. The reports and
planning documents pertain to the tunnel, reservoir, and
treatment systems of the plan and their component parts or
subsystems.. Four tunnel system routes have been identified
by the MSDGC and are designated as follows:
Mainstream
Calumet
Lower Des Plaines
O'Hare - Des Plaines.
To obtain environmental approvals and construction grants,
the MSDGC submitted the facilities planning documents and
environmental reports to the U.S. EPA, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, and the State of Illinois EPA for review and
evaluation. The U.S. EPA review focused on all the pollution
control aspects of TARP, while the Corps of Engineers reviewl
included the water management aspects of the entire Chicago
area. The Illinois EPA review focused on the design aspects
of the Phase I tunnels only.
In accordance with U.S. EPA procedures for determining
whether an environmental impact statement is necessary, the
EPA reviewed the proposed TARP systems and subsystems based
on the reports and plans presented by the MSDGC. The EPA
concluded that no significant environmental impacts are,
expected for the Addison-to-Wilmette segment of the Main-
stream system. Consequently, a decision not to prepare an
EIS was made for this segment. However, in the EPA review
of the other tunnel system segments (Mainstream, Calumet,
Lower Des Plaines, and O'Hare - DCS Plaines), the possibility
of significant environmental impacts prevailed. The EPA
concluded that an environmental impact statement will be
necessary for each of these tunnel segments.
1 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is presently preparing an overall
EIS for the water managements aspects of the Chicago area.
1-11
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1.8 SCOPE OF THE TARP BIS
The EIS for the MSDGC's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan ad-
dresses the environmental issues relevant to the pollution
control systems of the plan. These systems include the
tunnels only and their associated subsystems of the four
routes identified in the previous section. The purpose of
the EIS is to assess the positive and negative impacts of
TARP pollution control systems, on the physical, biological
and socioeconomic environment. Thus, no proposed storage
reservoirs are included, since their primary purpose is
flood control.
The environmental impacts associated with each TARP
system will be presented in a separate statement and will
focus on the conveyance tunnels only. This EIS has been
prepared for the Des Plaines Tunnel system in accordance
with the regulations and guidance set forth in the President's
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Guidelines (August
1, 1973), and the U.S. EPA Final Regulations CFR-40-Part 6
(April 14, 1975), which concern the preparation of environ-
mental impact statements.
For the proposed Des Plaines Tunnel and Reservoir Plan,
the U.S. EPA, Region V, Chicago, Illinois, is the "responsible
or lead Federal agency" as required by the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
To ensure that the public is kept fully informed re-
garding this action, and that it participates to the fullest
extent possible in the Agency's decisionmaking process,
this draft EIS is being circulated for a 45-day review as
required by the CEQ, August 1, 1973, Guidelines.
1-12
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II. EXISTING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
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II. EXISTING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
This chapter describes the natural environment in the
Chicago metropolitan area which may be affected by the pro-
posed tunneling project and is divided into four main sections:
Water Resources
Land Resources
Atmospheric Resources
Biological Resources.
In the Water Resources section the quantity and qual-
ity of surface water and groundwater that are likely to be
affected by the Des Plaines Tunnel systems are discussed.
Sources polluting these waters are also identified. Finally,
programs to abate pollution and to manage water resources
in the entire Chicago metropolitan area are described.
The Land Resources section provides information on
drainage basins served by the Des Plaines Tunnel systems.
and identifies the flood prone areas in the project service
area. The geology and seismicity of the entire Chicago
metropolitan area are described and pertinent details on the
areas affected by the proposed project are given.
Finally, the air quality and noise levels in the Chicago
metropolitan area are presented in the Atmospheric Resources
section and the wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic life
inventories of the area are described in the Biological
Resources section.
The information contained in this chapter provides a
basis for evaluating the effects of the proposed project on
the natural environment. Thus, only those elements of the
natural environment that are likely to be affected by the
proposed project are discussed. Instead of an exhaustive
environmental inventory, only those details that are neces-
sary for impact evaluation are presented in the sections
below.
2.1 WATER RESOURCES
Chicago depends on the area's groundwater and surface
water supplies for many uses beyond drinking water, including
II-l
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commerce, transportation, recreation, and sanitation. This
section describes the status of Chicago area water resources
prior to the implementation of TARP. The discussion of
groundwater and surface water addresses the quality, avail-
ability, and uses of these water resources, as well as pol-
lution sources, resource management programs, and flood prone
areas.
2.1.1 Surface Water
The surface waterways of the Chicago area constitute
an interconnected network of rivers and canals whose natural
flow into Lake Michigan has been reversed by a series of locks
The major surface waterways under study are the Chicago
River - Sanitary and Ship Canal System, the Calumet River
System, the Des Plaines River System, Lake Calumet, and
Lake Michigan. The remainder of this section describes the
quality and availability of surface water supplies, the
regulation of surface water flow, the potable water supplies,
and the deposition of sludge in the three water systems.
These systems are depicted in Figure II-l, a_long with water
use classifications which were established by the state of
Illinois EPA.
The Chicago River System includes:
North Shore Channel from Lake Michigan at Wilmette
North Branch of the Chicago River from the con-
fluence of West Fork and the Skokie River down-
stream to the Chicago River
Chicago River flowing westward from the Chicago
River Controlling Works at Lake Michigan to the
junction with the North and the South Branches
of the Chicago River
Tributaries to the North Branch of the Chicago
River as they cross the Lake-Cook County line.
The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal System includes
the South Branch of the Chicago Rivsr from the junction with
the North Branch, the Chicago River, and the Sanitary and
Ship Canal downstream to the Lockport Lock and Dam.
II-2
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FIGURE II-l
Chicago Area Waterways and
State Water Use
Classifications
j. 1
I
LEGEND:
—m^mm CHICAGO RIVER-SANITARY AND
SHIP CANAL SYSTEM
mm m, m, CALUMET RIVER SYSTEM
• ••• DESPLAINES RIVER SYSTEM
[ | LAKE CALUMET Si LAKE MICHIGAN
SCALE. 1" -4.5 MILES
II-3
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The Calumet River System includes:
The Grand Calumet River from Lake Michigan westward
The Little Calumet River which originates east of
Gary, Indiana near Lake Michigan and crosses the
Indiana-Illinois state line to its junction with
the Calumet-Sag Channel (the MSDGC boundary is at
the state line)
Calumet-Sag Channel to its confluence with the
Sanitary and Ship Canal.
Tributaries to the Calumet River System are the Grand
Calumet River which joins the system south of the O'Brien
Locks and Thorn Creek which flows into the Little Calumet
River.
The Des Plaines River System originates in the southern
part of Wisconsin. In the MSDGC service area, the system
consists of the Des Plaines River from where it crosses Lake-
Cook County line to just above its confluence with the
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal above Lockport, Illinois.
Salt Creek, a tributary to the Des Plaines River, joins the
river at Riverside, Illinois.
(1) Surface Water Quality
The quality of Chicago area waterways is affected
not only by steady-state effluent discharges, but also
by periodic injections of pollutants as well. These
pollutants are due to combined sewer overflows during
storm events. Approximately 100 times per year, rain-
fall runoff causes the combined sewer loads to over-
flow to area streams and rivers. The frequency and
severity of these overflow episodes is sufficient to
negate any improvements in water quality due to control
of other point sources. The problem of combined sewer
overflows is discussed in more detail in Section 2.1.3
on pollution sources. This section presents existing
water quality data and the relationship with allowable
water uses in the Chicago area.
The MSDGC routinely carries out a water quality
sampling program of the Chicago River - Sanitary and
Ship Canal System, the Calumet River System, the Des
Plaines River System, and their tributaries. Samples
are taken by the MSDGC at least once each month at
41 stations which are shown in Figure II-2. Some
stations are sampled twice each month. The samples
are analyzed for various physical, chemical, and bio-
logical characteristics. The physical analysis includes
II-4
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FIGURE II-2
Waterway Sampling Location Points
II- "
-------
determination of temperature and concentration of sus-
pended and dissolved solids. Chemical factors analyzed
include: dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen de-
mand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-
nitrogen, nitrite-nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus,
methylene blue-active substances (MBAS), cyanide (CN),
and the heavy metals. Bacteriological tests are per-
formed to determine total and fecal coliform concentra-
tions and the presence of fecal streptoccoci.
A summary of the data collected and analyzed by
the MSDGC is presented in the sections below for the
three major waterway systems. The presentations of
average pollutant concentrations for the three systems
follow closely the discussion of the MSDGC's monitor-
ing program for water quality found in Appendix C of
"Facilities Planning Study - MSDGC Overview Report,"
second revision, January 1975. Of the many parameters
routinely monitored by MSDGC, five key water quality
indicators are discussed in the sections below: dis-
solved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD),
ammonia nitrogen, suspended solids (SS), and fecal coli-
form counts. The measured levels of each parameter are
summarized in tabular form and related to applicable
standards for each of the three major waterways at the
close of the discussion of water quality in Table II-2.
Reference is made in the discussion to Table II-l
showing Illinois water quality standards. Virtually
all of Chicago's major surface water bodies, except
for Lake Michigan, are classified under water standards
for Secondary Contact and Indigenous Aquatic Life.
This is the lowest water use designation made by the
State of Illinois, allowing only uses in which "contact
with the water is either incidental or accidental and
in which the probability of ingesting appreciable quan-
tities of water is minimal".1
1. Chicago River - Sanitary and Ship Canal
Average water quality parameters for the
Chicago-River-Sanitary and Ship Canal System for
1973 are presented in Table A-l of Appendix A.
Illinois Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations, Chapter III,
Water Pollution.
II-6
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The average dissolved oxygen concentration
decreased with increasing distance from Lake
Michigan, ranging from 7.65 mg/1 at the upstream
stations on the North Shore Channel to 3.4 mg/1
at Ohio Street on the North Branch of the Chicago
River. The Sanitary and Ship Canal showed dis-
solved oxygen levels that varied from 5.53 mg/1
just after the confluence of the Chicago River
down to 1.2 mg/1 at the downstream stations.
The average BOD of the water entering the
North Shore Channel was about 5.2 mg/1. This in-
creased to 9.2 mg/1 in the downstream sector of
the North Branch of the Chicago River while the
observed levels of BOD in the Sanitary and Ship
Canal ranged between 5.5 and 7.4 mg/1.
Ammonia levels increased as incoming Lake
Michigan waters mixed with effluents discharged
from area treatment plants and other sources.
Ammonia-nitrogen averaged 0.84 mg/l-N near the
lake and increased downstream to 5.49 mg/l-N.
After mixing with Chicago River water the average
ammonia concentration decreased to 3.49 mg/1, but
then increased to 6.22 mg/1 below the West-Southwest
Sanitary Treatment Works discharge.
The average suspended solids concentration
decreased from 54 mg/1 to a level of about 22 mg/1
in the lower reach of the North Branch of the
Chicago River. Levels at the stations along the
Sanitary and Ship Canal varied between 19 and
31 mg/1.
Fecal coliform counts ranged from a geometric
mean of 3,134 per 100 ml at Central Avenue to
12,705 per 100 ml at Ohio Street on the North Branch
of the Chicago River. However, immediately below
the North Side Sanitary Treatment Works the geo-
metric mean dropped to 477 per 100 ml. The highest
counts in the Sanitary and Ship Canal System were
at Damen Avenue with a geometric mean of 5,512
per 100 ml. These levels dropped below the West-
Southwest Sanitary Treatment Works to a geometric
mean of 770 per 100 ml.
The significance of these measurements becomes
apparent from an examination of Table II-l, Illinois
Water Quality Standards. Water standards for
II-8
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Secondary Contact and Indigenous Aquatic Life are
not met for dissolved oxygen, ammonia-nitrogen and
fecal coliforms along large segments of the Chicago
River - Sanitary and Ship Canal System. Standards
for biological oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended
solids (SS) have been set only for effluents dis-
charged to streams. BOD values in the open water-
ways are close to the discharge standard, and SS
concentrations exceed the discharge standard in
many areas. This situation emphasizes the need for
continued upgrading of existing pollution sources
to comply with effluent discharge regulations.
2• Calumet River System
Table A-2 of Appendix A shows the average
values of various water quality parameters for
1973 from sampling stations along the Calumet
River System. Dissolved oxygen levels in the
Calumet River System averaged 9.0 mg/1 at the
mouth of the river and gradually declined down-
stream until at Highway 83 on the Cal-Sag Channel.
The average concentration was 3.9 mg/1.
The BOD of the Calumet River stations averaged
4.1 mg/1, increasing to 7.3 mg/1 below the Calumet
Sanitary Treatment Works and the confluence of the
Little Calumet River. The BOD level then declined
slowly to 6.2 mg/1 in the Calumet-Sag Channel just
above the confluence with the Sanitary and Ship
Canal.
Within the main waterways of the Calumet
River System the ammonia concentrations ranged
from 1.31 mg/l-N at 92nd Street to 9.1 mg/l-N at
Ashland Avenue below the Calumet Sanitary Treat-
ment Works. The highest ammonia levels occur in
the Grand Calumet River with an average of 13.3
mg/l-N.
The average concentration of suspended solids
at the various sampling stations of the main water-
ways fell between 12 mg/1 and 73 mg/1. The highest
concentrations occurred in the tributary streams.
II-9
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Fecal coliform counts were lowest near the
mouth of the Calumet River with a geometric mean
of 152 per 100 ml. The highest counts were ob-
served in the lower part of the Cal-Sag Channel
with a geometric mean of 738 per 100 ml. Extremely
high fecal coliform counts were obtained in the
two tributaries just below the Indiana-Illinois
line averaging 18,200 and 24,500 counts per 100 ml
on the Grand Calumet and Little Calumet River,
respectively.
In summary, dissolved oxygen concentrations
along the Calumet River System currently exceed
the water standards for Secondary Contact and
Indigenous Aquatic Life. Measured values of
ammonia-nitrogen and fecal coliforms did not meet
minimum standards over large portions of the sys-
tem and measured values for suspended solids in
the stream did not meet the effluent discharge
standard.
3. Des Plaines River System
Average 1973 values for various water quality
parameters are given in Table A-3 of Appendix A.
The average dissolved oxygen levels found in the
Des Plaines River ranged from 6.0 mg/1 to 10.2 mg/1,
Some values greater than saturation occurred pro-
bably as a result of photosynthetic oxygen produc-
tion. 1
BOD levels at the Lake-Cook County line aver-
aged 6.7 mg/1. This level decreased slightly
moving downstream to an average of 5.0 mg/1. Some
of the highest levels were observed in Salt Creek,
with an average of 6.1 mg/1, just above the junc-
tion with the Des Plaines River.
The Des Plaines River had relatively low
levels of ammonia with average concentrations be-
tween 0.34 mg/l-N and 1.21 mg/l-N. Salt Creek
had the highest ammonia levels averaging 2.92
mg/l-N at one location.
MSDGC, "Facilities Planning Study - MSDGC Overview Report,"
Appendix C, "Water Sampling, Testing and Water Quality Moni-
toring Program," Revised January 1975.
11-10
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The concentration of suspended solids fluctu-
ated from a high of 68 rag/1 at the Lake-Cook County
line down to a low of 29 mg/1 at Ogden Avenue in
the lower reach of the river.
Fecal coliform counts on the Des Plaines
River fluctuated from a low geometric mean of 411
counts per 100 ml at the county line to a high of
8,699 counts per 100 ml in the middle reach and
then declined to 1,692 counts per 100 ml at Willow
Springs Road.
In comparison with the General Use Standards
applicable to that portion of the Des Plaines sampled
by the MSDGC, the data presented in Table II-2 shows
that concentrations of dissolved oxygen and ammonia-
nitrogen are better than those levels mandated by
the standard; however, fecal coliform counts exceed
allowable levels along portions of the Des Plaines
River. In addition, suspended solids concentrations
in the river are higher than those allowed under
effluent discharge standards.
4 . Water Quality Standards
As indicated in Table II-l, Illinois has de-
veloped four classifications of water use: general
use, public and food processing water supply, re-
stricted use, and Lake Michigan. General use
waters should be suitable for supporting aquatic
life; all waters except those designated as re-
stricted are for general use. Water standards
for public and food processing are somewhat more
stringent than those for general use. As noted
in Table II-l, all Illinois waters should be suit-
able for public and food processing water supply
except for restricted waters and the Chicago and
Little Calumet Rivers. Standards for Lake Michigan
are even more stringent than those covering public
and food processing water supply.
Those waters classified as restricted (Sec-
ondary Contact and Indigenous Aquatic Life water
use) are allowed to meet less stringent water
quality standards. All Illinois waterways on the
restricted list belong to one of the three major
waterways under discussion here. The presenta-
tion of water quality data made earlier showed
11-11
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11-12
-------
that standards for restricted use are not met along
sizable segments of all three river systems. This
data is summarized and compared to Illinois Stand-
ards in Table II-2. For these areas even secondary
contact would be .ruled out. Eventual use of the
substandard segments would depend largely upon im-
provements in dissolved oxygen, ammonia-nitrogen,
and fecal coliform values.
Some Federal guidelines in this area are avail-
able in the form of suggested minimum standards
for various water uses (see Table II-3). Although
these suggested standards do not provide a compre-
hensive basis for deciding appropriate water uses
in the Chicago area, these Federal guidelines do
indicate that, if Illinois standards for water use
were met, water quality would be suitable on cur-
rently substandard segments for designated recrea-
tional uses. In addition, if applicable Illinois
water quality regulations were met, primary contact
would be possible on the river sections not clas-
sified as restricted (North Branch of the Chicago
River, Des Plaines River upstream from McCook,
part of the Little Calumet River, Des Plaines-
Illinois River, and Lake Michigan). In other
areas at least secondary contact (boating but not
swimming or game fishing) would be allowed. These
potential water uses, assuming Illinois water
quality standards are met, are shown in Figure II-3
(2) Surface Water Quantity
Data on the flows and elevation levels of the
major surface waterways in the Chicago area are pre-
sented below. These surface waterways include the
Chicago River - Sanitary and Ship Canal, Des Plaines
River, Calumet River, Lake Calumet, and Lake Michigan.
For the river systems, the existing low, mean, and
high flow rates (annual average) are provided for spe-
cific locations. For the river systems and lakes, the
low, mean, and high surface evaluation levels (annual
average) are given based on U.S. Geological Survey
Datum. (Elevation 579.48 USGS corresponds to Eleva-
tion 0.00 Chicago City Datum.)
1. Chicago River - Sanitary and Ship Canal
Annual average flow rates (low, mean, and
maximum) for gaging stations along the North
11-13
-------
Table II-31 .
Minimum Federal Standards for Selected Water Uses'
Fecal Coliform
Mean
Maximum
PH
Normal Range
Absolute Range
Dissolved Oxygen
Coldwater Biota
Mean
Spawning Mean
Normal Mean
Warm Water Biota
Mean
Minimum
Total Dissolved
Solids
M aximum
General
Recreational
2,000/100 ml
4,000/100 ml
Designated
^
Recreational
1,000/100 ml
2,000/100 ml
-
Primary
Contact
200/100 ml
400/100 ml
6.5-8.3
5.0-9.0
1,500 mg/1
Growth of
Freshwater
Organisms
-
6.0-9.0
7.0 mg/1
6.0 mg/1
4.0 mg/1
5.0 mg/1
4.-0 mg/1
a These are suggested standards.
b General recreational use areas are those areas suitable for human use
in recreation activities not involving significant risks of ingestion
without reference to official designation of recreation as a water use,
c Designated recreational use areas are those areas suitable for recrea-
tional activities not involving significant risks of ingestion and
officially designated as a recreation area.
d Primary contact use areas are those areas suitable for human use in
recreation activities involving significant risks of ingestion.
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, U.S. Department of
Interior, Water Quality Criteria^ Report of the National Technical
Advisory Committee, April 1, 1968, Washington, D.C. (U.S. EPA expects
to publish later this year a set of guidelines to replace this report.)
11-14
-------
FIGURE II-3
Recreational Uses of Chicago
Waterways Assuming Illinois
Standards Are Met
I COOK COUNTY r
i.
r
M
,-• !n I
I
Lj
LEGEND:
PRIMARY USE
(SWIMMING AND GAME FISHING)
DESIGNATED RECREATIONAL USE
(BOATING)
V-«-
SCALE: 1"= 6 MILES
11-15
-------
Branch of the Chicago River for the years 1960 to
1969 are shown in Table II-4. Also shown in Table
II-4 are the stream stages corresponding to the
annual maximum flow rate. As the table shows, the
lowest mean stream flow for the North Branch, 2.48
cubic feet per second (CFS), occurred in 1963 while
the highest values for mean flow, 118 CFS and 112
CFS, were recorded in 1965 and 1969, respectively.
Over this 10-year period, the largest fluctuation
in stream elevation at maximum flow, was almost
four feet. It was recorded at the gaging station
farthest downstream and measured from 611.82 feet
to 608.08 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). Table
II-4 also contains flow data for the same period
recorded farther downstream at the Lockport Lock
on the Sanitary and Ship Canal. At this point,
lowest values for mean flow, 3359 CFS and 3342 CFS,
were observed in 1963 and 1964 while the highest
value for mean flow, 3473 CFS, was recorded in
1962. The water depth and flow rate in the Sani-
tary and Ship Canal is maintained at a nearly con-
stant level by additions from Lake Michigan to
allow navigation.
2. Calumet River System
The Calumet River, from 1971 through October
1975 had an average flow rate of 335 CFS with high
and low flow values of 4,378 CFS and 238 CFS,
respectively, as measured just downstream of
O'Brien Lock and Dam. The river level at this
point fluctuated six feet over that four-year
period, or between 582.98 and 576.98 feet with a
mean elevation of 577.58 feet above MSL.
Little Calumet River over the same period
had a mean flow rate of 324 CFS with high and low
flow extremes of 3,176 CFS and 38 CFS, respectively.
Surface water levels ranged from 582.98 and 576.98
feet with a mean level of 577.38 feet above MSL.
In the Calumet-Sag Channel over the period
from 1966 to 1975 estimates of flow rates past the
Cal-Sag Junction ranged from a low of 293 CFS to
a high of 10,000 CFS with a mean value of 1,078
CFS. Levels in the Cal-Sag Channel varied 5.4 feet
from 580.88 to 575.48 feet with a mean elevation
of 577.18 feet above MSL.
11-16
-------
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3. Des Plaines River System
Data for 1970 on flow and water elevation
were reported by the Illinois Division of Water-
ways for two gaging stations along the Des Plaines
River and for one station on Salt Creek. At Hoff-
man Dam on the Des Plaines River the mean yearly
flow rate was found to be 890 CFS, with average
high and low flow rates of 3,800 CFS and 366 CFS,
respectively. Water elevation varied from 606.88
feet at low flow to 612.78 feet at flood level
with a mean elevation of 609.48 feet above MSL.
Further upstream at the Des Plaines Gage
stream flow averaged 503 CFS with average high and}
low flow rates of 2,000 CFS and 215 CFS, respec-
tively. Water elevations measured at this point
fluctuated about a mean of 627.28 feet above MSL
with high and low elevations of 629.88 feet and
626.78 feet recorded, respectively.
The Western Springs Gage on Salt Creek regis-
tered high and low flow rates of 1,050 CFS and
85 CFS, respectively, with a calculated mean flow
rate of 137 CFS. Stream elevation fell to between
631.88 feet and 625.68 feet above MSL with a mean
elevation of 626.98 feet.
4• Lake Calumet and Lake Michigan
The surface elevations of these two lakes, as
observed from 1900 through 1974, have varied to-
gether from 585.08 feet to 576.68 feet above MSL
with a common mean elevation of 579.38 feet.
(3) Flow Regulation *
Serious public health problems involving contamina-
tion of the city's drinking water supply led Chicago
to implement measures to protect Lake Michigan, an impor-
tant source of drinking water, from pollution. The ap-
proach adopted was to alter the drainage pattern of the
area through the construction of a system of canals,
locks, and sluice gates. Under this program the natural
flow of several waterways into Lake Michigan was diverted
and in some cases reversed so that rainfall runoff
drained away from Lake Michigan and into the Illinois
11-18
-------
River. This program led to the creation of the Chicago
River - Sanitary and Ship Canal System and to the modi-
fication of the Calumet River System as described below.
1. Control Measures
The Sanitary and Ship Canal was completed in
1900 followed by the completion of the North Shore
Channel in 1910. The construction of this system
allowed surface water flow from the North Branch
of the Chicago River, the North Shore Channel, the
Chicago River and the South Branch of the Chicago
River to be discharged to the Illinois River rather
than to Lake Michigan, the original receiving body.
Water levels in the Chicago River are now controlled
by a system of sluice gates. Navigation is made
possible by a boat lock at Wilmette.
Similarly, the completion of the Calumet-Sag
Channel in 1922 allowed the MSDGC to either fully
or partially reverse the flow of the Little Calumet,
the Grand Calumet, and the Calumet Rivers away
from Lake Michigan. These rivers now flow, by
means of the Calumet-Sag Channel, into the Sani-
tary and Ship Canal at Sag Junction. Water levels
in the Calumet River System are regulated by the
Thomas J. O'Brien Controlling Works and Locks on
the Calumet River.
2. Stormwater Runoff
The lock system is designed to prevent the
flow of polluted water into Lake Michigan. Prior
to a storm the water level in the Sanitary and Ship
Canal is lowered at Lockport to accommodate ex-
pected runoff volumes. Storms generating in ex-
cess of 0.1 inch of runoff exceed the capacity of
the interceptor sewers and cause an overflow of
rainwater and raw sewage into local waterways at
about 640 locations. This currently happens ap-
proximately 100 times per year.-'- Under severe
circumstances rainfall runoff surpasses even the
MSDGC, "Facilities Planning Study - MSDGC Overview Report," Re-
vised January 1975.
11-19
-------
storage capacity of the river systems, threatening
widespread flooding of the combined sewer area.
Water levels at the controlling locks, located at
Wilmette on the North Shore Channel, at the mouth
of the Chicago River, and at O'Brien Lock on the
Calumet River, are allowed to rise to heights of
five feet, three feet, and three feet, respectively,
above Chicago City Datum (approximately the level
of Lake Michigan). Above this point, impounded
waters are released to Lake Michigan to prevent
severe flooding. Over the last 21 years there
have been 30 occasions on which the locks were
opened to Lake Michigan, releasing biological
oxygen demand (BOD) substances, sediment, phosphorus,
and other pollutants.
Releases made during the summer cause the
closing of public beaches until coliform counts
are reduced to safe levels. Other impacts include
flooding of basements and ground floors of homes
and businesses as well as flooding of major trans-
portation arteries. Navigation along waterways
is disrupted during the drawing down of waterway
levels in anticipation of a storm and does not
return to normal until channel levels and veloci-
ties have subsided.
Domestic Water Supply
Lake Michigan traditionally supplies most of the
drinking water for the Chicago area. Withdrawal of
water from the lake was essentially unlimited until
1930 when the U.S. Supreme Court set a ceiling of 1,500
CFS including domestic pumpage. The amount was revised
upward in 1970 to 3,200 CFS including domestic pumpage.
This amount of water taken from Lake Michigan over a
period of 1 year, 2,317,000 acre-feet in all, supplies
most domestic needs and supplements waterway flows,
allowing for improved effluent dilution and nagivation.
The 3,200 CFS allotment is divided among three
uses: domestic needs, indirect diversion, and direct
diversion. Indirect diversion is that estimated quan-
tity of stormwater runoff which formerly drained directly
into Lake Michigan but which now is diverted to other
area waterways. This amount varies depending upon
yearly rainfall. In 1970, domestic use constituted
about 50 percent or 1,600 CFS of the total of 3,200 CFS.
This amount supplied the water needs of 4,520,000 people
within the city of Chicago service area.
11-20
-------
When the wacer supplied for domestic use and the
water diverted from Lake Michigan (indirect diversion)
are subtracted from the 3,200 CFS allotment, the amount
remaining is available for direct diversion use, i.e.,
diversion to local waterways for effluent dilution and
for navigation. The relationship among these three
components of Lake Michigan pumpage is portrayed in
Figure II-4.
It is clear from the discussion that as domestic
water needs increase, less water will be available for
direct diversion uses. This assumes that the 3,200 CFS
ceiling is to be maintained and that indirect diversion
remains relatively constant. Present water supplies
are adequate for current needs but increases in popula-
tion and in commercial and industrial water users are
likely to lead to increased demands for water. Although
some of this demand may be met by increased groundwater
utilization, groundwater pumpage in some portions of
the Chicago area already exceeds recharge. By storing
combined sewer overflow until it can be treated and re-
leased to area waterways, the proposed tunnel systems
with their total storage capacity of 9,200 acre-feet
will help to alleviate dilution and navigation problems
to an extent dependent on the frequency and severity
of storms.
(5) Benthal Deposits
Raw sewage sludge and sediment washed into surface
waterways during overflow episodes add to the pollution
load. Organic material deposited in this manner de-
grades water quality by consuming oxygen during its
stabilization and by liberating BOD to overlying waters.
During stabilization of the organic wastes anaerobic
as well as aerobic conditions prevail as the depth of
the deposits increases. Figure II-5 illustrates the
accumulation of benthal (bottom) deposits in the Chica-
go Sanitary and Ship Canal from below the Lockport
Lock to just above Damen Avenue. Canal deposits lying
between Willow Springs Road and Damen Avenue range from
about five to 13 feet in depth. Waterway deposits
11-21
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FIGURE II-4
Components of Lake Michigan
Diversion-*-
Decreasing
quantity of water
for dilution and
navigation
Indirect diversion
of runoff from Lake
Mich, watershed due
to urbanization
Increasing quantity
of domestic water
requirements
TIME
MSDGC Environmental Assessment - Alternative management plans for
control of flood and pollution problems due to combined sewer dis-
charges in the general service area of the Metropolitan Sanitary
District of Greater Chicago, November 1973, p. 114.
11-22
-------
FIGURE II-5
Benthal Deposits in the Chicago
Sanitary and Ship Canall
Des Plaines
Rock Section
Earth Section
South Branch
Top of
Wall-
Lockport
Controlling
Works
SILT
SLUD
Damen
Avenue
Willow Springs Road
Lockport Lock
and Powerhouse
-Sag Junction
NO
3E
-Brandon Road
Lock and Dam
-so a
a
o
s
a
o
z
o
-60
-70
-80
55 50 45 40 35 30
MILES FROM WILMETTE
25
U!
_j
ui
MSDGC - Alternative Management Plans for Control of Flood and
Pollution Problems due to Combined Sewer Discharges in the General
Service Area of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago, November 1973, p. 129.
11-23
-------
measured by the MSDGC as part of the bottom sampling
program are shown in Figure A-l of Appendix A. Sampling
locations shown on the map are described in Table A-4
of Appendix A.
The full impact on water quality of sediment de-
posited during combined sewer overflow events is not
always felt immediately. The stabilization of organic
material deposited during the winter months is sup-
pressed because of the cold temperatures. This ulti-
mately results in heavy biological loading of the water-
ways during the summer months with the overdriving of
the assimilative capacity of the rivers and streams.
The intense demand for oxygen in the waterways during
the warm months often leads to anaerobic conditions in
the deposited material and septic or near-septic con-
ditions do not meet minimum Illinois standards for re-
stricted water use as described in Section 2.1.1,
Surface Water Quality.
2.1.2 Groundwater
Quality and quantity of subsurface waters are of major
importance to the construction and operation of the tunnel
system. This section describes the groundwater regime of
the Chicago area in Cook County.
(1) General Hydrogeology
As summarized in Table II-5, there are two main
aquifer systems within the study area: the upper aqui-
fer comprised of glacial drift and dolomites, and the
lower (Cambro-Ordovician) aquifer comprised of dolo-
mites and sandstones. Unconsolidated Quaternary de-
posits and Silurian dolomites of the upper aquifer are
hydraulically connected and function as a single water
bearing unit, except in localized areas where imper-
meable strata separate them and perched water conditions
exist. Clayey deposits in the glacial drift act as
confining layers and thus, create artesian conditions
in the upper aquifer. Ordovician shales and dolomites
of Maquoketa Group (on the average 150 feet thick) sepa-
rate the upper and lower aquifers and act an an effec-
tive aquiclude.
11-24
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Table II-5
Generalized Hydrology of the Chicago Area
System
Series or Group
Hydrology
Quaternary
Silucian
Orduvician
Cambrian
Pleistocene
Niagaran Alexandrian
Maquoketa
Galena
Platteville
Ancell
Prairie Du Chien
Upper Aquifer
Aquiclude
Lower Aquifer
The lower aquifer includes dolomite and sandstone
formations extending from the base of the Maquoketa
Group to the top of the Eau Claire shales (Cambrian).
Average thickness of the upper aquifer is approximately
400 feet, while average thickness of the lower aquifer
is about 1,000 feet.
(2) Recharge-Discharge Relationships
Sources of groundwater recharge to the upper aqui-
fer are precipitation and influent stream infiltration.
In general, response of water levels to precipitation
is rapid. The lower aquifer is recharged in parts of
McHenry, Kane, and DeKalb Counties where the Maquoketa
aquiclude outcrops and further west where the Maquoketa
has been removed by erosion. The lower aquifer has a
lower potentiometric head than the upper aquifer; there-
fore, the lower aquifer is also recharged by leakage
from the upper aquifer through confining layers of
Maquoketa shales. Vertical permeability of the Maquoketa
shales is about 5xlO~5 gpd/ft2, and the calculated! re-
charge to the lower aquifer, for the northeast Illinois
area, is about 2,100 gpd/mi^.
Walton, W.C., "Selected Analytical Methods for Well and Aquifer
Evaluation," Illinois State Water Survey, Bulletin 49, 1962.
11-25
-------
Groundwater is discharged primarily by pumping
activities in the area. Water levels fluctuate widely
and are indicative of these activities. Groundwater
also discharges as base flow to streams and to Lake
Michigan. In addition, a relatively small amount is
consumed by evapotranspiration.
(3) Water Levels - Areal and Temporal Character
A contour map of the potentiometric surfaces of
the lower aquifer in the region around the study area
is provided in Figure II-6. The figure indicates several
significant cones of depression in the lower aquifer
around major pumping centers in Cook County. Con-
sequently, the direction of groundwater flow in the
study area is toward these potentiometric depressions.
Figure II-7, showing potentiometric contours of the
upper aquifer, indicates that similar depressions occur
in the vicinity of McCook and Thornton quarries, the
locations of the proposed storage reservoirs. These
depressions are attributed to long-term quarry dewatering
operations. Elsewhere, groundwater levels exhibit a
low gradient.
In the Chicago Central Business area (CBA), Lake
Michigan appears to be recharging the aquifer, while
a piezometric high in the area north of Belmont Avenue
indicates the aquifer may be discharging into the Lake.
The lower water levels in the CBA probably result from
dewatering operations in deep basements of commercial
buildings. The groundwater contour configuration does
not indicate that the Chicago River and the Chicago
Sanitary and Ship Canal are hydraulically connected to
the upper aquifer.-'-
With regard to temporal fluctuations in water
levels, long-term records indicate that the most
Harza Engineering Company (HEC), Geotechnical Design Report:
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan - Mainstream Tunnel System, August 1975.
11-26
-------
FIGURE II-6
Elevation*of Piezometric Surface of
Lower (Cambrian-Ordovician)
Aquifer in October 197ll
*mean sea level (msl)
Sasman, R.T., C.R. Benson, G.L. Dzurisin and N.E. Risk, "Water
Level Decline and Pumpage in Deep Wells in Northern Illinois,
1966-1971," Illinois State Water Survey, Circular 113, 1973.
11-27
-------
FIGURE II-7
•ic Contour Map of Upper Aquifer,
Cook County, December 1974-*-
§ ;, / i
3 7v / 2
Harza Engineering Company
11-20
-------
significant trend has been an overall decline in water
levels in the lower aquifer as a result of pumpage.
The average decline was 15 feet per year for the period
1961 to 1966, and 9 feet per year from 1966 to 1971.1
Water levels declined in the upper aquifer between
McCook Quarry and LaGrange about 5 feet annually due
to aquifer overdevelopment.2
Seasonal fluctuations in water levels generally
reflect climatological conditions as well as pumpage.
From March 1972 to March 1973, precipitation in the
Chicagoland area was 33 percent above normal and the
average rise of water levels observed in an 86-square-
mile study area in the northeast part of Cook County
was about 3.4 feet.3 Generally, daily fluctuations in
water levels reflect changes in the pumpage from pro-
duction wells and changes in barometric pressure.
(4) Aquifer Hydraulics
Flow of groundwater through the aquifers is largely
controlled by secondary permeability, which is affected
by joints, fractures, and bedding planes. Hydraulic
conductivity, therefore, is variable spatially, and
some of the openings in the dolomites have been solu-
tion-enlarged. Generally, primary permeability and
porosity in the dolomites are very low. In both the
upper and lower aquifers, permeability exhibits a de-
crease toward Lake Michigan. Silurian dolomites, for
example, have permeabilities of 1 to 10~4 ft/min near
the lake and increase westward to about 10 to 200xlO~^
ft/min.
Sasman, R.T., C.R. Benson, G.L. Dzurisin and N.E. Risk, "Water
Level Decline and Pumpage in Deep Wells in Northern Illinois,
1966-1971," Illinois State Water Survey, Circular 113, 1973.
2 HEC, 1975.
3 Ibid.
11-29.
-------
Numerous aquifer tests have been conducted in the
area along the proposed tunnel route, and various
aquifer properties observed near the McCook and Thornton
Quarries are summarized in Tables II-6 and II-7. During
aquifer testing, it was found that horizontal (bedding
plane) permeability was significantly more pronounced
than vertical (joint controlled) permeability.
According to Table II-6, the overall transmissi-
vity of the lower aquifer (Cambro-Ordovician) is 22,400
gpd/ft. This value is lower than the sum of the trans-
missivities of individual units due to the hydraulic
connection between the units. Additional testing in
the Chicago area indicated that transmissivity of the
lower aquifer ranged from 10,800 to 20,600 gpd/ft and
averaged about 16,000 for 14 wells.^
While Figure II-7 shows the location of the McCook
and Thornton Quarries, Table II-7 points out the variable
transmissivity of the dolomites in the upper aquifer
where values from 16 to 30,150 gpd/ft were obtained.
This is typical of fracture and bedding place permea-
bility conditions.
(5) Water Supply
Results of previous studies indicate that deep
aquifers in Cook County are capable of producing about
25 MGD.2 This value is based on an average aquifer
thickness of 800 feet (above the top of the Ironton-
Gal'esville formations of lower Cambrian age) and an
average specific yield of 0.05. The upper aquifer in
Cook County has a total potential yield of 108 MGD.^
These estimates are consistent with previous calculations
Suter, Max, et al., "Preliminary Report on Groundwater Resources
of the Chicago Region, Illinois," State Water Survey and State
Geological Survey, Cooperative Groundwater Report 1, 1959.
Schicht, R.J., and Allen Moench, "Projected Groundwater Deficiencies
in Northeastern Illinois, 1980-2020," Illinois State Water Survey,
Circular 101, 1971.
Schaeffer, R.R. and A.J. Zeizel, "The Water Resources in North-
eastern Illinois," Illinois State Water Survey, Circular 101, 1966.
11-30
-------
Table II-6
Permeabilities of Aquifers
in the Chicago Areal
Aquifer
Upper
Aquifer
Lower
Aquifer
Geologic
System
Silurian
Cambrian*
Ordovician
Series, Group
or Formation
Niagara-Alexandrian
Galena-Platteville
Slenwood-St. Peter
Prairie du Chien,
Eminence and Potosil
Franconia
Ironton-Galesville
Thickness
Ft.
394
1,058
328
91
340
127
1^2
Transmissibility
gpd/ft.
400
22,400
300
500
17,500
5,560
15,200
Storage
(HEC 4 Bauer
Engineering,
Inc., 1969)
0.00013
0.0005
0.0012
0.000075
Permeability
-4
10 ft/min
1
21
1
5
SO
40
82
-4
10 on/sec
0.5
11
0.4
3
24
20
42
Harza Engineering Company, "Development of a Flood and Pollution
Control Plan for the Chicagoland Area," Geology and Water Supply,
Technical Report Part 4, December 1972.
Table II-7 .
Results of Tests in the Upper Aquifer"
(Silurian Dolomite)
well
Location
NW tide of
McCook Quarry
Sw side of
McCook Quarry
NE aide of
McCook Quarry
SE corner of
McCook Quarry
1 mile NE of
McCook Quarry
1 mile south of
Thornton Quarry
Thornton Quarry
Teat
Pumping
Recharge
Bail
Pumping
Pumping
Bail
Bail
Pumping
or
*£>
400
505
790
5
62
42
15
2.5
1-Oay
Specific
Igpm/
in Feetl
JJ;*i/
5.SE/
0.7
0.4
-
-
1 8
Average
of
gpd/ft
30,150
190
17M
295
530
16
Coefficient
of
(Diraeneionlesa)
4 o x :o-s
1.0 x 10-5
1.3 x 1Q-5
1.0 x 1Q'4
1.0 x 10'4
Remarks
homogeneous
conditions
Polluted water.
negative boundary
about 1/2 mile
S Of site
Slight leaky aquifer
conditions, no
hydraulic connection
of leakage through
aquitard ave.
0.00062 gpd/ft'
Partially
penetrating
monitoring well
boundaries clove to
test well
Permeable Jones
Upper half of Edgvwood Forma-
tion, lower Racina thru Roneo
and Markgraf Membars
Interreef of Racin*
middle Edgewood
Rom*o-Karkgraf contact
Lower Kankakee down 75" thru
moat of Deadwood (extremely
permeable)
Upper Silurian dolomite
lnt*rreef Racine
Depth
290-340'
210-255
110-120
307-317
182-192
'5-133 end
14»-154
Upper 100'
Top of rock
'240' and
100-140 f
test w*l|}
HEC, 1975.
11-31
-------
which resulted in a potential yield of 92 MGD for the
Silurian dolomites of the upper aquifer and 6 MGD for
the glacial sand and gravel sediments.1
Groundwater use in the area is currently exten-
sive. In 1970, pumpage from glacial sand and gravel
was about 3 to 4 MGD and about 36.5 MGD from shallow
dolomites. Therefore, about 59 percent of the total
potential yield was undeveloped. Pumpage of the lower
aquifer, however, was more extensive and exceeded prac-
tical sustained yield in the vicinity of Summit by
2.3 times. By 1966, water levels in the Chicago, Des
Plaines, and Elmhurst pumping centers declined below
levels at the top of the lower (Cambro-Ordovician)
aquifer, resulting in some dewatering of the Galena-
Platteville strata. Figures II-8 and II-9 provide an
indication of groundwater deficiencies that may result
if water demands projected through the year 2020 are
realized. Groundwater conservation and management will
be necessary in the future to optimize use of ground-
water resources.
(6) Chemical Characteristics
Tabulated water quality data from test wells in „
the study area, for both the upper and lower aquifers,
is presented in Table A-5 of Appendix A. Several con-
stituents found in the upper Silurian aquifer (e.g.,
Fe, 304, and turbidity) are highly variable. Water
from Galena-Platteville strata (lower aquifer) has a
higher mineral content and more uniform water quality
characteristics than the upper aquifer. In general,
water quality from different geologic series through-
out the lower aquifer does not change significantly
with depth.
Moench, A.F. and A.P. Visocky, "A Preliminary Least Cost Study of
Future Groundwater Development in Northeast Illinois," Illinois
Stabe Water Survey, Circular 101, 1971.
Buschbach, T.C. and George E. Heim, "Preliminary Geologic Inves-
tigations of Rock Tunnel Sites for Flood and Pollution Control
in the Greater Chicago Area," Illinois State Geological Survey
Environmental Geology Notes, Number 52, 1972.
11-32
-------
FIGURE II-8
Projected Groundwater
Deficiencies^-Natural Recharge
LEGEND:
o
• ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
LAKE MICHIGAN WATER
YEAR 1980
YEAR 2000
YEAR 2020
WATER DEMANDS (MGD) IN EXCESS OF
GROUNDWATER AVAILABLE FROM
NATURAL RECHARGE
1 Schicht and Moench, 1971.
11-33
-------
o
• ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
LAKE MICHIGAN WATER
FIGURE II-9
Projected Groundwater
Deficiencies! - Natural
Recharge and Mining
LEGEND:
YEAR 1990
YEAR 2000
YEAR 2020
WATER DEMANDS (MGD) IN EXCESS OF
GROUNDWATER AVAILABLE FROM
NATURAL RECHARGE AND
GROUNDWATER MINING
1 Schicht and Moench, 1971.
11-34
-------
Water hardness in the lower (Cambro-Ordovician)
aquifer increases towards the east in the study area
from about 350 ppm in the vicinity of the Des Plaines
River to about 600 ppm near Lake Michigan. In this
same area, chloride concentrations also show west to
east increases from about 40 ppm at the river to 150
ppm at the lake.-'-
During late 1974, water quality tests were per-
formed on samples obtained from test wells penetrating
the upper aquifer. Results of these analyses are sum-
marized in Table A-6 of Appendix A. The concentrations
of many constituents are greater and more variable than
those reported in Table A-5 for the upper aquifer. With
the exception of the test well located on the NE side of
McCook Quarry (see Figure II-6), water hardness was high
due to the presence of calcium sulfate. Water from the
NE-McCook well was polluted with high concentrations of
COD, ammonia, surfactants, metals, and coliform bacteria
which may have originated from a nearby landfill site.
2.1.3 Pollution Sources
Surface water quality in the area served by the combined-
sewer system is dependent upon inputs from three major
sources; sanitary outfalls, industrial waste outfalls and
combined-sewer overflows. Characteristics of these sources
of input and the implications for area water quality are
discussed in the following sections.
(1) Municipal Waste Loads
Six wastewater treatment facilities are currently
in operation within the MSDGC service area. They are
Streamwood, Hanover, Lemont, Northside, West-Southwest
and Calumet. Location for these plants and for the
John E. Egan Water Reclamation Plant, which is currently
nearing full-scale operation are shown in Figure 11-10.
Outfalls from the existing facilities are adjacent to
the plants. Characteristics of the existing treatment
Suter, et al, 1959.
11-35
-------
FIGURE 11-10
Locations of MSDGC
Wastewater Treatment
Facilities
! COOK COUNTY r-T
LAKE
MICHIGAN
STREAMWOOD
PLANT
NORTH
SIDE
PLANT
HANOVER
PARK PLANT
WEST-
SOUTHWEST
PLANT
LEGEND:
A OPERATION IMMINENT
OPERATIONAL WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITIES
CALUMET
PLANT
LEMONT
PLANT
COOK COUNTY
11-36
-------
facilities, including the receiving stream, the average
flow for 1973, and the average influent and effluent
concentration of BOD, SS, and ammonia nitrogen are
presented in Table II-8.
The largest treatment plants; West-Southwest,
Northside and Calumet, provide preliminary, primary
and secondary treatment using chlorination and post-
aeration. Hanover, Lemont and Streamwood provide pre-
liminary, primary, secondary and tertiary treatment
using chlorination and post-aeration. The John E.
Egan plant, presently nearing operation, will also
provide tertiary treatment.
Both BOD and SS concentrations easily meet the
Federal guidelines of 30 mg/1 (roughly equivalent to
30 ppm) for each. Although more stringent Illinois
discharge standards for BOD, SS and ammonia nitrogen
(see Table II-8) do not have to be met until December
31, 1977, most of the MSDGC plants are already in com-
pliance with the BOD and SS standards, 10 mg/1 and 12 mg/1,
respectively, and two plants better the ammonia nitrogen
standard.
(2) Industrial Waste Loads
Industrial waste flows sent to MSDGC treatment
plants total about 195 MGD, broken down as follows:
135 MGD to the West-Southwest facility, 22 MGD to the
Northside facility and 38 MGD to the Calumet plant.
In addition there are other industrial and privately-
owned treatment plants which discharge in the area
as shown in Figure A-2 of Appendix A. Discharges from
these sources are subject to the MSDGC Sewage and Waste
Control Ordinance and must meet the State of Illinois
effluent discharge standards shown in Table II-l.
(3) Combined-Sewer Overflows
Chicago area waterways are subject to increased
pollutant inputs from the combined sewers during periods
of overflow. Rainfall runoff in excess of about 0.1
inches leads to discharge of raw sewage and runoff at
about 640 outfalls in the area. Such events occur
approximately 100 times per year, injecting BOD, SS,
grease, pathogenic organisms and other pollutants into
the waterways in large quantities. During such events
minimum Illinois standards for restricted use waters
are not met.
11-37
-------
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cn r-
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en en
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•H c
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C
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u, rt a.
||
144 v
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CTs O\ Ch ffi
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11-38
-------
Beyond the immediate impact of the combined-sewer
overflow are long-term effects on water quality. Sew-
age solids that settle in the waterways eventually de-
compose liberating BOD in the stream and decreasing
the dissolved oxygen (DO) content of the waters. The
stabilization of sewage solids is suppressed during
the cold months so that the maximum impact on the water-
ways results in the summer months when other pollutant
loadings are also high. Figures 11-11, 12, and 13 show
DO profiles developed by the MSDGC which simulate exist-
ing dry weather conditions in the North Shore Channel
and North Branch of the Chicago River, in the Chicago
River and Sanitary and Ship Canal, and in the Calumet
River and Calumet-Sag Channel. 1977 Illinois standards
for DO are shown with each figure. Maintenance of DO
concentrations at mandated levels during the critical
summer months is possible only if benthal loads depo-
sited during combined-sewer overflow episodes are eli-
minated. The magnitude of the problem is so great
that combined-sewer overflows constitute the largest
obstacle to attaining state water quality standards.
Estimates of BOD released to area waterways during
the approximately 100 yearly overflow occurrences indi-
cate that on an average basis BOD from sewer overflow
nearly equals the total BOD output for all six MSDGC
treatment plants.
2.1.4 Water Management Programs
Management of area water resources is being addressed
in the Chicago area by a variety of programs on a regional
and local basis. These programs and their relationship
with the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan are discussed briefly
below.
(1) The Chicago Metropolitan Area River Basin Plan
(CMARBP)
The CMARBP program focuses on eliminating further
pollution of the Chicago Basin and developing manage-
ment strategy to meet water quality goals. The basin
plan will assess the extent of pollution in the basin's
waters as well as define the nature and volume of pol-
lutants that can be discharged and still meet certain
minimum water quality standards. The plan will also
Hearing on the Proposed Chicago Tunnel and Reservoir Plan,
Chicago, Illinois, March 28, 1974.
11-39
-------
FIGURE 11-11
Simulation of Dissolved Oxy-
gen Concentrations Under
Existing Conditions Along
North Shore Channel1
NORTH BRANCH
CHICAGO RIVER
1
[
Z 4 •
UJ
u
>
X
o
a
uj 3.
1977 IEPA
STANDARDS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
(ATTAINMENT)
(VIOLATION)
6789
MILE STATIONS
10 11 12 13 14 15
J. Irons, MSDGC, Personal Communication, February 10, 1976.
11-40
-------
FIGURE 11-12
Simulation of Dissolved Oxy-
gen Concentrations Under
Existing Conditions Along
Calumet River System1
LU
in
8
•8
--S
•s
in
s
00
«O U>
lAIdd ' N30AXO Q3A10SSia
J. Irons, MSDGC, Personal Communication, February 10, 1976.
11-41
-------
*
Z O
FIGURE 11-13
Simulation of Dissolved Oxygen
Concentrations Under Existing
Conditions Along Chicago
River - Sanitary and Ship Canal
CO
00
en
co
.00
(O
enoor>.(O
Wdd ' N3DAXO 03A10SSia
J. Irons, MSDGC, Personal Communication, February 10, 1975.
11-42
-------
establish priorities for the construction and modifi-
cation of treatment plants. Principal agencies in
this study are the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and
the MSDGC. The plan explicitly recognizes the need
for TARP as part of a larger plan for upgrading water
quality of the Chicago area.
(2) 208 Planning Program
An areawide waste treatment management planning
program, as required under Section 208 of PL 92-500,
has been initiated under the direction of Northeastern
Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) which is the desig-
nated planning agency. Their effort will take about
two years and culminate in a comprehensive regional
report which will address the results of several man-
agement programs currently underway.
Under the 208 Program, sampling projects will be
conducted to assess and characterize:
Existing water quality
The extent of floodwater pollution
Benthic conditions
Diversity and abundance of aquatic life.
Data resulting from the planned 45 in-stream monitoring
stations will provide input to a computerized water qual-
ity model. This model will be used to project the im-
pact of additional development and system response to
suggested water resource management strategies.
The regional overview gained from the 208 Planning
Program is expected to provide the additional documenta-
tion needed to substantiate the requirement for planned
waterway improvements, of which TARP is a major component,
(3) .The Chicago-South End of Lake Michigan (C-SELM)
Study
The C-SELM Study represents another regional ap-
proach to wastewater management. C-SELM discusses
various methods to treat all wastewater flows in the
Chicago area. Methods considered include: advanced
physical/chemical treatment of wastes, advanced tech-
niques for biological treatment, and spray irrigation
of effluent in a land disposal system. The study
assumes that an underground conveyance and storage
system would be adopted.
11-43
-------
(4) Thornton Quarry Flood Control Project
The U.S. Soil Conservation Service is currently
considering using a portion of Thornton Quarry as a
flood reservoir. Flows during peak rainfall periods
would be routed from Thorn Creek on the region's far
south side to the quarry. TARP also plans to use the
quarry for storing combined-sewer overflows until treat-
ment measures can be applied. Different areas of the
quarry and separate facilities may have to be employed
so that this project and TARP are compatible and com-
plementary.
(5) City of Chicago Sewer Construction Program
Auxiliary outlet sewers are planned for areas
within the city as well as for some suburban communi-
ties. This program will increase the conveyance capa-
city of the sewer systems in the local tributary areas.
TARP is currently designed to accommodate the projected
increased flow rate.
(6) Area Treatment Plant Upgrading and Expansion
As part of its effort to improve water quality,
the MSDGC plans significant upgrading and expansion of
existing wastewater treatment plants. Modification of
the West-Southwest, North-Side and Calumet plants is
proposed as an integral part of the effort to meet
Illinois water quality standards.
(7) Des Plaines River Watershed - Floodwater Manage-
ment Plan
This program is being carried out under the spon-
sorship of the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and the
MSDGC. The plan affects the Des Plaines River and its
tributary streams. Significant aspects include:
A program for land treatment of wastewater
Flood p^ain -management
Construction of flood-retarding structures.
11-44
-------
(8) Du Page County - Salt Creek Study
This plan, sponsored by the Forest Preserve Dist-
rict of Du Page County and the Illinois Division of
Water Resources, was developed for flood prevention
along Salt Creek. It employs land use zoning and the
construction of flood-retaining structures.
(9) Addison Creek Improvements
The Illinois Division of Water Resources plans
the construction of a retention reservoir near George
Street and a channel bypass from a point near where
the creek enters Cook County to the vicinity of Mann-
heim Road. Four flood-retention reservoirs would ulti-
mately be constructed.
(10) Dredging of Illinois Waterways
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers currently per-
forms regular maintenance dredging of the major river
systems in the MSDGC's service area. The dredging of
oxygen-depleting wastes in the waterways is important
in the upgrading of dissolved oxygen concentrations
in the waterways.
(11) Lakefront Plan
The city of Chicago's ambitious Lakefront Plan calls
for extensive new recreational improvements along the Lake
Michigan shoreline. Development alternatives include:
Expanding the park base through shoreline
extension
Expanding the park base through shoreline
extension and creation of sheltered water
areas either through the use of peninsulas
or through the construction of off-shore
breakwaters
Expanding the park base through the develop-
ment of islands as well as shoreline exten-
sions .
11-45
-------
Enhanced use of the waterways is an essential goal of the
plan and contingent upon the extent of water quality im-
provements largely as a result of TARP. The broader as-
pects of the plan are discussed in Section 3.2, Land Use.
2.2 LAND RESOURCES
The following section describes the land resources of
the Chicago metropolitan area, and is divided into separate
discussions of drainage basins, flood prone areas, geology,
and seismicity.
2-2.1 Drainage Basins
Construction of the Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900
and the Calumet-Sag Channel in 1922 significantly altered
drainage patterns around Lake Michigan. Drainage from an
area of about 70 square miles north of downtown Chicago and
along Lake Michigan previously flowed to Lake Michigan.
Now, however, this drainage feeds the Illinois waterways via
the Chicago River - Sanitary and Ship Canal System. In
addition, reversal of water flow through the Calumet-Sag
Channel has diverted normal flow from the area around Lake
Calumet away from Lake Michigan and into the Illinois water-
ways. Ultimately, the Illinois Waterway System flows into
the Illinois River along with two other large tributaries,
the Des Plaines River and the Du Page River.
The overall low relief of the combined-sewer system
area makes it prone to flooding from sewer system backups.
The sewer system is designed to contain a five-year storm.
Total land area flooded by storms larger than present sewer
capacity is given below:
Event Size of Flooded Area (Sq.Mi.)
Ten Year Storm 50
Twenty-five Year Storm 161
Fifty Year Storm 210
One Hundred Year Storm 254
Figures 11-14 through 11-17 show graphically the spread of
flooding throughout the combined-sewer system area as a re-
sult of successively larger storms.
11-46
-------
FIGURE 11-14
Areas with Drainage
Problems During 10-Year
[COOK COUNTY r
LAKE
MICHIGAN
HEADWATER AREAS WITH DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
DUE TO SEWER FLOW LIMITATIONS,
10-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM,
5-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM-SEWER DESIGN
SCALE: 1" =6 MILES
COOK COUNTY
MSDGC Environmental Assessment - Alternative management plans for control
of flood and pollution problems due to combined sewer discharges in the
general service area of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago, November 1973, pp. 105-108.
11-47
-------
FIGURE 11-15
Areas with Drainage
Problems During 25-Year
Storm-'-
COOK COUNTY rJ
HEADWATER AREAS WITH DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
DUE TO SEWER FLOW LIMITATIONS,
25-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM.
5-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM-SEWER DESIGN
SCALE: 1" = 6 MILES
MSDGC Environmental Assessment - Alternative management plans for control
of flood and pollution problems due to combined sewer discharges in the
general service area of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago, November 1973, pp. 105-108.
11-48
-------
FIGURE 11-16
Areas with Drainage
Problems During 50-Year
Storm*
I COOK COUNTY r
H r
LEGEND
HEADWATER AREAS WITH DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
DUE TO SEWER FLOW LIMITATIONS,
50-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM,
5-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM-SEWER DESIGN
SCALE: 1"= 6 MILES
MSDGC Environmental Assessment - Alternative management plans for control
of flood and pollution problems due to combined sewer discharges in the
general service area of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago, November 1973, pp. 105-108.
11-49
-------
FIGURE 11-17
Areas with Drainage
Problems During 100-Year
Storm1
; COOK COUNTY P
r
.J
V1 S
rj 'n I
I SrJ
i
LEGEND
HEADWATER AREAS WITH DRAINAGE PROBLEMS
DUE TO SEWER FLOW LIMITATIONS,
100-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM,
5-YEAR FREQUENCY STORM-SEWER DESIGN
SCALE: 1"= 6 MILES
MSDGC Environmental Assessment - Alternative management plans for control
of flood and pollution problems due to combined sewer discharges in the
general service area of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago, November 1973, pp. 105-108.
11-50
-------
2.2.2 Flood-Prone Areas
The lack of topographic relief throughout the Chicago
area is a significant factor in overbank flooding. Because
high waterway elevations can seriously affect sewer hydrau-
lic capacity, overbank flooding often occurs concomitantly
with combined-sewer backup. Areas subject to overbank
flooding are shown in Figure 11-18.
The greatest potential area for overbank flooding lies
along the North Branch of the Chicago River and in the Calu-
met River System. Releases of flood waters to Lake Michigan
at Wilmette, at the mouth of the Chicago River, and through-
out the Calumet River have largely forestalled overbank
flooding along the North Shore Channel, the North and South
Branches of the Chicago River, and the Calumet River. Were
such releases not allowed, significant overbank and basement
flooding would occur in these areas. Along the Des Plaines
River, flooding is limited chiefly to forest preserve lands.
2.2.3 Geology
The Chicago area lies on the broad, gently sloping,
northwesterly-trending Kankakee Arch. This arch connects
the Wisconsin Arch to the northwest with the Cincinnati
Arch to the southwest and is a structural high separating
the Michigan Basin from the Illinois Basin. The northeast
part of the Chicago area lies on the northeastern side of
the arch and the lower Paleozoic formations here dip east-
ward. The southwestern portion of the area lies on the
southwest flank of the arch and the upper Paleozoic sedi-
ments dip southwest toward the Illinois Basin. Erosion of
the Kankakee Arch has exposed older geologic units along
the arch and younger rocks along the flanks.
The oldest rocks in the region are of Precambrian age,
collectively known as the basement complex, and can be found
in several northern states areas. These rocks are composed
of metamorphic and igneous materials which were subjected to
complex tectonic and erosional processes prior to the de-
position of the oldest Paleozoic sediments. The effects of
erosion results in stratigraphic breaks, or unconformities
in the sedimentary rock sequence. A sharp unconformity
marks the division between these Precambrian rocks and the
lowest Cambrian rocks.
11-51
-------
FIGURE 11-18
Areas Subject to Overbank
Flooding1
r
LEGEND
MSDGC Environmental Assessment - Alternative management plans for control
of flood and pollution problems due to combined sewer discharges in the
general service area of the Metropolitan sanitary District of Greater
Chicago, November 1973, pg. 101.
11-52
-------
In the immediate Chicago area, the Precambrian/Cambrian
unconformity is 3,000 to 5,000 feet below the surface. The
Cambrian rock is composed of marine deposits comprising both
near-shore and deeper water sediments. The rocks are pre-
dominately sandstones in the lower portion and mixed sand-
stones, siltstones, dolomites, and sandy dolomites in the
upper portion. These sediments represent a sea that covered
the entire region. Only a minor unconformity separates the
Cambrian and lower Ordovician rocks.
After the deposition of the lower Ordovician, erosion
occurred and the middle Ordovician lies directly on Cambrian
strata or truncates lower Ordovician rocks. The unconformity
is irregular and is locally marked by sandstone-filled valleys
and sinkholes. This unconformity is exposed in areas to the
west, south, and north but lies 300 to 1,000 feet deep within
the Chicago region. The erosion in lower Ordovician time may
represent an earlier movement along the Kankakee Arch.l The
Ordovician sediments include sandstone, shale, dolomite, and
limestone, and are considered to be of marine origin.
The end of Ordovician time was marked by uplift, and
resulted in deep valleys being cut in the uppermost Ordovician
rocks. In places these valleys are 150 feet deep. The
Silurian sediments are indicative of shallow interior seas.
The rocks are almost all dolomite, and highly fossiliferous
reef deposits mark the Niagaran series. The Silurian rocks
form much of the bedrock surface in the Chicago area as
shown in Figure 11-19.
Within the immediate region of Chicago, a marked uncon-
formity occurs at the base of the middle Devonian. This con-
formity coincides with the tectonic uplift in the Appalachians.
The Middle Devonian truncates units as low as the middle
Silurian, although lower Devonian rocks are present and undis-
turbed to the south in the center of the Illinois Basin.
Devonian rocks are found in the Chicago area beneath Lake
Michigan and possibly in some crevices in the eroded sur-
faces of the Silurian Racine formation, as well as in the
Des Plaines disturbance. The relations of the Devonian to
older units appears to be the result of uplift along the
Kankakee Arch.-'- The Devonian sediments consist of lime-
stone and shales with occasional sandstones.
Willman, H.B., "Summary of the Geology of the Chicago Area,"
Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 460, 1971.
Ibid.
11-53
-------
FIGURE 11-19
Bedrock Surface Geology-^
GEOLOGY OF THE CHICAGO AREA
PENNSYLVANIAN
PC Corbondol* Fm.
PS Spoon fm.
S SILURIAN
OR DO VIC I AN
Om Moquoktta Gr.
Og GotatraandPlamvilltGrt.
Oa Anctll Gr.
— Fault,Sandwich
Willman, H.G., "Summary of the Geology of the Chicago Area,
Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 460, 1971.
11-54
-------
Mississippian sediments are found around the edges of
the Michigan and Illinois Basin and the Ozark Dome, north-
east and southwest, respectively, of the Chicago area. These
rocks are predominately limestone and cherty (flintlike)
limestone with some shales, dolomite, and sandstone. Within
the Chicago area, the Mississippian is found as shale and
cherty limestone in the Des Plaines fault zone.
Pennsylvanian rocks are found south, west, and east of
Chicago and may be present in the Des Plaines structure. A
major unconformity marks early Pennsylvanian time, resulting
from regional uplift and warping of the Kankakee Arch. De-
pression of the Illinois Basin in mid to late Pennsylvanian
resulted in deposition of upper Pennsylvania sediments on
the truncated older rock units. The Pennsylvanian rocks
are predominately shales and sandstone with clay and coal
measures and occur in cyclothams.
The Chicago area was uplifted and warped during the
major tectonic movements in the Appalachians at the end of
the Palezoic.l Renewed uplift along the Kankakee Arch
caused the erosion of Pennsylvanian sediments from the
Chicago area. Although Cretaceous sediments are found
west and south of Chicago, there is no evidence for their
deposition within the area.
A major unconformity occurs between the Paleozoic and
Quaternary systems. In the Chicago region, the glacial
deposits of Pleistocene age rest directly on the erosional
surface of Pennsylvanian and older rocks. During the
Wisconsinan stage, the Chicago area was buried under sev-
eral thousand feet of glacial ice that spread over the re-
gion from the northeast. These glaciers were part of the
Lake Michigan lobe (rounded division or projection) but
may have included marginal portions of the Saginaw and
Green Bay lobes.
The Wisconsinan glaciation eroded the Chicago area so
intensely that no deposits of earlier glaciers have been
found.2 Deposits from the Illinoian glaciation which pre-
ceded the Wisconsinan, may remain in some of the bedrock
valleys in the Chicago region. Deposits of the Kansan stage
are present southwest of Chicago and it is probable that
the northern edge of a Kansan glacier from the northeast
also may have covered part of the region. There is no evi-
dence that the earliest Pleistocene glaciers of the Nebraskan
stage covered the Chicago area.
Willman, H.B., "Summary of the Geology of the Chicago Area,"
Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 460, 1971.
Ibid.
11-55
-------
Most of the glacial drift in the Chicago area was de-
posited during Woodfordian time. This was a time of maxi-
mum Wisconsinan glaciation, which was 22,000 to 12,500 years
ago. At its maximum, the Woodfordian glacier extended west-
ward nearly to the Mississippi River, southwestward to Peoria,
and southward to its contact with the Erie lobe advancing from
the east. At the maximum, the Chicago area was buried by
3,000 to 5,000 feet of ice. As the glacier retreated north-
ward, the Lake Michigan Basin filled with melt water which
formed - Lake Chicago. J-
Readvance of the glaciers in northern Michigan during
Valderan time caused a rise in Lake Chicago level. Sub-
sequently, the Valderan glaciers advanced on the land as
far as Milwaukee and even further south in the central
part of Lake Chicago. Valderan time is marked by lacus-
trine, fluvial, and aeolian deposits in the Chicago area.
The post-glacial stage has been called the Holocene
and, according to some, includes the present or recent
geologic processes acting on the landscape. The Holocene
is considered to have commenced some 7,000 years ago and
in the Chicago area is marked by soil formation, peat,
stream, and Lake deposits. Additionally, such man-made
features as lake fill, land fill, and strip mine wastes,
may be considered as Holocene deposits.
(1) Physiography
The present topography or physiography of the
Chicago area owes its origin to the glacial and post-
glacial processes including stream erosion, wind
blown deposits, and wind erosion. Depositional fea-
tures of the area include substantially unaltered
moraines (glacial deposits), outwash plains, valley
trains, filled lake basins, river flood plains, and
sand dunes. Erosional features include glacial flood-
water sluiceways, glacial lake wave cut cliffs, and
numerous small stream valleys. Total relief is on
the order of 590 feet.
The Chicago area is in the Central Lowlands Prov-
ince, a broad, relatively low glaciated area extending
from the Appalachians to the Great Plains along its
east-west axis and from the Superior uplands to the
Willman, H.B., "Summary of the Geology of the Chicago Area,"
Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 460, 1971.
11-56
-------
Interior low plateaus and Ozark plateaus along its
north-south axis. The boundary between two major sub-
divisions of the central lowlands, the Great Lakes
section, and the Till Plains section lies just to
the west of Cook County.
The Great Lakes section includes the younger gla-
cial-drift surrounding the Great Lakes and is character-
ized by permanent rough-surfaces moraines and many lakes,
Within the Chicago area the Great Lakes section has two
subdivisions, the Wheaton Morainal Country and the
Chicago Lake Plain. The former contains continental
glaciation physiographic features including glacial
deposits, hill and hollow topography, short ridges
and numerous lakes. The Chicago Lake Plain comprises
the former bottom of glacial Lake Chicago and is rela-
tively flat and uneroded by modern streams.
The Till Plains section also has two subdivisions
in the Chicago area, the Bloomington Ridges Plain and
the Kankakee Plain. The Bloomington Ridges Plain is
an area of older Wisconsinan drift and is less rugged
and with fewer lakes than the Wheaton Morainal Country.
The scarcity of Lakes is in part due to the older age
of the drift. The gentler slopes and lower relief is
due to the slower melting of the ice and less stagna-
tion at the front of the glacier. The Kankakee Plain
lies in the southwest portion of the Chicago area and
is a comparatively flat surface. The physiographic
subdivisions of the Chicago area are shown in
Figure 11-20.
(2) Site Stratigraphy
The uppermost 500 feet of strata, particularly in
the dolomites and shales between the top of the Racine
formation and the base of the Brainard formation are
most relevant to the proposed construction of the
tunnel and reservoir systems. The glacial deposits
are relevant to the drop shaft construction and, par-
tially, to the reservoir containments. The formations
above the base of the Maquoketa group's Brainard forma-
tion are a part of the Quartenary, Silurian, and
Ordovician systems and a brief description highlight-
ing their major features are presented below. The
general stratigraphic relations of the rock formations
below this group have been described in a broad manner
in the previous section on geologic history. The gen-
eral geologic column for the Chicago area is presented
in Figure 11-21 and a brief description of the three
uppermost rock systems is provided in the following
sections. A more detailed description of these sys-
tems is provided in Appendix B.
11-57
-------
FIGURE 11-20
Physiographic Divisions in
the Chicago Area1
GEOLOGY OF THE CHICAGO AREA
— Mtuitfippi Riv«) Oramoge Divide
Btfor* Chicago Rivtr divtrtlo
AfUr Iht dlv^rtion "
Willman, 1971.
11-58
-------
FIGURE 11-21
Generalized Stratigraphic Column
For the Chicago Area1
«_
*
I
1
ir'JMl
: I
Awwoirno
WISBHIO
Harza Engi,sro on OJ1J
it aril lea 'n 1971
11-59
-------
1. Quartenary
Underlying the surficial soil and artificial
fill material in the project area are the
Pleistocene Series of deposits. These consist of
a variety of materials transported by, or directly
related to, the continental glaciers that covered
the Chicago area. These deposits, designated as
glacial drift, range in thickness locally from 0
to over 200 feet. The depth range of the glacial
deposits at most places is perhaps 60 to 90 feet.
2. Silurian
The Racine dolomite, the youngest most
variable and topographically highest of the
Silurian system consists of dolomite with some
chert and shale. The thickness of the formation
is 0 to 20 feet, north of the O'Hare Airport
area. Towards the south and east, the thickness
reaches 70 feet in Wilmette, 213 feet at
Roosevelt Road and Lake Shore Drive, and a maxi-
mum of 291 feet in the Lake Calumet area. The
overall thickness throughout the Chicago area
ranges from 100 to 175 feet.
The Joliet formation is the next underlying
formation in the Silurian system and consists of
three members: the Romeo, the Markgraf, and the
Brandon Bridge. The Romeo member is a persistent
thin, uniform, light gray, very dense, fine
grained dolomite, generally about 9 to 17 feet
thick, that underlies the Racine dolomite and
grades downward into the Markgraf member. The
Markgraf member, however, is a widespread, dis-
tinctively light bluish gray dolomitic unit with
an average thickness of 31 feet. The member
underlies the Romeo member with a sharp contact
and minimum thickness is 9 feet with a maximum
of 51 feet. The Brandon Bridge member is absent
in most of the Chicago area. This member is
found chiefly in the northwestern portion of the
area, especially in the Des Plaines Valley.
11-60
-------
Below the Joliet formation in the Kankakee
the characteristic features of the dolomite in
this formation are: wavy beds of fine to medium
grained gray, locally pink, dolomite layers, 1 to
3 inches thick. The Kankakee dolomite as found
throughout the Chicago area, usually has a thick-
ness of 35 to 45 feet, but may vary somewhat from
these figures. The contact with the Edgewood
formation below is conformable.
The Edgewood formation is the lowermost
formation in the Silurian System. The material
in this formation is a light gray, fine to medium
grained, argillaceous, cherty dolomite. It
includes a porous upper zone and a middle and
lower zone that contain numerous shale partings.
Deposited unconformably on the irregularly
channeled, eroded surface of the Ordovician
Maquoketa Group (generally the Brainard Shale),
the Edgewood thickens from averages of approxi-
mately 20 feet in interchannel areas to over 100
feet in depressions within the Brainard.
3. Ordovician
The Neda formation, the uppermost formation
of the Ordovician system is an iron oxide-bearing,
brick red shale, 0 to 15 feet thick (5 feet
average) of restricted distribution. In general,
the formation is found in the same places as the
Brandon Bridge Formation. Much of the Neda was
probably removed by pre-Edgewood erosion.
The Brainard formation consists of a mater-
ial that is a dark green-gray, thin bedded
fossiliferous, silty claystone to shale, and
interbedded dolomite.
As a result of pre-Edgewood erosion, as
described above, the Brainard Shale as observed
11-61
-------
has acquired a variable thickness of from 1 to
136 feet depending on the configuration of the
Brainard-Edgewood unconformity. In many holes,
thickness of the formation is less than 50 feet.
In the Calumet area, the Brainard is absent at
places.
(3) Unconformities
Contacts between adjacent rock strata which show
that deposition was interrupted and that beds have been
removed by erosion are unconformities. Most of the
rock units in the Chicago area show conformable rela-
tions with the beds above and below. This indicates
that there was no major interruption in deposition
within or between these formations.
Major unconformities within the general Chicago
region occur at the base of the Middle Ordovician, the
Silurian (top of the Maquoketa), the Middle Devonian,
the Pennsylvanian, the Cretaceous, and the Pleistocene
(bedrock surface)' systems. Of these major unconformi-
ties, only two, the bedrock surface and Maquoketa un-
conformities, may be affected by the TARP project.
These two unconformities are discussed below while
the other unconformities have been previously discussed.
1. Bedrock Surface Unconformity
The surface of bedrock is an erosional sur-
face. Over most of the Chicago area the Niagaran
Racine dolomite forms the bedrock surface. Both
older and younger rocks are at the top of rock
within the disturbed zone of the Des Plaines com-
plex. To the northwest of this faulted area, the
Joliet formation, Kankakee, and Edgewood dolomites
and the Maquoketa shale are locally at the bedrock
surface.
Erosion during and following the uplift of
the Kankakee Arch contributed to the exposure of
the present rock surface. Glacial erosion, how-
ever, appears to have been a major factor in shap-
ing and lowering the rock surface to its present
form. Topography on the bedrock surface shows a
rolling plain cut by steep eastward grading valleys
11-62
-------
over 100 feet deep. Evidence of previous geologic
structure caused by folding and faulting has been
modified by the preglacial and glacial erosion.
Glacial drift has unconformably filled in depres-
sions in the bedrock surface so that present day
drainage patterns are almost entirely independent
of preglacial drainage.
2. Top of Maquoketa Group Unconformity^
The top of the Maquoketa group is an erosional
surface. Generally eastward grading valleys up to
150 feet deep have been carved into the Maguoketa
surface. The configuration of the surface appears
to be independent of that of the underlying Galena
surface. In some areas, a structural high on the
top of the Galena may be reflected in a correspond-
ing topographic high on the top of the Maquoketa,
as in the southern portion of the Mainstream Tunnel
segment between Western and Kedzie Avenues. The
effect of the high Maquoketa top in this hole and
others appears, however, to be reflected upward
in sedimentary beds (e.g., Edgewood, Kankakee,
and Joliet formations) deposited at a later time.
Erosion has removed the Neda shale at the top
of the Maquoketa group over most of the area. In
the drilling program, Neda was encountered only in
the northwestern part of the project area, along
the Des Plaines River and along the North Branch
of the Chicago River. Erosion has also thinned
the Brainard shale in all holes where the Neda is
absent. In portions of the Lake Calumet area,
erosion has cut entirely through the Brainard shale
into the Fort Atkinson dolomite.
(4) Folds
Folding of the bedrock units in the Chicago area
is represented by very gentle folds with eastwest trends
which are superimposed on the regional southeasterly dip
of 10 to 15 feet per mile. The folds are gentle struc-
tures which develop relief of 200 feet, or generally
less, over an extent of several miles. Structure sur-
face slopes, which may be taken to approximate the
11-63
-------
dip of the strata involved in the folding, are found
locally to approach 100 feet per mile. The fold axes
in the Galena trend east-west and appear to be gen-
erally conformable with deeper structures. The gently
undulating fold structures can be observed in the geo-
logic sections prepared from the core borings which
have been included in this report as Figure 11-22 for the
Calumet system tunnel route. Borings for the other
tunnel routes are shown in Figures 11-23 and 11-24 for
the Mainstream system, and 11-25 and 11-26 for the Lower
Des Plaines system. The dip of the strata shown on the
sections, even if the sections were constructed true to
scale rather than with 20:1 exaggeration as drawn, would
not represent true dips at many places because the
geologic section lines often cross the fold axes
obliquely.
(5) Joints
Data on the orientation dip and spacing of joints
in the Silurian strata were obtained primarily from
the mapping of outcrops and quarries as well as tunnels,
especially during construction of the Southwest
Intercepting Sewer 13A, Calumet Intercepting Sewer
18-E, Ext. A, and Lawrence Avenue Tunnels (including
the Harding Avenue Tunnel). Vertical drill holes of
relatively small diameter rarely intersect essentially
vertical joints. Such joints were intersected, however,
in some drill holes and were followed intermittently
throughout considerable lengths of the holes. The
orientation of the most highly developed set of joints
trends northeast ranging from north-50-degrees-east to
north-60-degrees-east. Another important set trends
northwest, from north-25-degrees west to north-65
degrees west. Joint data for formations underlying
the Silurian strata are not available but could be
gathered from outcrops remote from the Chicago area or
from mines such as those near Galena.
The tunnels listed above were excavated in dolo-
mite strata of the Racine, Joliet, and Kankakee form-
ations, all belonging to the Silurian system. The
Racine formation was encountered only in the Calumet
Tunnel and the Kankakee was found only in the South-
west and Lawrence Avenue Tunnels. Only the upper five
feet of the Kankakee was penetrated in each case.
11-64
-------
FIGURE 11-22
Geologic Section Crawford St.
to Grand Calumet River
Calumet System^
HEC, 1972.
11-65
-------
FIGURE 11-23
Geologic Section
59th Street to Damen Avenue
Mainstream System1
I i
HEC, 1972.
11-66
-------
FIGURE 11-24
Geologic Section
Damen Avenue to Addison Street
Mainstream System^
I i
i I
1 8 I
HEC, 1972,
11-67
-------
FIGURE 11-25
Geologic Section 47th St. to
Fullerton Ave. Lower
Des Plaines System1
§ 1
(TfkJ •"*/ «'
HEC, 1972.
11-68
-------
FIGURE 11-26
Geologic Section Fullerton
Ave. to Thacker Lower Des
Plaines System-*-
] i
HEC, 1972.
11-69
-------
Data on jointing from tunnel exploration, therefore,
was limited essentially to the Joliet formation and to
strata a few feet above and below the formation.
Surface observation and tunnel mapping in the
Silurian formations excavated shows an average spacing
of joints of approximately 30 to 40 feet. This spacing
is subject to great variation in local areas. Joints
appear to be open near the bedrock surface with depths
of 100 feet or more. Joints are thought generally to
close with depth but exceptions may occur. Joint
openness as a near-bedrock-surface phenomenon has been
discussed in the section on Racine stratigraphy.
Most of the joint surfaces are separated from a
hairline to a fraction of an inch, however, a few
obtain greater widths. For example, the Southwest
Tunnel has a fracture width of 12 inches, the Calumet
Tunnel one of 24 inches, and the Lawrence Avenue Tunnel
one of 6 inches. The joints are variably filled with
grey, black or green clay, and frequent residual rock
fragments. Crystallization of calcite, quartz or
pyrite is also found along joint surfaces. In some
areas solutioning along joint plains has produced hori-
zontal fluting or a "washboard" structure, in which clay
fills the pockets. Up to 100-foot wide sections filled
with clay have been reported near the Lake Shaft of
the Chicago Avenue Tunnel. Seepage was noted as
being common in such sections and structural support
was usually required.
(6) Faults
Two areas of major disturbance due to faulting as
well as numerous individual faults or minor fault zones
are known within the Chicago region. The major zones
are the Sandwich Fault lying to the southwest of the
project area, and the Des Plaines disturbance. The
location of the Sandwich Fault zone is shown in Figure
11-19 while the location of the Des Plaines structure
and the distribution of otner faults are shown in the
aerial map presented as Figure 11-27. A detailed map of
the Des Plaines fault structure is given in Figure 11-28.
The Sandwich Fault zone extends northeastward
from near Ottawa, Illinois for some 80 miles into the
southern part of the Chicago area. This major fault
is nearly vertical with the northern block moving down
11-70
-------
FIGURE 11-27
Fault Location Mapl
HEC, 1972.
; T-7
71
-------
FIGURE 11-28
Complex Faulting
Des Plaines Disturbance-"-
KEY
upward movements
downward movements
HEC, 1972.
11-72
-------
V
relative to the southern block. Maximum displacement
is 900 feet 20 to 30 miles west of Chicago, but de-
creasing eastward. South of Joliet, another fault
paralleling the main zone, shows a reversal in movement
indicating a scissors-like motion. This second fault
has a maximum displacement of 100 feet.
The Des Plaines disturbance, on the Des Plaines
River, is a roughly circular area, 5.5 miles in diameter,
of intense faulting. Numerous nearly vertical faults
with displacements of up to 600 feet bring rocks as old
as the Middle Ordovician St. Peter sandstone and lower
Ordovician Oneota dolomite to the bedrock surface. In
addition, Mississippian and Pennsylvanian rocks not
found in the surrounding area have been preserved in
some of the downthrown blocks.
The location of faults within, and the complexity
of, the Des Plaines disturbance is indicated in Figure 11-28
The Des Plaines structure is surrounded by nearly hori-
zontal Silurian rocks in which there are, comparatively,
few faults (Figure 11-27). The bedrock is buried be-
neath 75 to 200 feet of glacial drift, and there is no
indication of the structure on the present surface.1
Aside from these areas of major disturbances, pre-
vious exploration has indicated the existence of addi-
tional faults or fault zones within the project area.
A Vibroseis survey conducted by Seismograph Service
Corporation in 1968 provided the greatest overall cover-
age of the area. The faults mapped by this survey are
shown on the Fault Location Map, Figure 11-27.
Along the Mainstream, North Branch, and Des Plaines
tunnels, where core drilling was done during the 1971
program, holes were drilled specifically to confirm the
existence of the faults mapped by the Vibroseis survey.
In the Calumet area, no drilling has been done to con-
firm faults indicated by Vibroseis survey.
Not shown on Figure 11-27, are 86 minor faults
mapped in three recently constructed tunnels. Nearly
90 percent of these faults are oriented in a northwest-
southeast direction, generally parallel to the similarly
trending major joint set. The remainder parallels the
Willman , 1971.
11-73
-------
orientation of the northwest-southwest joint set. The
number of faults found in the tunnels, appears to indi-
cate that faulting with small vertical displacement is
common in the Chicago area and that numerous small
faults should be expected throughout the proposed tun-
nel system. A detailed description of the minor faults
and a discussion of survey results are provided in Ap-
pendix C.
2.2.4 Seismicity
From the 175-year historical earthquake record, four
earthquakes were identified as significant in terms of their
size and distance from the proposed project. These earth-
quakes occurred within 100 miles of Chicago during the re-
corded history of the area. In addition, a series of the
most violent earthquakes in United States history occurred
in 1811 and 1812 at New Madrid, Missouri, about 400 miles
southwest of Chicago. Table II-9 summarizes the known earth-
quakes, with intensity III or greater, assumed to have been
felt in the Chicago area.
The four earthquakes, identified as significant, origin-
ated at Fort Dearborn (Chicago) in 1804, near Rockford in
1909, near Aurora in 1912, and near Amboy in 1972. These
earthquakes have been characterized as follows:
1804 Fort Dearborn earthquake. The Fort Dearborn
earthquake of 1804 has been assigned an epicentral
intensity of VII in the project's earthquake cata-
log. This earthquake has also been assigned an
intensity of V to VI^. EQHUS^ reports no inten-
sity in the catalog and remarks sections, but VIII
to XI on the generalized map in the inset. Con-
sidering the comparatively low population density
and the probably irregular population distribution
in 1804, as well as the small number of felt reports,
Docekal, J.D., Earthquakes of the Stable Interior, With Examples
on the Mid-Continent, University of Nebraska, Ph.D., University
microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1970.
Coffman, J.L., and von Hake, C.A., Earthquake History of the United
States (EQHUS), Pub. 41-1, revised (through 1970), U.S. Department
of Commerce, NOAA, Environmental Data Service, 1973, p. 37-58.
11-74
-------
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and the fact that intensity V may have occurred
200 miles away in Indiana, the earthquake may well
have had an epicentral intensity of about VIII.
Although the location cited is 15 miles from Chicago,
it is within the northern boundary of the project.
1811-1812 New Madrid, Missouri series. Informa-
tion on the intensity at Chicago of the New Madrid,
Missouri earthquakes of 1811 and 1812 is not avail-
able, and no intensity is listed in the project
earthquake catalog. Nevertheless, the observed
attenuation of earthquake intensity from events
occurring 200 to 400 miles south of Chicago and
the descriptions of effects in EQHUS and Fuller^
suggest that any of these three earthquakes may
have produced an intensity of VI to VII at Chicago.
1909 "Springfield, Illinois" earthquake. The so-
called Springfield, Illinois event is reported
with an epicentral intensity of VII in the project
earthquake catalog; an intensity with which' other
sources agree. However, no other sources suggest
Springfield, near the center of the state, to be
near the epicenter. The latitude and longitude
cited in EQHUS and in the project earthquake cata-
log is on the Wisconsin border. From the felt re-
ports in EQHUS and other sources, the most probable
epicenter was found to be in the vicinity of Aurora,
approximately 35 miles from Chicago.2 Felt reports
suggest a maximum intensity of VIII in parts of
Aurora and near Chicago. In the absence of speci-
fic data that would relate intensity VIII effects
to. softer ground and poorly constructed structures,
this earthquake should be assumed to have approached
intensity VIII. This event may actually have oc-
curred closer to Chicago, or less than 35 miles
away.
1912 near Aurora, Illinois. An epicentral inten-
sity of VI is attributed to the Illinois earth-
quake of 1912, and the epicenter is recorded as
being southwest of Aurora. The location indicated
by the epicenteral coordinates, 41.5N-88.5W, is
about 50 miles from Chicago.
Fuller, Myron L., "The New Madrid Earthquake," U.S. Department of
Interior, Bulletin 394, 1912, p. 21-30.
Docekal, 1970.
11-76
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The following sections discuss the possible risJOto the
project from future earthquakes and the factors affecting
this assessment.
(1) Epicentral Location Accuracy
All of the earthquakes discussed above were lo-
cated by evaluating macroseismic effects. Any of these
events may actually have occurred 10 to 15 miles from
the locations of maximum intensity reported in the cata-
logs.1 This does not reduce the importance of the 1804
event, because it probably occurred within the boundary
of the project area. However, the 1909 earthquake,
near Aurora, may have occurred only five to ten miles
from some of the proposed project structures. An epi-
central location nearer to Chicago is supported by re-
ports of.macroseismic effects. Similarly, the 1912
earthquake may have occurred 25 miles from some of the
structures of the project. The foregoing is summarized
in Table 11-10, which also includes revised epicentral
intensities from the previous section. It should be
noted that these are probable epicentral intensities,
not maximum intensities.
Table 11-10
Revised Partial Earthquake Catalog1
Probable Probable Intensity Minimum Epicentral
Epicentral at Chicago Distance from
Intensity or the Project Project Structures
Date (MMI*) Location (MMI*) (Miles)
1804 VIII Fort Dearborn VIII 0
1811-
1812 XII New Madrid, Missouri VI-VII ~400
1909 VIII Aurora, Illinois VII-VIII ~ 7
1912 VI SW of Aurora, Illinois V ~ 25
* Modified Mercalli Intensity.
1 HEC, 1975.
1Docekal, 1970.
2 EQHUS and Docekal, 1970.
11-77
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(2) Frequency, Magnitude, and Probability of Occurrence
The catalog of earthquakes felt in Chicago over
about 175 years contains only four moderate earthquakes
within 100 miles of Chicago, but several more distant
and larger earthquakes have been felt. Of these, only
the New Madrid, Missouri events significantly affected
Chicago. Historical records are not sufficient to es-
tablish magnitude-frequence relationships or determine
probability of occurrence. However, from the data in
previous reports, suggested relationships have been
evaluated between probable intensity at the project and
frequency of occurrence (Figure 11-29). Figure 11-29
shows the recurrence period at Chicago for macroseismic
effects greater than or equal to a specific Modified
Mercalli Intensity (MMI), based on data from Tables II-
9 and 11-10. As presented in the figure, the historical
earthquake record suggests that an intensity of VIII
can be expected to recur at Chicago at the rate of about
once each 100 years. The figure also suggests that
higher intensities might occur at longer intervals.
Insofar as the historical earthquake record can be re-
lied upon to predict seismic events, a high intensity
earthquake is not expected to occur over the life of
the project. A detailed evaluation of geologic struc-
ture potential in the Chicago region to generate earth-
quakes would be required to estimate the magnitude of
earthquakes likely to occur.
(3) Relationship of Faults and Seismicity
Two areas are identified as major disturbances due
to faulting: the Des Plaines disturbance, within the
area of the project; and the Sandwich Fault zone, ap-
proximately 30 miles to the southwest. There are 30
minor faults or fault zones within the project area as
revealed by Vibroseis surveys and drilling. Eighty-
six other minor faults (small vertical displacement
and width) were found in a sewer excavation area which
may affect a small portion of the project area. Faults
of this type can be assumed to occur through the project
area. Classification of these faults as minor, however,
may not be justified in view of the lateral nature of
displacement suggested by the faults' slickened sides.
11-78
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FIGURE 11-29
Recurrence Period for Macro-
seismic Effects Greater Than
or Equal to Specific
Intensities^
Ill
IV
V VI VII VIII
INTENSITY (MODIFIED MERCAUI)
IX
IIEC, 1975.
11-79
-------
Previous reports state that no evidence of activity
has been observed for the faults described, however, no
studies to detect fault activity appear to have been
performed. Therefore, the historic earthquake record
provides the best indication of activity of faults cros-
sing the tunnels.
The 1804 Fort Dearborn earthquake occurred within
the bounds of the project area. Given the lack of defini-
tive information, it should be assumed, in order to be
conservative, that this event was associated with the
Des Plaines disturbance or with one or more of the faults,
fault zones, or minor faults that intersect the tunnels.
The 1909 Aurora earthquake could have occurred as
close as five to ten miles to the southwest of the pro-
ject area. It could also have occurred on a fault that
traverses the project area. In view of the local seis-
micity record, the faults in the project area should be
assumed to be potentially active.
(4) Relationship of Seismic Causes and Effects
Two types of potential tunnel damage resulting
from seismic activity have been identified in earlier
reports:
Dislocation of the tunnel along a fault
Rockfalls along faults or joints.
Tunnel dislocation along a fault could only occur
if an active fault intersects a tunnel and if an earth-
quake or fault creep occurs. Because there is no evidence
that the faults intersecting a tunnel are inactive, this
sort of damage is possible in a local earthquake. Two
local earthquakes have occurred in the 175-year his-
toric record. Both may have had epicentral intensities
of VIII, and presumably were associated with minor move-
ments on faults.
Rockfalls along faults or joints could occur either
from vibratory ground motion, as suggested in previous
reports, or in association with dislocation on a fault
which intersects a tunnel. The previous reports con-
clude that damage to a tunnel will likely be limited to
small rockfalls in highly fractured areas of a tunnel.
11-80
-------
This conclusion is likely to be conservative if ground
motions at the surface are typically greater than those
at depth at the fault site.1/^
In previous reports, it has been estimated that a
peak particle velocity of 12 inches per second (in/s)
or 30.5 centimeters per second (cm/s) will cause rock
along unlined tunnels to fall out along existing cracks
or joints; and a velocity of 24 in/s (61.0 cm/s) will
cause new cracks to develop, along which rockfall will
also occur.3 These estimates may be somewhat high be-
cause they were developed from experience in blasting
projects, however, they are useful for comparison to
observed particle velocities in earthquakes.
Trifunac and Brady'* have used a much more exten-
sive data set than previous authors to correlate peak
velocities and earthquake intensities between V and VII.
The data are still insufficient for calculating mean
values and standard deviations of peak velocities cor-
responding to other intensities. However, a projection
of their data to an MMI of VIII suggests that peak ver-
tical velocities of 38 cm/s with a standard deviation
about 18 cm/s may occur. Thus, peak vertical velocity
may be expected to be between 20 and 56 cm/s for about
68 percent of MMI VIII earthquakes. Because rockfall
along existing joints begins at about 30.5 cm/s, rock-
fall could be extensive along a tunnel wherever other
than isolated single joints intersect. The particle
velocity, however, is still not likely to be high enough
to cause new crack formation and general rockfall.
Kanai, K., Takahashi, R., and Kawasumi, H., "Seismic Characteristics
of Ground," Proc. World Conference on Earthquake Engineering,
Berkeley, California, 1956, p. 31-1.
Taraura, C., Mizukoshi, T., and One, T., "Characteristics of Earth-
quake Motion at Rock Ground," Proc. of 4th World Conference on
Earthquake Engineering, Chile, 1969, No. A2, p. 26-37.
Langefors, U. , and Kihlstrom, B., "The iModern Technique of Rock
Blasting," John Wiley and Sons, 1963.
Trifunac, M.D., and Brady, A.G., 1975, On the correlation of seis-
mic intensity scales with the peaks of recorded strong motion:
Bulletin Seismological Society of America, V. 65, No. 1, pp. 139-162.
11-81
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2.3 ATMOSPHERIC RESOURCES
2.3.1 Air Quality
Air quality depends on the quantity of air pollutants
emitted into the air, local meteorological conditions, and
topography. Since air pollutants are likely to be generated
by the construction of the proposed project, it is important
to analyze the current air quality of the area.
Ambient air quality is usually reported in terms of the
concentration of pollutants in the air. The following sub-
stances have been identified by the U.S. EPA as air pollu-
tants for which Federal and state air quality standards have
been established: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, car-
bon monoxide, hydrocarbons, photochemical oxidants, and nitro-
gen dioxide. Federal and state air quality standards for
these pollutants are described in Appendix D. This section
describes the observed 1974 air quality in the Chicago area.
Air. quality in the Chicago metropolitan area is moni-
tored primarily by the city of Chicago Department of Environ-
mental Control and the Cook County Department of Environmental
Control. These agencies have 61 monitoring stations in Cook
County, including 30 within the city of Chicago. They moni-
tor one or more of the following pollutants at each station:
particulate, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dio-
xide, and oxidants. Hydrocarbons are measured at one central
location by the State of Illinois EPA.
Air quality data from the above monitoring sites are
published monthly and quarterly in preliminary form, and an-
nually in final form by the Illinois EPA. The latest avail-
able data are found in the 1974 Annual Air Quality Report,
and the data applicable to the Chicago metropolitan area are
summarized below.
Except for nitrogen dioxide, the ambient standards for
all the pollutants were exceeded at one or more monitoring
sites in the Chicago metropolitan area in 1974:
The annual primary standard of 0.03 ppm for sul-
fur dioxide was exceeded at the Medical Center
monitor. The sulfur dioxide levels in other parts
of the metropolitan area were below the standards.
The annual primary standard of 75 Mg/m^ for parti-
culates was exceeded at 29 monitoring sites. The
24-hour primary standard, on the other hand, was
exceeded at only two sites.
11-82
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Although the one-hour primary standard for carbon
monoxide was met, the eight-hour standard was fre\
quently violated. Of the 192 violations of the
eight-hour standard, 174 were recorded at the moni-
tor next to Congress Street, a very heavily travel-
led commuter route.
The annual standard of 0.05 ppm for nitrogen dioxide
was met at all monitoring sites.
The only hydrocarbon monitor, at the University of
Illinois Medical Center in Chicago, recorded 67
violations of the three-hour primary standard of
0.24 ppm from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The one-hour standard of 0.08 ppm for photochemical
oxidants was frequently violated at five of the ten
monitoring stations in the metropolitan area.
2.3.2 Noise
Because construction of the proposed project will gener-
ate some noise, it is important to analyze the existing noise
levels in the Chicago area. This section describes the exist-
ing ambient noise levels in the Chicago area in terms of the
Day-Night Sound Level, L£n. Other noise terminology, units,
and standards are defined in Appendik E.
The existing outdoor noise levels in most parts of
Chicago are primarily determined by the street traffic. Speci-
fic noise sources, such as trains, aircrafts, and industrial
plants, contribute heavily to the ambient noise in nearby
areas, and use of power tools, such as lawn mowers and chain
saws raise the noise levels in residential areas. Wherever
construction activity exists, the equipment will generate
some noise.
A nationwide 100-site noise survey conducted by the
U.S. EPA included several sites in Chicago.^ Although none
of the monitored sites in Chicago were located near the pro-
posed tunnel routes, the data obtained at the survey sites
U.S. EPA, Population Density Distribution of the United States as
a Function of Outdoor Noise Levels, Vol. 2, June 1974.
11-83
-------
may be considered as representative of the noise levels in
most areas along the proposed tunnel routes.
The monitored sites in the EPA study were located in
areas with population density varying from 6,600 to 65,000
persons/square mile. The recorded noise levels varied from
a minimum of 36.3 dBA at night to a maximum of 106.2 dBA
during the daytime. The L^n varied from 59.0 dB to 71.2 dB.
Table 11-11 summarizes the EPA findings.
The data in Table 11-11 do not indicate a direct rela-
tionship between L(jn and population density. However, the
noise levels in the downtown area (sites 7 and 8) were
generally higher than those in the residential areas (sites
2,3,4,5,6). The noise level at site No. 1 was the highest
despite the lowest site population density, primarily be-
cause the noise monitor there was located close to an arterial
street. In all cases, the outdoor noise levels are lower
then those levels identified by the EPA as the limit neces-
sary to protect the public against hearing loss (see Appen-
dix E). However, these outdoor noise levels are generally
higher than those identified by the EPA as the limit neces-
sary to protect the public against annoyance.
Table 11-11
Noise Monitoring Data for Chicago
Site Site
Number Location
1 W. lllth St. 4
S. Bell Ave.
2 W. 110th PI. &
S. Bell Ave.
3 W. 73rd St. &
S. Pauline Ave.
4 64th St. &
Wolcott
5 "*71st &
S. Hermitage
6 65th St. &
S. Peoria
7 15th St. &
Drake
8 W. Douglas Blvd.
& St. Louis
Population
Density
(people/mi2)
6,600
7,400
12,900
19,800
20,600
32,600
65,000
65,000
Roadway
Type at Site
(vicinity) *
Arterial
(Collector)
Local
(Collector)
Local
(Collector)
Collector
(Arterial)
Collector
(Arterial)
Local
(Collector)
Collector
(Arterial)
Collector
(Arterial)
Traffic
LDN
(dB)
Cars,
Trucks, Buses 71.2
Cars, Trucks 59.0
Cars, Trucks 60.6
Cars, Trucks 66.9
Cars, Trucks
Buses 64.4
Cars, Trucks 63.1
Cars, Trucks 68.4
Cars, Trucks
Buses
70.7
The Items within parentheses refer to the roadway in the general "icinity while those
without parentheses refer to the monitored site.
U.S. EPA, Population Density Distribution of the United States as a Function of Out-
door Noise Levels, Vol. 2, June 1974.
11-84
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2.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The forest preserves, parks, wetlands, and other
natural preserves of the Chicago area consist of many
types of vegetation which provide habitats or food resources
for a wide variety of wildlife. In general, however, the
river systems of the area do not have a wide variety of
aquatic life. This is due to the high pollutant load
conditions of these systems. To establish the existing
biological resources of the Chicago area, the following
sections identify and describe the area's major fish and
wildlife species and dominant vegetation types.
2.4.1 Vegetation
The vegetation in the natural areas southwest of
Lake Michigan is basically a transitional zone type which
follows a narrow route near the lake. Adjacent to this
zone, a modified form of the beech-maple forest is found
in the moister areas, and oak-hickory forests are found in
more open areas west of the beech-maple. The major vege-
tation species found between these two forest types fall
into the category of maple-basswood and maple-basswood-red
oak forest.1
In the stretch between the Lake-Cook County line and
Summit, Illinois, the Des Plaines River flows through a
highly urbanized, primarily residential watershed.
However, most of the river and adjacent flood plain is
owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve District so that
some woodlands and wetlands have been preserved, and urban
development has generally been kept out of the Des Plaines
River flood plain. Thus, the Des Plaines flood plain is
an attractive greenbelt. It is composed of several types
of vegetation including cottonwood, ash, oak, willow, and
boxelder.
2.4.2 Fish
In the Cook County reaches of the Des Plaines River
system, the waterways are characterized by sludge deposits,
a septic odor, heavy algal blooms in the summer months,
Soil Conservation Service, "Environmental Resource Inventory -
Calumet-Sag Channel Watershed, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties,
Illinois," October 1975.
11-85
-------
and poor water quality. Most of the fish in these streams
and rivers are pollutant-tolerant or very hardy species.
Fish which have been collected in these waters include:
Goldfish
Carp
Carp-goldfish hybrids
Green sunfish
Black bullhead
Golden shiner
Hybrid sunfish
Black crappie
Blunt-nose minnow
Pumpkinseed sunfish
Northern pike
Largemouth bass
Yellow bullhead
Redfin shiner
White crappie
Bluegill
Yellow perch
2.4.3 Wildlife
There are 18 species of amphibians, 24 species of
reptiles, 126 species of birds and 41 species of mammals
which are known to exist or are likely to be found in the
Des Plaines River Watershed. The most common among these
animals are squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, pheasants, and
songbirds. Waterfowl using migration corridors that pass
through the area include mallards, baldpates, pintails,
black ducks, scaup, ring-necked ducks, Canada geese and
snow geese. The watershed also includes 11 species of
birds and four species of amphibians that are considered
rare in the State of Illinois.
11-86
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III. EXISTING MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
-------
III. EXISTING MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
This chapter contains a description of the man-made en-
vironment of the Chicago metropolitan area, which may be af-
fected by the proposed tunneling project and is divided into
five main sections:
Socioeconomic
Land Use
Resources
Transportation
Major Projects and Programs.
The initial section describes the socioeconomic con-
ditions of the Chicago area and presents the current and
projected population statistics. Contract construction
income, and employment, from primary as opposed to second-
ary sources, are also described. The land use section
discusses current urbanization patterns and future urban-
ization plans. Also identified are the archeological,
cultural, historical, and recreational sites in the Chicago
metropolitan area which may be affected by the proposed
project. The third section discusses the financial and
labor resources of the area which may be affected by the pro-
ject and the fourth section presents the applicable trans-
portation systems which may have an impact on the proposed
project. Finally, the major projects and programs possibly
related to the proposed action will be described.
The information in this chapter provides a basis to
evaluate the effects of the proposed project on the man-
made environment. Instead of an exhaustive description of
the man-made environment, only those elements that are
necessary for this impact evaluation are presented in the
following sections.
III-l
-------
3.1 SOCIOECONOMIC
The current and projected demographic profile of the
study area provides a basis for analyzing the socioeconomic
element of the man-made environment. For the purposes of
this environmental impact statement, the study area, or im-
pact area of the proposed action, is Cook County. There are
over 40 communities, including Chicago, within Cook County
which are located within the service area of the Mainstream,
Calumet, and Des Plaines Tunnel Systems. Demographic data
will be presented in this section for Cook County, Chicago,
and the Chicago Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA)
levels. Data for individual communities are contained in
Appendix F.
3.1.1 Current and Projected Population
The population growth trends in the Chicago metropoli-
tan area have been similar to those experienced in other
major cities in the United States. The city of Chicago has
been losing population since 1950 at an average annual rate
of -.02 percent during 1950 to 1960, and at -.51 percent
from 1960 to 1970. The great movement from Chicago into
the suburban areas of Cook County, as well as a substantial
immigration of people from the south to Cook County, occurred
during the 1950's, as shown in Table III-l. The growth rate
for Cook County was 13.7 percent for an average annual rate
of 1.37 percent, which represents 61,570 new residents per
year. During the 1960's, the greatest growth occurred in
the outlying but rapidly urbanizing counties bordering Cook
County, such as Du Page and Lake. Table III-2 further em-
phasizes the geographical redistribution of the population
by presenting population share trends of the city of Chicago
and Cook County, and Cook County and the SMSA. The position
and proportionate population share of both Chicago and Cook
County, is decreasing within the expanding SMSA.
Population projections through 1985 are presented in
Table III-3. They have been based upon the more conservative
OBERS projections forecast for the Chicago SMSA by the U.S.
Department of Commerce. Local and regional planning groups'
population projections are consistently higher than OBERS.
The NIPC projection for the Chicago SMSA in 1985 is 8,750,000
compared with 7,987,800 from OBERS. The NIPC projection as-
sumes an accelerated rate of population growth which is not
consistent with growth trends for the SMSA. As shown in
Tables III-l, 2, and 3, the annual growth rates have declined
since 1950. Given current demographic patterns of smaller
household size and a depressed birth rate, the OBERS projec-
tions which assume a slightly declining growth rate are con-
sidered more defensible.
III-2
-------
Table III-l
Population Changes 1950-1970"
Jurisdiction
Chicago
Cook County
Chicago SMSA
1970
3,362,825
5,488,328
6,978,947
1960
3,550,404
5,124,489
6,220,913
1950
3,620,962
4,508,792
5,495,364
Percent Percent
Change Change •.
1960-1970 1950-1960
-5.1
7.1
12.2
-1 . 4'-''
13.7
13-2 *,.
County and City .Data Book, 1972 edition, "A Statistical Abstract Supplement," U.S
Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, pp. 126, 550, 678.
Table III-2
Population Share Trends 1950-1970
Chicago as
Percent of Cook County
Cook County as
Percent of SMSA
1970
61%
78%
1960
69%
82%
1950
80%
82%
Table III-3
Population Projections 1970-1985
Jurisdiction
Chicago
Cook County
Chicago SMSA
1970
3,369,357
5,488,328
6,978,947
1980
3,172,315
5,664,848
7,655,200
1985
3,148,791
5,831,094
7,987,800
Percent Change
1970-1980 1980-1985
-5.8
3.2
9.7
-.71
2.9
4.3
1 OBERS Projections, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, p. 109.
III-3
-------
Growth in the SMSA is anticipated to slow to an average
annual rate of .97 percent through 1980 and, subsequently, to
.43 percent through 1985. Chicago's population should begin
to stabilize after 1980 with the projected completion of the
Chicago 21 Plan for the Central Area Communities, and the South
Loop New Town, which will assist the city in reestablishing
vital urban neighborhoods. Several general demographic trends,
which should also help stablize the higher density urban areas
of Cook County and the city of Chicago in the late 1970's and
1980's are:
The decreasing size of the household
The increasing rate of household formation due to
the increasing rate of marriage dissolution and the
increasing segregation of the elderly into separate
households
The increase in numbers of all adult households
The increase in high compensation service employ-
ment.
The above trends have been experienced in most of the large
metropolitan areas in the United States. When these demo-
graphic factors are combined with the uncertainties of energy
and fuel availability and the rising costs of fuel, energy,
and housing, the urban centers should be strengthened and
the outward population trends of the 1950's and 1960's slowed.
3.1.2 Contract Construction Income
The Chicago metropolitan area has long been a center
for large-scale public and private construction projects,
including mass transit system development, airport construc-
tion, and major commercial and residential development. The
relatively high level of construction needs in the area has
resulted in a large construction employment base. The in-
come derived from contract construction employment from 1950
to 1971 is shown in Table III-4. Contract construction em-
ployment income exceeded two billion dollars in 1971. As
shown in Table III-4, income earned from contract construc-
tion increased at a faster rate than industrial sector earn-
ings and total personal income until 1969. In the years
from 1969 to 1971, Chicago experienced a depression economy,
which is reflected in the significant drop in earnings and
income growth. (See Table III-4) .
III-4
-------
Table III-4
Contract Construction Income -I- - Chicago Region*
(in Millions)
Year
1950
1959
1965
1967
1969
1971
Percent Increase
1950-1959
Percent Increase
1959-1969
Percent Increase
1969-1971
Contract
Construction
Income
$ 514.7
$ 992.6
$1,174.0
$1,400.2
$1,858.4
$2,055.4
92.9%
87.2%
10.6%
k* .
Industrial
Sector Earnings**
$ 9,286.3
$15,365.8
$20,126.4
$23,452.4
$27,468.4
$30,426.5
65.5%
78.8%
10.8%
Total Personal
Income
$10,945.7
$18,169.4
$24,528.6
$28,417.0
$33,274.1
$37,299.6
66.0%
83.1%
12.1%
* The region is defined as the SMSA plus Kendall, Grundy, and Kankakee
Counties.
** Earnings include only wages and salaries.
Illinois State and Regional Economic Data Book, 1973 Edition, State of
Illinois Department of Business and Economic Development, p. 70.
III-5
-------
Secondary employment earnings related to contract con-
struction in the Chicago region cannot be determined. Goods
and services of several industries are directly involved with
construction activity, such as trucking, finance and insurance,
real estate, manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade.
Trying to derive construction-related income for a specific
region or jurisdiction would be highly speculative. However,
the economic benefit or multiplier of construction employment
income could be up to 1.8 on a secondary basis. Table III-5
shows the proportionate share of contract construction
earnings to total earnings (wages and salaries) within the Chi-
cago region. Contract construction income has accounted for
about eiqht percent of total Chicago regional earnings since 1969.
Table III-5
Contract Construction Earnings as ,
Proportionate Share of Total Earnings - Chicago Region
1950
1959
1965
1967
1969
1971
Contract Construction
Earnings
Millions
514.7
992.6
1,174.0
1,400.2
1,858.4
2,055.4
Percent
6.5
7.5
6.7
6.9
7.7
7.7
Total
Earnings
Millions
7,964.1
13,208.9
17,404.1
20,409.1
24,203.2
26,790.3
Percent
100.
100.
100.
100.
100.
100.
Illinois State and Regional Economic Data Book, 1973 edition, State
of Illinois Department of Business and Economic Development, p. 70.
Average monthly wages for construction employment are
high, relative to other industries in the Chicago metropoli-
tan area. Average wage levels are shown below:
Average Monthly Wages (Jan.-Mar.)
1970 1971 1972
Industry
Selected Industries, Total $675
Mining 845
Contract Construction 927
Manufacturing 717
Transportation, Communication
and Public Utilities 777
Wholesale and Retail Trade 577
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 696
Services and Miscellaneous Industries 576
$709
: 764
961
1,099
826
961
644
800
640
Source: Illinois State and Regional Economic Data Book, 1973 Edition, Bureau
of Employment Security, Illinois Department of Labor, p. 81.
III-6
-------
Current monthly wages in contract construction have been
estimated at $1,653, based on 1,800 hours per man-year at
an average hourly rate of $11.02. Estimated 1976 union labor
rates for the major trades in contract construction were pub-
lished in "Engineering News Record," and are shown in Table
III-6. These rates are considered to be appropriate for the
Chicago metropolitan area.
3.1.3 Contract Construction Employment
Contract construction employment in the Chicago metro-
politan area naturally fluctuates according to the magnitude
of construction activity generated by both the public and
private sector. Levels of construction activity are in-
fluenced by national economic conditions, the status and
availability of Federal program assistance, and state and
local government spending programs. The city of Chicago has
been particularly successful in obtaining Federal program
assistance for urban renewal, model cities, and other assis-
ted housing development. The following examples typify major
public construction and development projects which occurred
in the Chicago metropolitan area during the past two decades:
University of Illinois Circle Campus
Me Cormick Place Convention Center
Rapid transit development and expansion
Expansion and improvements at O'Hare Airport
Civic Center - a complex of Federal and local govern-
ment office buildings
Major expansions in infrastructure - particularly
schools and sewage system facilities.
Private sector activity has been consistently strong
in the metropolitan area over the past 20 years, as well.
During the past ten years, several major projects were ini-
tiated and completed in the city of Chicago, particularly
III-7
-------
Table III-6
Current Union Hourly Wage Rates"
Worker Class
Dollars/Hour
Common Laborer
Heavy Construction
Building Construction
Skilled Laborer
Bricklayer
Carpenter
Structural Iron Worker
Plasterer
Electrician
Steam Fitter
Equipment Operator
Hoist-One Drum
Tractor (including dozer)
Tractor - Scraper (15-16 c,
Power Crane
Motor Grader
Air Compressor
Air Tool
y.)
Truck Drivers'
Dump Truck
Dump Truck
(4
(4
• y.)
.y.)
Average Hourly Rate
8.80
8.80
11.63
11.69
13.17
10.92
12.94
12.37
12.50
11.20
11.20
12.50
12.50
10.05
9.105
8.90
9.15
11.02
"Engineering News Record," January 1, 1976, p. 28.
III-8
-------
the downtown area, which added significantly to the demand
for construction services; these projects include:
Project
Sears Tower and Plaza
Water Tower Place
Standard Oil Building
CNA Center
Illinois Center (One, Two)
Marina City
First National Bank Complex
John Hancock Center
Hyatt Regency
Total
Year Completed
1974
1975
1974
1974
1969, 1972
1966
1973
1969
1974
Cost
$150
$150
$150 +
$ 80
$ 83 +
$ 40
$150
$100
$ 45
million
million
million
million
million
million
million
million
million
$948 million
Much of the above activity was stimulated by the pub-
lic sectdr construction which began to revitalize the older
downtown areas.
The construction-related employment opportunities in
the Chicago SMSA have established a skilled labor force
which is predominantly unionized, and have accounted for ap-
proximately 61 percent of total construction employment in
Illinois in 1970. Table III-7 presents construction employ-
ment levels for Illinois, Cook County, and the Chicago SMSA
in 1970. Table III-8 reflects the fluctuation in construction
employment levels for the Chicago region for 1967, 1969,
and 1971. As shown, the industry added over 19,000 jobs in
one 2-year period and then dropped 8,161 jobs in the suc-
ceeding 2-year period. The industry is flexible and can
expand or contract rapidly given the demand for construction
services.
Table III-7 ,
Construction Employment by Area - 1970
Illinois
Chicago SMSA
Cook County
Civilian
Labor
Force
4,591,634
2,954,153
2,355,804
Total
Employed
4,419,915
2,852,017
2,269,683
Construction
Employment
225,416
136,897
99,866
Construction
Employment
as Percent of
Total Employed
5.1
4.8
4.4
County and Citfey D»ta Book, 1972 Edition, "A Statistical Abstract Supplement,"
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, pp. 128, 550, 680.
III-9
-------
Table III-8
Change in Construction Employment Level
Chicago Region 1967-19711
Chicago Region
1967
123,048
1969
142,180
1971
134,019
1 Illinois State and Regional Economic Data Book, 1973 Edition
State of Illinois Department of Business and Economic Develop-
ment, p. 80.
The past few years of national economic recession and
the cutbacks in Federal and local program spending have had
a significant impact on the construction industry employment
levels. Current construction employment estimates for the
Chicago SMSA and State of Illinois are shown in Table III-9.
Table III-9
Current Construction Employment Levels'
Illinois
Chicago SMSA
1970
225,416
136,897
1975*
185,800
119,000
Percent
Decrease
17.6
13.1
1 Division of State and Area Monthly Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statis-
tics, U.S. Department of Commerce, November 1975.
^ Private communication, MSDGC, verbal estimate.
The overall impact was apparently more severe in other re-
gions of the state given the 17.6 percent drop in employ-
ment in Illinois as compared to the 13.1 percent drop in
Chicago.
111-10
-------
3.2 LAND USE
The current and future land uses near the proposed
TARP project are described in this section. Archeological
sites, present and planned cultural sites, and historical
sites are also presented as well as the locations of existing
and planned recreational sites near the proposed tunnel
system.
3.2.1. Current Urbanization Patterns
The current land uses in the vicinity of the proposed
Des Plaines tunnel system are described below for the land
within 500 feet of the tunnel route, the proposed locations
of drop shafts and construction shafts, and access shafts.
Consequently, this section is limited to only the current
land uses and facilities within these 500-foot limits.
(1) Tunnel Route
The tunnel route of the Des Plaines portion of
the TARP system generally follows the basins of the
Des Plains River and Salt Creek. The majority of
tunneling and conveyance structures follow existing
waterways and should not cause relocation of existing
development.
The tunnel routes of the Des Plaines system
traverse lands owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve
District for nearly the full length of the project.
Portions of the routes not owned by the Forest Preserve
District are as follows:
Des Plaines Tunnel
Between project origin and Ogden Avenue
From 26th Street to 24th Street
From Roosevelt Road to Madison Street.
Riverside Lateral
Between Bloomingbank Road and the Des
Plaines River
13 A Extension
East of Gilbert Avenue
III-ll
-------
Roosevelt Road Lateral
West of 1st Avenue.
Due to the heavy ownership of lands on the tunnel route
by the Forest Preserve District, little development will
be contiguous to construction location. There are
many portions along the route however where residential,
industrial and commercial development occurs within
the 500-foot impact area.
Land within the 500-foot impact zone of the main
tunnel route (59th Street to Prairie) has a variety
of land uses to 31st Street. These include fairly
dense industrial, commercial and residential develop-
ment. From 31st Street to Irving Park Road, the tun-
nel route generally traverses vacant space with inter-
mittent industrial, commercial, and residential develop-
ment. From Irving Park Road to Oakton Street, the
500-foot impact zone of the tunnel is nearly all vacant
with mainly residential development from Oakton Street
to Prairie Avenue.
The Riverside lateral generally traverses vacant
space adjoining the Salt Creek. Surrounding develop-
ment is mainly residential. Thus, development within
500 feet of the Riverside lateral is residential.
The Roosevelt Avenue lateral is routed through
lands more highly developed than most along the Des
Plaines system. Directly adjacent to Roosevelt Avenue
are lands heavily developed for commercial use. Lands
away from the main thoroughfare, backing up from com-
mercial properties are residential.
Lands adjoining the 13 A extension are mainly
residentially developed with some industrial develop-
ment included. On the north side of Ogden Avenue,
the tunnel traverses open space, including agricultural
lands.
(2) Potential Rock Disposal Areas
Rock accumulated from tunneling operations will
be of a type similar to currently quarried rock in the
metropolitan area, such as rock from McCook and Thornton
quarries. These two quarries have temporary storage
capacity for rock prior to its sale for commercial use.
111-12
-------
The largest rock size expected from tunnel excavations
will be about 3 inches in diameter, and the rock will
be roughly cubical in shape. Stearns quarry is
commercially inactive and is capable of accepting
large quantities of nonsaleable fill from TARP. Non-
saleable fill includes rock fines and clayey or flint-
like rocks which make up the majority of the excavated
material. All of these quarries are located in indus-
trial areas.
The Cook County Forest Preserve District has re-
quested that all rock taken from under Forest Preserve
lands be placed in stockpile areas on Forest Preserve
property. They have designated areas north of 22nd
Street and south of the Kennedy Expressway as the
sites for the Des Plaines tunnel system. It is the
Forest Preserve District's intention to utilize the
rocks for their facilities, such as bicycle paths and
equestrian trails on a long-term basis. In the interim,
the stockpiled rock will be developed for winter rec-
reational facilities. It is estimated that 1,400,000
solid cubic yards out of a total of 2,400,000 cubic
yards can be placed on Forest Preserve District's
property from the Des Plaines tunnels.
(3) Potential Tunnel-Sludge Disposal Areas
Approximately 32 percent of the metropolitan area's
sewage sludge is shipped to the MSDGC's 10,000-acre
site in Fulton County. The balance of the sludge is
distributed to the NuEarth Program, broker sales, Lawn-
dale Lagoons, and landfill. Although only a few suit-
able landfill sites exist in the metro area, the Fulton
site is capable of accepting additional sludge removed
from the proposed tunnels.
3.2.2 Urbanization Plans
This section describes the relationships between the
Des Plaines area's land use plans and the existing land
use along the proposed tunnel route, and at existing sites
which could b£ used for the disposal of excavated rock and
dredged sludge from the tunnels.
111-13
-------
(1) Tunnel Route
The Des Plaines tunnel system section of TARP is
designed to serve the west facility area of the Metro-
politan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago which
contains approximately 293.2 square miles. The Des
Plaines tunnel system service area contains mainly sub-
urban communities including. Des Plaines and Park Ridge.
The area has become highly urbanized with land use
and development planning functions fragmented among
many jurisdictions.
There are currently no large scale land develop-
ments or redevelopments being actively pursued or con-
sidered for the communities along the Des Plaines
tunnel system route. The tunnel route follows existing
waterways and if constructed would improve water
quality, which might attract additional water-using
industry to the Des Plaines area, as well as improve
recreational park and water-oriented development along
the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek.
(2) Potential Rock Spoil Disposal Areas
The operating quarries are likely to continue
in operation, while Stearns quarry will probably be
filled up eventually and possibly used as a park.
The Chicago Lakefront Plan has several alternatives
One alternative recommends landfilling along the Lake
Michigan shoreline and constructing numerous islands
about a mile off shore. This operation could provide
adequate sites for rock excavated from TARP tunnels.
Although construction of the tunnel would make ex-
cavated material available, use of the rock for this
purpose would have to be examined as part of the en-
vironmental assessment of the Lakefront Plan itself.
The other alternatives will also require landfilling
and recommend the following:
Expansion of the park base through shoreline
extension. This landfill would complete a
continuous public shoreline, add new park-
land, and strengthen the shoreline to with-
stand erosion.
111-14
-------
Breakwater construction and shoreline exten-
sion and creation of sheltered water areas
which increase shore protection and provide
opportunities for small boating, swimming
and fishing.
Overall, the Lakefront Plan depends on suitable exca-
vated material from the TARP project to construct these
new land forms.
(3) Potential Tunnel-Sludge Disposal Areas
The metropolitan area will probably continue to
rely on the Fulton County site for disposal of sewage
sludge, including tunnel sludge cleaned from TARP tun-
nels.
3.2.3 Archeological Sites
There are no known sites of archeological interest
along the route of the Des Plaines tunnel system. There is
provision in the MSDGC Contract Documents, General Specifica-
tions for Sewers, Page GSS-6 for the preservation of his-
torical as well as archeological specimens. This section
reads as follows:
"Historical and Scientific Specimens
The Contractor shall preserve and de-
liver to the Engineer any specimens of
historic or scientific value encoun-
tered in the work as directed by the
Engineer."
Any archeological sites which may have existed at poten-
tial rock disposal or sludge disposal areas cited above
have probably been destroyed or covered with fill.
3-2.4 Cultural Sites
There are several sites and facilities near the tunnel
route which could be termed sensitive rather than historic
111-15
-------
or archeological. These sites are considered cultural sites
and are identified as follows:
Central School
Thacker Street & Des Plaines River Rd.
Proviso East High School
Between Washington Blvd. and Madison Street east
of 1st Avenue
High School
Between Monroe Avenue and Washington Avenue west
of 1st Avenue
Church
Chicago Avenue and 1st Avenue
Church
Scotts Wood Road and Fairbank Road
Hines Hospital
Between 1st Avenue and 9th Avenue at Roosevelt
Road
Church
Roosevelt Road and 20th Avenue
Church
Eberly Avenue and Cossitt Avenue
Church
Rochester Avenue and Kemman Avenue
Church
Rochester Avenue and 9th Avenue
Church
Ogden Avenue and La Grange Road
Church
Ogden Avenue North and Kensington Avenue
Church
Ogden Avenue South and Kensington Avenue
Church
Ogden Avenue and Spring Avenue
111-16
-------
St. Francis Xavier School
Ogden Avenue South and Waiola Avenue
Ogden Avenue School
Ogden Avenue North and Waiola Avenue
Nazareth Academy
Ogden Avenue and Brainard Avenue
S"t. Joseph Military Academy
OgQen Avenue and Edgewood Avenue
Our Lady of Bethlehem Academy
Ogden Avenue and Gilbert Avenue
School
Keiartin Avenue and Cossit Avenue
Roo-sevelt Road and 17th Avenue
Church
415th Street and 9th Avenue
All Saints Cemetery
South of Higgins Road
Saint Joseph Cemetery
Between Belmont Avenue and Chicago,
Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific R.R.
Concordia Cemetery
Portions between Madison Street and
Eisenhower Expressway
Waldheim Cemetery and Forest Home Cemetery
Between Eisenhower Expressway
Jewish Cemeteries
Portion between Roosevelt Road and 16th Street
3.2.5 Histor-J'cal Sites
There are no sites or facilities of historic signifi-
cance along the Des Plaines tunnel route which appear in the
National Hisjfetpric Register. There are also no sites or fa-
cilities \iftjtfe construction for registration. As mentioned
111-17
-------
in Section 3.2.3, however, if, during construction, specimens
of historic or archeological interest are uncovered, the
contractor must preserve and deliver same to the project
engineer for safekeeping.
3.2.6 Recreational Sites
As the Des Plaines tunnel route follows existing
waterways there are several parks and recreational facil-
ities located nearby or adjacent to the route. These have
been identified as follows:
Camp Ft. Dearborn
Between Devon Avenue and Higgins Road
Indian Boundary Golf Course
Between Addison Street and Belmont
Riverside Golf Club
Between Cermak Road & 26th Street
east of 1st Avenue
Chicago Zoological Park (Brookfield Zoo)
Between Logan Avenue and Jackson Avenue'
west of 1st Avenue
Shawmut Park
Between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue
at Ogden Avenue
Village Park
Between Lincoln Avenue and Burlington R.R.
East of Salt Creek
Chautaugua Park
Between Henry Avenue and Algonquin Road
in Des Plaines
Shagbark Lake
Between Algonquin Road and Wicke Avenue.
3.3 RESOURCES
The following two sections discuss financial and labor
resources. The first section provides an analysis of the
financial resources available to fund the Des Plaines tunnel
system and the other two tunnel systems, and the second
section presents a profile of the labor force in the Chicago
metropolitan area.
111-18
-------
3.3.1 Financial
This section discusses the financing schedule and avail-
ability of pollution control funds for:
The MSDGC's Flood and Pollution Control Program
The Des Plaines tunnel system (water pollution
control tunnels only)
The total Phase I tunnels (water pollution con-
trol tunnels only).
In addition, this section addresses the availability
of funds for certain elements of the MSDGC's Flood and
Pollution Control Plan, which are not part of the plan for
the Phase I tunnels and which are closely related to the
overall goal of meeting the 1983 water quality standards.
These elements include:
Instream aeration
TARP storage reservoirs
Increases in treatment levels, efficiencies, and
plant capacities.
Both existing and potential funding sources are considered
for the pollution control aspects of the program and for
the key elements which are not part of the Phase I Plan
to assess how much financial assistance current programs
might provide and to indicate how these programs must be
augmented to complete program implementation. The impact
of the Phase I tunnels on the MSDGC's property tax rate
is also considered, and the annual sequence of anticipated
contract award dollars is identified for the construction
of the Phase I tunnel projects. The fund commitment sched-
ule is also presented, indicating anticipated sources
necessary for the support of this award program. The data
and analyses presented in this section indicate that the
financing requirements of constructing the Phase I tunnels
of TARP can be met. In addition, it can be reasonably
assumed that the financing requirements of other key ele-
ments of the MSDGC's Flood and Pollution Control Plan as-
sociated with meeting 1983 water quality standards (instream
aeration and expansion of the Calumet treatment facilities)
can be met. In the case of the West-Southwest treatment
plant expansion project, the financing feasibility is very
doubtful. Finally, financing for the TARP storage reservoirs
111-19
-------
is uncertain. The complex issue of the authority of the
Corps of Engineers in the case of urban drainage improvement
projects is currently under consideration. However, there
is presently no congressional appropriation and no request
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an appropriation
to help support the construction of the TARP reservoirs.
(1) Construction Cost Schedule
The total Chicago Flood and Pollution Control Pro-
gram has two major parts: TARP, to correct the
combined-sewer overflow problem; and a series of proj-
ects identified by the MSDGC. Major goals of this series
of projects include:
Increases in treatment levels, efficiencies,
and plant capacities
Extensions and enlargements of interceptor
sewer facilities
Flood control in separate storm sewer areas
Waterway dredging
Provision of sludge handling facilities.
Table 111-10 presents the MSDGC construction and financ-
ing schedule designed to meet the 1983 goals of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500) and the
flood control abatement objectives. The schedule re-
quires that project awards be forthcoming through FY
1986. The table presents a summary of the Flood and
Pollution Control Plan by major category and anticipated
award levels. The cost projections are based on 1976
construction costs and incorporate a 6 percent annual
cost escalator. Although the sewer construction cost
index rose 20 percent in 1974 and rose an estimated 12
to 13 percent in 1975, the consensus of opinion among
Federal and business financial leaders is that the in-
flation rate will stabilize at 5 to 7 percent over the
next decade. The 6 percent escalator thus represents
a reasonable expectation in terms of the future impact
of inflation on the relevant construction cost figures.
The plan has a total expected cost of approximately $3.75
billion, of which approximately $2.16 billion is asso-
ciated with TARP. Of the $2.16 billion, elements re-
lated to water pollution control account for approxi-
mately $1.46 billion and measures related principally
to flood control for $.69 billion.1
This $.69 billion primarily includes the TARP storage reservoirs.
111-20
-------
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111-21
-------
Table III-ll presents the construction and award
schedules for the Phase I Des Plaines tunnel system.
The estimated construction cost for the Des Plaines tun-
nels (in 1976 dollars, escalated 6 percent annually) is
$346.9 million. It is further assumed that approximately
84 percent ($240.2 million in 1976 dollars) of the col-
lecting structure and drop shaft costs will be eligible
for construction grant funds under the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1972 (PL 92-500) .
The other 16 percent is assumed to be associated with
flood control benefits and is, therefore, ineligible
for pollution control funding. The annual operating
and maintenance costs for the Des Plaines tunnel system
are estimated to be approximately $2.5 million; the esti-
mate for the entire tunnel system is $13.6 million
annually.
(2) Sources of Funds
Certain funds are either already availabor or may-
be requested under existing legislation for implementing
a part of the total Flood and Pollution Control Plan.
These funds are derived from local, state, and Federal
sources. The Federal sources include grant programs in-
volving water pollution control, flood control, urban
renewal, and recreation facilities development. This
section focuses on the sources of pollution control funds
for implementing the Des Plaines Tunnel system.
1. Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago (MSDGC)
The MSDGC customarily finances construction
and facilities replacement by proceeds from the
sale of construction bonds. The District is autho-
rized to incur indebtedness in an amount not to
exceed 5 percent of its total assessed valuation.
As of January 1, 1976, the unexercised debt-incurring
capacity is $718.5 million.
Prior to 1971, the plan to issue bonds required
a referendum. In 1971, however, a bill was enacted
authorizing the issuance of up to $380 million in
general obligation construction bonds without re-
ferendum. The MSDGC can issue these bonds at a
maximum rate of $100 million per year, plus carry-
over of the unused portion of that rate from pre-
vious years. The bonds must be repaid within 20
years from the date of issuance.
111-22
-------
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In support of existing national and state
goals, the District has already issued $249.5 in
Capital Improvement Bonds and has remaining unused
authority to issue $130.5 million of additional
bonds. Approximately $66.3 million of the remain-
ing authorization is targeted by the MSDGC for the
Phase I Tunnels.
The present authorization of the District to
issue bonds for pollution control work is based
on previous water quality standards. Since water
quality standards have become more stringent, the
MSDGC is currently formulating plans to ask Illinois
for an increased bonding authority in the vicinity
of $200-400 million. In view of the District's
AA bond rating and additional debt-carrying capac-
ity, additional bond funds in the range of $200-300
million should be available in the near future at
a reasonable interest rate.
The MSDC is also authorized to levy an ad.
valorem tax for construction purposes in an amount
not to exceed $.26 for each $100 of assessed valu-
ation. Table 111-12 presents an estimate of the
change in property tax rate attributable to the
anticipated Tunnel Plan financing reqirements.
As is indicated in the table, the ceiling on the
ad valorem tax rate allowed for construction pur-
poses will have to be raised to cover TARP ex-
penditures even if the $300 million of state funds
targeted for TARP are appropriated.
2. State of Illinois
By approval of the bond issue referendum of
1970, the State of Illinois was authorized to
issue bonds up to a maximum of $750 million. Ap-
proximately $150 million of these funds have al-
ready been raised through bond sales leaving ap-
proximately $300 million potentially available
111-24
-------
Table 111-12
1976 Estimate of the Change in "Property Tax Rate
Attributable to the Implementation of
the Phase I Tunnel System
Fiscal
Year
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
Cost of Tunnel
Plan ($Millions)
50.7
92.2
159.8
183.5
189.9
173.0
95.7
57.5
22.2
5.7
2.2
Incremental Change
in Tax Rate $/$100
Assessed Valuation
.005
.007
.013
.013
.012
.021
(.004)
(.005)
(.002)
(.003)
(.003)
Cumulative Change
in Tax Rate $/$100
Assessed Valuation
.005
.012
.025
.038
.049
.070
.066
.061
.059
.056
.053
Assumptions:
MSDGC's share of construction costs is 25 f.rcent
MSDGC financing is accomplished with 20-year bonds, 5 1/2 percent
coupon
TAX BASE ($22.7 billion in 1975) is escalated at six percent annually
Operating/maintenance cost not included in Tunnel Plan cost figures
Effect of construction grant program disbursement schedule on MSDGC
is not considered.
This represents a 13.3 percent increase over the 1975 MSDGC tax
rate of $.4005 per $100 of assessed valuation
111-25
-------
(by agreement with the State) to the MSDGC for im-
plementing Phase I TARP. For FY 1976, the MSDGC
statewide appropriation of these funds is $206
million; therefore, it would be unreasonable to
expect that a major portion of this potential $300
million would be available in FY 1976 to the MSDGC
for the Tunnel Plan. A conservative posture would
suggest that approximately $300 million would po-
tentially be available to the District in FY 1976-
1977.
The State's ability to raise funds in the
general obligations municipal bond market is good,
as exemplified by its AA bond rating, which should
ensure that funds can be raised at reasonable cou-
pons. The prospects of future or increased bond-
ing authorization are extremely bleak because of
lack of political feasibility and the requirement
for referendum.
3. Federal (PL 92-500)
Of the total $18 billion appropriation under
PL 92-500, the State of Illinois was allocated a
total of $1.137 billion ($125 million in FY 1973;
$187.5 million in FY 1974; $252.3 million in FY
1975; and $571.0 million in FY 1976). By virtue
of the State's priority scheme, the MSDGC antici-
pates that approximately 50 percent of the funds
will be allocated for its Water Pollution Control
Program. Substantial portions of FY 1973-1975
funds have already been obligated to the District.
The major obligations include:
$43.65 million for the O'Hare Sewer
Project
$49.22 million for the North Shore sec-
tion of TARP (Addison-Wilrnette)
$93.0 million for the construction of
the O'Hare Treatment Plant Facilities.
111-26
-------
Unobligated Federal funds currently total
approximately $646.1 million ($5.5 million FY 1973
and 1974 funds; $68.9 million FY 1975 funds; and
$571.7 million FY 1976 funds). FY 1975 and prior
fears' funds must be obligated by June 30, 1976;
FY 1§76 funds must be obligated by September 30,
1977. Of this $646.1 million funds total, approxi-
mately $323.1 million will be available to the
MSDGC in FY 1976 and 1977. The Illinois priority
scheme for the allocation of these remaining funds
to the District provides that:
Mainstream tunnels, drop shafts, and
collecting structures receive 100 per-
cent priority.
The Calumet system has some Step 2 and
Step 3 projects in funding range.
The Lower Des Plaines system has some
Step 2 projects within funding range.
EPA headquarters has requested an increase of
$42 billion in the future Federal Pollution Control
funding authorization under PL 92-500. EPA recom-
mends an annual appropriation of $7 billion for
FY 1977-1982. Staff members of the Senate Public
vlo&rks Subcommittee have indicated that the Office
ofiMtenafement and Budget (OMB) recommendation to
tfcfcr President will probably entail a multiyear
>ro£tiation of $5 billion annually. The staff
fso indicated that the allocation scheme used to
trcel out funds to the states is likely to change.
le FY 1973-1976 funds ($18 billion) were allocated
on the basis of needs, as defined in the
Ma^ds Survey. Under this scheme several
s (including New York, California, Illinois,
New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) were
allocated over 50 percent of the total appropria-
tion. The allocation of the State of Illinois
has averaged approximately 6.32 percent. EPA-
Washington has recommended a formula which would
give equal weight both to state needs (as defined
111-27
-------
in the 1974 survey) and to projected state popula-
tion in 1990. It is reasonable to expect that a
formula similar to this will be adopted by Congress
and applied to the FY 1977 appropriation. The
impact of this change in the allocation formula
would be to reduce Illinois' share of future na-
tional appropriations to approximately 5.2 percent.
Even if the allocation formula remains the same,
the state's share of the national appropriation
is expected to decline somewhat because its needs
have been declining as a result of employing Pol-
lution Control Bond funds. The MSDGC's share of
future Federal water pollution control appropri-
ations is conservatively estimated to be 50 per-
cent over the FY 1977-1982 period. Assuming a
$5 billion annual appropriation and a 5.2 per-
cent allocation to the State of Illinois, the
District could reasonably expect $780 million of
additional Federal funds available over FY 1977-
1982.
(3) Phase I Tunnels Financing Schedule - Currently
Available and Additionally Required Funds
Table 111-13 presents the award schedules antici-
pated for the Mainstream, Calumet and Lower Des Plaines
Tunnel systems, and the total Flood and Pollution Con-
trol plan. The table shows that the existing available
funding from the State and the MSDGC is sufficient to
implement the Calumet Tunnel system. Additonal Federal
Water Pollution Control funds of approximately $456.7
million will be required to meet the implementation
schedule for the Mainstream,Calument and Lower Des Plaines,
In view of the very conservative estimates of future
Federal appropriations, it can be reasonably assumed
that the future financing requirements can be met.
(4) Financing of Maintenance and Operations Costs
For maintenance and operations, the District is
authorized to levy an ad valorem tax in an amount not
to exceed $.37 for eacE~$100 of assessed valuation,
less the amount received pursuant to the Industrial
Waste Surcharge Ordinance. The State statute also
contains authority to impose a user charge which is
currently required under PL 92-500.
111-28
-------
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Despite the fact that many municipalities histor-
ically have funded operation and maintenance costs of
treatment facilities by imposing ad valorem taxes,
this system does not provide incentives for domestic
and low-volume commercial users to conserve water.
EPA headquarters has contended, however, that "a prop-
erly formulated user charge system based on ad valorem
taxes is a viable and appropriate method of funding
operation and maintenance costs."-'- Region V EPA has
awarded two grants to the MSDGC to develop a user charge
system to comply with the requirements of PL 92-500.
The final system will probably be based on water usage
(as opposed to ad valorem taxes) with several categories
of user charge schedules.
(5) Major Non-Phase I TARP Elements; Currently
Available and Additionally Required Funds
This section addresses the financing schedule and
availability of funds for certain elements of the MSDGC's
Flood and Pollution Control Plan, which are not part of
the Phase I Tunnel and Reservoir Plan and are closely
associated with the overall goal of meeting 1983 water
quality standards. These elements include:
Instream aeration to add dissolved oxygen to
the waterway system receiving plant effluents
Increases in treatment levels, efficiencies,
and plant capacity
Excavation of three TARP storage reservoirs
to capture remaining pollutant discharges,
reduce backflows to Lake Michigan, and
control flooding.
1. Instream Aeration
In terms of project phasing and priorities,
instream aeration stands ahead of the Tunnel Plan
(tunnel systems, drop shafts, and connecting
structures).2 Instream aeration is not a treatment
system and is thus not eligible for FWPCA funding.
The Illinois EPA, however, has committed funds for
Letter from EPA Administrator Russell E. Train to House Speaker
Carl Albert, February 3. 1975.
MSDGC Facilities Planning Study, January 1975, p. M-XI-14.
111-30
-------
the in^tream aeration phase of the project. The"
funding requirement (approximately $30.7 million
for a series of eleven batteries of diffusers
located adjacent to and parallel to the banks of
the waterway) will most likely be met from the
$300 million of State funds targeted for the
MSDGC or from funds raised by the District through
an anticipated increased or additional bonding
authorization.
Funding of instream aeration with the currently
available State funds would increase the additional
funds required by the MSDGC to implement the Tunnel
Plan, from$268.2 million to $ 298.9 million (see
Table 111-13). In view of the sound fiscal posture
of the MSDGC, it can reasonably be assumed that the
future financing requirements can be met.
2. Treatment Plant Improvements
Treatment plant improvements(Calumet and West-
Southwest plants) require an estimated $1.13
billion. Construction of the O'Hare treatment
plant is planned for the near future; the pro-
ject entails an estimated cost of $124 million,
of which EPA has obligated $93 million in Step 3
FWPCA funding, and the MSDGC is funding the re-
mainder.
In terms of priorities, the treatment plant
expansion at Calumet (estimated cost of $356.5 i
million) stand directly behind instream aeration.
According to current estimates, this project will
be ready for Step 3 FWPCA funding in January of
1979. The West-Southwest treatment plant expansion
project (estimated cost of $774.7 million) is
currently expected to be ready for Step 3 FWPCA
funding in December 1979.2
Focusing on the higher priority Calumet ex-
pansion project, it is anticipated that sufficient
FWPCA and MSDGC funds will be available to finance
the proposed project. As discussed in a previous
section of this report, the MSDGC can reasonably ex-
pect $780 million of additional FWPCA funds over the
FY 1977-1982 period. An estimated $456.7 million
MSDGC Facilities Planning Study, January 1975, p. M-XI-14.
The cost estimates for the three treatment plant projects are based
on the estimates provided in the MSDGC's Facility Plan (January, 1975)
These estimates were in 1975 dollars and had to be escalated for
the assumed 6 percent annual inflation rate.
Ill-31
-------
of this total is required for implementation of
the Phase I Tunnel system. The remaining $323.3
million of Federal funds would more than cover
the required $267.4 million (75 percent of $356.3
million) for the Calumet treatment plant expan-
sion project. The MSDGC's share of the project
($89.1 million) will increase the District's
additional funding requirement from $298.9 million
(additional funds required for the_Tunnel Plan-and
instream aeration) to $388.0 million. In view of
the MSDGC's AA general obligation bond rating and
its current formulation of plans to. ask Illinois
for an increased or additional bonding authority
in the vicinity of $200-400 million, it is reason-
able to expect that the Calumet treatment plant
expansion project can be financed.
For the West-Southwest treatment plant ex-
pansion project, the financing feasibility cannot
be defined at this time. According to current
estimates, this project will not be ready for
Step 3 FWPCA funding until December 1979. The
remaining portion of the $780 million of FWPCA
funds estimated to be available to the MSDGC for
the period FY 1977-1982, would fall short by approxi-
mately $718.8 million, if it were obligated to the
West-Southwest treatment plant expansion project.
In addition, the funding of this project would
increase the MSDGC's additional funding require-
ment from $388.0 million to $581.7 million. The
projected shortfall in Federal funds and the sig-
nificant increase in MSDGC funds required combine
to make the funding feasibility highly doubtful for
the West-Southwest treatement plant expansion
project.
3. Reservoirs
The estimated cost of the three TARP storage
reservoirs (Upper Des Plaines, Mainstream, and
Calumet systems) is $505.7 million in 1976 dollars,
EPA's portion of this project would be approximately $581.0 mil-
lion; the MSDGC's portion would be $193.7 million.
111-32
-------
The benefits derived from the construction of the
reservoirs primarily are control of overbank flood-
ing and decrease of flood discharges into the down-
stream reaches of the waterways.
The reservoirs, however, could potentially
qualify for Federal flood control funding. The
Flood Control Act of 1937 established the principle
of Federal participation in flood control projects.
The 1944 Flood Control Act redefined flood control
to include channel and major drainage improvement.
In practice, however, this authority (drainage im-
provement) has only been applied to the agricultural
area. There is no precedent for Federal partici-
pation (drainage improvement) in urban applications
such as the TARP reservoirs.
The Corps of Engineers is now in the process
of determining the Federal interest in providing
funding for the total Underflow Plan. The Chicago
District Corps of Engineers has prepared a report
entitled Urban Water Damage Study, The Chicagoland
Underflow Plan, dated December 1975. Final recom-
mendations regarding the division of Underflow Plan
responsibilities depend on the character and degree
of interest at EPA headquarters. The Chicago
District has sent the report to the North Central
Division office of the Corps of Engineers which
will, in turn, be sent to the Office of the Chief
of Engineers.
4. Relationship of TARP Phases
The systems and subsystems of TARP will be
constructed in two phases. Phase I involves
construction of only the pollution control elements
of TARP and consists of the main wastewater
conveyance tunnels, drop shafts, and pumping
stations. The remaining phase will be the construc-
tion of the flood control elements, which include
the relief tunnels and storage reservoirs.
111-33
-------
3.3.2 Labor
This section provides a general profile of Chicago's
labor force and should be reviewed in conjunction with Sec-
tion 3.1.3 which discusses in detail the contract construc-
tion labor force.
The Chicago metropolitan area labor force is diverse.
Traditionally, it has drawn workers from nearby states and
from rural areas in the south as employment opportunities
have increased or were j>erceiyed to be better than those
elsewhere in the south "and "central United States. In 1970,
the Chicago SMSA civilian labor force comprised 64 percent
of the total Illinois labor force. Labor force character-
istics for 1970 are detailed in Table 111-14. The labor
force is predominantly male, with women comprising approxi-
mately 40 percent of the civilian labor force in 1970.
Total white collar workers comprised 53 percent of the labor
force in the Chicago SMSA in 1970.
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Commerce are
shown below:
Jurisdiction Rate Date
State of Illinois 6.7% May 1976
Cook County 7.1% May 1976
City of Chicago 8.6% May 1976
National unemployment for the third quarter was 8.4
percent. Chicago's employment profile is heavily depen-
dent upon manufacutring and nonservice employment, all of
which were more vulnerable to the economic recession than
other employment types. Two other general trends that will
contribute to the Chicago area's keeping a relatively high
unemployment rate are higher productivity and labor force
growth. Nationwide, productivity increased faster than
employment during the busy recovery period of 1970 to 1973
and this is expected to happen again during 1975 to 1978.1
The labor force is also growing because of an increasing
participation rate among women. It is unlikely that this
trend will reserve itself in the next decade.
Fortune Magazine, November 1975., p.. 22.
Ill-34
-------
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III- 3 5
-------
3.4 TRANSPORTATION
This section describes the existing condition of high-
ways, streets and waterways likely to be affected by con-
struction of the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel system.
3.4.1 Highways and Streets
The roadways that are likely to be affected by the pro-
posed project primarily include those to be used by trucks
transporting rock and spoil material from construction sites
to disposal areas. The Cook County Forest Preserve District
has requested that all rock taken from under Forest Preserve
Lands be placed in stockpile areas on Forest Preserve property,
They have designated areas north of 22nd Street and south
of the Kennedy Expressway as the sites for the Des Plaines
Tunnel system. (See Figures V-5 and V-7). It is the
Forest Preserve District's intention to utilize the rocks
for their facilities, such as bicycle paths and equestrian
trails on a long-term basis. In the interim, the stock-
piled rock will be developed for winter recreational facil-
ities. It is estimated that 2,200,000 bulk cubic yards out
of a total of 3,800,000 cubic yards can be placed on Forest
Preserve District's property from the Des Plaines Tunnels.
The close proximity of these disposal sites to MSDGC con-
struction shaft locations effectively eliminates transporta-
tion impacts for a major portion of the Des Plaines rock
disposal operations. No details have been provided as to
the relative amounts and disposition of the rock to be
stored at each of the two Forest Preserve sites.
Potential disposal sites for the remaining 1,600,000
cubic yards (bulk) of excavated rock include the Hillside
Quarry along Manheim Road and the McCook, the Federal and
the Material Service Riverside Quarries at the southern
end of the Des Plaines Tunnel system.
The most likely truck routes for disposal of rock from
the five Des Plaines construction shafts are as follows:
From construction shaft No. 1 (located near Higgins
Road and Des Plaines River Road) rock may be
transported only a few blocks to a Forest Preserve
storage site just south of the Kennedy Expressway
via Des Plaines River Road and Bryn Mawr Avenue.
From construction shaft No. 2 (Thatcher Avenue
near North Avenue) rock spoil could be transported
111-36
-------
by truck to the Hillside Quarry via North Avenue
and Manheim Road.
construction shaft No. 3 (near 1st Avenue
*Cermak Road in North Riverside) rock spoil
ly be transported by conveyor to a Forest Pre-
serve storage site just north of 22nd Street.
Construction shaft No. 4 (Plainfield Road at 43rd
Street) lies in the Material Services Riverside
Quarry so that transportation of rock spoil may
not be necessary.
From construction shaft No. 5 (Ogden Avenue at
Hillgrave Avenue) rock spoil may be trucked to
either the Federal Quarry or McCook Quarry via
Avenue and 47th Street.
Among tne roads mentioned as possible disposal routes
North AvetiaS is a major artery handling between 39,400 and
44,000 vehicles daily according to the latest available
figures (19*69 ).l Manheim Road, another major thoroughfare
sustained a 1969 average daily traffic load of 28,600 to
35,600 vehicles along the segment leading to the Hillside
Quarry. Traffic along Eberly Avenue near the McCook Quarry
ranged from 6,000 to 11,000 vehicles per day over the affected
segment in the 1969 estimate while daily traffic along 47th
Street averaged between 14,700 to 17,900. More recent
traffic voluntfe estimates are not available. Because of
the limited i^olitme of rock to be transported now that
storage in iMtrest Preserve lands is possible, transportation
of rock spoil over surface arteries is not expected to con-
stitute a significant impact on the area during construction
of the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel.
3.4.2
As indicated in Figure III-l, the Des Plaines River
is not physically navigable by commercial vessels. There-
for, construction of the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel system
will have no effect upon waterborne commerce in the area.
1 MSDGC "TSruck Haul Routes for Muck Disposal Studies - Exhibit B,"
1976.
111-37
-------
FIGURE III-l
Harbors and Waterways cf
the Chicago Area!
INLAND WATERWAYS
NORMALLY NAVIGABLE
BY LAKE VESSELS
NAVIGABLE BY BARGES
=— NOr PHYSICALLY NAVIGABLE
DU PAGE
CO.
CHICAGO
SCAU IN MILK
Lakt Michigan
LAKE CO.
PORTER CO.
Harbors and tVaKrwayi of (fie Chicago Area. (Updated from Mid-Chicago
Economic Development Study, Mayor's Commitr** for Economic and Cultural
Oeve/opminl ol Chicago, 196t.)
Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Identification of Facilities at the Port
of Chicago, for State of Illinois Department of Business and
Economic Development, June 1975.
111-38
-------
IV. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES
Several basic alternatives have been considered to re-
solve the flooding and pollution problems of the Chicago
metropolitan area. These alternatives are:
Separate sewers, which provide a separate storm
sewer line parallel to existing sanitary sewers
and involves laying over 440 miles of additional
lines under city streets
Collect discharges from 640 outfalls into 340 col-
lection basins and provide surface or subsurface
storage at or near each of those outfalls
Ultimate surface collection, which conveys and
collects wastewaters from the 340 basins into
several large reservoirs or storage basins
Tunnels and reservoirs (TARP) which is similar to
ultimate surface collection except conveyance is
done by deep tunnels.
It is EPA's opinion that these alternatives have been
thoroughly weighed and evaluated in past studies and that
the proposed action (TARP) is clearly the most effective and
least costly. The following sections summarize many of the
options which have been analyzed over the past five years!
and highlights the events leading up to the selection of
TARP.
4-1 ALTERNATIVE PLANS
During the past 20 years, numerous plans to solve the
flooding and water pollution problems in the Chicago
Based on information presented in the Flood Control Coordinating
Committee report, "Summary of Technical Reports - Alternatives,"
August 1972.
IV-1
-------
IV. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVE£
-------
metropolitan area have been developed by government
agencies, local organizations, and individuals. The
early plans focused mainly on flood control, but as
degradation of water resources continued to increase,
plans began to address water pollution control.
Promulgated water quality standards arid Lake Michigan
backflow regulations also influenced the development
of additional plans.
In November 1970, the Flood Control Coordinating
Committee (FCCC) was reactivated to review and
evaluate the plans developed and formulate additional
ones to address both the flooding and water pollution
problems. The committee consisted of representatives
from the State of Illinois, Cook County, the MSDGC,
and the city of Chicago. Twenty-three alternative
plans were evaluated in detail with respect to
possible facility sites, sizes, and costs. Alternatives
were selected for detailed study if they met overall
objectives. Details of the process used in this
selection are presented in Section 4.1.2. The overall
project objectives were established by the MSDGC to
comply with Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB)
standards, and are as follows:
Prevent all backflows to Lake Michigan to
protect water supply resource
Reduce pollutant discharges caused by combined-
sewer overflows
Reduce flooding in the combined-sewer and
downstream areas.
A chronology of the plans proposed and studies
performed during the past 22 years is provided in
Appendix G, "Chronology of Important Events - 1954
through 1975."
The first section of this chapter identifies the
alternative plans evaluated by the FCCC from 1970 to
1972 and the additional plans developed since 1972.
In the following sections, the evaluation process used
is discussed, as well as the consequences of the "no
action" alternative.
IV-2
-------
4.1.1 Description of Plans
This section provides a brief description of the plans
proposed to solve the flooding and water pollution problems
in the Chicago metropolitan area.l The plan designation in-
dicated in parentheses are found in the FCCC's report, "De-
velopment of a Flood and Pollution Control Plan for the
Chicagoland Area" (August 1972). The plan descriptions were
extracted from this report.
(1) Original Deep Tunnel Plan with Mined and Surface
Storage in the Calumet Area (Alternative A)
The original Deep Tunnel plan was outlined in the
Harza-Bauer Reports of 1964, 1966, and 1968. The 1964
report proposed large tunnels under' the waterways to
store and convey the overflows from combined-sewers to
treatment points. The 1966 and 1968 reports proposed
a series of tunnels in the Niagaran and Galena-Platteville
rock strata to convey the combined-sewage to a single
storage location in the Calumet vicinity. Mined stor-
age volumes would be provided in the Galena formation.
Surface storage, in conjunction with mined storage,
could be used for power generation. Captured combined-
sewer overflows would be treated at the Calumet Sewage
Treatment Plant and at a new plant constructed nearby.
Variations of these plans considered underground storage
in other locations, such as under the North-Side Treat-
ment Plant.
(2) Deep Tunnel Plan With Pumped Storage Power (Al-
ternative Ap*)
This plan is the Deep Tunnel plan, as described
above, with mined and surface storage in the Calumet
The Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, "Environ-
mental Impact Statement," preliminary draft, November 1973.
The subscript "" indicates a power generation plan for the al-
ternative plan of the same letter. The flood and pollution con-
trol features of the basic plan are still retained in the "p",
designated plan, except where noted.
IV-3
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area. The plan includes pumped-storage power as a
source of revenue benefits.
(3) Deep Tunnel Plan With Mined and Surface Storage
In the Calumet and Stickney Areas (Alternative B)
The plan, proposed in the Harza-Bauer Report of
November 1968, included a series of tunnels in the
Niagaran and Galena-Platteville formations to convey
combined sewage to storage locations in the vicinity
of the West-Southwest and Calumet Sewage Treatment
Plants. Mined storage volumes would be provided in the
Galena-Platteville formation. Survace storage in con-
junction with the mined volumes could accommodate peak-
ing power generation.
(4) Deep Tunnel Plan (Calumet, Stickney Storage) With
Pumped Storage (Alternative Bp)
The Deep Tunnel plan described above (Alternative
B) included a variation which would utilize pumped-
storage power as a source of revenue benefits.
(5) Deep Tunnel Plan With Mined and Surface Storage
in the Calumet/ West-Southwest and North-Side
Sewage Treatment Plant Areas (Alternative C)
This plan is a modification of Alternatives A and
B. A series of tunnels in Niagaran and Galena-Platteville
formations would convey combined sewage to the vicini-
ties of the three major sewage treatment plants: Calumet,
West-Southwest, and North-Side. Mined storage in the
Galena-Platteville formations and pumping to either
surface reservoirs or to constructed quarries would be
optional. Captured combined-sewer overflows would be
treated at the existing West-Southwest, Calumet, and
North-Side Sewage Treatment Plants.
(6) Deep Tunnel Plan (Storage in Three Locations) With
Pumped-Storage Power (Alternative Cp)
The Deep Tunnel plan described above (Alternative
C) includes a variation which would utilize pumped-
storage power as a source of revenue benefits.
IV-4
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(7) State of Illinois, Division of Waterways Plan
(Alternative D)
The Waterway Improvements plan outlined in the
Illinois Division of Waterways Report of November 1968,
included channel improvements and treatment of combined-
sewer overflows. Waterway improvements would comprise
a ten-foot widening and deepening of the Calumet-Sag
Canal and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal up to
Throop Street, removal of Brandon Road Lock and Dam,
and reconstruction of the Lockport Lock and Dam. This
plan was subsequently updated to delete the channel im-
provements and to provide for 341 detention basins near
major outfall points that would be connected to MSDGC
interceptor sewers for the controlled release of de-
tained combined-sewer flow.
(8) Composite Plan (Alternative E)
The Composite plan, outlined in the city of Chicago,
Bureau of Engineering Report of September 1968, in-
cluded a series of tunnels in Niagaran and Galena-
Platteville formation to transfer overflows to the West-
Southwest, Calumet, North-Side, or O'Hare Sewage Treat-
ment Plants. Volumes of mined storage, surface storage,
pit or quarry storage, tunnel capacity, and pumping
capacity would be optimized. Mined storage areas at
several locations would be included to reduce tunnel
sizes. Captured combined-sewer overflows would be
treated at the West-Southwest, Calumet, North-Side,
and O'Hare Sewage Treatment Plants.
(9) Chicago Underflow Plan - Lockport (Alternative F)
The Underflow plan, as outlined in the city of
Chicago, Bureau of Engineering Report of May 1970, in-
cluded a series of conveyance and storage tunnels to
increase conveyance to Lockport, to provide the re-
quired storage volumes in the tunnel systems, and to
provide for the treatment of the captured volumes either
through existing plants or new facilities at Lockport.
The system would have an outlet below the Lockport Dam.
Tunnels would slope to existing and proposed wastewater
treatment plants where captured combined-sewer over-
flows would be pumped to treatment.
IV-5
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(10) Chicago Underflow Plan - Single Quarry (Alterna-
tive G)
The Single Quarry plan by the city of Chicago,
Bureau of Engineering, comprised a series of tunnels
in the Niagaran formation to convey combined sewage to
a pit in the McCook area. Flow into the pit would be
by gravity during storms. The tunnels would be de-
watered by pumping the tunnel volume to the pit. Cap-
tured combined-sewer overflows would be treated at the
West-Southwest Treatment Plant.
(11) Chicago Underflow Plan - Two Quarries (Alterna-
tive H)
The Two Quarry plan proposed by the city of Chicago,
Bureau of Engineering, is a modification of Alternative
G, comprising a series of tunnels in the Niagaran for-
mation which would convey combined sewage to pits in
the McCook and Calumet areas. Flow into the pits would
be by gravity. The tunnels would be dewatered by pump-
ing into the pits. Captured combined sewage would be
treated at the West-Southwest and Calumet Sewage Treat-
ment Plants.
(12) Chicago Underflow Plan ~ Three Quarries (Alter-
native J)
The Three Quarry plan, a further modification of
Alternative G, also proposed by the city of Chicago,
Bureau of Engineering, is similar to Alternative H.
Stearns Quarry, however, has been added to provide ad-
ditional storage volume and to improve the hydraulic
behavior of the system.
(13) Leffler Plan (Alternative K)
The Leffler plan comprises the construction of a
series of dikes in Lake Michigan to develop ponds with
a total area of about 14,680 acres: 3,800 acres for
the North Shore Channel, 2,560 acres for the Chicago
River, and 8,320 acres for the Calumet River. The
plan visualizes the development of an uninterrupted
highway from Wilmette to 95th Street, a series of
swimming areas, skating ponds, small boat harbors, a
local sightseeing highway, and a depository for river
dredgings.
IV-6
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(14) Meissner Plan (Alternative L)
The flood control plan outlined in the Meissner
Engineers Report of August 1958, comprises channel im-
provements, surface reservoirs, and discharges to Lake
Michigan (possibly into reservoirs). More than 100,000
acre-feet of surface storage along waterways and in Lake
Michigan would be provided. The main capacity would
be increased to 56,000 cfs. The possible use of stone
quarries to store stormwater runoff was first developed
in this plan.
(15) Ramey-Williams Channel Improvement Plan (Alter-
native M)
This flood control plan, outlined in the Metro-
politan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago Report
of April 1959, was developed to correct inadequacies
of the main channel outlet at Lockport. Widening im-
provements to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal would
increase the outflow at Lockport to 30,000 cfs without
attaining flood stages in the waterway.
(16) Sheaffer Plan (Alternative N)
The Sheaffer plan proposes abandonment of the
existing sewage treatment plants and conveyance of all
combined sewage to areas in central Illinois for treat-
ment in aerobic treatment cells with spray irrigation
of effluent on underproductive farmland. This plan
could be a supplement to the several containment sys-
tems, with or without the abandonment of the sewage
treatment plants.
(17) Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
Flood Control Studies (Alternative P)
A flood control project outlined in the MSDGC Re-
port of July 1964, proposed flow diversions to the Des
Plaines River at Willow Springs and at Sag Junction,
removal of the rock humps at Summit, and utilization
of quarries, clay pits, and surface storage for flood
water storage.
IV-7
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(18) Four Storage Plan (Alternative Q)
The Four Storage plan is a further development of
the three storage locations and three quarry plans.
The plan comprises a series of separate zone tunnels
and conveyance structures and storage at the four major
sewage treatment plants: West-Southwest, Calumet, North-
Side, and proposed O'Hare. Tunnels would be dewatered
by pumping, typically to surface or pit storages at
the North-Side, West-Southwest, Calumet, and O'Hare
Sewage Treatment Plants. Surface storage would be pro-
vided where it would be more economical. The North-
Side area storage would be in both a mined area and a
surface reservoir.
(19) Four Storage Plan with Pumped Storage Power (Al-
ternative Qp)
The Four Storage plan described above (Alternative
Q) includes a variation which utilizes pumped-storage
power as a source of revenue benefits.
(20) McCook, Calumet and O'Hare Storage Plan (Alter-
native R)
The McCook, Calumet, and O'Hare Storage plan com-
prises a series of separate zone tunnels and convey-
ance structures and storage at West-Southwest, Calumet,
and O'Hare Sewage Treatment Plants. Tunnels would be
dewatered by pumping at the West-Southwest and pro-
posed O'Hare locations. The plan would provide quarry
storage in the McCook area, surface storage at the
O'Hare plant, and mined and surface or pit storage in
the Calumet area.
(21) McCook, Calumet, and O'Hare Storage Plan with
Pumped-Storage Power (Alternative Rp)
The McCook, Calumet, and O'Hare Storage plan de-
scribed above (Alternative R) includes a variation which
utilizes pumped-storage power as a source of revenue
benefits.
IV-8
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(22) Chicago Underflow Plan, McCook and O'Hare Storage
(Alternative S)
The McCook and O'Hare Storage plan comprises a
series of tunnels, conveyance structures, and storage
at McCook and at the O'Hare Sewage Treatment Plant.
Tunnels would be dewatered by pumping at the West-
Southwest and O'Hare plants. The plan provides for pit
storage at McCook and surface storage at the O'Hare
plant.
(23) Separate System of Sanitary Sewers (Alternative T)
The Sewer Separation plan, as outlined in the city
of Chicago, Bureau of Engineering Report of April 1971
(revised), developed a cost estimate for the separation
of sanitary and industrial wastes from stormwater by
constructing parallel sanitary sewers. The proposed
separate sanitary sewers would drain into existing MSDGC
interceptors for conveyance to existing wastewater treat-
ment plants. The separate storm sewers would discharge
directly to the waterways as at present. No treatment
for storm sewer outflows was provided.
(24) Additional Plans
Plans developed, but not evaluated by the FCCC,
are described below. Although these plans appear to
be additional alternatives, they are variations or com-
binations of evaluated plans.
1. Original Keifer Underflow Plan
Tunnels would be constructed in bedrock ap-
proximately 200 feet below the surface to serve
both as a conveyance system and as a storage facil-
ity. For larger storms, excess runoff would still
be released to the waterways. After each storm
the tunnel-sewer would be dewatered by pumping
to the interceptor sewer. The original plan sug-
gested that a series of special tributary sewers
be installed throughout the metropolitan area with
connections to large main sewers extending along
the waterways. Three of these underflow sewers
are now under construction.
IV-9
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2. Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
The Tunnel and Reservoir plan proposes a
series of rock tunnels in the Niagaran formation
to convey combined-sewer flows to a primary stor-
age reservoir in the McCook area. The reservoir
would be a 330-foot-deep rock quarry designed to
hold 57,000 acre-feet of runoff. Additional sur-
face storage would be provided near the proposed
O'Hare Treatment Plant to serve the northwest sub-
urbs and at Stearns Quarry to reduce peak discharge
Captured overflows from combined-sewers would be
treated at the West-Southwest Treatment Plant, as-
suming upgrading and expansion of this plant to
handle one and one-half times dry weather flow.
This plan is a composite of Alternatives G, H, J,
and S, which were presented on the preceding pages.
3. C-SELM Study
The Chicago South End of Lake Michigan study,
reviewed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is
a regional approach to wastewater management.
This study assumes that some variation of an under-
ground conveyance and storage system would be
adopted to capture combined-sewer overflows. The
C-SELM study goes on to discuss various methods
of treatment of all wastewater flows, including
advanced physical-chemical waste treatment, ad-
vanced biological waste treatment, and spray ir-
rigation of effluent in a land treatment system.
The alternative plans can be divided into four cate-
gories: deep tunnel, underflow, waterway improvement, and
surface. These categories represent different flood/pollu-
tion control schemes, which have also been evaluated. The
following listing groups the alternatives by scheme category:
Deep tunnel plans: Alternatives A, Ap, B, Bp, C,
Cp, and E
Underflow plans: Alternatives.F, G, H, J, Q, Qp,
R> Rp» S, Tunnel and Reservoir, the Original Keifer,
and C-SELM
Waterway improvement plans: Alternatives D, K, L,
M, N, and P
IV-10
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Surface (or near surface) plans: Alternative T
and C-SELM (certain portions).
4.1.2 Plan Evaluation and Elimination
Of the 23 alternatives described in the previous sec-
tions, six alternatives were eliminated which did not meet
overall project objectives. The remaining 17 plans were
modified to meet the established objectives. The rationale
for eliminating the six alternatives, as stated in the FCCC
report,1 is summarized in the following sections.
(1) Leffler Plan (Alternative K)
The Leffler plan did not meet the project criteria
because it used the existing waterways to convey un-
treated combined-sewer overflows to a series of diked-
in storage ponds along the Lake Michigan shor.eline.
(2) Meissner Plan (Alternative L)
The Meissner plan was entirely a flood control plan,
It proposed channel improvements to convey large quan-
tities of water downstream and into Lake Michigan and
to store water in surface reservoirs and quarries. No
provisions were provided for the treatment of combined-
sewer overflows. While the Meissner plan did not meet
the criteria, some of its features have been included
in other alternatives.
(3) Ramey-Williams Channel Improvement Plan (Alter-
native M)
This plan was a flood water routing plan, to re-
duce flooding through waterway improvements. It did
not include provisions for water quality control and,
therefore, does not meet project criteria.
The Flood Control Coordinating Committee, "Development of a Flood
and Pollution Control Plan for the Chicagoland Area," Summary of
Technical Reports, August 1972.
IV-11
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(4) Sheaffer Plan (Alternative N)
The Sheaffer plan proposed conveyance of all sani-
tary sewage, combined-sewer overflows, and a portion
of the stormwater runoff from the separately sewered
area, to remote, down-state land disposal sites. If
such a plan were considered, a collecting system and
local storage facilities would be required, not unlike
those contained in many of the other alternatives.
Therefore, the Sheaffer plan is considered an extension
of these systems and not considered further.
(5) Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
Flood Control Studies (Alternative P)
This plan is essentially an integration of several
special purpose flood control projects. It does not
meet project criteria because water quality considera-
tions were not included.
(6) Separate System of Sanitary Sewers (Alternative T)
This plan was not given further consideration be-
cause of: the cost, estimated by Chicago to be
$4,466,500,000; the disruption of traffic and other
municipal service; and ineffectiveness, because sewer
separation would not reduce pollution of the waterways
from surface runoff, and would not provide for flood
control.
4.1.3 The No-Action Alternative
The short- and long-term environmental impacts of al-
lowing existing wastewater conditions to continue are dis-
cussed in the following sections. The purpose is to com-
pare the impacts assessed for each proposed plan with the
consequences of a "no-action" course. The negative and/or
beneficial impacts of the no-action alternative on the
Chicago metropolitan area fall under five environmental cate-
gories: water quality, water supply, water management goals,
flooding and backflow, and financial resources.
IV-12
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(1) Water Quality
The water quality of the Chicago area's waterways
will continue to deteriorate as combined-sewer over-
flows become more frequent and more concentrated with
pollutants. As land development and population in-
crease, so will sewage discharges, and dilution-water
from Lake Michigan will have to be drawn to lower pol-
lutant concentrations to meet present water quality
standards. Lake Michigan flow regulations limit dilu-
tion-water discharges to 3,200 cfs. This allowable
flow rate is not sufficient to dilute pollutant levels
to water quality standards.
Urban runoff containing combined-sewage overflow
will continue to increase in volume with land develop-
ment and population growth. In Lake Michigan and the
inland waterways, water quality will be degraded to
severe levels by this runoff. Some of the pollutants
commonly associated with urban/sewage runoff include:
ammonium compounds, suspended solids (SS) , biochemical
oxygen demanding compounds (BOD), oils, grease, organic
and inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, solvents, herbi-
cides, and coliform.
(2) Water Supply
Lake Michigan is presently a water supply resource
for Cook County. If additional water is drawn from
the lake for dilution purposes, the supply may be tem-
porarily threatened, and other water supply resources
will have to be explored. The critical demands for
Lake Michigan as a water supply, however, presently
take precedence over the demand for it as dilution
water. The possibility of altering the established
discharge regulation is slight while water pollution
problems persist.
Groundwater is another water supply resource which
will be depleted eventually. Piezometric or hydraulic
pressure levels of certain aquifers are already reduced,
and further pumping will limit the use of these aquifers
as a viable supply.
IV-13
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(3) Water Management Goals
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments
of 1972, PL 92-500, have established goals for main-
taining or improving the water quality of the Nation's
surface water systems. PL 92-500 states that pollutant
discharge sources must be eliminated by 1983 and, wherever
attainable, interim water quality standards must be met
by 1977 to protect and propagate fish, shellfish, and
wildlife, as well as to provide for water recreation.
These goals will not be achieved in the combined-sewer
service area of Greater Chicago even when existing dis-
chargers meet current Federal and state effluent re-
quirements.
(4) Flooding and Backflow
Flooding frequency within the combined-sewer ser-
vice area and backflows to Lake Michigan will also in-
crease as the area grows in population and develops.
Damages to shorelines, personal property, public thorough-
fares, and businesses will increase at a rate greater
than that of flooding frequency, and the impact will
be more severe than before. Backflows, carrying com-
bined-sewer overflow pollutants, will increase in volume
and frequency and will further pollute Lake Michigan.
(5) Financial Resources
The only beneficial impact of the no-action al-
ternative on the community is in the area of taxes.
Tax assessments for water and sewer use will increase
by approximately 10 to 15 percent as a result of im-
plementing any of the alternative plans. For example,
a maximum of one-third of the costs projected for im-
plementing Phase I, the tunnel system phase of the
Tunnel and Reservoir plan, could be funded by the local
property taxes since Federal and state funds might
cover only two-thirds of the project costs. Normal tax
rate increases can be expected if the no-action alter-
native is implemented.
4.2 ALTERNATIVE PLAN MODIFICATIONS
The Flood Control Coordinating Committee (FCCC) modified
each of the remaining 17 alternative plans so that they would
IV-14
-------
achieve uniformly the project objectives, thus, eliminating
complex weighting factors and allowing immediate direct com-
parison of alternatives. The committee applied four collec-
tion storage levels (MODS) to each of the alternative plans.
This section addresses the MODS (modifications) or subsystems
of the plans developed by the FCCC in the following sections:
Description of Subsystems
Evaluation and Comparison
Recommendations and Further Studies
Plan Selection.
4.2.1 Description of Modifications
The subsystems or MODS, as developed by the FCCC and
evaluated in detail by the FCCC's technical advisory com-
mittee, are described as follows:
MOD 1 is the original plan, as proposed by the
author, in which the storage volume differs signi-
ficantly from the other plans.
MOD 2 provides a system storage capacity of 118,000
acre-feet (ac-ft) to contain the largest storm
event of record.
MOD 3 provides a storage capacity of 50,000 ac-ft
to prevent backflow to Lake Michigan without im-
provements to existing waterways.
MOD 4 adds a storage volume of 20,000 ac-ft to
the plan to collect a worst-storm rainfall which
has a recurrence interval of one year, and includes
waterway improvements to prevent backflow to Lake
Michigan for all storms recorded to date.
The estimated storage volumes for MODS 2, 3, and 4 were
based on precipitation data collected during a 21-year period
(1949 to 1969) . The largest storms of record occurred during
this period and were considered in the storage volume esti-
mations. To maintain consistency in the evaluation and com-
parison of alternatives, a computer program incorporated the
features of each MOD in each alternative. MOD's 2, 3, and 4
were the only modifications applied to each alternative plan
in this computational effort. MOD 1 was eliminated from fur-
ther consideration because it represents the original pro-
posed plan, which did not meet the established overall ob-
jectives of the program. Some of the MOD 1 or original plan
features, however, have been incorporated in MOD'S 2, 3, and 4
IV-15
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4.2.2 Evaluation and Comparison of Modified Plans
The evaluation and comparison of the 51 subsystems
(17 plans with 3 modifications each) was based on 8 princi-
pal factors, all of which were given equal weight in the
next step. The parameters, for which values were estimated,
included: present worth (1972) capital costs, expected
annual operating and maintenance costs (1972 value), pro-
ject benefits, land acquisition acreage, underground ease-
ment acreage, resident and business relocations, overall
construction environmental impacts, and overall operation
environmental impacts. For the purpose of comparing the
alternatives, Table IV-1 presents a matrix of the factors
and the modified plans under each MOD category. The deri-
vation of the values indicated in the table and the ratio-
nale used in the evaluation, are summarized in the follow-
ing sections.^
(1) Capital Costs and Annual Costs
The capital cost and equivalent annual cost fig-
ures shown in Table IV-1 under each alternative, were
calculated on a present worth basis as of 1972. The
total equivalent annual costs include estimates cal-
culated for the project, operation, maintenance, equip-
ment replacement, and power sales, with the latter
treated as a negative benefit (a benefit which will
cause an impact on existing conditions).
A present worth analysis was performed to deter-
mine, on a comparative basis, one-time construction
cost factors and continuing operation, maintenance,
replacement, and benefit factors. A preliminary con-
struction schedule for the pertinent phases of the
flood control and pollution abatement program was
developed for the 10-year period from 1972 to 1982,
and taken into consideration in the analysis.
For the economic analysis, a discount rate of
7 percent was used, and all costs and benefits were
based on 1971 price levels that were accumulated to
1972. The project life selected for the purpose of
financial analysis is 50 years and covers the period
of 1972 to 2022. No charges were specifically in-
cluded in the analyses which reflect interest during
The Flood Control Coordinating Committee, August 1972.
IV-16
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construction. In addition, the costs and benefits were
not escalated to reflect inflation.
(2) Tangible Benefits
The cost studies previously described were made
to determine the most economical plan which would com-
ply with established pollution standards, as well as
provide flood control for the several surface water-
ways without releasing flood waters into Lake Michigan.
Since this public policy has been established, the
least cost project for fulfilling the policy is assumed
to be justified and the benefits of the project to the
public are equal to project costs. Some of these bene-
fits are tangible and can be quantified, while other
intangible benefits cannot. Benefit analyses were per-
formed to determine whether appreciable differences in
the tangible, quantifiable benefits exist among project
schemes.
Monetary values for some of the tangible benefits
were assigned to determine whether the benefits effec-
ted the relative desirability of the alternatives
evaluated. Benefits for pumped-storage power genera-
tion differed from surface transport and navigation in
alternatives. However, benefits for recreation and
land enhancement, and flood damage alleviation were
essentially equal to all alternatives. The revenues
from pumped-storage power generation were considered
to increase total project costs. Benefits for navi-
gation and surface transport are applicable only for
the MOD 4 alternatives, as shown in Table IV-1. The
incremental navigation benefit, expressed as an equiva-
lent annual value, is approximately $15.0 million per
year and is less than the cost increment between the
MOD 3 and 4 alternatives, which is approximately $30.0
million (see Alternative H). The benefits, therefore,
are nearly equal for all schemes of a given MOD and
do not significantly affect alternative selections.
(3) Acquisition, Easements, and Relocations
The tax base is normally reduced when land is
transferred from private ownership to public owner-
ship. For several alternative plans, land require-
ments for either surface or underground easements do
not apply since the land is already publicly owned.
IV-18
-------
The purchase of land for surface reservoirs, hold-
ing basins, pits or quarries, and the extensive ease-
ments required for mined storage chambers may result
in costly delays. Land and underground easement acqui-
sition, therefore, is an important consideration in
the evaluating alternatives. Many of the alterna-
tives will not require displacement of homes or busi-
nesses. Alternatives with surface reservoirs or hold-
ing basins located in densely populated or developed
areas, are expected to have a significant relocation
impact.
(4) Construction Environmental Impacts
Construction activities of each alternative are
expected to have localized effects on the environment.
These effects may include such impacts as: traffic
disruptions, navigation disruption, fugitive dust emis-
sions, and higher noise levels. Construction activity
will cause relatively short-term impacts, and these
changes are not irreversible. Thus, areas can be re-
stored and used.
•Rock and spoil disposal is expected to be a major
problem with most of the alternatives. Alternatives
which will produce large quantities of rock and spoil
will require either land or water disposal sites. Rock
may be stockpiled and sold commercially, used as fill,
or used to develop winter recreational areas. Rock
and spoil material is considered "clean" and treatment
or refining will not b"e required.
Fugitive dust emissions resulting from quarry exca-
vations, surface reservoir dike construction, and other
rock handling operations must employ proper construc-
tion techniques to minimize dust problems.
Vehicle traffic is not expected to be interrupt
significantly. However, in a few locations near drop-
shafts, some disruption will be unavoidable. The sepa-
ration of combined-sewers into separate storm and
sanitary sewers, (Alternative T), may cause a major
impact on the environment. Excavation of many
streets is required to implement this alternative.
This will result in traffic noise and other dis-
ruptions over most of the project area throughout
the construction phase of the project.
IV-19
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Most alternatives are expected to be located under-
ground in industrial areas. Disruptions caused by con-
struction activities will most likely be minimal. For
example, noise will be minimal and, if necessary, cur-
rent noise abatement technology can be applied.
Disruptions to navigation are expected to occur in
all MOD 4 alternatives which require increased depth
and channel width in the Calumet-Sag Channel and the
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The impact is un-
avoidable and measures to mitigate this impact are
limited. The other alternatives do not require water-
way improvement.
(5) Operation Environmental Impacts
The environmental impacts of each alternative will
most likely be minimal, since many of the systems will
be located underground. Surface systems will be on
land zoned for industrial use. Quarries are presently
surrounded by undeveloped land barriers, which will
minimize noise and adverse aesthetic effects. Since
surface reservoirs occupy relatively large tracts of
land, the structure should be designed to be aestheti-
cally acceptable.
Odor may become an operational problem, and a
properly operated facultative lagoon will be necessary
for each quarried pit or surface reservoir. All pits
and surface reservoirs will most likely require mechani-
cal aeration equipment, which oxidizes the odor-causing
organic matter contained in the combined-sewer waste-
water .
Conveyance tunnels and mined storage subsystems
specified in various alternative plans will be located
in the Niagaran and Galena geologic formations, about
300 and 800 feet below ground surface, respectively.
The level of the groundwater aquifer in the Niagaran
formation is above the proposed tunnels in most places,
and infiltration of groundwater into the tunnels will
result. The water flow will be at a sufficiently high
rate, however, to eliminate the probability of aquifer
pollution. The amount of water infiltrating the tun-
nels is expected to be small in relation to the total
aquifer supply, and no adverse effects on the long-
term water supply will occur. In overdeveloped areas
(e.g., McCook) where the upper aquifer water levels
•IV" 20
-------
are low, the aquifer can be recharged to prevent ex-
filtration of polluted water from tunnel and reservoir
subsystems. Groundwater levels in the Galena formation
will be above proposed mined storage cavities in most
of the planned locations. Groundwater inflow is not
expected in these areas because the piezometric (hy-
draulic pressure) level is lowered annually about 13
feet due to overdevelopment. Costs for an artificial
recharge well system have been included in each alter-
native. This system would prevent leakage of polluted
water into the aquifers. The recharge water quality
specifications will comply with present drinking water
standards, and the mineral content will not exceed
natural groundwater concentrations. Thus, the overall
quality of the groundwater will be protected.
Alternative D is the only plan that may affect
wildlife and vegetation in the Chicago metropolitan
area. If excavated rock and spoil material is dis-
carded adjacent to the canals, some habitats may be
permanently damaged. Transporting the material to a
disposal site away from existing waterways will miti-
gate this effect.
Fish species are not expected to be affected ad-
versely during overflow periods. The DO level during
dry weather, the high temperatures during the summer,
and the ammonia-nitrogen levels in the restricted water-
ways have limited the variety of fish. In nonrestricted
waterways, warm water biota and native game fish are
also not adversely affected by short-term oxygen de-
pletion during overflows.
Existing and planned recreational lands adjacent
to waterways will be enhanced by any of the alterna-
tive plans. Swimming, boating, and fishing may be
allowed in waterways which presently are restricted
because of poor water quality.
In summary, the results of the comparative analyses
are as follows:
Land enhancement. All alternatives will meet
specified water quality standards; land enhance-
ment of the recreational resources of the region
will be similar for all alternatives.
Overbank flooding. All alternatives will elimi-
nate backflows to Lake Michigan, will reduce the
IV-21
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frequency and severity of overbank flooding and
basement flooding adjacent to the waterways, and
will improve movement in the waterway systems.
Land. The amount of land needed for construction
of works is different for each alternative.
Sewer service benefits. A system of tunnels will
reduce the cost of auxiliary outlet sewers; bene-
fits would be attributable to MOD'S 2 and 3 and,
due to small storage capacity, no benefits for im-
proved sewer service would be credited to MOD 4
projects.
Water supply. Alternatives which include major
project features sited in the underground aquifer
systems, will include recharge systems for aquifer
protection.
Navigation and surface traffic. Benefits from
navigation and surface traffic are limited to MOD
4 for all alternative projects; the estimated
equivalent annual benefit accruing to these proj-
ects is $15 million.
Other factors. Flexibility of phasing, expansion,
and construction were considered in the evaluation.
4.2.3 Recommendations and Further Studies
A technical advisory committee was organized by the
FCCC to prepare a detailed report on the proposed alterna-
tive plans. The committee issued an interim report, entitled
"Evaluation Report of Alternative Systems," which the FCCC
reviewed and then unanimously agreed that the final plan
for flood and pollution control in the Chicago metropolitan
area "...should be in the form of the Chicago Underflow
plan (Alternatives G, H, J, and S) with MOD 3 level of stor-
age. These alternatives are less costly and more environ-
mentally acceptable to the community than any of the other
plans presented. Detail studies along the lines of these
alternatives should proceed to develop the final plan layout."
The advisory committee presented the MOD 3 reservoir
storage level of 50,000 ac-ft in the interim report and recom-
mended to the FCCC the adoption of the MOD 3 subsystem. The
committee concluded that the modification will:
IV-2 2
-------
Provide flood protection for the recurrence of the
heaviest storms of record without the need of re-
leasing flood waters to Lake Michigan
Capture 99.7 percent of BOD substances in the com-
bined-sewer overflows and provide subsequent treat-
ment before discharging this water to the water-
ways, for all but the largest storms of record
(75 percent net BOD removal)
Overflow a substantial quantity of water only dur-
ing a recurrence of the three worst storms of
record
Reduce overflow events so that fish and other aqua-
tic life will not be harmed by short-term DO de-
pletion
Provide the least costly plan, as compared to the
MOD 2 and MOD 4 plans, with the least disruption
to the urban community.
In August 1972, the FCCC published a report presenting
a final recommendation. The report, including seven technical
appendices, recommended a consolidation of Alternatives G, H,
J, and S, which ultimately resulted in the Tunnel and Reservoir
Plan (TARP). The committee then initiated a detailed environ-
mental assessment study to compare TARP with five selected
alternatives, including the "no-action" alternative. Alter-
natives Ap, D, E, and F were selected based on the previous
comparative analysis (see Section 4.2.2). Fifteen environ-
mental parameters and five regional goal factors were identi-
fied as significant impact items. The impacts on these para-
meters and factors and the implications of the "no-action" al-
ternative were assessed .to determine the degree to which each
alternative met the overall project objectives. Table IV-2
summarizes the results of this assessment. The final plan
selection, which was revealed in a detailed report,^ was based
on this assessment.
4.2.4 Plan Selection
The results of the detailed assessment of the six selected
alternatives showed negative construction impacts for all al-
ternatives. In four of the alternatives, the impacts range
Flood Control Coordinating Committee, August 1972.
MSDGC, "Environmental Assessment of Alternative Management Plan
for Control of Flood and Pollution Problems Due to Combined-
Sewer Discharges in the General Service Area of the MSDGC,"
November 1973.
IV-2 3
-------
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from negative to beneficial, depending on whether rock and
overburden are disposed on-site, in a nearby landfill site,
or used in one of the proposed Lake Michigan landfill de-
velopments (e.g., lakefront peninsulas or islands and the
central area air-rights development). If the material is
utilized in lakefront development, construction impacts
will probably be beneficial instead of negative for
any of the alternatives evaluated. Other negative construc-
tion impacts may include: localized degradation of air
quality, construction and traffic noise, construction-related
vibrations, energy consumption, and traffic congestion. The
magnitude of these impacts will cover a wide range, depend-
ing on what abatement procedures will be routinely applied,
as well as on what construction procedures will be used.
Overall, the alternatives with more subsurface systems will
have less construction impact than surface-system-oriented
alternatives.
The short-term and long-term impacts assessed for each
alternative will be beneficial. Alternative D ranks lowest
in this respect, primarily because of the plan's surface
reservoir feature which will cause a substantial negative
impact on adjacent land uses. Although Alternatives Ap, E,
and F, which were given a rank in the assessment analysis,
are essentially equal with respect to short-term and long-
term impacts. They will achieve overall project objectives
on a nearly equal basis.
TARP ranks slightly higher than the other alternatives
with respect to construction, short-term, and long-term im-
pacts. The plan's greater reservoir capacity reduces the
untreated overflows to waterways. In addition, the plan
ranks high in short-term land reclamation because existing
sludge beds will be removed.
In summary, the FCCC concluded and stated that very
few negative impacts are expected for any of the alterna-
tives with tunnels, and adverse impacts will occur if the
"no-action" alternative is selected. The negative impacts
of construction activities on the environment will most
likely be transitory, relatively short-term, and localized,
regardless of alternative. Finally, the beneficial impacts
of Alternatives Ap, D, E, F, or TARP will far exceed the nega-
tive impacts. Within the scope of the analysis, TARP has the
highest ranking and was, therefore, selected as the most suit-
able plan to solve the flood and pollution problems of the
Chicago metropolitan area.
IV-2 5
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4.3 WASTE DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES
Construction and operation of the tunnel system will
generate waste materials that must be disposed of in an en-
vironmentally sound manner. The large volumes of spoil
material generated during tunnel excavation should be removed
from the tunnel and conveyed to waste treatment facilities.
Drainage flow through the tunnels from groundwater infiltra-
tion and from grouting operations should be treated at
appropriate facilities before discharging into existing water-
ways. Wastes generated during normal operation of the
tunnels will consist largely of sludge solids which would
impede proper operation of the tunnel's system if the material
is not removed.
The available alternatives for disposal of these wastes
and the estimated cost of required disposal operations, are
discussed in the following sections.
4.3.1 Drainage Flow From Tunnel Construction
Inflows of groundwater during tunnel construction and
operation can be expected, especially in fault zones and
places where the groundwater table is high. Where infiltra-
tion is high, grouting operations will be carried out to limit
the flow to approximately normal sewer infiltration levels
(roughly 500 gpd/in. diam./mi). Water from the grouting
operation will add little to the tunnel drainage flow.
Maximum flow expected in the Des Plaines Tunnel will peak
at about 3.64 MGD over the length of the tunnel due largely
to groundwater infiltration.
Current MSDGC construction specifications require holding
effluent from tunnel dewatering until most rock, mud/ grout
material, and other solids settle. A turbidity test should
be performed to determine the extent of settling. The MSDGC
specifications further require the tunnel contractor to dispose
of settled solids in an environmentally safe manner.
Should further treatment be necessary, drainage flow
could be pumped from the construction shaft to the nearest
treatment plant. However, the anticipated quality of .the in-
filtrating water is such that necessary treatment beyond set-
tling is unlikely. The 3.64 MGD maximum drainage flow repre-
sents less than one-half of 1 percent of the average flow
through the WSWSTW plant. For this reason, the cost of treat-
ing the drainage flow is most likely a minor factor in deciding
the proper disposal method for tunnel drainage. For settled
solids, the waste material could be conveyed to the appropriate
waste treatment facilities for processing. This waste will
contain deleterious substances such as: concrete particles
IV-2 6
-------
grout waste, and other construction waste material. Another
alternative for the settled solids is to transport the material
to approved disposal sites.
4.3.2 Ultimate Disposal of Sludge
The capture of combined-sewer overflows during storm
events will require the eventual disposal of sludge solids
flushed into the tunnels. Several alternatives are avail-
able for the disposal of sludge solids captured by the tun-
nel system and conveyed to the West-Southwest plant for
treatment. The major options open to the MSDGC presently
are:
Land reclamation program in Fulton County
NuEarth program
Sludge sales to a broker as fertilizer
Sanitary landfill
Incineration with landfilling of ash residue.
These alternatives are discussed more fully in the sections
below.
(1) Land Reclamation Program in Fulton County
The application of stabilized sludge to soil as a
fertilizer in either liquid or solid form completes
the recycling of the waste products. The MSDGC cur-
rently practices spreading of stabilized sludge on
strip-mined land in Fulton County, Illinois. Reintro-
ducing organic material to the depleted soil by re-
cycling sludge has been shown to be effective for land
reclamation. The MSDGC is still researching various
aspects of land application of sludge including rates
and methods of application and rates of vegetation up-
take for various elements. The basics of the program
are well established and understood, however.
At the Fulton County site, a monitoring program
samples soil, plant, and runoff components of the eco-
logical cycle for the presence of various elements and
compounds. Agricultural crops are regularly sampled
for nitrogen and heavy metal concentrations. Also,
runoff from the area is tested for compliance with ap-
plicable standards. The MSDGC is capable of recycling
the runoff if water quality is found to be unacceptable
IV-27
-------
(2) NuEarth Program
The MSDGC currently makes available air-dried sludge
from its West-Southwest treatment plant for area residents
to use as fertilizer for gardens. Air-drying of di-
gested sludge is done by spreading it on sandbeds for
about two weeks, which dewaters the sludge so it can
be bagged as fertilizer. The positive initial public
response indicates that this method of recycling wastes
may find long-term acceptance. Unfortunately, climatic
factors limit the use of this method of sludge dis-
posal to approximately eight months of the year.
(3) Sale of Sludge to Brokers for Fertilizer
Sludge that has been dried under heaters, retains
a higher nitrogen content than digested sludge and
makes an acceptable soil-builder and fertilizer. Heat-
dried sludge is sold by the MSDGC to a broker who sells
it as fertilizer, so that a portion of the cost of
drying the sludge is recovered. This process consti-
tutes a significant means of sludge disposal for the
MSDGC. Costs of various disposal options are compared
later in this section.
(4) Sanitary Landfill
Placing digested sludge in a sanitary landfill is
another approved method of sludge disposal. Wastes placed
in a landfill are spread, compacted, and, at the end of
each day, covered with a layer of soil. Thus, each day's
wastes are sealed into a daily "cell." Decomposition of
the biodegradable element then takes place, but this is
a slow process, requiring several years. Problems
associated with a landfill are leachate, methane gas pro-
duction, occasional fires, odors, and an unsightly appear-
ance. Sanitary landfilling recognizes these problems,
and, with proper site selection and through protective
measures, treats them or reduces them. Thus, to protect
groundwater supplies from contamination by leachate, a
drainage collection system may be installed beneath the
site or the area's surface "capped off." In addition,
gases generated in the decomposition process must be
vented to the atmosphere to eliminate the possibility
of an explosion or crop damage.
The MSDGC plans to utilize sanitary landfills as
one component of its sludge disposal program. In so
doing, they will adhere to land disposal practices
recommended by EPA.-'-
Brunner, D.R., and Keller, D.J., "Sanitary Landfill Design and
Operation," U.S. EPA, Washington, D.C., 1972.
IV-2 9. .
-------
(5) Incineration With Landfilling of Ash Residue
Incineration of raw sludge reduces substantially
the volume of material that must ultimately be disposed
of. The combustion process converts the volatile frac-
tion of the sludge solids largely to carbon dioxide
and water vapor, leaving the nonvolatile component for
landfill disposal, which comprises about 30 percent of
total sludge solids. An energy savings may be realized.
Incineration was a relatively inexpensive means of
reducing the volume of sludge to be disposed of until
the advent of strict air pollution regulations. Require-
ments to add costly emission control devices have caused
many municipal incinerators across the country to close
down. Chicago is presently an air quality maintenance
area (AQMA) and compliance with established ambient air
quality standards is required.
Landfill disposal of ash residue is subject to the
same restrictions that cover land disposal of digested
sludge.
4.3.3 Disposal Costs
Disposal costs have been developed by the MSDGC for
sludge produced at the treatment facilities, including
sludge from the TARP Mainstream/Calumet Tunnel operations,
for various combinations of the disposal alternatives
identified above. The cost analysis of sludge disposal
systems presented here does not include a discussion of
alternative sludge stabilization systems examined by the
MSDGC for the treatment plants. The interested reader
is referred to the MSDGC "Facilities Planning Study -
Overview Report" for detailed descriptions of these alter-
natives and their potential interfaces with the various
disposal schemes.
By the year 2000, the MSDGC expects the plants to be
processing an average of 1,266 tons of sludge daily (dry
weight), including the tonnage contributed by the TARP
Mainstream, Calumet, and Des Plaines tunnels. Sludge col-
lected by TARP is expected to contribute about 25 percent
of the volume handled by the treatment facilities. Since
using certain stabilization processes, such as anaerobic
digestion, can reduce the amount of sludge to be disposed
of, disposal costs are presented in terms of the actual vol-
umes of sludge to be handled. These costs are summarized
in Table IV-3.
IV-29
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4.3.4 Spoil Material
For the ten-year construction period, excavation of the
Phase I TARP tunnels will produce a solid measure of approxi-
mately 11,747,000 cubic yards (roughly 26 million tons) of
earth and rock that must be disposed of in an environmentally
acceptable fashion. For comparison purposes, the total
solid measure of spoil produced by the construction of TARP
(including reservoirs) is 183 million cubic yards. Peak
spoil production from tunnel excavation is expected to be
approximately 2.2 million cubic yards (4.9 million tons)
at the midpoint of the ten-year construction period. Con-
struction of the Des Plaines tunnel will account for approxi-
mately 3,784,000 cubic yards (bulk volume) of spoil material
including excavation of the pumping stations. The duration
of constructing this segment is approximately 6 + years.
MSDGC has indicated that disposal of the excavated spoil
material will be the responsibility of the construction
contractor for each tunnel section. Since each contractor's
proposed disposal plan and criteria will not be identified
until the preconstruction meetings with the MSDGC, we pre-
sent here only those alternatives most likely to b.e imple-
mented by the contractors. These disposal options are
discussed briefly in the following sections and include:
Sale of spoil to quarry operators
Throw-away to operating quarries
Disposal in defunct quarries
Sale to other parties
Storage on forest preserve land.
(1) Sale of Spoil to Quarry Operators
Direct sale of the marketable portion of excavated
material to the operators of area quarries may be an
alternative method for disposing of a small portion
of the tunnel rock. The large portion of the excavated
material will be low grade rock spoil usable only as
select fill for such uses as road base material and
site grading. Although such applications are not
typical of the uses of materials currently extracted
from area quarries, quarry operators may be receptive
to marketing the low grade material.
Two major quarries are actively operating in the
metropolitan area: the McCook quarry operated by
Vulcan Materials, Inc. and the Thornton quarry operated
by Material Service, Inc. These quarries currently
IV-31
-------
furnish approximately 5,000,000 cubic yards per year
of dolomitic rock. This rock is used mostly as con-
crete aggregate. Some of the material is used as
select fill material by the area's construction industry,
(2) Throw-Away to Operating Quarries
In exercising this option, the contractor would
merely transport the spoil' to either McCook or Thornton
quarries, and provide the material free for subsequent
sale by the quarry operators. This action would dis-
charge the contractor's obligation to dispose of the
material in an environmentally acceptable manner al-
though it would not enable the contractor to defray
his transportation costs through sale of the spoil.
(3) Spoil Disposal in Inactive Quarries
Disposal of nonsaleable spoil in the commercially
inactive Stearns quarry is attractive because of the
possibility of upgrading land use in that area. The
quarry has a capacity of about 6.5 million cubic yards
to street grade. Once filled to this grade, the site
could be designated for recreational or other valuable
land uses because of its central location. The city
of Chicago is currently disposing ash waste in this
site.
(4) Sale to Other Parties
Contractors may find it to their advantage to sell
some portion of the spoil products to users other than
the quarry operators. This is expected to be an ac-
ceptable disposal alternative because of the existing
system of permits and licenses regulating uses of spoil
material. The permit system, enforced by the city of
Chicago, has been effective in avoiding abusive dis-
posal practices in previous tunnel projects.
(5) Storage on Forest Preserve Land
The Cook County Forest Preserve District has
requested that all rock taken from under Forest Pre-
serve lands be placed in stockpile areas on Forest
Preserve property. They have designated areas north
IV-3 2
-------
of 22nd Street and south of the Kennedy Expressway as
the disposal sites for rock excavated for the Des
Plaines tunnel system (see Figures V-6 and V-7). It
is the Forest Preserve District's intention to utilize
the rock for their facilities, such as bicycle paths
and equestrian trails on a long-term basis. In the
interim, the stockpiled rock will be developed for
winter recreational facilities. It is estimated that
2,200,000 solid cubic yards out of a total of 3,800,000
cubic yards can be placed on Forest Preserve District's
property from the Des Plaines tunnels.
IV-3 3
-------
V. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
-------
V. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
5.1 THE SELECTED PLAN
TARP was selected among all alternatives as the most
feasible plan to solve the flooding and pollution problems
of Chicago. The plan is a composite of several alternatives
(G, H, J, and S) modified to provide optimum benefits for the
lowest cost and minimum adverse environmental impacts. TARP
was first described in the FCCC's report of August 1972.
Refinements were incorporated as field studies and subsur-
face exploration programs were completed. The studies and
programs, however, did not change the original TARP concept,
but only incorporated design revisions to optimize overall
system effectiveness.
Essential to full utilization of the design capacity of
TARP and, therefore, to the realization of maximum benefits
of TARP is the full participation of the combined-sewer
communities that are tributary to TARP. This participation
means not only connecting excess overflows to TARP but also
upgrading combined-sewer systems to transport flows from a
five-year storm to TARP connecting structures, a condition
assumed in the design of TARP and in subsequent analyses of
ultimate water quality benefits.
TARP was developed to enable collection of storm run-
off from urban communities within the MSDGC's combined-sewer
service area. The polluted runoff water will be diverted
and conveyed to storage reservoirs. When favorable dry wea-
ther conditions prevail, the wastewater will be pumped from
the reservoirs into conveyance tunnels and transported to
appropriate sewage treatment facilities. ( Based on rainfall
records of the past 21 years, the plan is designed to have the
capability of handling runoff volumes equivalent to all ex-
cept three of the severest storms recorded.
The four systems that are part of the Tunnel and Reser-
voir Plan are: Mainstream, Calumet, Lower Des Plaines, and
O'Hare, which are described in the following sections. Each
system is a completely independent operating unit with col-
lection, storage, conveyance, and treatment capabilities.
Although this chapter summarizes the entire TARP, the objec-
tive of this EIS is to assess the effects of those tunnel
portions of the plan directly related to water pollution
V-l
-------
control. For the purposes of the impact analysis, this
statement describes and evaluates the conveyance tunnels
system and its subsystems only. Figure V-l shows the pres-
ent routes and layout of the TARP systems relative to the
MSDGC combined-sewer service area, the MSDGC overall service
area, and Cook County.
5.1.1 TARP Systems
Each of the TARP systems (Mainstream, Calumet, Lower
Des Plaines, and O'Hare) consists of three component systems:
reservoirs, conveyance tunnels, and sewage treatment plants.
For the TARP project as a whole, the planned component sys-
tems include three storage reservoirs, approximately 120
miles of conveyance tunnels, and four sewage treatment
plants. McCook, the main storage reservoir, will have a
capacity of about 84,000 ac-ft and will be located at
McCook Quarry, which is adjacent to the Sanitary and Ship Canal
and the Des Plaines River. One of the other two reservoirs,
will be located near the northwest boundary of O'Hare Inter-
national Airport and the other approximately six miles south
of the existing Calumet Sewage Treatment Works. The O'Hare
reservoir will be a small surface storage reservoir with a
capacity of 2,700 ac-ft and Thornton Quarry, the Calumet
reservoir will have a much larger storage volume of about
39,000 ac-ft.
The conveyance tunnels, located 150 to 325 feet below
ground level, will be constructed under existing waterways
or public rights-of-way, and within, for most of the route,
the Silurian limestone (dolomite) geologic formation.
Mining machines or "moles" will be used to excavate most of
the tunnels, which presently range from 10 to 30 feet in
diameter.1 The tunnels will be concrete-lined as required
in certain areas. The lining thickness will range from 7
to 23 inches, based on one-half inch per foot of tunnel dia-
meter and two additional inches. For the entire 120-mile
length, the total wastewater capacity of the conveyance
tunnels is approximately 9,200 ac-ft.
The combined-sewer wastewater collected in the tunnels
(and later the reservoirs) of the three TARP systems, O'Hare,
Calumet, and Mainstream are transported to their respective
treatment plants, O'Hare, Calumet, and West-Southwest, for
complete treatment. Capacity equal to approximately 0.5
average dry weather flow of each plant will be available
during dry weather for continuous treatment of TARP flows, as
The diameter expressed is an equivalent diameter, since tunnels
will be somewhat oval-shaped and not a true circle.
V-2
-------
FIGURE V-l
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
System Layout and Routes
r
V-3
-------
summarized below (the plant capacities are future design,
not existing capacities):
Nominal Available for
ADWF, MGD TARP, MGD
West-Southwest 1358 679
Calumet 354 177
O'Hare 72. 36
1784 892
A water reclamation plant, the John F. Egan plant is pre-
sently under construction and will have a capacity of 30 MGD,
5.1.2 TARP Subsystems
The subsystems common to all TARP systems include col-
lecting structures, drop shafts, and pumping stations. In
addition, the groundwater protection program and the tunnel
grouting program are considered common subsystems. This
section presents a brief description of these subsystems.
(1) Collecting Structures
New intercepting structures to collect existing
combined-sewer overflows are shown in Figure V-2. The.
collecting structure consists of a diversion unit at
the overflow point and a connecting pipe to the entrance
chamber of the drop shaft. Most of the new structures
will be located near curbs or low points of major pub-
lic thoroughfares. For collecting flows from existing
interceptors, the structure consists of an overflow
weir in addition to the diversion unit. The weir will
allow the flow from existing interceptors to pass
through the connecting pipe along with the flow from
the new structure.
(2) Drop Shafts
The drop shaft accepts the flow from the collec-
ting structures and diverts this flow to th<=! conveyance
tunnel. Figure V-2 illustrates the type EM15 drop
shaft which is one of the two drop shaft designs pro-
posed for the TARP systems. The EM15 drop shaft will
have a dividing wall with slots to aerate the incoming
water. Since the fall distance of the incoming water
is expected to range from 200 to 280 feet, aeration of
the water will reduce the impact at the bottom of the
V-4
-------
FIGURE V-2
EM15 Drop Shaft
and Collecting Structure
COLLECTING -,
STRUCTURE /
AIR VENT CHAMBER
AIR SHAFT
TOP OF SILURIAN DOLOMITE FORMATION
DEAERATION AREA
CONVEYANCE TUNNEL
V-5
-------
drop shaft. The dividing wall of the shaft allows air
to enter or to escape on one side and water to flow in
on the other, larger side.
The other drop shaft design is the DW4 type which
features a separate air vent shaft instead of a dividing
wall. Although the concept and design features of both
drop shaft types are similar, the purpose and the phy-
sical dimensions are different. The EM15 drop shaft
has a finished inside diameter of 4 to 9 feet and will
be used for low flow rate areas. The DW4 has a 10 to
17 foot diameter and will be used for high flows.
(3) Pumping Stations
Pumping stations will be constructed underground
at the end of all conveyance tunnels and adjacent to
all storage reservoirs. These stations permit dewater-
ing of the tunnels and reservoirs at a rate which will
allow a full tunnel or reservoir to be emptied within
two to three days. If dewatering can be accomplished
within this time, the need for aeration facilities is
eliminated, thus saving some treatment costs. In addi-
tion to dewatering, the pumping stations will be used
to transport bottom sludge dredged from reservoirs to
treatment facilities.
The capacity of each pump installed in a station
is rated at 265 cfs, or 171 MGD. The number of pumps
necessary for each station depends on the expected
maximum water inflow rate of a particular tunnel or
reservoir. The pumps are driven by variable-speed
electric motors powered by Commonwealth Edison sub-
stations located in the vicinity of the stations.
The lift-height (static head) requirements of the
pumps, which provide an indication of pump depth, is
expected to range from 60 to 300 feet. The actual
requirement will depend on operating conditions en-
countered when the TARP systems are implemented.
(4) Groundwater Protection Program
Groundwater infiltration into the component sys-
tems (tunnels and reservoirs) may occur at rates signi-
ficant enough to deplete aquifers used as water supply
resources. To protect these resources, an aquifer
protection program has been incorporated in TARP. The
program consists of grouting, installation of recharge
wells, and tunnel lining as required to limit ground-
water inflow rates to a maximum of 1.5 MGD, or 2.3 cfs.
V-6
-------
This maximum rate limit is based on the established
500 gallons per inch of tunnel diameter, per mile of
tunnel per average day. In tunnel segments requiring
a number of recharge wells, they will be constructed
approximately 1,000 feet apart. The areas where re-
charge wells may be needed are described in Section 8.1.2,
Part (2). The wells will be used as a means of inject-
ing potable water or water of equivalent quality into
the aquifer to increase the piezometric or hydraulic
pressure level. Thus, the aquifer will be replenished
to its original level. In addition, wastewater exfil-
tration or outflow from the conveyance tunnels will be
prevented. To monitor the extent of groundwater infil-
tration and wastewater exfiltration, observation wells
will be installed, and the sampling program to be fol-
lowed is described in Section 10.1.4, Part (2).
(5) Grouting Program
The objective of the grouting program is to achieve
maximum penetration and a uniform grout spread for the
purpose of effectively reducing groundwater infiltration
and wastewater exfiltration. The pattern and orienta-
tion of grout holes in the TARP conveyance tunnels will
depend on the observed amount of groundwater infiltra-
tion. In areas with relatively high inflow rates, an
impermeable zone at least equal to the tunnel diameter
will be provided around the perimeter of the tunnel.
Cement grout, which is a mixture of cement and
water, will be injected under pressure into a drilled
hole that intersects a source of seepage such as an
open joint, fault, or bedding plane. The grout mix
will be composed of cement, sand, and water in varying
proportions. Liquifiers will also be used as required
to counteract normal grout shrinkage, to retard grout
setting time when pumping at low rates, and to increase
flowability of thick grout mixes used at high inflow
areas. The water-cement ratio of the grout to be used
will vary from location to location within the tunnel
and may even vary at a given location. The range in
water-cement ratio by volume is about 0.6:1 to 10:1.
5.2 THE LOWER DBS PLAINES SYSTEM
The components of the TARP Des Plaines Tunnel system
include: one wastewater treatment plant, over 26 miles of
V-7
-------
conveyance tunnels, and a proposed storage reservoir. The
system layout is displayed in Figure V-l. This figure shows
that the system consists of one main tunnel and four branches,
The main tunnel stretches in a north-south direction, par-
allel to the direction of flow of the Des Plaines River.
This tunnel extends from 59th Street north to Thacker Street.
The four branch tunnels include:
A branch that extends westward from the main tun-
nel along Roosevelt Road
A branch that extends westward from the main tun-
nel along Salt Creek
A branch that extends eastward from the main tun-
nel into the community of Riverside
A branch that will extend the existing 13A rock
tunnel farther west from 59th Street into the
community of Western Springs.
Figure V-3 provides an overall profile view of the Des
Plaines system, showing some major streets and tunnel
elevations.
The 26 miles of conveyance tunnels will be constructed
over a period of 6 years. The system will include 55 drop
shafts and will have a storage volume of approximately 1,662
acre-ft. The construction schedule of the system is shown
in Figure V-4.
The wastewater treatment plant associated with the Des
Plaines Tunnel system is the West Southwest Sewage Treat-
ment Works. The plant is located in the center of Cook
County in Stickney, Illinois, near 59th Street. Its pro-
posed capacity after expansion will be 1,358 MGD, and it
will serve both the Des Plaines System and the southern
half of the Mainstream Tunnel system.
The combined-sewer overflow conveyed by the system's
tunnels will be stored in the proposed reservoir to be lo-
cated at McCook Quarry. This reservoir will also store
overflow wastewater conveyed by the Mainstream system. The
storage capacity planned for this reservoir is 84,000 acre-
ft. , and the projected wastewater inflow from both of these
systems can be stored for a period of up to 9 months. Aera-
tion systems will be installed in the storage reservoir to
control odor and septicity.
V-8
-------
THOUSANDS OF FEET 1
STORAGE
FIGURE V-3
Profile of the Des Plaines Tunnel System
"0 C C D ELEVATION EQUALS 579 48' M S L
'LOWER OES PLAINES SYSTEM)
DES PLAINES RIVER SYSTEM
II
is
3 a
vi Z U
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SILURIAN DOLOMITE
SALT CHEEK BRANCH
\
--480 i
FEEHANVILLE
CCD > CHICAGO CITY DATUM-
MS L • MEAN SEA LEVEL
DES PLAINES RIVER BRANCHES
V-9
-------
FIGURE V-4
Des Plaines System
Construction Schedule
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The portion of the Des Plaines system addressed by
this Environmental Impact Statement is described in de-
tail in the following sections:
Component System
Component Subsystems.
The component system discussed is the Des Plaines conveyance
tunnels only, and does not include the reservoir or the
wastewater treatment plant. The subsystems described are
those associated with the conveyance tunnels and include
drop shafts, collecting structures, and pumping stations.
5.2.1 Component System
The total area served by the Des Plaines Conveyance
Tunnel system is 36 square miles. Of this area, 3 square
miles is located within the city limits of Chicago. The
remaining 33 square miles include all or part of the follow-
ing suburban communities: Broadview, Brookfield, Des Plaines,
Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights,
La Grange Park, Lyons, Maywood, Melrose Park, Norridge,
North Riverside, Park Ridge, River Forest, River Grove,
Riverside, Rosemont, Schiller Park and Western Springs.
The overall length of the Des Plaines unnel system is
26.4 miles; the total number of subsystems includes 55 drop
shafts, 5 construction shafts, 10 access shafts, and
pumping station. The tunnel will be excavated using full-
faced, deisel driven, mechanical boring machines, or moles,
and the inside diameters will range from 10 to 33 feet.
Approximately 70 percent of the tunnel length will be lined.
The lined portion of the tunnel will have a 12-inch concrete
wall. In the unlined portions, rock bolting and grouting
will be done to assure rock bed stability and to minimize
infiltration of groundwater or exfiltration of wastewater.
The average excavation rate for the Des Plaines tunnels is
40 feet per day, based on a 24-hour work day and a 6-day
work week.
Until the capacity of the West Southwest Sewage Treat-
ment Works is expanded to 1,358 MGD, the dewatering rate of
the Des Plaines conveyance tunnels is restricted to the
treatment works' existing capacity of 866 MGD, or 1,340 cfs.
The 866-MGD dewatering rate results in a tunnel flushing
velocity of 6.7 feet per second or greater for a period of
about 4 1/2 hours. Thus, the dewatering cycle provides
V-ll
-------
self-cleaning for the tunnel system and minimizes accumula-
tion of bottom sludge, debris, and other benthal deposits.
Several features characterize specific tunnel segments
within the Des Plaines system. To describe these features,
the system has been divided into four segments: 59th-to-
Cermak, Cermak-to-Fullerton, Fullerton-to-Prairie, and the
13A Extension.
(1) Fifty-Ninth Street-to-Cermak Road
This section of the Des Plaines Tunnel system has
an overall length of 37,200 feet, or 7.1 miles. Of
this total length, 14,700 feet (2.8 miles) will have
a finished diameter of 10 feet and 22,500 feet (4.3
miles) will have a finished diameter of 33 feet. This
tunnel section will service an area of 6.9 square
miles with a population just over 52,100, and has a
total storage capacity of 523 acre-ft.
A map showing the proposed tunnel route in rela-
tion to the areas major thoroughfares, railways, water-
ways, and communities is displayed in Figure V-5. As
the figure shows, the 59th-to-Cermak section has three
major parts:
The main tunnel extends in a northerly di-
rection from 59th Street to Cermak Road,
parallel to the direction of flow of the Des
Plaines River. This tunnel branch is 33 feet
in diameter.
One branch begins at the intersection of the
main tunnel and Ogden Avenue and extends
northwest along Salt Creek for a distance
of approximately 8,000 feet. This branch
tunnel is 10 feet in diameter.
The other branch section extends in an easterly
direction from the main tunnel into Riverside.
This tunnel branch is approximately 6,700 feet
long and is 10 feet in diameter.
Based on the geologic and hydraulic characteris-
tics of the area, these tunnels will be aligned pri-
marily within the Joliet and Kankakee rock formations.
These formations consist for the most part of Silurian
dolomite. The tunnels will have an average slope of
V-12
-------
FIGURE V-5
59th Street to Cermak Road
N-
LEGEND:
^k Construction Shaft
A Drop Shaft
^1 Access Shaft
OES PLAINES TUNNEL SYSTEM
59th Street to Cermak Road
Proposed Tunnel
V-13
-------
1.34 feet per 1,000 feet with a minimum rock covering
of 230 feet, and they will all be lined with concrete.
One 30-foot diameter construction shaft will be
located in the 59th-to-Cermak segment of the Des Plaines
tunnel route. This shaft will be at the intersection
of Plainfield Road and First Avenue in the community
of Lyons. Construction equipment, machines, and ma-
terial will be transported into'the tunnel through
this shaft. During the tunnel construction phase,
rock and spoi] material will be removed through the
same shaft.
Cermack Road-to-Fullerton Avenue Tunnel
The Cermak-to-Fullerton segment of the tunnel
system has an overall length of 37,400 feet (7.1 miles).
This segment of the system is composed of two tunnels:
The main tunnel extends along the Des Plaines
River from Cermak Road to Fullerton Avenue.
This tunnel is 33 feet in diameter, has a
length of 26,000 feet (4.9 miles), and is
concrete-lined.
A branch tunnel extends westward from the
main tunnel along Roosevelt Road to Pusheck
Road. This tunnel is 11,400 feet (2.2 miles)
in length and has a diameter of 10 feet.
It is not lined with concrete.
These tunnels will service a total area of 11.8
square miles, with a population of more than 117,000.
The total storage capacity of the tunnels will be 594
acre-ft. A map of this segment of the Des Plaines
Tunnel system is displayed in Figure V-6.
The tunnels will be aligned predominantly in the
Joliet and Kankakee dolomite formations. This align-
ment is based on the area's geologic and hydraulic
features. The tunnels will have an average slope of
1.34 feet per thousand feet, with a rock cover rang-
ing from 200 feet to 235 feet.
Excavation moles and other construction machines
as well as equipment and material will be transported
through one construction shaft. This construction
shaft will be 30 feet in diameter, and will be located
V-14
-------
FIGURE V-6
Cermak Road to Fullerton Avenue
LEGEND
^ Construction Shaft
A Drop Shaft
• Access Shaft
DESPLAINESTUNNEU SYSTEM
Cermak Road to Fullgrton Road
Proposed Tunnel
Forest Preserve Storage Site
V-15
-------
at the end of the Cermak-to-Fullerton tunnel, where
the segment intersects the 59th-to-Cermak segment.
That location lies in the community of North Riverside,
During the tunnel construction phase, rock and spoil
material will be removed through this same shaft.
(3) Fullerton Avenue-to-Prairie Avenue Tunnel
This segment of the TARP Des Plaines Tunnel sys-
tem is comprised of a conveyance tunnel which extends
from Fullerton Avenue north to Thacker Street. At
Thacker Street, the conveyance tunnels intersect a
combined sewer line that extends further north to
Prairie Avenue.
The Fullerton-to-Prairie tunnel section will have
finished diameters of 28 feet for a length of 26,400
feet (5 miles), 22 feet for a length of 7,400 feet
(1.4 miles), and 20 feet for a length of 13,000 feet
(2.4 miles). The slope of the tunnel varies from 1.0
to 1.4 feet per 1,000 feet, and its rock cover will
vary from 140 to 220 feet. As in the case of the
other tunnel segments of the Des Plaines Tunnel system,
these tunnels will be aligned primarily in the Joliet
and Kankakee dolomite rock formations. The lengths
of tunnel which are concrete lined or unlined are as
follows:
Tunnel
Diameter Length (ft) Surface
28'0" 26,400 Unlined
22'0" 4,200 Unlined
22'0" 3,200 Lined
20 "0" 13,000 Lined
Figure V-7 is a map of the Fullerton-to-Prairie
branch of the tunnel system. The map shows the re-
lationship of the tunnels to the waterways, railways,
and major thoroughfares in the area. This system seg-
ment will service an area of 14.2 square miles with a
population greater than 112,620 persons. The total
storage capacity of the system will be 512 acre-ft.
As can be seen on the map, this tunnel segment
also includes two construction shafts. One is located
at the intersection of the tunnel with the Kennedy
V-16
-------
FIGURE V-7
Fullerton Avenue to
Prairie Avenue
V-17
-------
Expressway, in the community of Rosemont, and the other
is located in Fullerton Woods (in the community of River
Grove) near the intersection of the tunnel with Fuller-
ton Avenue. Both construction shafts will be 30 feet in
diameter, and they will %ibe used to introduce excavation
machinery and equipment ?into the tunnels and to remove
rock and spoil from the tunnels during construction.
(4) The 13A Extension
The 13A Rock Tunnel is an existing rock tunnel lo-
cated near the southern end of the proposed Des Plaines
Tunnel system. This rock tunnel extends in a westward
direction along 47th Street from Joliet Road to East
Avenue and north along East Avenue to Elm Avenue. The
13A Extension consists of two lines. One would extend
from the intersection of East Avenue and Elm Avenue
northward to Ogden Avenue, then westward along Ogden
Avenue to Central Avenue. A branch line would extend
from the intersection of Ogden Avenue and Edgewood Ave-
nue north to the point where Monroe Avenue intersects
the Salt Creek. A map of this system is shown in
Figure V-8.
The total length of the 13A Extension is 18,100
feet, or 3.4 miles. The entire tunnel system segment
is to be 10 feet in diameter and concrete-lined. The
tunnels will be aligned in the Joliet and Kankakee dolo-
mite rock fomations. The slope of the tunnels will be
1 foot per 1,000 feet, and they will have a minimum rock
cover of 180 feet.
This segment of the tunnel system includes one,
30 foot diameter construction shaft. The shaft will
be located at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and
Sawyer Avenue, in the community of LaGrange. This
shaft will support the transportation of machinery,
equipment, and spoil associated with the excavation
of this segment of the tunnel system.
5.2.2 Component Subsystems
The subsystems of the Des Plaines Tunnel system in-
clude drop shafts, access shafts, pumping stations, and
collecting structures. In this section, the sizes, lo-
cations, and number of these subsystems are described for
each of the four tunnel segments identified in the previous
section.
V-18
-------
FIGURE V-8
13A Extention
V-19
-------
(1) Fifty-Ninth Steet-to-Cermak Road
The primary purpose of drop shafts is to intercept
wastewater overflows and transfer them to the tunnel
system. Toward this end, 13 drop shafts will be con-
structed along the tunnel route. The finished diameters
of these drop shafts will vary from 4 to 9 feet as sum-
marized below:
Number of Shafts Finished Diameter
6 9 ' 0 "
3 7 ' 2 "
1 5 ' 8 "
3 4'0"
This segment of the system will also include four ac-
cess shafts, all of which will have a finished diamter
of 4 feet. Figure V-5 shows the location of all of the
drop shafts and access shafts in this segment, and
Table V-l summarizes the MSDGC identification numbers,
locations, and sizes of the drop shafts.
The pumping station for the entire Des Plaines
Tunnel system will be constructed underground near the
West Southwest Sewage Treatment Works, at the down-
stream (southern) end of this tunnel segment. Four
pumps will be installed approximately 40 feet below
the tunnel bottom elevation, and each pump will have
a rated capacity of 265 cfs or about 171 MGD. For
removing any infiltrated groundwater from the tunnel,
a 5,000 GPM capacity pump will be installed at the
station.
The 59th-to-Cermak tunnel segment will consist of
21 collecting structures to intercept combined-sewer
overflows. Twenty drop shaft connections will inter-
cept the overflow points directly, and one overflow
connection will lead to an existing interceptor. This
overflow connection will require the construction of a
conduit of sufficient size to allow for maximum flow
to the interceptor in the event that the existing
sewer line is filled to capacity.
(2) Cermak Avenue-to-Fullerton Avenue
The Cermak-to-Fullerton segment of the tunnel
system will have a total of 17 drop shafts. The finished
V-20
-------
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diameters of these shafts vary from 15 feet to 5 feet
8 inches. The numbers and sizes of these shafts are
as follows:
Number of Shafts Finished Diameter
1 15'0"
8 9 ' 0 "
2 7 , 2 »
6 5 ' 8 "
This segment of the system will also include two access
shafts, both of which will be 4 feet in diameter. The
locations of the drop shafts and access shafts in this
segment of the system are shown in Figure V-6. A sum-
mary of the drop shafts describing location, size, and
MSDGC identification number, is given in Table V-l.
This portion of the tunnel will not have a separ-
ate pumping station. All the wastewater overflows
will be conveyed by gravity to the main pumping station
located near the West Southwest Sewage Treatment Works.
The tunnel segment design includes a total of 27
collecting structures intercepting the combined-sewer
overflows. Twenty-two of these drop shaft connections
will intercept overflows directly, and five will be re-
lief structures for existing interceptors. All exist-
ing overflow connections will be maintained to enable
relief of the combined-sewer system when the tunnels
become filled.
(3) Fullerton Avenue-to-Prairie Avenue
This segment of the tunnel system will have a
total of 21 drop shafts. These shafts will range in
size from 4 feet to 15 feet in diameter. The break-
down by size is as follows:
Number of Shafts Finished Diameter
1 15'0"
4 12'0"
6 9 ' 0 "
7 7 ' 2 "
1 5 ' 8 "
2 4 ' 0 "
V-22
-------
This tunnel route will also include two access shafts,
both of which will be 4 feet in diameter. The location
of these shafts is shown in Figure V-l, and drop shaft
data are summarized in Table V-l.
This portion of the tunnel system will not have a
pumping station. All wastewater overflows will be con-
veyed by gravity to the pumping station near the West
Southwest Sewage Treatment Works.
This tunnel system segment also includes a total
of 35 collecting structures to intercept combined-
sewer overflows. Thirty-one of these are drop shaft
connections which intercept overflows directly, and
the remaining four will be relief structures for exist-
ing interceptors.
(4) The 13A Extension
Four drop shafts to intercept and transfer waste-
water overflows to the tunnel system and two access
shafts will be constructed along this tunnel branch.
The finished diameters of these drop shafts will vary
as shown below:
Number of Shafts Finished Diameter
1 9 ' 0 "
3 5 ' 8 "
Figure V-8 shows the location of the four drop shafts
and two access shafts along the tunnel routes, and
Table V-l summarizes the number, locations, and sizes
of the drop shafts.
The 13A Extension will consist of six collecting
structures. All of these will be drop shaft connec-
tions which intercept overflows directly.
This portion of the tunnel system, as in the
case of the two preceding segments of the system, will
depend upon wastewater conveyance by gravity to the
pumping station near the West Southwest Sewage Treat-
ment Works.
V-23
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5.3 Des Plaines Tunnel System Operation, Maintenance, and
Management
This section describes the important operation, main-
tenance, and management steps necessary to maintain the tun-
nels and ensure their proper functioning. This section also
provides estimates of the operation and maintenance costs,
which are treated separately in the following sections.
5.3.1 System Operation
The operation of the tunnel system has one basic mode
during wet weather conditions, namely the dewatering of the
tunnel at a rate which does not overburden the treatment
capacity of the West Southwest Sewage Treatment Works (WSWSTW).
In other words, the flow rate of water pumped from the tun-
nels plus the flow rate of water from other sewers which
connect to the WSWSTW must not exceed the allowable peak
flow through the WSWSTW. The operator of the pumping sta-
tion uses two or more of the four variable speed pumps
simultaneously to set the dewatering rate so that total flow
through the WSWSTW will be less than or equal to design flow.
When required, such as during periods of extremely wet weather,
and during subsequent full tunnel flow, the dewatering rate
can be increased so that tunnel flow through the treatment
system is at allowable peak flow. Thus, in order to control
the dewatering pump rate, the operator must constantly moni-
tor the allowable flow rate through the WSWSTW. This allow-
able rate will depend upon three variables:
The extent of "down-time" for scheduled maintenance
The frequency of manfunctions
The extent of capacity to be added to the plant.
Another factor setting pump rates is the maximum tun-
nel inflow rate. Since the tunnels can become pressurized
in the beginning of a large storm event, the dewatering rate
must be slightly greater than the maximum inflow rate to
prevent pressurization.
High dewatering rates are necessary to achieve velocities
of tunnel water which will scour sediment from the tunnel
floor. When dewatering time is increased, removal of sedi-
ment is increased as well. To remove more sediment, the
operator can increase dewatering time from about 4 1/2 hours
to 8 hours by directing about 240 cfs of canal water to a
drop shaft upstream of the pumping station. The operator
can pump this canal water to the WSWSTW.
V-24
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During dry weather periods, only water infiltrating
from aquifers will flow into the tunnel. To rid the tun-
nel of this water, the pumping station operator will use a
separate pump with a capacity of about 5,000 gpm to lift the
water to the treatment system. This dewatering of infil-
trating groundwater could probably be made automatic if
necessary. To perform the dewatering manually, the operator
must shut the pump off when there is not enough water to
warrant its use and keep it shut off in wet weather when the
main dewatering pumps are in use.
A routine task that is critical to system operation
is the checking and testing of power sources to the pumps.
Lack of power or loss of power during wet weather could re-
sult in polluting overflows at interceptor connections,
drop shafts, and outfalls.
5.3.2 Maintenance Steps
Maintenance of various components in the Des Plaines
system can be divided into four categories.
(1) Equipment Maintenance
Pumps, pump controls, and power supply equipment
must be checked and maintained routinely. Preventive
maintenance procedures should be applied to equipment
used for emergencies or other needs critical to the
proper functioning of the tunnel system.
(2) Repair to Tunnel Lining
Those areas of the tunnels which are lined, bolted,
grouted, or otherwise stabilized, will require periodic
checking for leaks and structural faults, and repaired
as necessary. In addition the possibility of monitor-
ing and recharge well plugging as a result of grouting
should be assessed during the inspection.
(3) Maintenance of Surface Structures
Permanent surface structures will be built at con-
struction shaft, drop shaft, and pumping station lo-
cations. These structures will require routine main-
tenance to assure aesthetic appeal, structural soundness
and safety for workers and the public. Access roads
must be kept in repair as well.
V-25
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(4) Tunnel Sludge Cleaning
The tunnels will be designed so that dewatering
will scour the tunnel floor. However, some sludge
may accumulate over a period of several years and may
eventually require removal. If removal becomes neces-
sary, the deposits will be gathered with a dragline,
lifted to the surface through construction shafts,
and transported by truck to appropriate disposal areas.
The material is not expected to be odiferous or dif-
ficult to dispose of in an environmentally sound manner,
because it will probably be composed mostly of sand,
and partly of silt and benthal deposits.
5.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Costs
The best estimate of operation and maintenance costs
at the time of publication of this report is an annual
equivalent cost of $2.46 million. This estimate is based
on the one given in the Environmental Impact Statement
prepared for the MSDGC in November 1973.1 The total TARP
equivalent annual cost was given as $13.6 million, which
included total equivalent annual operating and maintenance
costs, replacement of equipment costs, and water costs for
aquifer protection. The estimate of $2.46 million for the
Des Plaines Tunnel system was derived as the product of the
ratio of tunnel volume for this segment to total TARP tun-
nel volume times the total cost of $13.6 million.2 The ra-
tio of tunnel volumes was used because pumping station opera-
tion and maintenance costs are proportional to dewatering or
tunnel volumes, and these pumping costs far outweigh any
other operation and maintenance costs. The derived estimate
is somewhat conservative, because the total estimate includes
the water costs for aquifer protection by recharge wells.
Recharge wells have been found to be no longer required for
most of the Phase I tunnel length, based on a recent study
conducted by MSDGC.
"Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement: A Plan for
Control of Flood and Pollution Problems Due to Combined-Sewer
Discharges in the General Service Area of the Metropolitan Sani-
tary District of Greater Chicago," MSDGC, November 1973.
Tunnel volume (Des Plaines) _ ..,-,,_ Des Plaines
: : /m,T,T,x x TARP °&M Costs = ^ ,„ „ .
Tunnel volume (TARP) O&M Costs
or 1662 ac-ft
9200 ac-ft
x $13.6 million = $2.46 million.
V-26
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5.3.4 Management Steps
The reliability of the tunnel system will depend heavily
on the development of suitable management plans and on their
routine effective execution. Important requirements of such
management plans are discussed below.
(1) Pump Operation
A standard procedure will be required for control-
ling starting time, pumping rate, and duration of pump-
ing. This procedure will allow for maximum possible
dewatering rates to be kept within the constraints of
maximum tunnel inflow and of treatment flow capacity
at the WSWSTW. The first constraint is use of accu-
rate, timely information on the maximum inflow rate
and water depth in the tunnel. The second constraint
is consideration in the plan of allowable flows at the
WSWSTW. Since treatment capacity is likely to be in-
creased at the Des Plaines plant, increases should be
reflected in the pump operation plan.
(2) Canal Water Flushing
The proposed use of canal water to flush the tun-
nels would necessitate treatment of the water at the
WSWSTW. Since treatment capacity at the Des Plaines plant
can be regarded as a scarce resource, canal water flush-
ing should be monitored and evaluated carefully. For
example, sediment build-up on the tunnel floors could
be measured periodically in the cases where no canal
water is used for flushing. The difference in sedi-
ment removal could then be calculated and evaluated
against the costs of diverting the canal water to the
tunnel and treating it at the WSWSTW.
For the proposed flushing operation, a procedure
should be developed to control the timing of addition
of canal water to the tunnel so that the handling capac-
ity of the tunnel is not exceeded.
(3) Drop Shaft Gate Operation
To minimize the potential for overflowing at up-
stream interceptor connections and drop shafts during
the heaviest storms, a procedure should be developed
V-27
-------
for the pump station operator to control the timing of
closing downstream drop shaft gates. The procedure
would rely on tunnel inflow rate data, tunnel water
level data, and upstream drop shaft water level data.
Experience under operating conditions might be neces-
sary to perfect this procedure. Similarly, a procedure
should be developed to control the duration of the gate
closings to minimize the resultant overflow at down-
stream drop shafts.
(4) Infiltration Monitoring
Routine inspection of the tunnels and recording
of groundwater dewatering rates and dry weather tunnel
water level would allow for strict control of infiltra-
tion. Any significant increase in recorded infiltra-
tion could be followed up by tunnel inspection to
investigate possible causes. Experience under operat-
ing conditions could be used to develop procedures for
determining norms and variations from norms in dry wea-
ther tunnel flow. This might warrant investigation for
leaks in tunnel lining and grouting.
(5) Training of Operators and Maintenance Crews
The management plan should make provisions for
adequate training of operators. While the tunnel sys-
tem itself is not complicated, the decision criteria
which control the system are rather complex. It is
important that all operators be both knowledgeable in
the fundamentals of the decision criteria and well
equipped to execute the management plan. Maintenance
crews should require adequate technical training and
should be well practiced in any safety procedures
which the management plan might recommend.
V-28
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VI. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
-------
VI. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Construction of the conveyance tunnels, in the Phase
I construction period, is expected to be spaced over a ten-
year period, although construction times for individual tunnel
segments will be shorter than ten years. This chapter describes
construction impacts upon the water, land, and air resources
of the Chicago area and continues the discussion of Chapter II,
Existing Natural Environment, and is, thus, divided into the
same five main sections:
Water Resources
Land Resources
Atmospheric Resources
Biological Resources
Commitment of Natural Resources.
In the water resources section, the effects of tunnel
construction upon surface water and groundwater supplies
are identified and evaluated. Impacts examined include
those associated with dewatering of the tunnels during con-
struction and interactions with other area water management
programs.
Under land resources, construction impacts related to
the geologic and seismic regimes are evaluated. The land
resources section also addresses spoil disposal problems
and effects upon flood-prone areas.
The section discussing impacts upon atmospheric re-
sources includes an evaluation of the air quality impact of
emissions from construction equipment, as well as impacts
from noise and dust during construction activities.
The remaining sections identify and discuss the possible
impacts of TARP construction on the biological resources of
the project area and describes the expected commitments of
natural resources.
6.1 WATER RESOURCES
The effect of tunnel construction on area water re-
sources is examined in the following sections. Sections
6.1.1 and 6.1.2 evaluate construction impacts on surface
water and groundwater supplies, respectively. Anticipated
VI-1
-------
effects related to the disposal of water pumped from the
tunnels during construction are addressed in Section 6.1.3
Foreseeable impacts on other water management programs are
described in Section 6.1.4
In general, impacts on water resources during the tun-
nel construction phase are expected to be minor since most
of the construction activities will be carried out under-
ground. In addition, impacts would probably be amenable to
mitigative measures, should their application prove necessary,
Measures for ameliorating potential construction impacts are
described in Chapter X.
6.1.1 Surface Water
Impacts on surface water quality and quantity caused by
construction of the Des Plaines Tunnel and its branches are
discussed in this section. Effects on water quality from
effluent discharged in tunnel dewatering operations during
construction are treated separately in Section 6.1.3. The
Des Plaines Tunnel system has been divided into four segments
for further discussion.
59th Street to Cermak Road
Cermak Road to Fullerton Avenue
Fullerton Avenue to Prairie Avenue
13A Extension.
(1) 59th Street to Cermak Road
This tunnel segment runs roughly parallel to the
Des Plaines River and is approximately 7.1 miles in
length. One construction shaft, 13 drop shafts, and
4 access shafts will ultimately be excavated along its
length (see Figure V-5). These shafts generally will
be placed in paved or otherwise impervious areas which
will result in construction runoff and additional sedi-
mentation loading of the Des Plaines River and existing
sewer systems during construction. Several shafts are
sited in locations with high erosion potential, and the
construction of a berm around the sites will be required
to prevent soil from washing into the Des Plaines River
and adjacent sewers during rainstorms. Stockpiles of
spoil materials at the construction shaft are expected
to be small, but the potential for sedimentation of the
waterways exists if a berm around the pile or other
suitable controls are not provided.
VI-2
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Dewatering operations during construction are ex-
pected to contribute a minor amount of flow to the Des
Plaines River after appropriate treatment (see Section
6.1.3). The 59th Street to Cermak Road segment of the
Des Plaines Tunnel system is expected to yield a maxi-
mum flow of about 1.07 MGD of infiltrated groundwater
after construction of this system which will eventually
be discharged into the Des Plaines River. This addi-
tional flow will have an insignificant effect upon the
average flow in the river.
(2) Cermak Road to Fullerton Avenue
The main tunnel extends along the Des Plaines River
from Cermak Road to Fullerton Avenue (see Figure V-6).
This tunnel is 33 feet in diameter, has a length of
4.9 miles, and is concrete lined. A branch tunnel ex-
tends westward from the main tunnel along Roosevelt Road
to Pusheck Road. The tunnel is 2.2 miles long, has a
diameter of 10 feet, and is not lined.
One construction shaft, 17 drop shafts, and 2 ac-
cess shafts will be excavated along the tunnel length.
As on the 59th-to-Cermak segment described above, several
prospective shaft sites are expected to have associated
sedimentation problems. As noted before, berms to con-
trol the runoff of soil and spoil materials will be
required at shaft sites. No serious impact to area
waterways is expected, however, because of the developed
nature of the selected shaft sites and the anticipated
rapid removal of spoil material to a disposal or stor-
age site.
Construction dewatering operations are expected to
yield a maximum flow of about 1.16 MGD over the length
of the tunnel. This additional flow will have an in-
significant effect upon the average flow in the river.
(3) Fullerton Avenue to PrairieAvenue
This segment of the tunnel system is composed of
a conveyance tunnel, which extends from Fullerton Avenue
north to Thacker Street. At Thacker Street, the tunnel
intersects a combined sewer line that extends further
north to Prairie Avenue. The total length of the tunnel
segment is 8.6 miles and along the segment are 2 con-
struction shafts, 21 drop shafts, and 2 access shafts
(see Figure V-7). Although the area along the tunnel
VI-3
-------
route is largely developed and residential, several drop
shafts are located on lands owned by the Forest Preserve
District of Cook County. Special measures, including
the construction of berms about the excavation site,
will be required in these special areas to prevent sil-
tation and sedimentation.
About 1.27 MGD maximum drainage flow of infiltrated
groundwater is expected to require dewatering during
tunnel construction. Given the annual average flow of
the Des Plaines River presented in Chapter II, this ad-
ditional flow will be insignificant.
(4) 13A Extension
The 13A Extension is an extension of an existing
rock tunnel near the southern end of the proposed Des
Plaines Tunnel system (see Figure V-8). The total length
of the extension is to be 3.4 miles with the 10-foot
diameter tunnels to be concrete-lined. There will be
one construction shaft, four drop shafts, and two ac-
cess shafts.
Approximately 0.2 MGD of infiltrated groundwater
will have to be removed during construction if maximum
infiltration rates pertain. This amount would consti-
tute a negligible increase to the existing flow in nearby
Salt Creek.
6.1.2 Groundwater
During construction, infiltration of groundwater into
tunnels will necessitate dewatering. Since all of the tun-
nel sections will be in the upper aquifer, construction
should have negligible effects on the lower aquifer. Ex-
tensive inflow studies to measure piezometric or hydraulic
pressure levels have been carried out by HEC in boreholes
along the tunnel route, and inflow studies have been carried
out in existing tunnels. Based on these data, estimates
can be made of dewatering which will be required during
construction, and of the effect of this dewatering on the
groundwater system.
(1) Infiltration Projections
Infiltration results when the aquifer pressure
level exceed pressure level in the tunnel, except during
severe storms. In this case, runoff water conveyed by
the tunnels will raise pressure levels to a point greater
than the aquifer's level. When this occurs, exfil-
VI-4
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tration wixl result rather than infiltration. In view
of the geohydrologic character of the upper aquifer,
as discussed in Section 2.1.2, most inflow to the tun-
nel will occur along joints, faults, and bedding planes.
Studies of existing tunnels have indicated two
significant factors concerning infiltration:
Notable inflows in existing tunnels were
generally associated with the upper and lower
contact of the Romeo member of the Joliet
Formation.
Inflows through faults, bedding planes, and
joints decrease with time as dissolved car-
bonates precipitate at leak points and seal
openings.
Inflow via the contacts of the Romeo member in
the proposed tunnels may not differ significantly from
inflow through joints in adjacent rocks.-'- The primary
solution proposed for the inflow problem will be a
grouting program. Grouting should limit infiltration
of groundwater to 500 gal./inch of tunnel diameter/
mile/day and will be widespread to assure that no
concentrated leakages will occur.
Due to the heterogeneous nature of aquifer per-
meability, it is difficult to predict groundwater in-
flow to tunnel segments. HEC2 used water pressure test
data from boreholes as input to a computer simulation
to predict inflow to sections of the TARP Tunnel systems.
Two different approaches were evaluated to approximate
the secondary permeability of the rock mass for use
with the finite element analysis. One approach expresses
permeability as a function of equivalent porous rock,
and the other approach expresses it as a function of
only the openings between the intact rock. Using the
first approach, permeability can be obtained easily
from results of water pressure tests performed in drill
holes. Using the second approach, difficulty is en-
countered in assessing the complex geometry of natural
fracture systems with sufficient accuracy.
Harza Engineering Company, "Geotechnical Design Report, Tunnel
and Reservoir Plan, Mainstream Tunnel System," Metropolitan Sani-
tary District of Greater Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 1975.
HEC, 1975.
VI-5
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Inflows were computed using a finite element
computer program developed by Taylor and Brown.3 This
program solves problems of steady state flow through
porous media. It can accommodate zones of different
permeabilities in both horizontal and vertical directions
This program was easily applied, and the results were
believed to be as reliable as any available method.
These results, however, were found to be sensitive to
variations in assumptions and the input data had to be
screened carefully and in a meticulous manner.
The inflows calculated provided a range of K^/K
values (.ratio of horizontal to vertical permeability).
The pre-grouting inflows tabulated by HEC in their
1975 report represents K^/Ky values in the range of
10 to 500.
Inflow projections for a section of the Calumet
Tunnel system indicated that pre-grouting total inflows
at Kn/Kv = 10 would be about 1.0 MGD. The reported
pre-grouting inflow estimate after construction of the
Calumet section was about 0.7 MGD. Comparing predicted
and observed inflow, HEC states "... the water pressure
test results combined with the finite element computer
program used give an accurate estimate of relative
tunnel inflow and a reasonable, but generally low
estimate of actual inflows."! Inflow estimations were
also completed for other sections of the TARP Tunnel
systems and included the southwest intercepting sewer
and the Mainstream Tunnel system.
By studying the geohydrologic cross sections and
analyzing the pressure test data, the following was
concluded:
On the average, sections of tunnels which
penetrate the Brainard shale exhibit an
infiltration rate of about Q.001 MGD/mile or
less.
Infiltration from the Edgewood is approximately
0.012 MGD/mile; from the Joliet and Kankakee
formations collectively, about 0.033 MGD/mile;
and from the Racine formation, about 0.030
MGD/mile.
HEC, 1975.
VI-6
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Where the tunnel is near the top of the
bedrock, the permeability probably increases,
therefore, the infiltration rate for the Racine
is estimated to be 0.040 MGD/mile.
Due to the heterogenous nature of the aquifer, it
is virtually impossible to predict specific locations
and quantities of leakage that may be encountered dur-
ing construction. Consequently, the exact dewatering
requirements will only be found as construction proceeds.
(2) Dewatering
In view of the relatively low transmissivity
(movement between two points) of the aquifer, dewater-
ing at rates of several hundred gpm could result in
minor temporary declines in local water levels. Average
transmissivity values reported from tests in the upper
aquifer range from about 16 gpd/ft to 30,150 gpd/ft.
In areas of low transmissivity, the cone of depression
that would result from dewatering would characteristi-
cally be deep, but of small diameter and steep sided.
Conversely, in areas of higher transmissivity, cones
of depression associated with dewatering operations
would be of large diameter but shallow (small draw-
downs) and with flat side slopes.
Pumping tests conducted by HEC did not include
data for a sufficient number of observation wells to
enable construction of distance versus drawdowns graph;
however, semi-quantitative evaluation of the data in-
dicates that the radius of influence of pumping at
400 gpm for 156 hours (6.5 days) is probably less than
2,000 feet where calculated transmissivity is about
34,700 gpd/ft. In addition, the EPA reports that in
the area of the Des Plaines-0'Hare System, "two pump-
out tests performed in the course of the subsurface in-
vestigations failed to reflect any effect on observa-
tion wells as close as 75 feet away."^ Due to the
fractured nature of the bedrock and resulting hetero-
geneity, the cone of depression will most likely be
asymmetrical. From this data it appears that dewater-
ing of the tunnel during construction will have a mini-
mal, temporary effect on the local groundwater regime.
HEC, 1975.
EPA, "Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Metropolitan
Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, Des Plaines-O'Hare Convey-
ance System," Chicago, Illinois, 1975.
VI-7
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(3) Water Quality
Tunnel grouting operations may result in clouding
of groundwater drawn from nearby wells. If this occurs,
alternative measures will be required to provide users
of these wells with another water supply source. For
the Des Plaines Tunnel system and its branch tunnels
there are not water supply wells located near the pro-
posed tunnel route, and the clouding effect is not ex-
pected to occur.
6.1.3 Effluent Disposal From Tunnel Dewatering Operations
Infiltration of groundwater during tunnel construction
can be expected, especially along fault zones and along the
boundaries between different rock types. Where the infil-
tration rate is high, grouting operations will be carried
out to limit the flow to the amount of conventional sewer
infiltration, i.e., roughly 500 gallons per inch of tunnel
diameter per mile per day. Water from grouting operations
will add little to tunnel drainage flow. Maximum flow due
to groundwater infiltration expected for the entire Phase I
Calumet Tunnel system will be about 4.6 MGD after grouting.
Drainage water present in the conveyance tunnels may
contain clay, concrete particles, grout waste, and other
deleterious substances. Current MSDGC construction specifi-
cations1 forbid the discharge from a construction site of
drainage water containing these substances. Thus, drainage
flow pumped from the tunnels will be held in settling tanks
until rock, mud, grout material, and other solids settle
and a water quality test has been performed prior to discharge
to waterways. The tunnel contractor is required to dispose
of settled solids in an environmentally safe manner although
the method of disposal will not be identified until the pre-
construction meetings with MSDGC.
The disposal of effluent from dewatering operations dur-
ing tunnel construction is expected to have a negligible
impact upon the environment.
MSDGC, General Specifications - Construction Contracts, Section 19,
March 1974.
VI-8
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6.1.4 Water Management Programs
Construction impacts upon water management programs,
identified in Section 2.1.4, are expected to be minimal.
Most of the programs anticipate that construction of the
tunnels and related facilities will avoid adverse inter-
actions through proper planning.
The only water management program identified as having
some potential for adverse interaction with tunnel construc-
tion is the 208 planning program currently underway. A
major part of this program will be in~strearn monitoring of
water quality parameters at 45 locations on the three major
river systems. Inadvertent placement of a monitoring station
in the immediate vicinity of a construction site could produce
misleading data because of the discharge from tunnel drainage.
This is not expected to occur, however, since the construc-
tion shafts for each tunnel segment have been identified
clearly on reports available to the Northeastern Illinois
Planning Commission (NIPC), the designated 208 planning
agency.
Tunnel construction is not expected to interfere with
navigation of the affected waterways since precautions will
be taken to avoid discharge of sediment to these waterways.
Therefore, tunnel construction is not expected to necessi-
tate an increased frequency of waterway dredging by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
6.2 LAND RESOURCES
The construction impacts of TARP on the land resources
of the project area are discussed in detail in this section
and divided into the following topics:
Flood-Prone Areas
Geology
Seismicity
Spoil Disposal.
6.2.1 Flood-Prone Areas
Construction of the Des Plaines Tunnel system is not
expected either to aggravate or to relieve problems in areas
VI-9
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subject to overbank flooding. Construction of the reser-
voirs, however, would provide relief from flooding. In
addition, tunnel dewatering operations will be postponed
during rainfall episodes which may cause flooding.
6.2.2 Geology
Throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, an extensive
program of subsurface exploration has been performed. After
analyzing the information obtained, the conclusion has been
drawn that the geological formations underlying the area
are well suited to construction of underground conveyance
and storage systems. The impact of construction on the
Chicago area's seismic and subsurface geologic conditions
should be negligible. The effect of the geologic conditions
on construction is dependent on a number of interrelated
factors and can be controlled by careful design and construc-
tion. The following effects are described based on the in-
formation presented in reports issued by Harza Engineering
Company:1'2f3 DeLeuw, Gather, and Company; ^ '5,6 ancj Bauer
Engineering, Inc.?
Harza Engineering Company (HEC), "Evaluation of Geology and Ground-
water Conditions in Lawrence Avenue Tunnel, Calumet Intercepting
Sewer 18E, Extension A, Southwest Intercepting Sewer 13A," Chicago,
Illinois, 23 p., 1972a.
HEC, Geology and Water Supply, "Technical Report Part 4, Develop-
ment of a Flood and Pollution Control Plan for the Chicagoland
Area," Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago (MSDGC),
Chicago, Illinois, 1972b.
HEC, Geotechnical Design Report, "Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Main-
stream Tunnel System," MSDGC, Chicago, Illinois, 1975.
DeLeuw, Gather, and Company, "Southwest Side Intercepting Sewer
13A, Report of Tunnel Inspection," MSDGC, Chicago, Illinois, 1971.
DeLeuw, Gather, and Company, Geotechnical Report on Upper Des Plaines
Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, Vol. 1, "Bedrock Geologic Investigation,"
MSDGC, Chicago, Illinois, 196 p., 1974a.
DeLeuw, Gather, and Company, Geotechnical Report on O'Hare Under-
ground Storage Reservoir, MSDGC, Chicago, Illinois, 123 p., 1974b.
Bauer Engineering, Inc., Environmental Assessment, MSDGC, Chicago,
Illinois, 237 p., 1973.
VI-10
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A variety of factors control the interrelated impact of
geology and construction. The geologic factors include: en-
gineering properties of the rocks, rock structure variability,
bedding attitude, presence of geologic structures (faults,
folds, and joints) within each rock unit, and other occur-
rences such as the presence of natural gas.
(1) Geological Constraints
The physical aspects of the individual rock units
define the impact that construction will have on sub-
surface geology and, conversely, the impact geology
will have on construction. The engineering-geology as-
pects of the rock units are summarized in Table VI-1 and
tne following sections discuss the potential impacts of
the relevant geological formations on TARP.
1. Racine Formation
Tunnel excavation and support conditions
are expected to be variable but satisfactory within
the Racine formation, especially in the reef core
facies.
Intensely fractured and faulted zones may re-
quire steel supports. The upper portion of the
Racine is generally more permeable and less com-
petent than the lower portion. Structures such
as shafts may encounter weathered rock as they
penetrate the upper portion of the formation. The
interreef facies contains shale partings which
crumble or disintegrate on exposure. The follow-
ing possibilities should be considered in design
and construction planning:
Overbreakage may be fairly high in reef
flank areas where the beds strike (trend)
parallel to the tunnel line and dip at
higher angles.
Overbreakage will occur in unstable
areas which normally are found with more
frequency in fractured, weathered, and
thinly bedded zones than in the more
massive reef core facies.
In the interreef facies the chert beds
and nodules might create difficult local
conditions of variable hardness.
VI-11
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Differences between the unconfined com-
pressive strengths of reef and interreef
rock could also create local conditions
of variable hardness.
Zones containing numerous shale part-
ings will slake.
2. Joliet Formation - Romeo Member
The uniform, tough, dense character of the
Romeo member should make it good material for un-
derground construction, except in fractured zones
where excessive groundwater may be encountered
and where steel support and/or concrete lining
may be required.
One potential problem associated with the
Romeo member is the possible accumulation of ground-
water at the upper contact where the Racine over-
lays the unit.
The consistency of engineering-geology charac-
teristics would indicate generally satisfactory
tunneling conditions. Rockfall and overbreakage
should be minimal except in intensely faulted or
jointed areas.
3. Joliet Formation - Markgraf Member
Aside from fractured zones where concrete
lining and/or supports may be necessary, and where
greater quantities of groundwater may be encountered,
the Markgraf should prove to be a satisfactory
rock for underground construction.
The soft condition'of the chert in the upper
zone may be slightly troublesome for machine tun-
neling. The shale partings of the lower zone do
not appear to slake badly.
The Lawrence Avenue, Southwest, and Calumet
intercepting tunnels have been constructed
principally in the Joliet formation. Although
little short-term support has been required to
stabilize these unlined tunnels, the rock has a
tendency to break along its flat bedding planes
which will affect future tunnels in the Joliet
formation, under the projected operating conditions.
VI-13
-------
4. Joliet Formation ~ Brandon Bridge Member
This member is absent from most of the pro-
ject area and, therefore, is not considered as a
subsurface site for underground features. If it
is found, the shale content of the rock will de-
tract from the suitability of the Brandon Bridge
member for construction of underground facilities.
Although this member is uniformly thin-bedded,
overbreaks were rarely reported in previous tun-
neling projects.
5• Kankakee Formation
Preliminary study of the Kankakee formation
suggests that the rocks may have a number of pro-
perties that would detract from their suitability
as a medium for underground construction. The
potential difficulties include overbreaks and
groundwater control problems, which could become
important where rocks are severly fractured. Most
difficulties will be associated with the numerous
green shale partings characteristic of the forma-
tion, especially in its lowest 15 to 20 feet.
The formation has several thin-bedded zones.
6. Edgewood Formation
Wherever the Edgewood formation is badly frac-
tured, groundwater inflow may be heavy. This for-
mation, however, is good rock for tunneling. The
upper part is less argillaceous, less laminated,
and has softer chert, thus, it will be better than
the lower part which is more argillaceous, con-
tains harder chert, and is more closely laminated.
Machine tunneling through the lower parts of
the Edgewood may be impeded by the chert nodules
and lenses, which are up to four inches thick, com-
bined with the increasing frequency and thickness
of shale partings and the gradation of the rock
to dolomitic shale.
Another significant problem which will be en-
countered tunneling through the Edgewood formation
and the underlying Brainard shale is the irregularity
of the contact between the two formations. The
VI-14
-------
contact is somewhat more irregular than it is
shown on the geologic sections. Thus, predicting
conditions at elevations or levels near the con-
tact will be variable and subject to a large error.
7. Neda and Brainard Formations
Together with the Neda shale above and the
Scales shale below, the Brainard shale has a ten-
dency to slake, which makes it the least satisfac-
tory rock of the project for underground construc-
tion. No portion of the Calumet tunnel system
will be constructed in the Brainard shale.
The Brainard and Neda exhibit pronounced slak-
ing and crumbling in rock core samples which are
exposed to the atmosphere or placed under water.
There may also be some stress-relief phenomena
present. Pronounced slaking will lead to serious
impairment of rock strength. The dolomite inter-
beds are not subject to slaking or disintegration.
Since shale has a tendency to slake, and pos-
sibly to swell with the atmosphere, it will be
necessary to take remedial actions as soon after
exposure as possible to control these phenomena.
In these rocks, plastic strain is expected to
occur throughout significant lengths of excava-
tion. It would be extremely difficult to position
a significant length of tunnel in the Brainard
formation because of its variable thickness .
The geologic constraints on construction are only
partially related to rock type. Additional impediments
which have some impact on construction include faults,
folds, and joints.
1. Faults
A number of fracture, or fault, zones have
been mapped (Figures 11-22 through 11-26). Within
the Mainstream Tunnel area, these zones are found
near Chicago Avenue, Roosevelt Road, and Lawndale
Avenue. Along the Des Plaines Tunnel system faults
have been mapped near 26th Street, Roosevelt Road,
North Avenue, and Irving Park Road (not located in
drilling). Additionally, the Des Plaines Tunnel
VI-15
-------
will pass through the southern and western sections
of the Des Plaines structure, a zone of multiple
and complex faulting. The Calumet Tunnel systems
are expected to encounter faulting near Little
Calumet Creek and State Street, Little Calumet
Creek and Cottage Grove, Dalton Avenue, Torrence,
118th Street, 109th Street, 107th Street, and
Burnham Avenue. Additional faults have been mapped
in recently constructed tunnels. As stated in
Section 2.2.3, faulting with small vertical dis-
placement is common in the Chicago area and numerous
small faults should be expected throughout the
proposed tunnel systems.
Faulting is expected to have several types
of impact on tunnel construction. Fault zones
may be accompanied by brecciation of the rock or
may be marked by the presence of fault gouge or
mylonite. These zones, as zones of inherent weak-
ness in the tunnel roof and walls, pose a concomi-
tant danger of an increase in rock fall. The faults
are planes of movement which may cause abrupt rock
structure changes during tunneling operations.
Such abrupt strata changes may alter tunnel exca-
vation rates as well as increase (or decrease) the
potential of overbreakage and rockfall.
2. Folds
The folds in the Chicago region are quite gen-
tle and generally have east-west trends. Folding
should have only indirect impact on construction.
The structural characteristics involved in fold-
ing have raised or depressed various rock layers
in relation to a horizontal plane or line. The
tunnels will, thus, pass through different rock
layers because of folding. The Des Plaines
project area, however, contains only gently
folded beds with dips of less than 5 degrees.
These dips derive from the presence of the
Kankakee Arch. No major folds are present.
3. Joints
Joints are widespread throughout the rocks
in the Chicago area and may have an impact on con-
struction where:
VI-16
-------
The tunnel is parallel to the joint orien-
tation
Complimentary joint sets or joints of
varying orientation intersect
Intense weathering or alteration has
occurred along joint planes
Joints abruptly change dip angle or horse-
tail in passing from one lithologic unit
to another.
The above features of joints would result in local
instability and would increase the potential for
rockfall and overbreakage during tunneling.
Another possible hazard would be encountering
natural gas. If ignited, the resulting fire or ex-
plosion could damage equipment and cause loss of life.
Such gas accumulations could be found in the glacial
drift or in the rock mass itself. In the Chicago area,
the presence of gas has been reported in drilling opera-
tions in the glacial drift; and asphaltum, a solid petro-
leum residue, has been found in rock strata of the Racine
formation. Such conditions indicate the possibility of
encountering accumulations of gas, though the probability
is believed remote. Gas detection devices, of course,
must be used during construction as a safety precaution.
(2) Construction Constraints
In addition to the effects of geologic phenomena
on construction, various facets of construction may
have an impact on geologic features. These effects are
considered to be negligible or easily mitigated by sound
design and construction procedures.
Those operations which could affect the geology
of the area are: subsurface exploration, either core
drilling or seismic; drop or access shaft construction;
mined or machine excavation for tunnel or underground
storage; and surface excavation. Except for subsurface
exploration by seismic means, all of these operations
would entail material removal.
Seismographic exploration of subsurface soils and
strata utilizes sound waves to detect varying densities
VI-17
-------
of material. Sound is reflected at those levels or
strata where change occurs. This procedure would have
negligible effect on the geologic features. For core
drilling exploration, drill holes are filled after
tests have been completed to prevent interflow between
aquifers.
The effects of construction activities on the geo-
logic conditions may include the following:
Subsurface collapse
Joint or fault weathering and alteration
Induced motion along faults or fault zones
Rockfall or overbreakage
Surface landsliding or erosion.
Where subsurface collapse through rockfall is pos-
sible, machine-excavated tunnels may require support
to prevent such failure of the surrounding soil or
rock. For much of the tunnel lengths, however, the
rock cover over the tunnel crown is considered to be •
sufficiently thick and structurally sound to preclude
widespread collapse. 1
Weathering or alteration along joint planes or
faults, due to the introduction of fluids or exposure
to the atmosphere, is expected to be a minor phenomena
during the construction stage. Such alteration is
further dependent on the characteristics of the rock
layers traversed by the tunnels. The excavation stages
are probably short enough so that alteration along the
joints will be locally restricted in the susceptible
shale units.
Fault motion induced by tunneling operations (blast-
ing, moling, etc.) which includes rockfall or over-
breakage, is considered possible but unlikely.
Surface excavation for reservoirs and construction
of drop and access shafts could lead to subsidence of
adjacent lands, as well as pronounced erosion. Means
to prevent such erosion may be necessary.
Consequentlv, under carefully controlled con-
ditions and with proper construction procedures, the
construction phase of the project should have no
Bauer, 1973.
VI-18
-------
pronounced impact on the geologic conditions in the
Chicago area.
6.2.3 Seismicity
Seismic characteristics of the Chicago area, found in
the historical earthquake record, include frequency, magnitude
and probability of occurrence, and potential seismic events.
These characteristics have been described in detail in Section
2.2.4.
The risk of the tunnel construction being impaired by
earthquakes is judged to be small, based on an evaluation
of this historical record. As Figure 11-29 of Section 2.2.4
shows, the recurrence rate for a Modified Mercalli Intensity
(MMI) VIII event is about once for every 100 years with longer
intervals for higher intensities. Insofar as the record can
be relied upon to indicate the level of future seismicity,
these higher intensities would not be expected to occur during
construction.
Considering the record of local seismicity, however,
the faults in the project area should be assumed to be
potentially active. In a seismic event, two types of po-
tential tunnel damage could result:
Dislocation of the tunnel along a fault
Rock falls along faults or joints.
General rock fall, which is unrelated to existing breaks, or
the formation of new cracks is unlikely.
As discussed in Section 2.2.4, ground motion producing an
MMI of VIII can be expected from a local earthquake with a
recurrence period of about 100 years. This local earthquake
will be generated by small movements on a fault (a few centi-
meters) . If the causative fault intersects the tunnel system,
the minor dislocation may offset the tunnel alignment. Rock
fall in the vicinity of such a dislocation may be extensive.
Ground motion from a local earthquake may also cause extensive
rock fall in the tunnel wherever multiple joints or faults
are present. Both the impact of tunnel dislocation along a
fault, with the likely associated local rockfall, and general
rockfall along joints throughout the tunnel system caused by
vibratory ground motion depend greatly on the distribution and
nature of faults and joints. Insufficient information is avail-
able on these subjects to make a valid judgment of potential
damage. The assessment of impacts depends on a slight upward
VI-19
-------
revision in the possible intensities of past local earth-
quakes and cognizance of the imprecision of epicentral lo-
cations. The occurrence of a large earthquake, however, dur-
ing the construction phase of the tunnel system is not likely.
The probability of fault motion or seismic events being
caused or controlled by construction procedures, based upon
experience from the already existing tunnels, is also con-
sidered to be small. No seismic events associated with faults
exposed to blasting, water influx, or rock falls have been
reported during previous tunneling projects.
6.2.4 Spoil Disposal
This section outlines the environmental impacts asso-
ciated with the disposal of rocks and spoil material exca-
vated from the proposed tunnels and reservoirs. The quantity
of spoil materials involved and the likely methods of dis-
posal are identified for both the TARP system as a whole and
the component Des Plaines Tunnel system. Spoil volumes pro-
duced by reservoir construction are discussed here to pro-
vide a proper perspective to the spoil disposal problem and
to indicate the full extent of the impacts associated with
the spoil disposal.
In general, rock excavated from the McCook and Thornton
quarries, to form the proposed storage reservoirs, is ex-
pected to be equivalent to rock presently excavated for com-
mercial purposes at the two sites. End uses for this rock
include use as concrete aggregate and as fill material for
road base or such projects as the "Ski Mountain" plan.
Rock excavated from the tunnels, however, is expected
to be suitable only for low-grade commercial uses and for
fill. This assumption is based on past experience with spoil
produced from the MSDGC's Lawrence Avenue Tunnel, a deep
tunnel situated in the same rock formation as the proposed
tunnels and utilizing the same tunneling technology. Moled
rock from the Lawrence Avenue Tunnel was not cubical in shape,
but rather was found to be thin and elongated and to contain
a large percentage of fines. This material could not be
crushed to meet industry specifications and consequently could
not be marketed as concrete aggregate or road base.
It is the MSDGC's stated policy that construction con-
tractors shall be responsible for the disposal of material
excavated from each Phase I tunnel segment. The MSDGC's
expectation is that the contractors will either find markets
VI-20
-------
for excavated materials or will utilize suitable, environ-
mentally acceptable waste disposal sites. Since actual dis-
posal plans will not be identified until the preconstruction
meeting between the contractor and the MSDGC, the disposal
schemes outlined in this section are only speculative. It
is assumed for the purpose of this analysis that the con-
tractors will sell marketable spoil as fill material when-
ever possible and dispose of nonsaleable spoil at area land-
fills. The marketability of the spoil is affected by the
amount of shale and other nondolomite constituents present,
as well as by the size and shape of the rock produced.
(1) Tunnel and Reservoir Plan
Excavation of the Phase I tunnels and the proposed
reservoirs at McCook and Thornton quarries will produce
a bulk measure of approximately 275,000,000 cubic yards
(183 million cubic yards solid measure) of spoil ma-
terial. About 165,000,000 cubic yards of the total will
be generated in the excavation of the reservoirs at
McCook while about 92,000,000 cubic yards will be pro-
duced at the Thornton Quarry excavation site. Construc-
tion of Phase I tunnels will generate roughly 17,620,000
bulk cubic yards of spoil material for disposal. A de-
tailed plan for the disposal of this considerable amount
of material has not yet been developed. However, the
general disposal scheme which will be adopted is likely
to be as follows.
1. Reservoirs
Rock excavated from either McCook or Thornton
quarry is likely to have much the same commercial
value as rock currently quarried, because the ex-
cavation will be done by conventional blasting me-
chods rather than by mole machines. It is expected,
therefore, that a large portion of the excavated
rock will be stockpiled in another area of the
quarry for eventual sale. Unusable rock will be
either stored on-site in a separate stockpile, as
planned for McCook Quarry, or stored off-site at
Lincoln Quarry or a MSDGC-owned site, as proposed
for Thornton Quarry.
Sufficient room for stockpiling of reservoir
spoil exists at the McCook Quarry and neighboring
sludge lagoons. The required acreage varies with
the allowable height of the stockpile. Alternatives
VI-21
-------
considered to date for stockpile size range from
298 acres for a 600-foot-tall pile, which could be
entirely contained by the quarry site, to 770 acres
for a 100-foot-tall stockpile. A 770-acre site
is currently not available in the Chicago area.
The existing sludge lagoons, which could be a pos-
sible site if expansion were allowed, are not ex-
pected to be expanded for storage purposes. For
reasons of air traffic safety, the Federal Aviation
Agency recently indicated that the maximum eleva-
tion of stockpiles should not be permitted to ex-
tend more than approximately 200 feet above street
grade. To limit stockpile height to 200 feet, about
600 acres would be needed for spoil storage. This
acreage would be available at designated disposal
areas of the McCook site, assuming some utilization
of neighboring MSDGC sludge lagoons for a small
amount of additional storage.
2 . Tunne1s
As stated previously, it is doubtful that spoil
generated by tunnel construction could find high-
grade commercial usage. This material is expected
to be disposed by landfilling. Particular landfill
sites have not yet been designated, nor the effect
of spoil disposal on their capacities calculated.
However, the chemical composition of the spoil ma-
terial, largely dolomitic limestone with some shale,
is unlikely to contribute to any land disposal-
related environmental problems, such as surface or
groundwater contamination by leachate.
Excavation of all Phase I tunnel systems over
the 10-year period from 1976 through 1985 will pro-
duce approximately 17,620,000 bulk cubic yards of
rock and soil for disposal, weighing about 26 mil-
lion tons. Peak production of spoil material is
expected to occur in 1980 when approximately 2,162,000
cubic yards (solid measure) of rock will be exca-
vated. Assuming a bulking factor (ratio of volume
of spoil produced to the volume of rock mined) of
1.5, at the peak of construction, contractors must
dispose of roughly 3,243,000 cubic yards of material.
By assuming that the volume of spoil material pro-
duced is roughly proportional to construction ex-
penditures over the 10-year periodl for the Phase I
tunnels, one obtains the spoil production rates
shown graphically in Figure VI-1.
See Table III-ll, p. 111-22.
VI-22
-------
FIGURE VI-1
Spoil Production Rates -
Phase I Tunnel Plan and Des Plaines
Tunnel System
3.250.000
3.200.000
3.000.000
Legend
—Phase I Tunnels
—Des Plaines
Tunnels
YEAR Of CONSTRUCTION
VI-23
-------
The environmental effects associated with
such a plan are primarily emissions to the atmos-
phere from truck traffic and truck noise. These
atmospheric effects are evaluated in Sections 6.3.1
and 6.3.2, respectively, of this chapter.
Other potential impacts on the natural environ-
ment are those related to spoil disposal. Deposit
of the spoil materials at an existing landfill site
will reduce the space available for municipal ref-
use or other solid waste and may shorten the land-
fill's life expectancy. Possibly, fugitive dust
at the active face may need to be controlled.
However, the stable nature of the rock spoil
precludes the sorts of environmental problems po-
tentially associated with the landfilling of muni-
cipal refuse. Such problems as methane gas pro-
duction or leachate contamination of ground or sur-
face waters will not result from deposit of non-
water soluble, nondecomposable, inert rock frag-
ments. Nuisance aspects (odors, vectors, etc.)
will not be aggravated. Finally, the aesthetic
impact to residents of the rock spoil's visual ap-
pearance is expected to be minimized through appro-
priate site selection and protective measures.
(2) Des Plaines Tunnel System
Excavation of the Phase I Des Plaines Tunnel
system over the 10 -year period from 1976 through 1985
will produce approximately 3,784,000 cubic yards (bulk
volume) of spoil for disposal weighing about 6,590,000
tons. Peak generation of spoil material is expected
to occur over the period from February 1978 to October
1980 when the rate of spoil generation will reach
836,000 cubic yards per year. This figure assumes the
excavation of 557,300 cubic yards per year and a bulk-
ing factor of 1.5. Spoil production rates were cal-
culated from the MSDGC's contraction schedule for
the Des Plaines Tunnel system shown in Figure V-4,
page V-9 and are portrayed graphically in Figure VI-1.
Spoil production rates for the Des Plaines Tunnel
system are as follows:
1978: 688,000 bulk cubic yards
1979: 868,000 bulk cubic yards
1980: 834,000 bulk cubic yards
1981: 770,000 bulk cubic yards
1982: 600,000 bulk cubic yards.
Vl-24
-------
Commercial value of the Des Plaines Tunnel spoil
will be reduced by the presence of shale and other
constituents in material excavated north of Touhy
Avenue. Moreover, as stated previously, the rock
spoil produced by machine moling is anticipated to be
laterally split, containing small particles and fines,
such that it cannot be made to meet industry standards
for high-grade commercial usage.
The Cook County Forest Preserve District has
requested that all rock taken from under Forest Preserve
Lands be placed in stockpile areas on Forest Preserve
Property. They have designated areas north of 22nd
Street and south of the Kennedy Expressway as the
sites for the Des Plaines Tunnel system. (See Figures
V-6, V-7). It is the Forest Preserve District's
intention to utilize the rocks for their facilities,
such as bicycle paths and equestrian trails on a long-
term basis. In the interim, the stockpiled rock will
be developed for winter recreational facilities. It
is estimated that 2,200,000 bulk cubic yards out of
a total of 3,784,000 cubic yards can be placed on
Forest Preserve District's Property from the Des
Plaines Tunnels. Potential disposal sites for the
remaining rock include four quarries: McCook, Federal,
Riverside, and Hillside quarries, located within
reasonable haul distance from the Des Plaines construc-
tion sites. The space available within these quarries
many times exceeds the anticipated Des Plaines spoil
volume, so all Des Plaines spoil could be accommodated
by the quarries should storage at the Forest Preserve
sites prove infeasible. Site locations and possible
transportation routes from the Des Plaines Tunnel
construction shafts are identified and discussed in
Section 3.4.1.
The significant impacts associated with disposal
from the Des Plaines Tunnel system are:
Land use implications of filling
the quarries
Emissions to the atmosphere from truck
and/or barge traffic
Noise from trucking operations.
VI-25
-------
Sections 7.2.2 evaluate the impact on land use
that results from filling the quarries, while Sections
6.3.1 and 6.3.2 within this chapter detail the
impacts on air quality and noise levels derived from
disposal-related transportation. Other potentially
serious impacts to the environment such as ground or
surface water contamination by leachate are unlikely
to occur as discussed before because of the stable
nature of the rock spoil material.
VI-26
-------
6.3 ATMOSPHERIC RESOURCES
The effects of construction on air quality and noise
are discussed in the following sections.
6.3.1 Air Quality
Construction of the proposed tunnel would have a minor
impact on ambient air quality. The impact would result from
air pollutants emitted by construction-related vehicles and
equipment and would occur at the construction and drop shaft
sites and along the vehicle routes. The impacts at the vari-
ous locations are discussed below.
(1) Construction Shaft Site
The principal source of air pollutants at a con-
struction shaft site would be exhaust from trucks used
to haul rock and spoil material from the site to dis-
posal sites. In addition to an estimated three to
five truck trips per hour, construction workers would
add approximately 45 car trips per day and concrete
trucks may make one trip per hour. Diesel-engine-
operated equipment may also emit air pollutants at the
site. They include the trolley used for transporting
rocks inside the tunnel, air compressors for supply-
ing air to the tunnel, and the crane used for raising
the muck carts to the surface. The total emissions
from the above sources would be very small, and would
have negligible impact on ambient air quality.
Another potential source of air pollution would
be dust generated when loading the muck from hoppers
into trucks and when driving the trucks on unpaved
roads. However, with appropriate mitigating measures
as discussed in Chapter X, the dust problem can be
controlled.
(2) Drop Shaft Site
The sources of air pollutants at the drop shaft
site would be similar to those at the construction
shaft site. However, because of the fewer number of
vehicles involved, there would be less impact. Also,
the impact would be relatively short-term, since the
construction of a drop shaft is not likely to last for
more than three months.
VI-27
-------
(3) Vehicle Routes
The construction-related vehicles would emit pol-
lutants when traveling to and from the construction
sites. While the routes taken by the commuting workers
would vary, the hauling trucks would follow well-planned
routes. The most likely truck routes for Des Plaines
system are discussed in Section 3.4.
Vehicle emissions would generally depend upon the
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and can be estimated by
multiplying the VMT by suitable emission factors.
For the Des Plaines Tunnel system, the average
daily number of truck trips originating from all the
construction shaft sites and traveling to the proposed
disposal sites is estimated at about 90, with an average
round trip length of 8.0 miles. Therefore, the average
daily VMT by the haul trucks to be used in the Des Plaines
system would be about 720. The number of truck trips
during the peak construction period in 1979 is expected
to be twice the average number. The truck emissions^
are estimated using"the peak year VMT and emission
factors, and are shown in Table VI-2.
Table VI-2
Estimated Emission From Rock and Spoil
Disposal Trucks, 1979
Pollutant
CO
HC
N02
S02
TSP2
Emission
Factor^
(gm/mi)
28.7
4.6
20.9
2.8
1.3
Estimated
Emissions
(kg/day)
19 .9
3 .2
14 .5
1-9
0-9
For heavy-duty diesel trucks from, Compilation of
Air Pollutant Emission Factors, Supplement No. 5,
AP-42, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April
1975.
Total suspended particulates.
The estimated truck emissions are very small com-
pared to those occurring from normal vehicular traffic
on the proposed routes. Therefore, their impact on
VI-28
-------
ambient air quality is likely to be insignificant.
Similarly, the incremental and cumulative impacts from
the concrete truck trips and worker trips are not likely
to be significant. The cumulative impact from vehicle
trips originating from the other two tunnel systems is
also likely to be minor.
6.3.2 Noise
Adverse noise impacts during construction of the pro-
posed project would occur primarily during surface excava-
tion at the construction and drop shaft sites and during
transportation of the rock and spoil material along the routes
to the disposal sites. Since most of the construction and
drop shaft sites in the Des Plaines Tunnel system would be
located in residential areas, special measures will have to
be taken at the construction site to minimize noise impacts.
Noise impact of rock and spoil disposal trucks would not be
s^Lgnificjanjt,__becaus_e__the number of truck trips generated
by "the proposed project generally would be small compared
to the existing traffic volume on the most likely truck
routes to the disposal sites.
In this section, noise impact is discussed as follows:
Noise at the Construction Shaft Sites
Noise at the Drop Shaft Sites
Noise Along the Truck Routes.
(1) Noise at the Construction Shaft Sites
Construction activities at the site of a construc-
tion shaft can be divided into three phases.
Phase 1 consists of excavating the soil to the
depth of the bedrock, which is generally 20 to 25 feet
below the surface. This operation typically lasts for
two to three months. This operation uses conventional
excavation equipment,such as a clam bucket. The spoil
material would be hauled by trucks to suitable disposal
sites at a frequency of one to two trucks every two
hours.
Phase 2 involves blasting the rock with dynamite
to the depth of approximately 300 feet. Approximately
400 feet of the initial section of the tunnel would
also be blasted. This operation may last for about
six months. Rocks would be removed by trucks in the
same manner as the soil.
VI-29
-------
Phase 3 involves finishing the shaft walls and
excavating the tunnel by mole. The rock from the tun-
nel would be brought to the surface and taken in trucks
to suitable disposal sites at a frequency of about
three to five trucks per hour. This operation would
last about 5 years at the construction shafts of the
Des Plaines system.
Assuming that two trucks and one loader operate
simultaneously at the construction site, and that their
maximum noise levels, at 50 feet, are 86 dBA in accord-
ance with the Chicago noise ordinance, the cumulative
noise levels near the construction site would vary from
91 dBA at 50 feet to 61 dBA at 1600 feet.
If exhaust fans are used for tunnel ventilation,
the exhaust noise is likely to vary from about 75 dBA
at 50 feet to about 50 dBA at 1600 feet.1 The noise
from the mole and from blasting are not likely to be
heard at the surface. Since all of the construction~
shafts are located in areas which are relatively iso-
lated from the general public, the construction noise
impact at the construction shaft site is not likely
to be significant.
(2) Noise at the Drop Shaft Sites
The construction period at the site of a drop
shaft is shorter than that at the construction shaft
site. The soil is excavated in a manner similar to
that at the construction shaft site. A small pilot
hole is then bored to the depth of the tunnel, which
is already excavated. The entrance from drop shaft to
tunnel is excavated by blasting. The drop shaft is
then bored by means of a raise drill, which is raised
from the bottom to the surface. The muck is collected
at the bottom of the tunnel and transported internally
to a construction shaft. Only soil, no rocks, would
be transported from the drop shaft site.
Based on the noise from ventilating fans used in a traffic tunnel.
Environmental Research and Technology, Inc., Noise Level Analysis
for Interstate 95 Fort McHenry Harbor Crossing and Approaches in
the city of Baltimore, Maryland, prepared for the State Highway
Administration, November 1974, p. F-12.
VI.-30
-------
The construction at a drop shaft site would prob-
ably last for only three months. However, surface
noise would be produced primarily during surface ex-
cavation. Surface excavation is not likely to last
for more than a few weeks. Thus, the noise impact
would be short-term at the drop shaft sites. Appro-
priate measures to mitigate the noise at sites near
all public areas are discussed in Chapter X.
(3) Noise Along the Truck Routes
On probable truck routes to the rock and spoil
disposal sites, the existing traffic volumes range
from 6,100 vehiclej3_pej: day_tg> 22 ,90J3 vehicles per
day. The number of truck~trips generated at each con-
struction shaft site is likely to be between 72 to 120
per day. The number of truck trips generated during
the peak construction period, involving construction
of the three tunnel systems, would be approximately
575 per day. However, these trips would be spread
over several routes. Thus, the incremental truck
trips resulting from tunnel construction would be very
small compared to existing traffic volume on the haul
routes. Consequently, the noise impact from additional
truck trips is not likely to be significant.
6.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Several drop shafts and access shafts will be con-
structed near or just inside the boundary of forest preserves
in the Des Plaines Tunnel system project area. The effected
areas are shown in Figures V-5,6,7 and 8. Some vegetation
will be removed from the preserves during surface construction
activities, but the amount will be insignificant with respect
to the total available, or less than several hundred square
feet. Wildlife abundance in the project area preserves is
low and not diverse, since each preserve is small in area and
surrounded by man's activities (i.e., golf courses, railroad
tracks, residential development, and commercial establishments)
Drop and access shaft construction activities are expected
to have minor, short-term impact on the wildlife and vegetation
of these forest preserves.
6.5 COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
Approximately 11,750,000 cubic yards (solid measure) of
dolomitic rock will be removed from several geologic forma-
tions within the Silurian system during the Phase I construc-
tion period of TARP. This volume is equivalent to 26,200,000
dry tons, assuming an in-place rock density of 165 pounds
VI-31
-------
per cubic foot (4,455 pounds per cubic yard). The distri-
bution of this total amount between the three tunnel systems
is: 5,750,000 cubic yards (12,800,000 dry tons) from the
Mainstream Tunnel system, 2,960,000 cubic yards (6,590,000
dry tons) from the Des Plaines Tunnel system, and 3,040,000
cubic yards (6,770,000 dry tons) from the Calumet Tunnel
system. The average removal rate of rock throughout the
ten-year construction period will be 1,175,000 cubic yards
(2,620,000 dry tons) per year for all systems of TARP.
VI-32
-------
VII. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE
MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
-------
VII. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE
MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
The effects of various activities related to the con-
struction of the proposed tunnel project on the man-made
environment are discussed in this chapter. Only primary
and significant effects are assessed and evaluated. To
present these effects, this chapter is divided into six
main sections:
Socioeconomic
Land Use
Financial Resources
Transportation
Major Projects and Programs
Commitment of Man-Made Resources.
7.1 SOCIOECONOMIC
The socioeconomic section describes effects of the
projected construction activity evidenced by public annoy-
ances and incoveniences, worker safety, construction income,
and economic multiplier effect within the community, de-
scription of business activity and impact on the area labor
force.
7.1.1 Public Annoyances
Major construction projects in urbanized areas usually
generate conditions which are considered annoying, and which
can create public inconvenience. Tunnel construction in-
volves major activities which will necessarily reach
disparate parts of Cook County unlike single-site construction
projects. These activities include:
Construction of surface collection facilities
Removal of pavement
Excavation of trenches
Blasting
VII-1
-------
Replacement of necessary sewer lines
Construction of access, drop, and construction
shafts
Haulage of debris and spoil material
Exhaust and air support system operations.
The major annoyances and public inconvenience that are asso-
ciated with the above construction activities include:
Noise and vibration effects
Dust and dirt
Traffic congestion and disruption
Glare from night lighting.
Since much of the tunneling is performed by machines at
depths of up to 290 feet below ground," the annoyances to
the general public are temporary and, to a great extent, can
be lessened through application of mitigating measures.
Effects of noise and fugitive dust have been discussed in
detail in Chapter VI and effects of construction traffic
congestion are discussed in Section 7.4.
(1) Glare From Night Construction Activity
Glare from night lighting at construction access
points can be annoying to surrounding residents. This
annoyance can be reduced by properly positioning the
lights away from surrounding properties.
(2) Vibration Effects
Construction of the construction access and drop
shafts will require some blasting operations. The
vibration effects of blasting can potentially cause
structural damage to residential homes if the velocity
exceeds 4 inches per second. Engineered structures
can generally withstand 10 to 20 inches per second.
The blasting operations while creating vibrations
also create noise. The average person's psychoacoustic
response to the combined vibration and noise generally
intensifies the import of the blast without making the
important distinction between motion and sound.
VII-2
-------
In addition to the reaction to motion and sound
effects, peopxe are sensitive to the duration of
a project and the frequency and time of blasting. More
complaints and/or claims will be made the longer the pro-
ject lasts, the more often blasting takes place, and if
there is blasting during the night or quiet hours.
Because of their concern over possible property
damage, people are more sensitive to blasting when
they are in their own homes. They are less interested
and less concerned when occupying buildings in which
they have no financial interest but are still annoyed
by the noise. Possible exceptions would be those persons
engaged in especially delicate work.
With a well-planned operation, there is no need for
blasting effects to be either damaging, frightening or
of an unacceptable tolerance level. First of all, the
MSDGC can make certain that no structural damage will
occur by placing blasting limitations in the project's
construction specifications. Secondly, further reductions
in the allowable limits can be made to make the blasting
less noticeable (usually not very cost effective) or
take steps to keep the public sufficiently informed so that
observers of the blasting will have no cause for alarm and
will be willing to accept some minor irritation in return
for- the benefits which the project will bring to the
community.
The blasting need only occur during the day and will
be of a short duration. Estimated duration periods for
both construction and drop shafts are stated below:
Construction Shaft - 2 blasts per day, 10 seconds per
blast for 90 to 120 days.
Drop Shaft - 3 blasts per day, 10 seconds per
blast for 3 to 5 days.
The blast vibrations and noise generated during the
construction of the Des Plaines tunnel system may be
annoying to the public within 250 to 500 feet of the shaft
locations, but should not cause any structural or physical
damage to properties nearby.
VII-3
-------
(3) Construction Locations Which May Cause Public
Inconvenience
Review of the proposed locations for construction
access shafts and drop shafts in connection with the
Des Plaines tunnel plans indicates several locations of
potential conflict with public convenience. However,
the construction access shafts have purposely been
placed in areas where there should be no conflict with
surrounding properties. Generally, the sites are va-
cant, already owned by the MSDGC, and surrounded by va-
cant or low-utilization industrial areas.
Several drop shafts, shown in Table VII-1 have been
identified as potential locations of conflict with local
vehicular and pedestrian traffic because of their prox-
imity to a surface street or intersection. Maneuvering
space at each location will be required for workers and
equipment as well as for the erection of safety barriers
and equipment. This might mean that portions of the
shoulders and possibly traffic lanes would be blocked
temporarily to traffic. At least one drop shaft is
located in a parking area, necessitating the rearrange-
ment of parking spaces. Of 55 drop shafts reviewed,
10 appear to present potential conflicts. This will
require exercising particular care in the placement of
equipment, materials and safety barriers as well as a
well coordinated traffic control plan. Since precise
locations of shafts are not known at this time, it is
difficult to predict the amount of inconvenience to the
public.
7.1.2 Worker Safety
Worker safety and prevention of accidents during TARP
construction and throughout maintenance and operation of
the completed systems requires adherence to all applicable
regulations of OSHA. Much of the system construction in-
volves underground drilling, moling, and blasting; therefore,
the establishment of surface support and communications sys-
tems for workers underground are critical. Scheduling of
underground work must also be sensitive to weather conditions
The MSDGC construction specifications include an exten-
sive section regarding safety requirements found in the gen-
eral specifications for their construction contracts. In
addition to compliance with OSHA, the contractor must comply
with the following regulations:
VII-4
-------
Table VII-1
Drop Shaft Locations Posing Potential Conflict Conditions'
Drop
Shaft
Number
14
16
17
General
Location
Des Plaines River Road
and Belmont Ave.
Des Plaines River Road
and Grand Ave.
Des Plaines River Road
21, 25, 8 Lake Street near Des
Plaines Ave.
32 Quincy Street Exten-
sion
34b Roosevelt Rd. at 19th
Ave.
Comment
May block shoulder of
Belmont Ave.
May block shoulders and
lanes of River Road and
Grand Ave.
May block shoulders and
lanes of River Road
May block shoulders and
lanes of Lake Street.
Will eliminate some pri-
vate parking spaces
May block shoulders and
lanes of 19th Ave.
34c Roosevelt Rd. at 14th
Ave
34d Roosevelt Rd. at 9th
Ave.
May block shoulders and
lanes of 14th Ave.
May block shoulders and
lanes of 9th Ave.
34a Roosevelt Rd. and
Pusheck Rd.
May block shoulders and
lanes of Roosevelt Rd.
63
Chicago Ave.
May block shoulders and
lanes of Chicago Ave.
MSP Tunnel and Reservoir Preliminary Plans - "Photo Plan Maps
from Aerial Photographs Taken January 25, 1973," Photo Control
From USGS 7 1/2 Foot Quadrangle Sheets, March 1974.
VII-5
-------
Safety Rules - Metropolitan Sanitary District of
Greater Chicago of March 1, 1970 and as amended
The Illinois Health and Safety Act of March 16,
1936 with all amendments thereto and all rules
and standards implementing said act.
Safety engineers must approve and maintain the following
safety equipment for tunnel and excavation work:
Adequate stretcher units convenient to work loca-
tions
Oxygen deficiency indicators
Carbon monoxide testers
Hydrogen sulfide detectors
Portable explosimeter for the detection of explo-
sive gases such as methane, petroleum, and vapors
An adequate number of U.S. Bureau of Mines approved
self-rescuers in all areas where employees might
be trapped by smoke or gas
An explosimeter at each heading to monitor con-
tinuously the presence of explosive gases; it
must automatically provide visual and audible
alarms.
The contract specifications also require all power equip-
ment used underground to be certified and operated accord-
ing to OSHA regulations.
Even with strict safety precautions during the construc-
tion period, accidents and injuries will occur. Table VII-2
shows the incidence of injuries which could be expected based
on national injury frequency rates for 1974 within the con-
struction industry. These rates are somewhat conservative
when applied to specific construction projects, but can pro-
vide a minimum scale of expectation. As shown, the Des
Plaines system construction potentially could experience a
minimum of 84 disabling injuries and one fatal or permanent
disability case during its 7 years of contruction.
Vll-6
-------
Table VII-2
Potential Work Injuries and Disabilities,
Related to Des Plaines Tunnel Construction
Total Man-hours
of Exposure for
Des Plaines Tunnel*
5,921,970
Potential Disabling
Work Injuries^"
84
Potential Fatal
and Permanent
Disabilities^
1
* Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago.
t Frequency rate of 14.18 per million man-hours of exposure.
tt Frequency rate of .16 per million man-hours of exposure.
1 Frequency rates from Accident Facts, 1975 Edition, National Safety
Council, Chicago, Illinois, p. 35.
A less conservative estimate can be made by reviewing
the safety statistics of other tunneling projects. The
Washington, D.C. Metro (subway) construction project has had
45 miles of tunnels and 41 stations under construction since
1970. They also have been using moles for most of the tun-
neling work. Based on 45 million total construction man-
hours, they have experienced eleven (11) fatalities and
1,829 cases of lost time due to injury. They have not broken
out injuries, disabilities, and deaths for tunneling per se.
While the man-hour estimates are not comparable, the miles
of tunnels give a relative measure; approximately one death
for every 4.09 miles, and approximately 41 injuries every
mile. Using these measure's for Des Plaines1 26.4 miles of
tunnels would yield a speculative maximum of six fatalities
and 1,082 work-related injuries. This level of incidence
is certainly too high for Des Plaines Tunnel construction
alone, and is only mentioned an an example of an underground
construction project's safety record. Worker safety during
the maintenance and operation phase will also involve ad-
herence to OSHA and State of Illinois safety standards, parti-
cularly as they pertain to underground inspection and re-
pair work.l
1 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, "Accident
Experience Summary," December 1975.
VII-7
-------
7.1.3 Construction Income
The construction of the Des Plaines tunnel system will
inject construction employment income into the Chicago area
economy. Estimates of this income and of the secondary ef-
fect of this income or economic multiplier effect can also
be calculated. The income injected into the Chicago area
economy due to construction employment on the Des Plaines
Tunnel system will generate a direct demand for goods and
services resulting in additional employment opportunities.
(See Table VII-3).
This impact is commonly referred to as nonbase or sec-
ondary employment and it is generated through the salaries
and profits derived by the employees and the business created
in response to the identified direct demand. The extent of
secondary impacts that will occur in any given situation is
dependent on a complex set of factors concerning the local
economy. Essentially, the extent of secondary impact is
effected by the proportion of dollars that remain in the
economy under examination. Dollars would not remain in
the economy, for example, if the products purchased through
direct demand had been manufactured outside of the subject
economy. In this example, the dollar cost of the product
would escape generating employment elsewhere; only the
value added in the local economy would generate local employ-
ment.
Given the diverse economy of the Chicago area, it is
quite possible that a high proportion of goods and services
will be purchased locally. Thus, the dollars spent for con-
struction could potentially circulate in the local economy
two to three times. We have attempted to estimate this
secondary impact through the selection of an economic multi-
plier which is then applied against direct construction em-
ployment income. We have used a multiplier of 1.8 which
indicates that a significant proportion of direct expendi-
tures will remain within the local economy.
Table VII-4 presents construction and labor cost esti-
mates for tunnel construction only by segment of the Calumet
system. Table VII-5 presents construction employment in-
come estimates by segment by year during the construction
period and the secondary effect of the income in the local
economy.
The assumption inherent in the calculations is that one
man-year equals 2,000 man-hours. Man-hour costs ranging from
$13.28 to $14.62 based on January 1976 cost levels were used
for Des Plaines system projections. The economic multiplier
VII-8
-------
Table VII-3
Estimated Jobs Generated By Industry"
Fiscal
Year
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
Des Plaines
Construction
Cost in Millions
—
$ 7.7
$18.6
$18.7
$18.7
$18.1
$16.5
$ 2.8
—
—
Manufac-
turing*
—
86
208
209
209
203
185
31
—
—
Wholesale
Trade and
Transportation ,
Services*
—
40
97
98
98
94
86
15
—
—
Mining
and Other*
—
20
48
49
49
47
43
7
—
—
Derived by utilizing the following jobs per billion dollars of
contract construction: 40,523 total, 11,180 for manufacturing,
5,220 for wholesale trade transportation and services, and
2,623 for mining and other.
"BLS Unpublished Data," Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Depart-
ment of Labor, February 1975.
VII-9
-------
Table VII-4
Construction and Labor Cost Estimates by Segment of the
Des Plaines Tunnel System
Des Plains
Section
59th to Cermak
Cermak to
Fullerton
Fullerton to
Prairie
13A Extension
Total*
Total
Construction
Estimates
($ millions)
30.1
33.1
30.9
7.0
101.1
Estimated
Labor
Cost
($ millions)
25.0
28.6
27.7
5.7
87.0
Estimated
Man Years
Needed
846
975
945
195
2961
Estimates of
Construction
Duration
(Years)
5.6
5.7
5.5
3.7
—
1 Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago.
* Detail may not add to total due to rounding.
VII-10
-------
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used is 1.8. As shown, the peak construction man-loading
would occur in the years 1979 and 1980. Construction income
would reach $16.1 million with a secondary economic effect
of $29.0 million within the Chicago area economy. Contract
construction earnings in the Chicago region in 1971 totaled
$2,055.4 million, or $2.0 billion.3- The Des Plaines tunnel
project, at its peak, would represent less than 1 percent of
total area construction earnings based on the 1971 reported
earnings level. Construction employment earnings from this
one project are not considered overly significant in the per-
spective of the Chicago region's economy.
Related to construction earnings is the number of con-
struction jobs which would be generated by the Des Plaines
tunneling project. Table VII-6 shows job generation by year
based on the construction and man-hour estimates previously
established by segment by year. Job generation would range
from 215 jobs in 1977 to a peak of 548 in 1981, and 1982,
thereafter declining to 86 in 1983, the last year of construc-
tion. The low level of job generation is due to the use of
boring machinery (moles) in tunneling. Should the moles prove
inefficient or ineffective during the construction period,
it is quite likely that additional jobs would be generated
when conventional blasting and cutting methods are employed
as partial backup.
Construction projects also generate jobs in other in-
dustries; primarily manufacturing, wholesale trade, trans-
portation and services, mining, and others. Table VII-3
shows the generation of jobs in other industries based on
total cost of construction of the Calumet system. These
jobs can be located anywhere depending upon the materials
and services bought and the natural chain of production.
7.1.4 Business Disruption
Construction site activity and attendant truck traffic
in densely developed commercial retail areas can disrupt
operations of local businesses. If public traffic flow is
impacted, business deliveries and services can be hurt.
This has varying degrees of effect on sales depending on the
business's response to adverse conditions.
Table VII-1 in Section 7.1.1 identified those construc-
tion access points where potential conflict with public traf-
Table III-5, Chapter III, p. III-6.
VII-12
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Table VII-6
Des Plaines Construction Job Generation
Year
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
Construction
Income
$ 6,319,200
15,963,500
16,09'5,400
16,095,400
15,594,000
14,381,100
2,516,600
—
Construction
Man -Hours*
429,575
1,087,142
1,096,152
1,096,152
1,061,903
979,262
171,817
—
Construction
Job Generation
215
544
548
548
531
490
86
—
Based on estimated average wage rates ranging from $13.28
to $14.62 which reflect January 1976 cost levels.
Based on one man-year = 2000 man-hours. Estimates provided
by Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago.
VII-13
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fie flow is most likely to occur. Of those points, there are
several located in or near commercially and industrially de-
veloped areas.
The following locations potentially could cause incon-
venience to surrounding business operations. However, the
disruption would be temporary and should not cause signifi-
cant negative impacts on business activity and retail sales
volumes.
Shaft General Location
Number
34b Roosevelt Rd. at 14th Avenue
34c Roosevelt Rd. at 14th Avenue
Estimates of the land needed surrounding a drop shaft
are as follows:
150' x 150' for average drop shaft of 7'2" or less
in diameter
200' x 200' for larger drop shafts up to 13' in
diameter.
Construction of the drop shafts may take approximately
3 months. When built, the shaft will have a concrete
cover, flush with grade, with a metal grate for access by
workers (similar to a manhole). Both the grate and cover
can bear pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The trucks ser-
vicing the construction sites have been purposely routed
along major surface streets to expressways to minimize traf-
fic flow interruption. The impact of these additional trucks
in the downtown area is not considered significant enough
to create permanent adverse impacts on business activity.
No business structure will have to be acquired or demolished.
The only relocation needs are related to piles of material
in certain industrial yards which may have to be moved.
Thus, the effects are considered temporary and insignificant.
7.1.5 Spoil Disposal
This section addresses the potential impact of disposal
of spoil from the tunnel construction and reservoir excava-
tions on the local markets for high quality rock products
(e.g., concrete aggregate, siluminous aggregate, etc.) and
low quality rock products (primarily landfill).
VII-14
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(1) Tunnel Spoil
It is estimated that the construction of the Phase
I TARP tunnels will produce almost 12 million cubic
yards (approximately 26 million tons) of excavated ma-
terial from the Mainstream, Des Plaines, and Calumet
Tunnel systems over a ten-year period. The potential
impacts of disposing of this volume of spoil critically
depends on the quality of the material removed. The
focal point of the quality assessment is a comparison
of the geological characteristics of the TARP tunnel
spoil with those characteristics of the spoil generated
from the construction of the Lawrence Avenue Sewer sys-
tem. 1
The tunneling technology which is planned for the
Tunnel Plan was also employed by the city of Chicago
in the recent Lawrence Avenue Sewer project. Approxi-
mately 350,000 tons of dolomite limestone containing
some shale rock were excavated during the course of
the project. Similarly, the material that will be
excavated from the TARP tunnels and drop shafts will
also be dolomite limestone with shale. As shown in
Figure V-3, the Lawrence Avenue material comes from
the same geological formation and yielded rock spoil
identical to that which will be excavated for the
construction of the TARP tunnels.
Utilization of the mole (mechanical mining machine)
produces rock spoil which is thin and elongated rather
than cubical in shape. Typical sizes of excavated rock
range from fine dust particles to laterally split rocks
which are about two to five inches in cross section and
1/2 to 3/4 inches in thickness. In the case of the
Lawrence Avenue project, it was initially assumed that
the rock spoil could be marketed as concrete aggregate
and/or road base material. It was discovered, however,
that the excavated rock material contained shale and
failed to meet Illinois standards for use in these cate-
gories. As a consequence, this material was primarily
used as low quality landfill. Shale and rock fines
present in the material tends to lower the quality and
thus, limit the marketability or uses.
This system was recently constructed to accommodate combined-sewer
overflows and to act as an interceptor for the proposed Mainstream
Tunnel system.
VII-15
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Experience with the Lawrence Avenue system strongly
suggests that the primary use for excavated materials
from the TARP tunnels will be for landfill. This con-
clusion is further supported by the experience of a
major quarry operator in the Chicago metropolitan area
who had to abandon efforts to market this type of mate-
rial because it could not be crushed and refined in a
manner that would meet industry standards for high qual-
ity rock products.
Since there are no reliable current estimates of
the demand for landfill in the local area over the pe-
riod 1976 to 1986, it was not possible to develop re-
liable expected sales estimates of the excavated mate-
rial from the TARP tunnels. Therefore, although there
will be no significant economic impacts on the markets
for high quality rock products, a definite conclusion
concerning the market for landfill cannot be reached
at this time.
In the worst case, where the demand for landfill
is satisfied by the existing supply, the excavated
material may have to be stored or simply disposed of.
However, proposed plans, such as the Lakefront and Ski
Mountain plans, can utilize the material should these
plans be implemented. Storage and disposal of rock
spoil is analyzed in Section 6.2.4.
(2) Reservoirsi
As described in Section 6.2.4, spoil produced dur-
ing excavation of the reservoirs is likely to be re-
tained in stockpiles at the McCook and Thornton quar-
ries under the ownership of the quarry operators. Re-
lease of this material on the market will probably be
at the discretion of the quarry operators. Thus, no
significant socioeconomic impacts are expected.
7.2 LAND USE
The proposed tunnel system would make efficient use of
land resources for several reasons. First of all, the chief
structural components, which are the tunnels and pumping
stations, would be located underground. Second, maximum use
has been made in the plan of existing combined sewers and
interceptors, minimizing the need for interceptor connec-
tions and drop shafts in the plan. Third, MSDGC property
has been utilized for shaft locations wherever possible to
VII-16
-------
lessen the need for access easements and purchase of private
properties. Fourth, the system would convey overflows to
existing treatment and sludge handling facilities, at the
Calumet Sewage Treatment Works plant, which also uses
MSDGC-owned land. Fifth, rock and spoil from construction
would be disposed of at approved sites. Sixth, requirements
for new access roads to surface construction sites have been
minimized by locating shaft sites close to existing roads.
Finally, all shafts would be located as close to the river
bank as possible, so that nearly all of the shafts would
make use of land which is prone to overbank flooding. This
land is of relatively low value.
Because of the tunnel system's efficient use of land,
the potential impacts on land use during construction are
few. Analysis of land use impacts follows under the following
subsections:
Alterations Near Surface Construction
Rock and Spoil Disposal
Archeological and Historical Sites
Cultural and Recreational Sites.
7.2.1 Alterations Near Surface Construction
The construction of 55 drop shafts, 10 access shafts,
and 5 construction shafts would require adequate space
around,the shafts for maneuvering trucks and construction
equipment, for storing of equipment, and for mobile offices
where required. The area needed at drop shaft and access
shaft sites would be a maximum of about 15,000 square feet,
or about one-third of an acre for the largest shaft,
which is 15 feet in diameter. Space requirements for smaller
shafts would be less. Each of these areas would be used
over a period of about three months.
The five construction drop shafts are primarily located
in open areas away from street edges. Surrounding lands
vary in their use. Two shafts are adjacent to railroad lines.
One shaft adjoins what appears to be an industrial site.
Other shafts are adjoined by open space and vacant land areas,
some of which are potential recreation areas.
The access shafts tend to be isolated in open space or
located along street edges. The majority, again, are lo-
cated on vacant or open land. Only three shafts are located
in residential areas. The location of these sites does not
appear to conflict with the current development or future
residential development potential of the areas. One loca-
VII-17
-------
tion is adjoined by open land which will very likely be de-
veloped for industrial use. The shaft does not present any
apparent conflicts.
All of the land use effects are temporary and do not
actually change land use, but comprise minor interruptions
to the utilization of land at the shaft sites.
Generally, the impacts on land use would be temporary
during surface construction of the Des Plaines tunnel system.
These impacts are primarily consumption of a small amount
of valuable industrial property and reduction of traffic
capacity for periods of about 3 months at each of a few
drop shafts.
7.2.2 Rock and Spoil Disposal
The Cook Forest Preserve District has requested that
all rock taken from under Forest Preserve lands be placed
in stockpile areas on Forest Preserve property. They have
designated areas north of 22nd Street and south of the
Kennedy Expressway as the disposal sites for the Des Plaines
tunnel system. It is the Forest Preserve District's inten-
tion to utilize the rocks for their facilities, such as bi-
cycle paths and equestrian trails on a long term basis. In
the interim, the stockpiled rock will be developed for win-
ter recreational facilities. It is estimated that 2,200,000
cubic yards out of an estimated total of 3,784,000 cubic
yards (bulk) can be placed on Forest Preserve District's
property from the Des Plaines tunnels. As presently con-
ceived, excavated rock will be deposited on the Forest Pre-
serve sites although truck routes and numbers have not yet
been identified.
The remaining rock will be disposed of in active and
inactive quarries in the area. As noted previously in
Section 6.2.4, available space in the quarries exceeds anti-
cipated spoil volume many times over. Thus material excavated
from the Des Plaines tunnel system should have a positive
effect on land use in Metropolitan Chicago and should not
interfere with current quarry operations.
VII-18
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7.2.3 Archaeological and Historical Sites
(1) Archeological Sites
The lands which have the highest potential for
containing material of archeological value to be dis-
turbed during construction are the banks of the Des
Plaines River. Although no archeological sites or ma-
terials are known to exist there, these areas have been
actively used for commerce since the late 1700's and
earlier by the Potawatomi Indians who hunted, traded
furs, and occasionally camped in these areas. Because
little is known about the use of the area prior to
settlement by Europeans, any archeological finds in
the lands along the Des Plaines River on which shafts
will be constructed, could have high potential value.
Fortunately, the conventional methods of surface
excavation planned for shaft construction would prob-
ably allow adequate recovery of any archeological finds.
In fact, the net impact is likely to be favorable, be-
cause more archeological material of value would likely
be recovered than destroyed. The mitigating measures
in Chapter X would help to ensure this result.
The storage and handling of rock at Thornton
quarry would have no impact on archeological resources,
because the land there has already been disturbed.
(2) Historical Sites
There are no sites which have been designated
as historically significant and none under consideration.
Therefore, there are no impacts anticipated in this
area of environmental concern.
7.2.4 Cultural and Recreational Sites
No interference with any cultural sites is expected,
because all proposed surface construction is at least 100
feet away from any existing or planned site. The several
park and recreational facilities which border the waterways
and Des Plaines tunnel route were identified in Section 3.2.6
in Chapter III. The construction of drop shafts and access
shafts will cause temporary interference with public usage
of some portions of these park areas. The disturbance
should last between three to five years during construction.
As precise shaft locations are not known at this time,
it is difficult to define to any greater extent the location
VII-19
-------
and amount of space that may be required for construction
related activities.
7.3 RESOURCES
The financial and labor resources which will be effected
by the construction and operation of TARP, and, where ap-
plicable, the Des Plaines tunnel system, are discussed in
this section.
7.3.1 Financial Resources
This section addresses the potential impact of allo-
cating approximately $1.46 billion to the funding of the
Tunnel Plan construction over the period 1976 to 1986. The
alternative uses for these funds at the local, State, and
Federal levels are considered. This section also addresses
the significant potential for the loss of approximately
$300 million of FWPCA funds to the State of Illinois which
could be precipitated by failure to implement the Tunnel
Plan. Table 111-13 on page 111-28 displays the allocation
of total costs among the three levels; local, State, and
Federal.
(1) Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
(MSDGC)
If the District's share of the Phase I tunnel con-
struction cost, $240.0 million, was not applied to the
'TARP tunnel systems,the District could finance instream~
aeration to the waterway system receiving plant effluents
from the Calumet, North-Side, and West-Southwest Treat-
ment facilities and expand the treatment plants at the
Calumet and W-SW facilities.1 These two components of the
MSDGC's Flood and Pollution Control plan have an estimated
construction cost (in 1975 dollars) in excess of $1.1 billion.
From a broader perspective, project alternatives can
be addressed in context of the total budget of Chicago.
Data supplied by the MSDGC indicate that the city's
These projects follow the tunnels in the District's priority
scheme, as stated in the Facilities Planning Study MSDGC Over-
view Report.
VII-20
-------
FY 1976 budget consists of appropriations totaling
$1.15 billion. The major categories of appropriation
include:
Public safety 369 million
Health 41 million
Environmental
Water 102 million
Sewer and waste disposal 97 million
Transportation 221 million
Housing and community
improvement 39 million
Human development, recreation,
and culture 33 million
Economic satisfaction and
consumer protection 23 million.
In view of the multiplicity of the city's needs
and the complexity of the budget formulation proces's,
it is difficult to assess realistically the potential
alternative uses of the $240.0 million (average of
$18.5 million per year) of district funds targeted for the
Phase I tunnel systems.1 On a relative size basis, however,
the average annual dollar volume is significant in com-
parison with several of the major budget appropriations.
In terms of tax rate effect, however, the funding of
the TARP will increase the construction portion
of the MSDGC tax rate from $.118/$100 of assessed
valuation to only approximately $.120/$100 in 1985.
This increase_is_relatively small in comparison^ to the
overall city of Chicago fate ($8.557/$100assessed
In terms of population, Chicago represents approximately two-thirds
of the MSDGC. In terms of assessed valuation, Standard and Poor's
Municipal Bond Selector, December 31, 1975, indicates that Chicago
comprises approximately 61 percent of the District.
In FY 1975, the MSDGC's tax rate was 40.05
-------
valuation) and other tax rate figures such as:
Tax Per $100 Assessed
Value
Board of Education $3.47
City General Fund
(fire, police, health, etc.) $2.929
Chicago Park District $ .774
Junior College Funding $ .268
County Government Services $ .65
Forest Preserve District $ .096
In summary, it does not appear that the MSDGC's portion
of the TARP funding would cause any significant reallo-
cation of resources at the local level.
(2) State of Illinois
At the State level, the alternative use of the
$300 million currently targeted for the Tunnel Plan
is funding of the MSDGC instream aeration project
and the expansion of the Calumet and West-Southwest
Treatment: facilities. These funds, however, would be
obligated later than the FY 1976-77 time frame because
the development of detailed plans for these facilities
will not be completed until FY 1979 and, therefore,
the proposed facilities will not be eligible for con-
struction funding until FY 1979-80, according to recent
estimates supplied by the MSDGC. The non-MSDGC alter-
native uses for the State funds include some 400 projects
(approved by EPA for FWPCA funding) on the Illinois
prioritized list of some 1,173 water pollution control
projects. It must be emphasized, however, that tradi-
tionally half of the State of Illinois funds have been
allocated to the MSDGC. The current portion of funds
(available from the State) targeted for the MSDGC
for TARP will not cause any significant or dis-
cernable disallocation of resources.
VII-22
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(3) Federal
At the Federal level, the question of alternative
uses of the FWPCA funds targeted for TARP is more com-
plex and has very serious ramifications. If the
Plan is not implemented, there is a very high proba-
bility that approximately 90 percent of the current
$323.6 million targeted for the MSDGC will be used
for other projects.
The potential redirection of these funds stems
from the fact that the Calumet Sewage Treatment facility
expansion project, while high enough in the priority
list for FWPCA funds, will not meet the September 30,
1977 deadline for Step 3 funding eligibility. The
Step 2 grants were obligated in May and June of 1975,
and the construction design and specifications neces-
sary for Step 3 funding are currently scheduled to be
completed in January of 1979.1 Step 3 funding for
these two treatment facilities is estimated at $261
million. Assuming this project did not qualify in
time for existing FWPCA funds, it is estimated that
only approximately 10 percent of the $323.6 million
could alternatively be allocated to other MSDGC
prioritized pollution control projects.
In terms of a statewide reallocation of the FWPCA
funds, Illinois EPA has indicated a very low probability
that any of the funds could be obligated to non-MSDGC
projects before the September 30, 1977 deadline. Ac-
cording to recent estimates by the Illinois EPA, some
31 non~MSDGC projects are in jeopardy of not being ready
by September 30, 1977 for Step 3 FWPCA funding. Fail-
ure to meet the September deadline would mean that the
State of Illinois would have to request a reallocation
of $165 million of Federal funds currently targeted for
these projects. This request, therefore, requires a
comparable allocation of FY 1977 funds to initiate
Step 3 funding.
Construction design and specifications required for Step 3 fund-
ing for the West-Southwest Treatment facilities are scheduled to
be completed December 1979.
These funds would be employed specifically to provide treatment
capacity to provide for nutrient removal by nitrification and to
provide plant capacity for tertiary level of treatment by fil-
tration.
VII-23
-------
According to Region V EPA, any funds not obligated
within the appropriate deadline (September 30, 1977) would
probably be reallocated by EPA headquarters among the
other states according to the current allocation formula.
These funds would thus be apportioned among projects
(within these states) which are "next in line" in
terms of State/EPA priority.
In terms of non-FWPCA alternatives for the funds,
the question is as complex as the Federal budgeting
process itself; at this time in the political process,
however, it is possible that any unobligated funds
would not be reassigned but rather indirectly passed
back to the tax-payers via an extension, beyond June
30, 1976, of the current tax cuts and/or a further re-
duction in the tax liabilities of businesses and in-
dividuals.
7.3.2 Labor Resources
Effects on the labor force in the Chicago area due to
construction of the Des Plaines system should be slight.
As shown in Section 7.1.3, the job generation in any
one year will probably not exceed 550. Unemployment
within the construction field in the Chicago metropolitan
area for 1972 averaged a total of 5,910 out of an approxi-
mated labor supply of 114,000 persons. Unofficial esti-
mates of the construction labor force in the Chicago metro-
politan area for 1975 were 119,000 persons with an unemploy-
ment rate approaching ten percent^yielding a labor pool of
11,900. Less than one percent of the construction labor
force would be involved in the Des Plaines project. There-
fore, there should be no strain upon the labor force supply
with respect to other construction projects.
7.4 TRANSPORTATION
Construction of the proposed project would generate
additional truck and other vehicle traffic, causing short-
term traffic disruption in some areas. Other transporta-
tion resources are not likely to be affected by project con-
struction. Traffic impacts would occur near the construc-
tion and drop shaft sites and along the routes used by con-
struction-related vehicles.
VII-24
-------
The traffic generated by construction activities pri-
marily includes workers' commuting trips, as well as truck
trips for rock and spoil disposal. The number of trips
generated at the construction and drop shaft sites are dis-
cussed below.
7.4.1 Construction Shaft
An estimated 18 persons per shift would be required
for tunnel excavation. Since there would be three shifts
per day, assuming an occupancy rate of one person per car,
the daily number of workers' trips to and from a shaft would
be about 54. In addition, about three to five trucks per
hour would be transporting rock and spoil material from the
construction shaft to the disposal sites. Thus, the average
number of daily trips generated at a construction shaft
would range from 125 to 175. While workers' trip routes
would vary, truck routes would be well-planned and con-
stant. The most likely truck routes to the disposal sites
are shown in Figure VT-4 in Section 6.2.4. It is estimated
that construction activities at a construction shaft site
would last from 3 to 6 years, 312 days a year and 24 hours
a day.
7.4.2 Drop Shafts
Assuming ten persons per shift would be working at a
drop shaft site for one shift per day, and assuming an oc-
cupancy rate of one person per car, the daily number of
workers' trips to and from the shaft site would be ten.
No rock would be disposed of from drop shaft sites.
However, an initial layer of soil would have to be excavated
and disposed of. Depending on the drop shaft size, the esti-
mated volume of excavated soil from one shaft would range
from 4.5 to 315 cubic yards.1 Assuming a truck capacity of
13 cubic yards, the total number of trips generated would
range from 1 to 25 for the entire excavation of a drop shaft,
The construction at a drop shaft site is expected to last
for about three months, but the excavation would probably
last only a few weeks. Assuming two weeks for the excava-
tion, the daily number of truck trips would be less than
three.
Based on the smallest drop shaft diameter of 3.5 feet and the
largest of 17 feet, and assuming 25 feet of soil cover, the loose
excavated soil is conservatively assumed to occupy a 50 percent
greater volume than its in-place volume.
VII-25
-------
In addition to the above estimated trips, there would
be truck trips for transporting construction equipment and
material. These trips would generally occur at the begin-
ning and the end of the construction period. The largest
number of such trips would result from trucks transporting
concrete for lining tunnels to construction shaft sites.
This would add approximately one trip per hour to the above
estimates.
Comparison of the total daily number of trips, as esti-
mated above, with the normal traffic volume on affected roads
given in Section 3.4, indicates that impact of the additional
construction-related traffic on the traffic flow would be
insignificant. During the peak construction year, in 1980,
when all three tunnel systems would be under construction,
the estimated total number of construction-related trips
would be approximately 2,000 per day, including 650 truck
trips. These trips would be scattered over many routes,
however, and would have negligible impact on the existing
traffic flow.
7.5 MAJOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
The effects of the proposed surface and subsurface con-
struction on other major projects and programs in the area
would be negligible. Major projects and programs associated
with the communities in the Des Plaines system project area
include: street improvement, acquisition of a public energy
corridor, public buildings, and residential land development.
7.5.1 Transit Improvements
While currently available maps showing the alignment of
proposed CTA subway improvements do not depict the final routes
design, any potential interferences of the proposed Des Plaines
system with the routes are not expected to present any poten-
tial conflicts.
7.5.2 Streets and Expressway Improvements
All proposed shafts would be outside the proposed align-
ments of all road improvements. No significant interference
to these road improvements is expected from construction of
the Des Plaines Tunnel system.
VII-26
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7.5.3 Public Acquisition of Energy-Utility Corridor
During shaft construction along the Des Plaines River
and Salt Creek, construction contractors would be required
under contracts with the MSDGC to survey all access routes
to determine whether any pipeline crossings would need struc-
tural reinforcement prior to use. The contractors would also
be required to make the necessary reinforcements. Therefore,
no interference with pipeline operation is expected. More-
over, the amount of land consumed by the Des Plaines system
shafts in the proposed energy corridor is minor compared to
the area of the corridor, and the shaft locations would not
preclude further utility development of the corridor.
7.6 COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
Construction of the proposed project would require
about 450,000 cubic yards of concrete and undetermined quan-
tities of other construction materials. Construction vehicles
and equipment, as well as vehicles used by construction
workers would consume approximately 186,000 gallons of gaso-
line and 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel during project con-
struction.
Electrical power needed for constructing the TARP con-
veyance tunnels will be purchased rather than generated on
site. All underground construction activities will rely
heavily on electricity for power generation, whereas sur-
face construction will use predominantly internal combustion
engines. Tunneling machines or moles will be the principal
consumers of electrical power, and they will account for
much of the energy used in this project. The amount of
power which may be consumed during construction is expected
to be less than one percent of total energy consumed in the
region. The demand that this would place on the metropoli-
tan power grid depends on the number of tunnels being con-
structed at the same time, and the extent of other construc-
tion operations that are underway. Each tunnel system is
expected to consume a maximum of two to five Megawatts of
electrical power (MWe). Assuming a worst case situation of
all three tunnel systems being constructed at the same time,
and coal is used to generate a maximum amount of 15
Megawatts (5 MWe per system), approximately 70,000 tons
of coal will be consumed during each year of construction.
-------
This estimate is based on a 8,500 Btu/lb heating value—
20 percent ash coal resource. This consumption rate
represents approximately 0.06 percent of the total coal
production rate for the Illinois, Indiana, western Kentucky,
and Michigan regions in 1969.
"Potential Pollutants in Fossil Fuels," Esso Research and
Engineering Company, Report prepared for the U.S. EPA, Office
of Research and Monitoring, June 1973.
VII-28
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VIII. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON THE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
-------
VIII. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON THE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The significant effects of implementing TARP on the
natural environmental features of the Chicago metropolitan
area are discussed in this chapter and presented in five
sections:
Water Resources
Land Resources
Atmospheric Resources
Biological Resources
Commitment of Natural Resources.
8.1 WATER RESOURCES
The operation of the proposed tunnel system will have
a significant beneficial effect on the water resources of
the Chicago area. Water quality conditions the past 20 years
have been poor, and aquatic life has dwindled to only
pollution-tolerant species. Implementation of the tunnel
system will improve conditions so that a wider diversity of
aquatic life can be reestablished and existing aquatic life
can proliferate. This section describes the impact of tun-
nel operation on surface water and groundwater supplies of
the affected area, as well as on wastewater and water man-
agement programs. This discussion addresses the following
topics:
Surface water quality and use as a resource
Groundwater quality
Impact on wastewater
Interaction with other water management programs.
8.1.1 Surface Water
The deep tunnel system proposed by the MSDGC will affect
surface water resources of the Chicago area in a variety of
ways. Discussion of the impacts will follow the structure
of Chapter II; the description of the existing natural en-
vironment .
VIII-1
-------
(1) Water Quality
Completion of the Mainstream, Calumet, and Lower
Des Plaines tunnel systems will reduce spills to area
waterways, caused by combined-sewer overflows, from
approximately 100 occasions per year to about 10 occa-
sions per year. The tunnel systems will capture for
treatment approximately 51 percent of the annual volume
of overflow from combined sewers, thus reducing dis-
charges to area waterways from the present level of
113,500 acre-feet per year to a level of 55,800 acre-
feet per year. Because the tunnel systems will capture
the most heavily polluted portion of the overflows, the
percent reduction in the pollutant load in general will
exceed the percent reduction in overflow volume. After
treatment, the amount of biological oxygen demand (BOD)
released to the waterways is expected to be reduced by
about 78 percent (net) from present releases (approxi-
mately 38,700,000 Ibs/yr to roughly 8,500,000 Ibs/yr).
Discharges of suspended solids will drop from a current
level of about 180,500,000 Ibs/yr to roughly 45,125,000
Ibs/yr (a net reduction of about 75 percent). Currently,
overflows from the combined sewers occur 17.4 percent
of the time, releasing, untreated, the equivalent of
8.7 percent of the yearly average dry weather flow
to area waterways.1 Implementation of the tunnel
system alone will limit overflow episodes to approx-
imately 1.5 percent of the time, reducing releases
of untreated sewage to less than 2 percent of the
yearly average dry weather flows. The statistics on
pollutant reduction cited above and their sources are
summarized in Table VIII-1.
By reducing the number of yearly combined-sewer
overflows from 100 to 10, a significant result will
be that the average duration of nonoverflow periods
will be increased from the current 3.1 days to 24 days.
This means that the quality of the waterways will be
governed, in general, by dry weather flow conditions.
Dry weather flow conditions, in turn, are strongly
influenced by effluent discharges from area treatment
plants and by BOD released through the accumulated
benthal deposits.
Presently, under dry weather flow conditions,
water quality along large sections of the area's
three primary water systems fails to meet minimum
Illinois standards for restricted waters. This
situation is particularly critical during the hot
Hearing on the Proposed Chicago Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, Chicago,
Illinois, March 28, 1974.
VIII-2
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summer months, when water levels are at their lowest,
pollutants appear more concentrated, and the rates
of decomposition of organic materials in the waters
are at their highest. The figures presented in
Table VIII-2 document the severity of the problem.
A major cause of this problem is the poor
quality of the effluents from the three major waste-
water treatment plants of the region, the Calumet,
North-Side and West-Southwest sewage treatment plants.
Because of the outflows from these plants area
waterways are not expected to meet the restricted
use standards of Illinois without additional measures.
Table II-8 shows the effectiveness of ammonia
removal at these treatment plants. Largely because
of the high ammonia levels, it is not likely that
the state water quality standards will be met, even
with the tunnel systems, unless the treatment processes
are upgraded to some form of tertiary-level wastewater
treatment.
In Chapter II of this report, a simulation of
dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was presented
to illustrate the overall poor quality of the waters
in this region. Models of the waterways along the
Mainstream and Calumet systems were used to demon-
strate existing conditions. Unfortunately, water
quality models of the Des Plaines River, currently
being developed under the Chicago area "208" effort,
were not available for this report.
In the EISs prepared by USEPA for those two
sections of TARP, further DO simulations were used
to show the effects which tunnel operation would have
upon the overall water quality of the area. In
general, the simulations showed that an improvement
in DO concentrations averaging 1.7 mg/1 above
existing conditions can be expected over the 80 miles
of waterway which were modeled. However, the DO
standard of the 4 mg/1 would still not be met over
some 70 percent of those waterways during dry weather
flow conditions.
The circumstances surrounding the Des Plaines
River system are somewhat different. In Cook County,
the Des Plaines River winds through a highly urbanized,
primarily residential area. Due to its location, the
river is the focal point of a great deal of recreational
VIII-5
-------
activity. As a result, the pollutant concentrations
in the Des Plaines River are not as high or as severe
as they are in other major area waterways. However,
for the same reason, the standards set for the Des
Plaines River are higher. Characteristic pollutant
levels are shown in Table A-3. These can be compared
with the corresponding levels in the waters of the
Mainstream and Calumet surface water systems, displayed
in Tables A-l and A-2 respectively.
In the MSDGC report from which Tables A-l
through A-3 were excerpted^ the principal water quality
problems along the Des Plaines River were identified
as suspended solids (SS) and fecal coliform concentra-
tions. In contrast with the other major area water-
ways, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen
demand (BOD) and ammonia (NH3) do not appear to be a
problem. For this reason, instream aeration
stations planned for the other major waterways are
not likely to be required along the Des Plaines River.
In summary, implementation of Phase I tunnels
will limit combined-sewer overflows to about 10
occasions per year. Dry weather flow conditions will
then be the influencing factor in water quality in
the area. Under such conditions, Illinois Standards
for Secondary Contact and Indigenous Aquatic Life
will not be met for DO and probably not for ammonia.
For these reasons, implementation of the Phase I
tunnels will not enable an upgrading in water uses
along large reaches of the major Chicago area water-
ways. Rather it is clear that other programs for
pollution control must also be undertaken to attain
state standards on these river systems. Other
programs being considered toward this end are:
upgrading of existing treatment plants, use of instream
aeration, and implementation of TARP Phase II.
Along the Des Plaines River system TARP Phase I
is expected to enhance the recreational potential of
the waterway although compliance with SS and fecal
coliform standards is not anticipated until the
storage reservoirs become operational. Work being
conducted by the Northern Illinois Planning Commission
Appendix "C" of "Facilities Planning Study—MSDGC Overview
Report," Second Revision, January 1975.
VIII-6
-------
(NIPC) under section 208 of the 1972 Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments will provide the basis upon
which to judge what additional steps, if any, will be
required to maintain and enhance water quality along
the Des Plaines River.
(2) Water Quantity
- Implementation of Phase I of TARP is not expected
to have a significant impact on annual flow rates and
water levels along the major river systems. The tunnels
themselves are too limited in capacity to reduce notice-
ably the flood stages attained during the largest area
storms. Flooding will still occur at nearly the same
existing frequency until the storage reservoirs are im-
plemented or the storage capacity is increased.
(3) Flow Regulation
Capture of 51 percent of the combined-sewer over-
flow volume with subsequent treatment and release to
area waterways will have some impact on flow regulation,
Operation of the tunnel system is expected to
increase the average flow of water from the West-
Southwest and Calumet plants by about 13 percent
and 9 percent, respectively. This modest increase
will allow a smoothing out of flow rates in the
Mainstream and Calumet River systems except for
those occasions when large storms occur. Operation
of Phase I tunnels will have virtually no effect on
the regulation of Des Plaines River flow since
captured overflows will be treated at West-Southwest
STW and released to the Sanitary and Ship Canal. In
short, the effect of tunnel operation on flow regula-
tion throughout the Chicago area is expected to be
minor.
(4) Domestic Water Supply
The capture, treatment, and release of combined-
sewer overflows is expected to have little, if any,
impact upon domestic water supplies. Plant effluent
may eventually be upgraded to the point where it can
substitute for a portion of that direct diversion from
Lake Michigan used for maintenance of water quality.
Until then, it is unlikely that the additional flows
provided by TARP Phase I will enable the reallocation
of high quality Lake Michigan water for domestic uses.
VIII-7
-------
(5) Benthal Deposits
Implementation of the tunnel system will reduce
releases of suspended solids to the waterways by about
75 percent.^ It is expected that only a thin layer of
sludge will be deposited on the river bottom after an
overflow event once the tunnels have been placed in
operation. Because of this, the number of instances
in which anaerobic decomposition occurs should be re-
duced significantly.
A significant reduction in benthic oxygen demand
is predicted as a result of Phase I TARP. The tunnel
will capture all but the largest overflows, expanding
the average duration of nonoverflow conditions from
3.1 to 24 days. Because of this, benthic oxygen de-
mand will be reduced to about 20 percent of current
levels.2 Dredging of existing sludge deposits from
the waterways should further reduce the oxygen demand
from organic sediment.
8.1.2 Groundwater
The operation of the tunnel system and associated sub-
systems is expected to have two types of effects on the
natural environment. Wastewaters conveyed by the system
may have an impact on groundwater resources caused by ex-
filtration. Conversely, these resources may have an impact
on the tunnels because of groundwater infiltration.
Although concrete linings and rock grouting will be
used to control infiltration and exfiltration (see Section
5.1.2 of Chapter V), no combination of lining and grouting
can completely eliminate the inflow and outflow of water
between the tunnel and the surrounding rock. Should the
grouting program fail, infiltration or exfiltration will most
likely occur and will cause a significant impact on tunnel
operations. The inflow or outflow rates are expected to be
at the tunnel maximum level, as indicated in Section 6.1.2
and illustrated in Figures VI-1, VI-2, and VI-3. The extent
Westfall, D.E., Keifer and Associates, Memorandum to MSDGC,
February 3, 1976.
Ibid.
VIII-8
-------
of grouting failures, however, can be monitored by: routine
and frequent tunnel inspections, water level fluctuations in
observations wells, and chemical analysis of the observation
well water.
Assuming that the number of grouting failures are kept
to a minimum, the impacts of groundwater infiltration and
wastewater exfiltration during operation of the tunnel sys-
tem are not expected to be significant. The effects of
these impacts which are unique to infiltration and exfiltra-
tion, are discussed in the following sections.
(1) Infiltration
During dry weather conditions, the pressure inside
the tunnel will generally be low because of the nearly
dry tunnel conditions. During normal storm events, the
tunnels will be partially full, and the pressure will
still be lower than the groundwater inflow pressure.
Therefore, when the tunnels are dry or only partially
full, groundwater infiltration will take place. If the
tunnel is grouted according to specifications, inflow
is not expected to exceed 0.05 MGD/mile. For the Calumet
tunnels, groundwater infiltration may be as low as
0.01 MGD/mile. Although the infiltration rate to the
tunnel is small, the pressure will still be high enough
to prevent exfiltration of wastewater from the tunrel
into the aquifer.
As revealed in Chapter V, the grouting program is
designed to limit overall infiltration to 0.05 MGD/mile
or less. To achieve a rate lower than this, chemical
and epoxy grouts may be required in addition to cement
grouts. This requirement is dependent on nature and
density of fracturing and on seepage or infiltration
conditions encountered during construction which dictate
what grouting method should be employed. The stability
of any chemical grouts employed will have to be
assured.
The results of tests conducted in two tunnels
completed to date confirm that the grouting program is
VIII-9
-------
effectively limiting groundwater infiltration to less
than half of the figure of 500 gallons per day per
inch of tunnel diameter per mile considered acceptable
for sewer performance. If groundwater infiltration is
controlled by the grouting program in Phase I tunnels
as well as has been done in the two demonstration tun-
nels, then the effects on groundwater due to infiltra-
tion would be even less than is stated in this EIS.
(2) Exfiltration
During major storm events, the hydraulic or outward
pressure in the tunnel may exceed the inward pressure of
the aquifer. Exfiltration will then occur until tunnel
pressure and aquifer pressure achieve equilibrium.
This would result in adverse effects on groundwater
quality in the vicinity of the tunnel, and would neces-
sitate an aquifer protection system. Preservation of
the aquifer can be achieved by establishing or preserv-
ing two physical conditions throughout the project
area:
Maintenance of a high piezometric level with-
in the aquifer in relation to hydraulic grade
levels in tunnels and shafts by a system of
recharge wells
Limitation of exfiltration as well as infil-
tration by a combination of grouting and
tunnel lining, as discussed previously.
Although data was not available to indicate the ex-
pected maximum tunnel pressure during a simulated flood
condition, studies have identified general areas in which
aquifer recharge will be necessary to sustain poten-
tiometric levels and thus to avoid exfiltration.i
Figure VIII-7 shows areas which may require installa-
tion of recharge wells. These areas correspond to
existing or imminent low potentiometric surface areas.
The need for future recharge wells was based on pro-
jected water level declines. The recharge system, if
required, would consist of wells spaced approximately
Harza Engineering Company, "Development of a Flood and Pollution
Control Plan for the Chicagoland Area; Geology and Water Supply,"
Technical Report, Part 4, MSDGC, 1972.
VIII-10
-------
FIGURE VIII-7
Aquifer Protection
Needs
LEGEND.
AREAS IN WHICH INITIAL RECHARGE WELL INSTALLATION
IS NECESSARY
AREAS IN WHICH FUTURE RECHARGE WELL INSTALLATION
MAY BE NECESSARY
HEC, 1972
VIII-11
-------
1,000 feet apart. The system is designed to allow a
water injection rate of 100 gpm which would result in
an equivalent recharge amount of 0.73 MGD per mile of
tunnel. Due to the variability of the aquifer, addi-
tional testing will be necessary during construction
to delineate specific locations for recharge wells
and to determine appropriate injection rates.
According to present plans, the proposed tunnel
system will be situated beneath existing potable water
main systems at a minimum vertical distance of 70 feet.
In order to determine the potential for pollution of
the potable water from exfiltration of the combined
sewage, a "worst case" analysis was performed. This
analysis was based on the following assumptions:
The sewage tunnel is unlined, and only major
open joints have been grouted.
Pressure head in the sewage tunnel is the
same as at land surface.
Ratio of horizontal to vertical permeabilities
is one, Kn/Kv=l, and permeability rate is
0.001 ft/min.
The water main is empty.
The concrete lining of the water main is
damaged to the extent that it does not func-
tion as a seepage boundary.
The analysis indicated that even under such criti-
cal and unlikely circumstances, it would take approxi-
mately 280 days for the exfiltrated seepage to reach
the water main, and the rate of seepage in the main
would be about 0.07 gpm per foot of water main line
affected (or 0.5 MGD/mile).
It is extremely unlikely that this situation will
occur. Based on the projected rate of flow of the sew-
age effluent, there would be sufficient time to imple-
ment mitigative measures in the event exfiltration
occurs, providing observation wells are installed.
1 HEC, 1972.
2 Ibid.
VIII-12
-------
A "worst case" situation would necessitate the
emptying of the water main for repairs to damaged lining.
Monitoring efforts (i.e., water level and water quality
movements) in nearby observation wells will reveal any
adverse or potentially adverse changes before they could
become manifest in non-test wells located farther away.
These observation wells should be located along the
entire length of the tunnel route. Figure VIII-8 shows
the locations of existing observation wells as revealed
in a 1975 report by HEC.
In view of the heterogeneous nature of the aquifer sys-
tem, the observations and conclusions presented herein should
be considered as estimates or relative assessments. The dis-
tribution of observation wells along the Des Plaines Tunnel
system appears inadequate for effective monitoring. In addi-
tion, the potentiometric surfaces and tunnel pressures of this
system will have to be more fully defined to adequately calcu-
late exfiltration potential and to design the proper exfiltra-
tion control systems.
8.1.3 Wastewater
Treatment of captured overflows from the combined sewers
is the ultimate goal of the proposed deep tunnel system.
The dewatering of intercepted flows from the tunnels is de-
signed to be completed within about 2.5 days to avoid the
possibility of septicity in the tunnels. Implementation of
the tunnel system will increase dry weather flows from the
West-Southwest and Calumet plants by roughly 13 percent and
9 percent, respectively.-'- Increased flows through these
two plants and changes in selected effluent characteristics
relative to 1973 levels are shown in Table VIII-4.
Westfall, D.E., Keifer and Associates, Memorandum to MSDGC,
February 3, 1976.
VIII-13
-------
FIGURE VIII-8
General Location of Existing
Observation Wells
COOK COUNTY rJ~
\ ^
r
VIII-14
-------
Table VIII-4
Comparison of Anticipated Effluent
Flows and Characteristics Resulting From
Phase I Tunnel Dewatering With 1973 Average
Operating Parameters^
Flow (cfs)
DO (mg/1)
BOD (mg/1)
NH3 (mg/1)
North-Side STP
Phase I (1973)
505 (505)
7 (7)
10 (10)
5 (5)
West-Southwest STP
Phase I (1973)
1460 (1340)
7 (7)
8 (7)
7 (7)
Calumet STP
Phase I (1973)
366 (325)
7 (7)
20 (15)
18 (18)
Westfall, D.E., Keifer and Associates, Memorandum to MSDGC, February 3, 1976.
As is evident from the table, the effect of Phase I tunnel
dewatering operations on treatment plant effluent quality
is not expected to be significant. The likely dilution of
intercepted flows and the modest increases in flow to the
treatment plants from dewatering form the basis for this
finding.
Effluent flows and chemical characteristics are indi-
cated in Table VIII-5, assuming addition of the storage res-
ervoirs and expansion and upgrading of the MSDGC's large plants
to provide tertiary treatment including nitrification of ammonia.
Table VIII-5
Effluent Flows and Chemical
Characteristics Resulting From -j^
Addition of Reservoirs and Upgrading of MSDGC Plants
Flow (cfs)
DO (mg/1)
BOD (mg/1)
NH3 (mg/1)
North-Side STP
TARP (Upgrading)
505 (505)
7 (7)
10 (8)
5 (2.5)*
(4.0)**
West-Southwest STP
TARP (Upgrading)
1587 (1587)
7 (7)
8 (8)
7 (2.5)*
(4.0)**
Calumet STP
TARP (Upgrading)
391 (391)
7 (7)
20 (8)
18 (2.5)*
(4.0)**
* Summer months.
** Winter months.
1 Irons, J., MSDGC, Personal Communication, February 10, 1976.
VIII-15
-------
Ammonia concentrations of 2.5 mg/1 (summer) and 4.0 mg/1
(winter) for the upgraded plants represent the minimum level
that must be attained by December 31, 1977, to meet Illinois
Effluent Discharge standards for plants treating in excess
of 50,000 population equivalents of load. In addition,
under these standards, BOD levels from MSDGC plants must be
limited to no more than 10 mg/1 by December 31, 1977. The
projected improvement in BOD levels beyond the mandated
limit due to plant upgrading is a result of MSDGC's companion
effort to meet DO standards in the waterways by limiting
BOD releases from MSDGC treatment plants. Currently, Illinois
has no BOD standards specifically for waterways and the
limitation that must be met is the* effluent discharge standard,
At this time, information on the design and operation of
the reservoir storage systems is insufficient to enable a
determination of the effect of variable dewatering rates on
the quality of treatment plant effluent.
8.1.4 Water Management Programs
Improvements in water quality resulting from operation
of the tunnel system are, in general, consistent with the
aims of other area water management programs. The tunnel
system, in conjunction with a water storage system, is
widely recognized in virtually all area plans as a necessary
component to control pollution and flooding problems in
the Chicago area. Although the tunnels alone would not at-
tain fully the goals of the various programs identified in
Section 2.1.4, operation of the tunnels without the reser-
voirs would enable pollution control aims to be at least
partially accomplished.
A decision to construct the tunnel system prior to the
completion of the 208 Planning Program would certainly re-
duce the options open to the 208 planning agency (Northern
Illinois Planning Commission) in developing an areawide waste
treatment management plan. With the commitment to a signi-
ficant component of the TAEP system, the potential utility
and impact of the waterway monitoring and modeling to be
VIII-16
-------
undertaken as part of the 208 program will necessarily be
reduced. However, the 208 Planning Program is still ex-
pected to provide significant data affecting the design and
implementation of other components of the TARP project, in-
cluding reservoir storage of combined-sewer overflows, up-
grading and expansion of area treatment plants, and the use
of instream aeration.
No major conflicts could be identified between imple-
mentation of the tunnel system and other water management
programs in the Chicago area.
8.2 LAND RESOURCES
The effects on land resources of implementing TARP are
discussed in this section of the EIS. The assessment focuses
mainly on the Des Plaines Tunnel system and is presented
under the following land resource categories:
Flood-Prone Areas
Geology and Seismicity
Land Disposal of Sludge.
8.2.1 Flood-Prone Areas
The flood-prone areas within the MSDGC combined-
sewer service area are expected to be beneficially affected
as a result of Des Plaines Tunnel system operation. The
effect will be very small, however, since the combined-
storage capacity of the Calumet Tunnels is only 1,692 ac-ft,
which is equivalent to approximately 0.4 inches of runoff
water. The drainage basins and areas susceptible to
overbank flooding associated with the Des Plaines Tunnel
route have been described in Section 2.2, Land Resources,
of this EIS. Although flood abatement as well as over-
flow relief can be expected within certain portions of
these drainage basins and flood-prone areas, the amount
will be insignificant unless a larger storage system is
incorporated as part of the tunnel plan. For the Des
Plaines system, there will be 89 overflow relief points
and 55 drop shafts for collecting runoff wastewaters.
Most of these relief points and drop shafts will be
located within flood-prone areas. Table VIII-6 presents
the number of drop shafts and relief points for all the
Des Plaines Tunnel segments as compared to all the TARP
systems combined. This table provides an overview of the
incremental, beneficial effects which the Des Plaines
Tunnel system is expected to have on the MSDGC flood-
prone areas.
VIII-17
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overflow relief points and 55 drop shafts for collecting
runoff wastewaters. Most of these relief points and drop
shafts will be located within flood-prone areas. Table VIII-6
presents the number of drop shafts and relief points for all
the Des Plaines Tunnel segments as compared to all the TARP
systems combined. This table provides an overview of the
incremental, beneficial effects which the Des Plaines Tunnel
system is expected to have on the MSDGC flood-prone areas.
Table VIII-6
Comparison of Des Plaines Tunnel Segments
to All TARP Systems - Drop Shafts
and Overflow Relief Points
All Percent (%)
Component Des Plaines Systems* of Total**
Drop Shafts 55 341 13.2
Overflow Relief 644 13.8
Points
* Mainstream, Calumet, and Lower Des Plaines.
** Fraction of Des Plaines with_respect to total for all systems.
8.2.2 Geology and Seismicity
Many of the geologic constraints placed on the construc-
tion procedures (Chapter 6.2.2) are also applicable to the
long-term operation of the tunnel systems. Remedial mea-
sures taken to decrease the geologic impact during the
construction phases will further add to the long-term sta-
bility of the systems operations. The impact of operations
on the gross subsurface geologic and seismic characteris-
tics of the Chicago region is considered to be negligible.
Some impact of operations within a localized or restricted
geologic area can be expected, and this impact could have a
further impact on the operation of the system.
Bauer Engineering, Inc., November 1973.
VIII-18
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The interplay of operations and geologic or seismic
conditions is directly dependent upon a number of physical
aspects of the various strata, or geologic structures, to
be traversed by the tunnels and associated systems. These
geologic constraints, discussed in detail in Chapters 2.2.3
and 6.2.2, consist of the engineering properties of the
rocks, rock structure variability, bedding attitude, and
geologic structures such as faults, folds, and joints with-
in each rock unit. Awareness of specific problems posed by
these geologic constraints and remedial measures taken to
secure short-term stability during the construction phase
of the project should be sufficient to ensure the long-term
(operational) stability of the system.
(1) Geologic Effects
A number of geologic conditions would appear to
have a unique impact on long-term operation of the
tunnels and associated systems. These conditions do
not necessarily pose a problem during the construction
phase. Among these constraints are: stress changes
induced by system operation or by progressive yielding
of the rocks with time, the erosive or corrosive effects
on the rocks of waste materials and flood waters carried
by the tunnels, weathering or corrosive effects at
joints or fracture zones with time, the erosive effects
of rock falls moved along the length of the tunnels
during periods of flooding, and the effects of a seis-
mic event or earthquake on the tunnel and related
features.
The degree of maintenance required will be a
direct function of the long-term effectiveness of the
rock anchoring system applied to certain segments of
the tunnels.1 Although the anchoring system can be
Harza Engineering Company (HEC), Geotechnical Design Report,
"Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Mainstream Tunnel System," MSDGC,
Chicago, Illinois, 1975.
VIII-19
-------
relied on during tunnel excavation, tunnel operation
and a progressive yielding over time resulting from
stress relief will induce stress changes in the vici-
nity of the tunnel periphery, and the long-term relia-
bility of the anchoring system will diminish. In these
instances, rock falls would be expected, and these
falls would require clean-up, rebolting, regrouting,
and patching of the rock fall zones. The frequency
of these occurrences can become so great that future
lining of the tunnel could be warranted even after
start-up of operation. This provision should not be
discounted. In this sense, operation of unlined tun-
nel segments should be regarded by the MSDGC as an
"experimental," pilot venture. Most of the Des
Plaines Tunnel system will be unlined and the rock
fall impact could be significant during the operation
of this system.
The materials carried by the tunnel systems may
have an erosive or corrosive effect upon the rocks.
Wetting and drying laboratory tests have indicated
that almost all the rocks (with the exception of shale)
have a low chemical reactivity with sewage.1 However,
the rocks may be highly reactive to certain industrial
wastes expected to enter the tunnels and the long-term
effects will not be known until further tests are con-
ducted.
It appears probable that for an unlined and unsup-
ported tunnel, over a period of time, the thin shale
partings and interbeds found in the Interreef facies
of the Racine, in the Markgraf and Brandon Bridge mem-
bers of the Joliet and in the Kankakee dolomites will
be subject to deterioration. Deterioration would be
especially rapid when the shale interbeds are subjected
to alternate wetting and drying. Wherever a shaley
parting or interbed occurs near the crown of a moled
tunnel, it will act as a weak plane to which the crown
portion will tend to break back with time, forming a
flat roof. Structural weakening and fallout from the
Harza Engineering Company (HEC), Geotechnical Design Report,
"Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Mainstream Tunnel System," MSDGC,
Chicago, Illinois, 1975.
VIII-20
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rock surrounding the tunnels would also be expected
with time wheiaver closely spaced shale partings and
joints intersect.1
Rock falls would cause a decrease in the hydrau-
lic efficiency of the tunnel. Further, irregularities
in tunnel shape caused by a rock fall will be subject
to more concentrated attack by erosional forces asso-
ciated with flowing water. Hence, the tunnel condi-
tion could worsen rapidly in the absence of remedial
measures. Moreover, the fallen rock could damage
downstream tunnel sections as it is transported by the
flowing waters. Additionally, since the diameter of
the proposed tunnels will be greater than the approxi-
mately 17-foot diameter of existing tunnels, the crown
areas of the proposed tunnels will be somewhat less
stable.
(2) Seismic Effects
The seismicity of the Chicago area has been des-
cribed in detail in Chapter 2.2.4 and the construction
phase-seismicity interrelations have been discussed in
Chapter 6.2.3. The recurrence rate for an MMI VIII
earthquake is about once for every 100 years and the
last VIII earthquake was in 1909. This recurrence
rate is well within the 30-to-40 year funding life span
of the tunnel system.
A local earthquake can be generated by small (a
few centimeters) movements on a fault. If the causa-
tive fault intersects the tunnel system, the minor
dislocation may offset the tunnel alignment. This may
alter the tunnel support systems as well as destroy
the integrity of the nonstructural tunnel lining, thus
exposing the surrounding rocks, especially shales, to
deterioration. Rock fall in the vicinity of such a
dislocation may be extensive, especially along joints
or other fractures in unlined tunnels.
The impact from earthquakes generated by faults
at some distance from the tunnel and associated systems
is expected to be slight. Rock falls can be expected
Harza Engineering Company (HEC), "Evaluation of Geology and
Groundwater Conditions in Lawrence Avenue Tunnel, Calumet Inter-
cepting Sewer 18E, Extension A. Southwest Intercepting Sewer 13A,"
Chicago, Illinois, 23 p., 1972 a.
VIII-21
-------
along some pre-existing j^..nts or fracture zones.
General rock fall, unrel, ted to existing breaks and
the formation of new cracks is unlikely in light of
the particle velocities required to cause breakage
compared to the peak vertical velocities for all but
the largest earthquakes (MMI VIII).
8.2.3 Sludge Waste
Sludge solids from combined-sewer overflows will be
captured by the Des Plaines Tunnel system operation. Sluclu
from this system will be processed at the West-Southwest
Treatment Plant and then will be disposed of in a varietv
of ways.
The MSDGC estimates that sludge generation from the
Mainstream and Des Plaines systems will increase the sludge
load of the West-Southwest plant by 70 to 100 tons per clay
(tpd), or by about 15 percent over the current sludge-
handling rate. Ultimate disposal of the sludge solids is
expected to be as follows:
1973 Sludge
Sludge Pro- Disposal Rate
duction From From Calumet
Disposal Method Tunnels (tpd)* Plant (tpd)
44 208
13 100
9 100
34 200
100 608
The disposal impact of the increment of sludge producted
by the Des Plaines system upon sludge handling and disposaj.
practices at the West-Southwest plant is not expected ho
be significant.
Mainstream and Lower Des Plaines Systems.
VIII-22
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8.3 ATMOSPHERIC RESOURCES
The impact of tunnel operation on atmospheric resources
is discussed in the following sections:
Air Quality
Odor
Aerosols
Noise.
8.3.1 Air Quality
Operation of the proposed tunnel system is not likely
to have any direct effects on the ambient air quality.
However, there may be an indirect impact on air quality be-
cause of the use of electrical power to operate the tunnel
dewatering pumps. If the required electricity is generated
in a fossil fuel power plant, the pumps would require addi-
tional fuel to be burned, causing emission of air pollu-
tants at the power plant site.
The entire tunnel system would require about 107.1
million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year to operate the pumps
and aerators1, of which about 12.6 million kWh would be
required by the Des Plaines system.2
If the energy for the entire system is purchased from
the Commonwealth Edison system, it would amount to approxi-
mately 0.03 percent of the utility's net energy generation
in 198Q3. The relatively small amount of additional fuel
required to supply this energy is not likely to have signi-
ficant adverse effect on the region's air quality.
Bauer Engineering, Inc., "Environmental Impact Statement,"
Preliminary Draft, prepared for the MSDGC, November 1973.
Environmental Assessment Statement for Des Plaines Tunnel System,
MSDGC with assistance from Bauer Engineering, Inc., June 1976.
Op. cit., Bauer Engineering, Inc., November 1973.
VIII-23
-------
Instead of purchasing it fr«-,m a utility, the required
power may be generated using <;as turbines. The turbines
could be owned and operated by the MSDGC, however, such
operation would not be economical based on the present high
cost of fuel oil. Therefore, the use of gas turbines is
unlikely to be the choice for the proposed project. Hence,
the air quality impact of gas turbine operation has not been
evaluated.
8.3.2 Odor
If combined-sewer overflows are stored in the tunnels
for a long period of time, anaerobic conditions may develop,
resulting in odor generation. Typically 3 to 10 days of
storage are required for anaerobic conditions to develop.
The tunnels are planned to be dewatered within 2 days of
receiving combined-sewer overflows, thus eliminating the
possibility of anaerobic conditions developing. Therefore,
no odors should be generated during the storage of combined-
sewer overflows.
If the tunnels are used to transport dry weather flows,
the drop shafts would provide ample ventilation to maintain
aerobic conditions and prevent generation of odor.
8.3.3 Aerosols
Aerosols are fine airborne liquid particles. These
may be produced in the drop shafts when the wastewater falls
at high velocity. If not properly controlled, these aero-
sols, made of polluted water, may escape into the atmosphere
through the drop shaft opening. Since pathogenic organisms
are present in the raw sewage flowing down the drop shaft,
the aerosols would present a potential health hazard to
nearby residents. The proposed drop shafts are designed to
prevent the escape of aerosols into the atmosphere. There-
fore, no adverse impacts are expected from them.
8.3.4 Noise
Potential sources of noise during the tunnel operation
include dewatering pumps and water falling down the drop
shafts. The pumps will be located from 250 to 300 feet un-
derground and noise from them is not expected to be heard
at the surface. The water falling down the drop shafts
will be aerated to cushion its impact. Thus, the noise will
VIII-24
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be minimized and will not cause significant adverse impacts.
The velocity of the air leaving the drop shafts will be con-
trolled so that no whistling sound will be produced.
8.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Operation of the Des Plaines Tunnel system and subsystems
is not expected to have a negative effect on the natural
vegetation, terrestrial and aquatic life, and avian life of
the forest preserves in the project area. Surface struc-
tures, such as drop shafts and access shafts, will require
a small amount of space (less than 150 square feet of area).
Although several drop shafts will be located on lands owned
by the Forest Preserve District, the effects will be bene-
ficial rather than negative since the purpose of the drop
shafts is to relieve flooding and remove point and nonpoint
sources of pollution.
8.5 COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
Operation of the Des Plaines Tunnel conveyance system,
will involve the yearly consumption of roughly 18 Megawatts
of electric power* Assuming that coal will be burned to
generate this amount of electricity, an estimate of the quan-
tity of coal which will be consumed would be approximately
84,000 tons per year. This estimate is based on a heating
value for coal of 8,500 Btu/lb and an ash content for coal
of 20 percent. More typical values for coal produced in the
Illinois region would be roughly 14,000 Btu/lb and 10 per-
'cent ash.^ Thus, the consumption of 84,000 tons of coal per
year is a worst-case estimate. The total amount of coal pro-
duced in the Illinois region (Illinois, Indiana, western
Kentucky and Michigan) in 1969 was 131,000,000 tons.3 Gen-
eration of 75 Megawatts of electricity for tunnel operation
would therefore involve consumption of about 0.06 percent
of the total regional production of coal in 1969. For this
reason, generation of electricity for tunnel operation is
not expected to have a significant impact on area energy
resources.
1 MSDGC, November 1973.
2 "Potential Pollutants in Fossil Fuels,
-------
IX. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON THE
MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
-------
IX. EFFECTS OF OPERATION ON THE
MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
The effects of operation of the Des Plains tunnel
system on the man-made environment are described in the
following sections:
Socioeconomic
Land Use
Financial Resources
Transportation
Other Projects and Programs
Commitment of Resources.
9.1 SOCIOECONQMIC
The socioeconomic effects of operation on the man-made
environment are divided here into two sections: operation-
related income and operation-related employment. They are
discussed below.
9.1.1 Operation-Related Income
Operation and maintenance of the Des Plaines tunnel
system have been estimated as generating approximately
$1.2 million per year in salaries and wages.-'- The
maintenance and operation program is for each phase of the
Des Plaines system as well as the pumping station. This
estimate assumes approximately 88 persons at an average
annual salary of $13,840.
9.1.2 Operation-Related Employment
Operation and maintenance of the Des Plaines tunnel
system are estimated to require 88 persons on a full-
time basis. There should be no difficulty in filling
these positions from the available labor supply.
1 MSDGC, "Facilities Planning Study - Central Facility Area,"
Revised, January 1975.
2 Ibid.
IX-1
-------
9.2 LAND USE
The operation of the Des Plaines tunnel system would
have only slight Impact on land use including permanent
consumption of small amounts of industrial, commercial
and open space land of varying value, some reduction of
riverbank flooding, required coordination of planned
public facilities with shaft surface structures, and
consumption of land for sludge disposal. These possible
impacts are discussed in the following sections:
Alternations Near Surface Structures
Sensitive Resource Areas
Sludge Disposal.
9.2.1 Alterations Near Surface Structures
The five construction shaft sites combined will
consume 28.2 acres of property, resulting in the permanent
use of these sites for environmental protection.
Environmental protection use would be compatible with
surrounding land uses. The drop shafts and access shafts
would each consume a portion of land measuring about 25
feet by 25 feet, or 625 square feet. The most common
location of drop shafts and access shafts would be in
open areas due to the high level of Forest Preserve lands
along the Des Plaines system route. Other locations are
adjacent to industrial and commercial areas. The
remaining locations of drop shafts are along waterways or
street edges. Even in the most intensively used commercial
or industrial areas, this reallocation would probably only
slightly interfere with operation and would not force any
changes in use of industrial property.
None of these land uses would be affected by
system operation because the surface structure of each drop
shaft can bear the loads of traffic and materials handling.
Access to a drop shaft would be required so infrequently
that it would cause no substantial interference with the
surrounding land use. Therefore, the operation of the
system can be regarded as compatible with land use near
surface structures.
3.2.2 Sensitive Resource Areas
The cultural and recreation areas identified in Chapter
III as sensitive resource areas, are not expected to ex-
perience any significant effects from the operation and main-
tenance functions related to the Des Plaines tunnel p-'
IX-2
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Forest perserves and park areas are also not expected to be
affected, providing the areas are returned to their original
state or revegetated after construction.
To some degree, the Des Plaines tunnel system may help
to alleviate the frequency of riverbank flooding and thereby
could contribute to the feasibility of opening up privately
owned lands to broader development. However, insufficient
data exists at the writing of this statement to determine
just how much the system would alleviate the frequency of
flooding. It can only be said that the quality of land
along the riverbanks along the tunnel may be enhanced by
such reduction in flooding and that the enhancement could
stimulate land use change.
The potential for land use change is similar for prime
areas; from vacant or underutilized land to landscaped open
space with pedestrian access. Industrial areas may also
be encouraged to upgrade their facilities and waterway
edges providing a more attractive environment.
9-2.3 Sludge Disposal
The disposal of sludge resulting from flows to the
West-Southwest Sewage Treatment Works from the Des Plaines
tunnel system would require no new sludge disposal sites.
The following existing sites would receive the sludge as
divided below:
MSDGC Fulton County landspreading
operation 44%
NuEarth Program (end use by consumer). .... 10%
Wholesaling to broker (end use by
consumer). 34%
Landfilling at sanitary landfills 12%
Total 100%
Thus, about 22 percent of the sludge would go to the Nu-
Earth Program and landfilling, and would remain in the
metropolitan area. The consequence, for land use, would
be consumption of some sludge disposal capacity at a rate
somewhat greater than that under existing conditions.
Value is Imhoff sludge only. Program can be expanded to accept
TARP sludge.
IX 3
-------
The increase in the rate of cons'imption of sludge disposal
lands is balanced directly by che resultant decrease in
the rate of solids deposited in the waterways. Since
these solids would utimately be dredged from the waterways
and disposed of en land, the Des Plaines tunnel system
would effect no change in the quantity of land used for
sludge disposal.
9.3 FINANCIAL RESOURCES
This section addresses the potential economic impacts
from the annual costs of operations and maintenance of
TARP - Phase I (estimated at $13.6 million for all three
tunnel systems). It addresses the impact of these costs
on the household, commercial, and industrial sectors of
the MSDGC. Economic impact is assessed in terms of its
effects on the tax rate structure and the manner in which
operations and maintenance costs are financed.
The current method for financing operations and mainte-
nance costs of treatment facilities is an ad valorem tax.
The MSDGC is authorized to levy an ad valorem tax for the
District's operations and maintenance functions in an
amount not to exceed $.37 per $100 of assessed valuation.
The MSDGC's total tax levy for 1975 of $.04005 per $100
of assessed valuation included a $.02523 per $100 of
assessed valuation rate for operations and maintenance and
a $.01175 per $100 of assessed valuation rate for
construction. In addition to the ad valorem tax, industrial
discharges are subject to an MSDGC user charge imposed
through the adoption of an "Industrial Waste Surchage
Ordinance" by the MSDGC Board of Trustees, December 10,
1970.
In view of the requirement for a user charge system
under PL 92-500 and the authority of the State of Illinois
to impose one, the potential economic effects of financing
additional annual operations and maintenance costs of $13.6
million must be addressed on the basis of a user charge
method of financing as well as an ad valorem tax method.
Table IX-1 illustrates the impact on the MSDGC tax rate
of the annual operations and maintenance cost associated
with TARP - Phase I (the portion applicable to the Des Plaines
tunnel system is $2.46 million annually). The projected
incremental impact in FY 2000 is $.0956 per $100 of assessed
valuation. Thus the MSDGC tax rate would increase to $0.7043
per $100 of assessed valuation in the year 1980 and drop to
$0.3872 in 1986 from the 1975 rate of $0.4005 per $100 of
assessed valuation due to tunnel construction and operation.
IX-4
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For illustration purposes/ the total ad valorem property
tax for a $50,000 home is computed for 1981 (peak construc-
tion year), 1986 (end construction year), and 2000. The total
ad valorem tax includes the tax rate attributable to operations
and maintenance (Table IX-1), the tax rate attributable to con-
struction for the Phase I period (Table 111-12). In 1981 the
homeowner's total ad valorem property tax would be $336.55;
in 1986, it would amount to $193.60; and in 2000, it would
reach $250.70. Without the Des Plaines tunnel system, the
homeowner would only pay a total ad valorem property tax of
$171.20 (1976). These estimates apply only to the Phase I
tunnels; implementation of other TARP components will result
in additional increases in the tax rate.
Table IX-1
1976 Estimate of the Change in Property Tax
Rate Attributable to the Operations and Maintenance
Costs Associated with TARP - Phase I
Fiscal
Year
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
2000
Tax Base
($ billion)
24.06
25.61
27.04
28.66
30.38
32.20
34.13
36.18
38.35
40.65
43.09
97.43
TARP Phase-I
Annual O&M^
($ million)
14.69
15.86
17.13
18.50
19.98
21.58
23.31
25.17
27.19
29. '36
31.71
93.14
Annual Adjustment to
MSDGC Tax Rate
(
-------
Economic impacts of operations and maintenance funding
on a user charge basis as oppe.-ad to an ad valorem tax basis
cannot be quantitatively addressed at this time.Region V
EPA has awarded two grants to the MSDGC for the development
of a user charge .-system to comply with the requirements of
PL 92-500; however, the contractor has not yet made a defi-
nitive set of recommendations to the District concerning a
viable user charge system. Historical experience indicates
that the final user charge system will probably be based on
water usage with several categories of user charge schedules.
Tentative indications from the MSDGC suggest that the rela-
tive proportions of annual operations and maintenance costs
currently financed by households as opposed to commercial and
industrial users will be significantly shifted when the
change from an ad valorem tax basis to user charge financing
basis takes place. Under the current scheme (ad valorem tax),
all property owners and properties pay the same MSDGC tax
rate; however, assessments are divided into five major cate-
gories which include:
Vacant land - assessed at 22 percent of market
value
Single family property - assessed at 22 percent of
market value
Rental income property - assessed at 33 percent of
market value
Commercial, industrial property - assessed at
40 percent of market value
Miscellaneous property - assessed at 30 percent of
market value.
Thus, industrial and commercial properties pay almost double
the rate of households. The ultimate user charge system
selected will very likely result in household/residential
users paying a higher user charge (per gallon of water) than
industrial and commercial users. Thus, the total portion of
annual operating and maintenance costs financed by households
will increase under a user charge system. In view of the
relatively modest size of the operation and maintenance costs
associated with TARP - Phase I, it is extremely unlikely that
the additional cost burden (resulting from TARP - Phase I)
shouldered by households under a user charge system would
cause any significant impacts on household liquidable income.
In terms of positive economic benefits, the user charge sys-
tem will provide the financial incentive for water conserva-
IX-6
-------
tion and will slightly relieve the disincentive which ad
valorem taxation presents to industrial and commercial ex-
pansion within the District.
9.4 TRANSPORTATION
Potential impacts of the proposed Des Plaines tunnel
system operation include: flood control on local streets,
and flow regulation and sedimentation prevention in local
waterways. However, the impacts of the tunnels alone,
without the reservoirs, would not be significant.
Although the Des Plaines tunnel system would capture over-
flows from small storms, it would not prevent overflows from
major storms. Since flooding of local streets occurs only
during major storms, the tunnels would have an insignificant
effect on preventing traffic disruption during floods.
Flooding along the Des Plaines river primarily occurs on
Forest Preserve roads and some sedimentation could occur.
The Des Plaines tunnel system is expected to capture
approximately 75 percent of suspended solids from the
combined-sewer overflows. Normally, these solids enter the
waterways, and most of them eventually settle to the bottom.
Continued discharge of suspended solids to the waterways
would increase bottom deposits and decrease water depth.
The Corps of Engineers is responsible for dredging the
waterways to maintain adequate water depth for navigation,
and control of suspended solids by the Des Plaines tunnel
system would slow down the sedimentation rate and help
reduce dredging frequency. However, the present depth
of the waterways is more than adequate, and frequent
dredging is not required. Therefore, the potential benefit
of reduced dredging frequency as a result of the Des Plaines
tunnel system would not be significant.
9.5 MAJOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
The only aspects of the operation of the Des Plaines
tunnel system which could possibly interfere with other
projects and programs are inspection and maintenance of
the shafts and tunnels. However, the frequency of such
inspection and maintenance trips is too small to have any
noticeable effect on future major projects and programs.
IX-7
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9.6 COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
The major electrical powe c consumer during the opera-
tional phase of TARP will be the pumping stations which pump
wastewater from the tunnels to the reservoirs and from the
reservoirs to the treatment plants. Approximately 100 mil-
lion kilowatt hours per year is expected to be consumed in
operating the eight 300-cfs and four 50-cfs pumps at the
TARP planned reservoirs. In addition, the 150-horsepower
aerators to be installed at the main reservoir will use
approximately eight million kilowatt hours per year.
Peak power consumption, during TARP operation in 1980,
is expected to be about one-half of one percent of peak re-
quirements for the entire area in 1980. Pumping operations
at the main reservoir will be the major cause contributing
to the greatest peak load. Assuming the pumps at the reser-
voir operate at their rated capacity of 2,400 cfs, about
75 megawatts of electrical power will be consumed during
peak load periods for an average year.
IX-8
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X. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS AND
MITIGATIVE flEASURES
-------
X. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS AND
MITIGATIVE MEASURES
Impacts on the natural and man-made environments are
considered adverse if they cause a significant change or
stress in areas such as natural and socioeconomic resources.
These adverse changes or stresses would cause the applicable
medium to be less safe, healthy, abundant, aesthetically or
culturally pleasing, or productive. The degree of adversity
is usually measured on a case-by-case basis and focuses on
the critical environmental issues that are relevant to the
applicable geographic area.
10.1 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
This section of the EIS addresses the unavoidable ad-
verse impacts of the TARP conveyance tunnels on the natural
environment of the Chicago metropolitan area. In addition,
possible measures to mitigate these impacts are described.
Many of these measures will be implemented by 'the MSDGC or MSDGC
contractors as indicated in Appendices H and I. The assess-
ment of impacts, as well as descriptions of mitigative mea-
sures, are presented in terms of the following topics:
Water Resources
Land Resources
Atmospheric Resources
Mitigative Measures.
10.1.1 Water Resources
The unavoidable impacts on water resources associated
with the TARP project area are expected to include altera-
tion of both surface water and groundwater quality. A dis-
cussion of these impacts is presented in the following sec-
tions.
(1) Water Quality
Construction runoff will further degrade surface
water quality, as well as increase existing sewer sys-
tem loadings in the Des Plaines Tunnel system. Surface
X-l
-------
construction activities, such as excavating and stock-
piling, introduce the potential for sedimentation or
siltation of waterways ard additional sedimentation
loading of existing sewer systems, especially in areas
which have high soil erosion characteristics. For the
Des Plaines Tunnel system, most of the 55 drop shafts,
10 access shafts, and 5 construction shafts will be lo-
cated along the tunnel route in paved, cemented, or
otherwise impervious areas. Runoff carrying sediment
from spoil material stockpiles and excavated areas po-
tentially can enter the Des Plaines River and the exist-
ing sewers. This effect, however, is expected to be
short-term.
Silt and other pollutants present in effluents re-
sulting from tunnel dewatering operations have a short-
term adverse impact on water quality if the effluent is
discharged directly into surface water systems. The
Des Plaines tunnels are expected to yield a maximum total
flow of approximately 3.7 MGD resulting from ground-
water infiltration. If the infiltrated water is pumped
out of the tunnel segment and discharged directly into
the Des Plaines River, water quality will temporarily
be worse than under existing conditions.
(2) Groundwater
Infiltration of groundwater from the upper aquifer
into the tunnels will have a short-term adverse impact on
the piezometric or hydraulic pressure of the aquifer, and
a grouting program will be incorporated in the construc-
tion phase of the TARP tunnel systems to mitigate this
effect. Without the grouting program, groundwater in-
filtration rates can be as high as 1.4 MGD per mile of
tunnel, with the average infiltration rate of ground-
water for the Des Plaines tunnels approximately 0.7 MGD
per mile of tunnel. These rates are sufficient to
reduce the upper aquifer pressure to an undesirable
low level. To monitor grouting integrity during tun-
nel operation, the MSDGC should install a number of
observation wells spaced at appropriate intervals along
the tunnel route. The monitoring program provides a means
to determine the extent of infiltration early so that
appropriate mitigative measures can be applied.
Exfiltration of wastewater, as it is conveyed by the
tunnel system, may have a long-term effect on groundwater
X-2
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quality. TLa magnitude of the impact depends on how
long the grouting program maintains its integrity during
operation of the system. As indicated for infiltration,
a tunnel grouting program will be incorporated and grout-
ing integrity will need to be monitored. Although infil-
tration is expected to occur more often than exfiltration,
exfiltration can become a serious problem when conveyance
tunnels are nearly full. At this time, tunnel pressures
will exceed inflow pressures and exfiltration will result.
Pollutants present in the tunnel wastewaters, such as
hazardous metals and coliform bacteria, may seep into the
upper aquifer and degrade groundwater quality. To main-
tain surveillance and to enable timely application of re-
medial measures, observation or test wells should be in-
stalled, spaced appropriately along the Des Plaines
tunnel route.
Although tunnel dewatering will be necessary dur-
ing construction, the amount of water to be disposed
of is not expected to cause any adverse impact on the water
system for receiving this effluent. The effluent re-
sulting from dewatering operations could be disposed
of in one of several ways:
By discharge to existing waterways
By discharge to existing combined-sewer systems ~
By injection into the upper aquifer.
Although injection of the effluent into wells would serve
to retain the groundwater in the study area, an exten-
sive and costly recharge program would be required.
Regardless of which method is used, disposal will be
preceded by effluent turbidity treatment to reduce sus-
pended solid levels. This will be accomplished by re-
taining sediments in settling basins for a time suffi-
cient to allow the sediments to settle. The quality of
the effluent will be analyzed prior to discharge to de-
termine if additional treatment is needed.
10.1.2 Land Resources
The Des Plaines tunnels are not expected to have an
adverse effect on the land-related environment of the area.
These features, such as the geologic and seismic character-
istics of the environment, however, may affect tunnel con-
struction and operation with varying degrees of severity.
Descriptions of these impacts as well as discussions of
their magnitude are presented in the following sections.
X-3
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(1) Geology
Rockfall or partings m y result when the Des Plaines
Tunnel system tunneling operations enter shale formations
or thin rock berls. During both construction and opera-
tion phases of the system, unstable conveyance tunnel con-
ditions will prevail in these formations and beds. Sta-
bilizing measures therefore will be incorporated and in-
clude such measures as rock bolting for short-term sta-
bility and concrete lining for long-term stability against
shale partings.
Unstable conditions are caused by shale deteriora-
tion, which may occur in certain portions of the TARP
tunnel systems. To show how adverse this condition
can be, serious problems involving deterioration of
shale have been encountered during underground natural
gas exploration efforts conducted in northern Illinois.
Contact of the shale with water or moist air appears
to cause deterioration. Attempts to stabilize the beds
and to seal the shale have largely failed in those
projects for which reports are available. In a mined
underground gas storage reservoir near Kankakee, Illinois,
various methods were employed to stabilize the Brainard
shale including rock bolts, timber shoring and wire mesh.
The methods met with little success and deterioration
continued after the supports were installed. The shale
absorbed water around and above the rock bolts and shor-
ings, and support from these elements was lost as ravel-
ing of the rock continued.
Similarly, attempts to use gunite to prevent or
retard deterioration of the shale were unsuccessful.
The small amount of water in the gunite appeared to
cause the shale surface to soften so that the gunite
spalled. Raveling of the shale at the Kankakee facil-
ity progressed so far that the openings were greatly
enlarged, and the horizontal area of the pillars was
reduced. Because of reduced bearing capacity, the
pillars failed and caused further roof collapse.
Based on the problems encountered in this gas ex-
ploration effort, shale deterioration can be expected
when tunnel systems are aligned within formations con-
taining this rock material. Appropriate measures to
mitigate these problems will be incorporated during con-
struction of the TARP tunnels as necessary.
X-4
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Rockfall may occur when tunnel construction activ-
ities enter fault zones, rock folds, or joints in which
rock formations are weak and supportive characteristics
are poor. Structural support or remedial measures will
be installed by the MSDGC contractor to stabilize tunnel
conditions. This effect is expected to occur during the
construction phase only and, therefore, is considered
short-term.
(2) Seismicity
The Des Plaines conveyance tunnels will intersect
several joints and one identifiable fold along their route
and will also traverse minor fault zones. These geologic
features are susceptible to earth movement, and seismic
events of significant magnitude will result in a shearing
or opening-closing movement. Tunnel alignment, concrete
lining, and all stabilization measures may be altered
when these events occur, and an extensive tunnel in-
spection and maintenance program will be required.
Although stabilization measures such as rock bolt-
ing, grouting, and tunnel lining may have a tendency
to reduce the impacts, the measures are not expected to
eliminate them entirely.
10.1.3 Atmospheric Resources
Unavoidable impacts on the atmospheric resources of the
Chicago area are expected as a result of TARP tunnel system
construction activities. The impacts will be short-term,
however, and can be mitigated by applying one or more avail-
able measures. Potential air pollution and noise resulting
from construction are discussed below.
(1) Air Quality
Chicago is in an air quality maintenance area (AQMA)
and overall air quality standards have been violated
frequenrly. During worst case conditions (i.e., low
wind speed and temperature inversion) hydrocarbon and
nitrous oxide, as well as particulate standards were
exceeded, and such instances have been frequent. With
respect to air quality impacts related to the TARP tun-
nels, a short-term impact is expected during the con-
struction phase. Gaseous emissions from construction
X-5
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vehicles and equipment with combustion engines will in-
crease pollutant levels and degrade air quality further.
Particulate content of the air during excavation activ-
ities is also expected to increase during this period.
These particuldte emissions will occur mostly in the
vicinity of the construction shafts where rock and spoil
are loaded into trucks by hoppers.
(2) Noise
Noise produced during the construction phase of
TARP may affect the environment in the vicinity of con-
struction and drop shaft sites and along the routes used
by trucks transporting rock and spoil material to the
disposal sites. For the Des Plaines Tunnel system, how-
ever, most of construction and drop shaft sites will be
located in open space, commercial, or residential areas,
and the impact of noise at these sites is not likely to
be great. Similarly, noise impact along the routes
used by rock and spoil disposal trucks would not be
significant. The number of truck trips expected will
most likely be small compared to the existing traffic
volume on the planned truck routes to the disposal sites.
10.1.4 Mitigative Measures
For each impact assessment described in the previous
sections, several possible mitigating measures are available,
some of which will be applied by the MSDGC contractors. This
section describes the typical, possible mitigative measures
and presents them under the appropriate impact category.
(1) Surface Water Quality
To prevent soil from washing into waterways and
sewers, a berm (trench or ridge) will be constructed
around sites that are susceptible to runoff. A berm
will also be constructed around stockpiles of spoil
material to minimize the potential for runoff and sedi-
mentation.
Effluents from tunnel dewatering operations should
be pumped to wastewater facilities for treatment prior
to discharge into waterways. The amount to be treated
is small and the added load to the applicable treatment
plant is considered insignificant.
X-6
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(2) Groundwater Quality
To detect any adverse water quality or quantity
changes in the vicinity of the TARP Tunnel systems, ob-
servation wells will be constructed along the entire
tunnel alignment. These wells will be installed at
approximately one-half to three-quarter mile intervals.
The minimum offset distance from the edge of the tunnel
is approximately 30 feet to ensure that the well will be
outside the grouted area. An adequate number of appro-
priately spaced observation wells have been installed
along the Mainstream Tunnel route. However, for the
Lower Des Plaines and Calumet Tunnel routes, additional
wells need to be installed for monitoring purposes and
spaced as specified above.
The MSDGC is not planning to monitor groundwater
quality along the Des Plaines system. A routine program
should be implemented in order to determine whether ex-
filtration or infiltration is occurring. The wells and
the tunnel should be equipped with continuing water level
recorders so that aquifer pressure can be correlated with
tunnel pressure. In addition, the wells need to be sam-
pled both weekly and after major storm events. The
groundwater sampled should be analyzed for the follow-
ing constituents on a weekly basis (minimum program):
NH3 (as N) *
Total Bacteria Plate Count *
Conductivity (or calculated^TDS)
TOC (Total Organic Carbon).
This monitoring program will provide sufficient
data to detect any alterations in groundwater condi-
tions (infiltration or exfiltration) and, thus to en-
able mitigation of any adverse effects. Modification
of the well spacing criteria may be necessary as the
heterogeneity of the rock material changes. This will
be dependent upon actual conditions prevalent at the
time of construction and operation.
While large quantities of exfiltration are not likely,
exfiltration is not impossible, particularly if seismic
incidents damage tunnel linings. To evaluate the effects
on aquifer water quality as well as water level fluc-
tuations, sampling will need to be performed for param-
eters and at locations, depths and times to be deter-
mined by agreement between the MSDGC, the Illinois EPA,
Analyzed weekly (all other biweekly).
X-7
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and the U.S. EPA. These monitoring design criteria will
become conditions written into permits for construction
and operation of the tunnels. In addition, the require-
ment for water quality monitoring will be a part of the
special conditions for all grants made to the MSDGC for
the Mainstream Tunnel system.
By monitoring the observation wells on a regular
basis, potential for infiltration of groundwater into
the tunnel system will be detected before it occurs.
The primary measure used to prevent excessive ground-
water inflow is the grouting program. Therefore, the
grouting program must be extensive, and effective enough
during the construction phase to limit the infiltration
to a maximum allowable daily rate of 500 gal./in. diam./
mile of tunnel. In addition, grouting integrity will be
maintained throughout the operational phase of the tunnel
Grouting will be done at maximum pressures to ensure
that each grout hole is properly filled. This will
prevent groundwater from reestablishing seepage paths
toward the tunnel. Precautionary measures will be taken
during grouting to avoid plugging of observation wells,
and precise records of grouting will be kept for future
reference. In unlined tunnels, any future rock falls
will affect the integrity of the grout applied during
construction. Should these rock falls occur in zones
where extensive grouting was done, infiltration/ex-
filtration problems may become critical. Precise grout-
ing records will assist in ascertaining such problems.
(3) Geology
Rock bolting, grouting, and tunnel lining will be
the measures applied to prevent slaking and shale part-
ing. Concrete tunnel lining appears to be the best de-
terrent procedure for reducing shale deterioration and
will be used in most of the TARP tunnels where alignment
will be on shale formations. Tunnel alignment of the
Des Plaines system will be predominately in stable dolo-
mite formations and most of the system will be unlined.
A few published reports indicate that, for limited
excavating operations, slaking of shale units can be
controlled and even prevented by conditioning the ven-
tilating air circulated through the underground chambers.
Temperature must be maintained within a very narrow range
and relative humidity must be high. While this procedure
will be of great general assistance during construction, its
effectiveness is not considered to be sufficiently proven
for it to comprise a totally reliable scheme in itself.
X-8
-------
Drop and access shafts will be concrete lined, and
surface reservoir excavations will use the adequate con-
trol procedures common to construction or quarrying in-
dustries. Stable ground slopes for soil and rocks will
be maintained during the construction period.
The need for rock reinforcement and support in the
tunnel will be determined when actual conditions are
established during tunnel excavation. Installation of
more support or reinforcement than is needed could re-
sult when design and installation of rock reinforcement
systems are specified prior to construction. If the de-
sign specifications for rock support and reinforcement
are established prior to construction; they should only
be used as an estimating procedure.
(4) Air Quality
Although air pollutant emissions from construction-
related vehicles and equipment cannot be avoided, pre-
ventive maintenance done on a regular basis will reduce
the emissions, as well as prevent exhaust-related odors.
Fugitive dust emissions, which will also occur at
construction sites, will "be minimized by following accep-
table construction practices. For example, excessive
dust emissions will be avoided by closing the bottom of
the loading hopper before emptying rock and spoil from
a muck cart into a disposal truck. After the muck cart
is completely unloaded, the hopper gate will then be
opened to let the rock and spoil material fall gradually
into the truck. Spraying the excavated material with
water would further reduce dust emissions. Roads at
construction sites should be paved or frequently wetted
to minimize dust.
(5) Noise
Noise from construction vehicles and equipment can
be minimized by using the new construction equipment
and trucks which have lower emission levels and by
operating them in accordance with the municipal noise
ordinance.
Exhaust noise will be reduced by installing effi-
cient exhaust silencers or mufflers and by erecting
enclosures around the equipment. Erecting plywood
X-9
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enclosures around air compressors or a soundproof shed
around exhaust fans could substantially reduce their
noise levels. Noise causea by rock blasting can be
minimized by using heavy mats on the surface above the
blasting area 1.0 absorb the associated shock waves.
Overall, the impact of noise on a community can be
minimized in several ways:
Explain project benefits and mitigating mea-
sures practiced by the applicant to the af-
fected community in public workshops and semi-
nars .
Notify residents in the vicinity of construc-
tion and drop shaft sites prior to a blasting
operation. Explain duration and possible ef-
fects of blasting by leaflets distribution,
signs, and public announcements.
Restrict construction activities to daylight
hours in sensitive public and residential areas
10.2 MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT
TARP is expected to result in some unavoidable short-
term impacts on the man-made environment. However, the de-
gree of adversity will change as local environmental condi-
tions change and will vary widely during both construction
and operation periods of TARP. The following sections assess
the potential impacts in general and describe the possible
mitigative measures which can be applied.
10.2.1 Soc ioeconomic
The unavoidable adverse impacts on the socioeconomic
environment that will result from the construction and opera-
tion of the Des Plaines Tunnel system are described generally
below.
(1) Light Glare
Construction schedules anticipate three shifts of
labor on the tunneling efforts. This will require
X-10
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bright night lighting in construction shafts and drop
shaft areas. This lighting may produce glare which
will be annoying to the surrounding community, particu-
larly in residential neighborhoods.
(2) Waste Spillage and Dispersion
The spillage of debris from trucks transporting
waste from the construction sites to rock quarries or
designated disposal sites will cause an adverse aethes-
tic impact on the communities adjacent to the truck
route. In addition, during wet weather conditions, the
debris could enter sewer systems and nearby properties.
Transport of debris and construction materials to and
from the construction access points will also create
noise and vibration annoyances, as well as add to traf-
fic volumes.
(3) Traffic Congestion
While some locations of potential conflict be-
tween construction activity and traffic flow have been
identified, the adverse impacts are likely to be short-
term and relatively insignificant. During construction
of sewer connections, drop shafts, and collecting struc-
tures, local traffic may have to be rerouted or may have
to cross temporary planking or plates in areas where
surface excavations are in progress. The extent of
this impact can be measured by traffic volume. As
stated in previous sections of this EIS average traffic
volumes presently range from 6,000 to 44,000 vehicles
per day on several of the major thoroughfares associated
with the Des Plaines Tunnel system.
Traffic disruption will most likely occur in high-
density areas of each community where construction activity
is on or near public rights-of-way. Sidewalks and traf-
fic lanes may be temporarily eliminated or blocked to
provide enough room for erection of safety barricades
and storage areas.
(4) Worker Safety
Tunnel construction projects will inevitably in-
volve injuries, disabilities, and perhaps fatalities
as a direct result of construction activity. For the
X-ll
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Des Plaines tunnel construction the frequency rate should
not be adverse when compared to any other construction
project of similar type rnd magnitude. The potential
number of disabling work injuries and fatal or permanent^
disabilities can be a minimum of 84 and 1, respectively.
10.2.2 Land Use
The construction and operation of the Des Plaines Tunnel
system is not expected to affect existing land use patterns
or future land use plans established for historical, cul-
tural, archeological, and recreational purposes. Land being
used for public thoroughfares, however, will be affected
during construction of drop shafts, connecting lines, and
collecting structures. The impact is expected to be short-
term and reversible if the thoroughfares are returned to
their original condition. The major thoroughfares, which
may be affected by the Calumet Tunnel system shaft con-
struction are as follows:
Des Plaines River Road at Belmont Avenue
Des Plaines River Road at Grand Avenue
Des Plaines River Road near Herrick Avenue
Lake Street near Des Plaines Avenue
Roosevelt Road at 19th Avenue
Roosevelt Road at 14th Avenue
Roosevelt Road at 9th Avenue
Roosevelt Road at Pusheck Road
Chicago Avenue near Des Plaines River.
10.2.3 Financial and Labor Resources
Neither the construction or implementation of TARP is
expected to have an adverse impact on present and projected
financial and labor resources.
10.2.4 Transportation
Trucks and automobiles associated with TARP construc-
tion activities may have an adverse short-term effect on
normal traffic patterns in certain portions of the Chicago
area.
Additional vehicular traffic will be generated in the
vicinity of construction sites. Up to 90 trucks and 54
National Safety Council, "Accident Facts," Chicago, Illinois Office,
1975 edition.
X-12
-------
other vehicles (i.e., automobiles, jeeps, etc.) per day
would visit each construction shaft site 24 hours a day, 312
days a year, for a period ranging from three to six years.
Traffic at drop shaft sites, however, is expected to be much
less: up to a total of 25 trucks over a period of three
months and 10 other vehicles per day during the same period.
10.2.5 Major Projects and Programs
The proposed drop shaft, construction shaft, and
pumping station locations of the Des Plaines Tunnel system are
not expected to result in short- and long-term adverse impacts
on the communities' projects and programs.
10.2.6 Mitigative Measures
Many measures and alternatives are available to miti-
gate the adverse impacts on the man-made environment. Ex-
amples of possible measures which can be used to reduce the
impact are described in this section. Some of these measures
will be applied by the MSDGC or MSDGC contractors.
(1) Light Glare
Proper positioning of light fixtures can minimize
glare which would affect the surrounding community.
The bright lighting, however, can serve a useful pur-
pose in commercial areas as a crime deterrent. High
intensity lighting has been used successfully by many
cities as a crime deterrent in high-crime-rate districts
(2) Waste Spillage and Dispersion
Excessive solid waste spillage resulting from load-
ing disposal trucks within the construction site will be
minimized. Trucks will not be overloaded and_the waste
material will be dampened as necessary to prevent fugi-
tive dust emissions. Mud and grime from truck wheels
will be removed at wheel washes at all truck exits to
prevent the spread of these materials to the surround-
ing neighborhood streets.
As indicated in the MSDGC's General Specifications
for sewer construction contracts (see Appendix I), the
contractor is responsible for cleanup and restoration to
preconstruction condition of the construction site and
areas affected. During the construction phase, the con-
X-13
-------
tractor is responsible for maintaining the construction
sites to ensure they are free from debris and spoil
material and is also respoasible for keeping equipment
in orderly storage areas with minimum disruption to
public activities.
(3) Traffic Congestion
Public traffic flow will be given priority, par-
ticularly emergency and public service vehicles. Care-
ful routing and scheduling of trucks hauling equipment
and debris will be done to avoid peak travel periods:
7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Appropriate
visible and audible warning systems for construction
points of activity will be installed and an overall
traffic control plan employed by the contractor. This
plan will be monitored and updated as necessary with
contingent routes and strategies to accommodate changes
in traffic and special events (parades, holidays, street
closings, bridge and light malfunctions, etc.). Local
jurisdictions should be alerted and approvals should
be obtained for planned truck routes and traffic con-
trol plans.
(4) Worker Safety
Strict adherence to all safety regulations and
employee training programs serve as the most effective
means to minimize or prevent injuries to tunnel con-
struction and operation employees. Safety specifications
established by the MSDGC are presented in Appendix H.
(5) Land Use Alterations
Land owners (private, industrial, and commercial)
should be contacted well before construction begins in
their respective property areas. The owners should be
informed of plans such as proposed shaft locations,
truck traffic routes, access requirements, and possible
impacts. Other measures which will be used to prevent
or mitigate the expected impacts on the man-made envi-
ronment include the fact that:
Public thoroughfares excavated for installa-
tion of connecting pipes, collecting struc-
tures, and shafts will be repaved or rebuilt
to their original condition.
X-14
-------
The MSDGC will notify the State of Illinois
Historic Preservation officer to obtain appro-
priate approval of shaft locations prior to
construction. Once approval has been obtained
procedures will be established for halting
shaft construction temporarily in the event
important artifacts are found or uncovered.
Excavation workers should be informed of
potential value of finds and trained in the
rudiments of identifying and preserving arti-
facts if the Preservation officer or desig-
nated representative cannot be present during
construction of a particular shaft.
C6) Transportation
Although the number of truck trips during the peak
construction period is expected to be a small fraction
of the total traffic volume on most truck routes, these
routes will be selected on the basis of the least im-
pacts. The planned truck routes will avoid residential
areas and other sensitive areas (i.e., hospitals,
libraries), as well as congested streets, especially
during rush hours. If feasible, railroad hopper cars
can also be used along with trucks to transport rocks
and spoil material to disposal sites since several
construction shafts are near railroad yards with load-
ing facilities.
X-15
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XI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The following is a summary of the principle conclusions
of the Draft EIS, rs well as recommended and suggested miti-
gative measures.
1. Implementation of the Lower Des Plaines System will
significantly reduce the pollutant load in the Chicago water-
ways. These loadings will be reduced further with the imple-
mentation of the Mainstream and Calumet Tunnel systems.
Water quality will be enhanced further with the upgrading of
MSDGC's treatment facilities and the construction of the flood
control aspects of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan.
2. The rock spoil excavated from the Phase I tunnels is
not expected to be marketable. Evaluation of various disposal
alternatives leads to the conclusion that adequate environ-
mentally acceptable landfill sites are available to handle
the volume of rock which will be generated by the Phase I
tunnels under consideration. We will rely on existing local,
state, and Federal regulations to insure that disposal takes
place in an acceptable manner. Additionally the MSDGC will
be required to inform USEPA of their spoil disposal program
as it is developed through discussion with the Contractor.
This will be a condition of any grant awarded to the MSDGC
for the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel System.
3. Although an effective grouting program is proposed,
it must be sufficiently flexible to respond to the actual
conditions encountered during construction. Should the
grouting not be sufficient, additional infiltration could
adversely affect the hydraulic pressure of the upper aquifer.
Additionally, under surcharged conditions, exfiltration
will occur, resulting in adverse impacts on the groundwater
quality of the upper aquifer. Observation wells to monitor
grouting integrity during operation are necessary along
the entire tunnel alignment. If pollutants are detected
in the observation wells, additional mitigative measures
must be implemented to protect the upper aquifer, including
a groundwater recharge system. Chapter X discusses particular
aspects of the monitoring program, which will be developed
in conjunction with the MSDGC, IEPA and USEPA. This monitoring
program will also be a grant condition.
4. Since the majority of the construction shafts and
drop shafts are in close proximity to area waterways, runoff
from these sites could adversely affect water quality. Berms
will be constructed around stockpiles of construction materials
and spoil materials to preclude runoff into the waterways.
XI-1
-------
5. It is presently proposed that water pumped from the
tunnels during construction be discharged directly to the
waterways after a period of settling. Since the possibility
of silt and other pollutants still exists after settling, it
is recommended that these dewatering flows be discharged to
MSDGC's intercepting system for treatment, except during
periods of combined sewer overflows. This will be a condition
of any grant awarded for the Lower Des Plaines Tunnel System.
6. Although no known historic, architectural, or arch-
aeological resources will be affected by the proposed project,
the possibility of finding archaeological resources must be
investigated by the MSDGC. This must be accomplished by
contacting the State Historic Preservation Officer.
7. Conformance with applicable regulation of the Occupa-
tional Health and Safety Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor, and the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior
is essential for safety of construction workers.
8. Significant earthquake events could adversely affect
tunnel alignment and tunnel lining. Smaller earth movements
could also affect the lining and grouting of the tunnels. It
is, therefore, essential that MSDGC's inspection and main-
tenance program be extensive enough to insure efficient
operation of the system.
9. There exists a wide range of potential adverse impacts
which could develop during construction. This includes blasting,
waste spillage, traffic congestion, light glare, and fugitive
dust at construction and disposal sites. While these effects
could be considered insignificant any measures taken to reduce
their impact would aid in public acceptability of the project.
These suggested mitigative measures are discussed in Chapter X.
XI-2
-------
APPENDIX A
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Hardness
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Alkalinity
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Table A-6
Chemical, Physical, and Biological Analyses of
Water From Test Wellsl
Constituent!/
IW Side of
McCcok Quarry
Date Sample Collected ll/l/tt
I. General Data
a£/
Colori'
Turbidity4/
Conductivity^
Temperatures/
II. Cations - Heavy metal ions
Iron (Fe) - total dissolved?/
Iron (Fe) - total
Manganese (Mn) - total
Chromium (Cr) - total
Chromium (Cr) - hexavalent
Copper (Cu)
Lead (Pb)
Mercury IVgii'
III. Cations - Alkali earths and ntals
Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg)
Soditm (He)
Potassium (k)
Amnonia Nitrogen (NH4)
IV. Anions
Sulfate (S04)
Chloride (Cl)
Nitrite (NOj)
Nitrate UO^I
Nitrogen (N) - total dissolved
Orthophosphate (P04)
Phosphorus as PC>4
Cyanides as CN
V. Organic, nonionic, and
f«ir^il»t-orf values
Phenolic material as CgJ^CH
Surfactants
Total suspended solids (TSS)
Total dissolved solids (TDSI
Volatile suspended solids (VSS)
Hardness as CaC03 - total
Alkalinity as CaOQ3
Saturation indecW
VI. Biochemical
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BCD)
Chemical CKygen Demand (COD)
Sulfides (H2S)
Total Colifumty
Fecal Colifonnii/
Fecal Streptccocciif
7.8
10
920
53.5
0.2
0.3
-
-
-
-
-
-
148
70
35
4
-
245
62
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
924
-
659
377
* 0.4
-
-
-
1
1
9/13/74
7.7
1167
600
4190
56
3.5
18
-
-
•
-
-
-
135
130
633
233
96
87.25
558
-
-
217.21
2.8
2.9^
-
7.13
-
2656
-
878
1935
+ 1.0
-
695
-
_
-
NE Side of
9/19^4
8.1
2500
40
4990
57.5
1.87
2.11
0.10
0.02
0.02
0.138
0.27
0.5
158
90.9
569
178
224
76.0
510
0.125
0.625
242
2.16
2*36J^
0.04
0.004
1.26
5
2788
2
582
2078
+ 1.5
16
595
0.39
20,000
10
10
McCook Quar
9/20/74
7.6
2500
40.5
4000
56
l.ao
2.00
0.09
0.02
0.02
0.034
0.08
0.5
156
95.5
569
178
155
36.0
504
0.150
0.600
222.7
2'03o/
2.221/
0.038
0.006
1.14
12
2730
2
590
2033
+ 1.0
35
542
0.24
20,000
10
10
1
ry 1 MI. South of
Thornton Quarry
9/2 V74
7.6
3000
45
4000
56
1.55
1.60
0.06
0.02
0.02
0.034
0.19
0.5
167
95.5
534
194
157
80
496
0.150
0.600
217.6
1.90
2.462/
0.032
0.005
1.20
9
2664
3
572
2010
+ 1.0
23
527
0.32
19,000
10
10
9/5/74
8.5
11
73
560
54
0.5
6
-
-
-
-
-
~
80
10
135
6
0.5
40
18
-
0.08
1.0
1
1
-
0.04
-
451
-
242
260
+ 0.8
-
16
-
-
-
1/2 Mi'. West of
Thornton Quarry
10/4/74
8.25
4.0
1100
53.5
0.2
0.2
-
-
-
-
-
*•
202
80
18.2
12.1
*
220
39
-
0.3
~
-
-
-
-
-
937
-
334.1
377
+ 1.0
-
-
-
-
-
SE Corner of
McCook Quarry
11/10/74
7.8
23
1290
53
0.2
0.6
-
-
-
-
-
~
185
110
76
13
~
400
UO
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1420
-
916
422
+ 0.6
-'
~
~
1
1
Y All values ar* raported as rag/I except as otherwise noted
*/ pH units
I/ Pt - Co units
£/ J T units
!/ umhos 3 25'C
J/ Filtered through 0.45 membrande filter.
]•/ Values reported as ppb
V Values reported in mg/1 as P
W/ Assume T«mp. - 55°F
I±/ Values reported as organisms/lOOml.
HEC, 1975.
A-10
-------
FIGURE A-l
Location of Sampling Sites
for Waterway Bottom Deposits-*-
The MSDGC, Environmental Assessment Statement for Mainstream Tunnel
System, Damen Avenue to Addison Street, August 1975. p. v-40.
A-il
-------
KEY TO FIGURE A-2
The Metropolitan Sanitary
District of Greater Chicago
R-X = Treated Runoff Plants
D-X = Domestic Waste Plants
I-X = Industrial Waste Vlants ( >10,000 gpd)
Map Codes Description of Plants
R-l FISHER BODY DIVISION
79th Street & Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs
(Settling lagoons with oil separation)
R-2 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER
10400 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park
(Oil separation, aeration, filtration)
R-3 MATERIAL SERVICE CORP. YARD #19
47th Street & Plainfield
McCook
(Oil separation)
R-4 NORTH AMERICAN CAR CO.
Off Old Sag Road
Lemont
(Oil separation)
R-5 O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(Oil separation systems and aeration)
R-6 FRITZ CARTAGE
138th & Ashland Avenue
Riverdale
R-7 REYNOLDS METALS
1st Avenue & 49th Street
McCook
D-l CAR CARRIERS CORP.
13101 S. Torrence Avenue
Chicago
(Activated sludge and sand filter)
D-2 CECO FABRICATING CORP.
Ceco Street
Romeoville, Illinois
(Activated sludge)
D-3 ELK GROVE MOBILE HOMES
941 W. Higgins Road
Elk Grove Village
(Activated sludge and sand filter)
A-12
-------
KEY TO FIGURE A-2
Continued
Map Codes Description of Plants
D-4 FRANCISCAN SISTERS
1210 Main Street
Lemont, 111inoi s
(Activated sludge system)
D-5 HOLY FAMILY VILLA
123rd Street & Will Cook Road
Lemont
(Imhoff tank, sand filter and polishing pond)
D-6 HOLY SPIRIT CONVENT
Waukegan s Willow Road
Northbrook
(Imhoff tank and sand filter)
D-7 J.P. KENNEDY SCHOOL
123rd Street & Wolf Road
Palos Park
(Imhoff tank and sand filter)
D-8 LEHMAN TRAILER PARK
500 W. Touhy Avenue
Bensenville
(Activated sludge)
D-9 LEMONT MANUFACTURING CO.
Ceco Street & Stephens Street
Lemont
(Activated sludge)
D-10 MATTERHORN SUPPER CLUB
123rd & Rt. 45
Palos Park
(Aeration, oxidation pond, sand filter)
D-ll MOUNT ASSISSI ACADEMY
1602 Main Street
Lemont
(Oxidation pond)
D-12 OASIS MOBILE HOMES
7500 N. Elmhurst Road
Bensenville
(Activated sludge)
D-13 PARADISE TRAILER COURT
Rt. 83 & Rt. 30
Chicago Heights
(Activated sludge)
A-13
-------
KEY TO FIGURE A-2
Continued
Map Codes Description of Plants
D-14 PLEASANTDALE SCHOOL
75th Street & Wolf Road
Pleasantdale
(Trickling filter unit)
D-15 ST. VICENT DePAUL SEMINARY
127th S Rt. 171
Lemont
(Imhoff tanks, oxidation pond)
D-16 SPRING LAKES MOBILE HOMES
100 First Street
Bartlett
(Activated sludge)
D-17 STANDARD OIL (O'HARE TERMINAL)
2201 S. Elmhurst Road
Des Plaines
(Activated sludge and filtration)
D-18 TOUHY MOBILE HOMES, INC.
400 W. Touhy Avenue
Des Plaines
(Activated sludge)
D-19 TRAILER RANCH, INC.
573 S. Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling
(Activated sludge)
D-20 VILLA WEST SUBDIVISION
135th Street & 86th Avenue
Orland Park
(Activated sludge)
D-21 COG HILL COUNTRY CLUB
119th s Archer
Lemont
1-1 CLOW CORPORATION
1050 E. Irving Park Road
Bensenville, Illinois
(Holding pond with oil separation)
1-2 COMMONWEALTH EDISON, CALUMET
3200 E. 100th Street
Chicago
(Settling basins)
A-14
-------
KEY TO FIGURE A-2
Continued
Map Codes Description of Plants
1-3 COMMONWEALTH EDISON, CRAWFORD
3501 S. Pulaski
Chicago
(Settling tanks and filtration)
1-4 COMMONWEALTH EDISON, FISK
1111 W. Cermak
Chicago
(Settling pits)
1-5 COMMONWEALTH EDISON, RIDGELAND
4300 S. Ridgeland
Stickney, Illinois 60405
(Settling pit and filtration)
1-6 COMMONWEALTH EDISON, ROMEOVILLE
135th Street & C.S.S. Canal
Romeoville
(Settling ponds and filtration)
1-7 ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIVISION, GENERAL MOTORS
9301 W. 55th Street
McCook
(Oil retention pond and separator with overflow)
1-8 INTERLAKE STEEL, CHICAGO PLANT
10730 S. Hurley Avenue
Chicago
(Chemical precipitation with total recycle)
1-9 INTERLAKE STEEL, RIVERDALE
135th Street & Perry
Riverdale
(Settling and sand filters)
1-10 LEMONT MANUFACTURING
Ceco Street & Stephens Street
Lemont
(Settling tanks and filtration)
1-11 REPUBLIC STEEL CORP. (CHICAGO DIST.)
116th Street & Burley Avenue
Chicago
(Chemical flocculation & settling with filtration)
1-12 REYNOLDS METALS
1st Avenue & 49th Street
Brookfield
(Chemical flocculation and clarification)
A-15
-------
KEY TO FIGURE A-2
Continued
Map Codes Description of Plants
1-13 UNION 76 OIL REFINERY
135th Street and New Avenue
Romeoville
(Activated sludge, oxidation ponds)
1-14 UNITED STATES STEEL CORP.
3426 E. 89th Street
Chicago
(Oil separation chemical flocculation with clari-
fication and filtration)
1-15 WISCONSIN STEEL CORP.
106th Street and Torrence Avenue
Chicago
(Solids, oil and cyanide oxidation systems)
1-16 WILLIE BROS., CO., INC.
4930 W. 159th Street
Oak Forest
1-17 COMMONWEALTH EDISON, STATE LINE GENERATOR
A-16
-------
FIGURE A-2
Industrial and Privately-
Owned Treatment Plants
Within the MSDGC Service
Areal
LAKE MICHIGAN
BUFFALO CK.
• D19
WHEELING DR.\
MCDONALD CK. v
LEOGEND:
R => DOMESTIC WASTE PLANTS
I = INDUSTRIAL WASTE PLANTS
D - TREATED RUNOFF PLANTS
EXISTING TREATMENT PLANT
PROPOSED TREATMENT PLANT
CAL. UNION DRAIN
EMT"
Industrial Waste Loadings and Industrial and Private Treatment Plant
Locations, Appendix B of "Facilities Planning Study - MSDGC Overview
Report, " ."feevised, Jan. 1975.
A-17
-------
APPENDIX B
STRATIGRAPHY DESCRIPTION
FOR THE
CHICAGO AREA
-------
APPENDIX B
STRATIGRAPHY DESCRIPTION FOR THE CHICAGO AREA
1.1 QUATERNARY SYSTEM
The Quaternary System comprises all rocks and sediments
younger than the Tertiary. The Pleistocene deposits underlie
the surficial soils and any artificial fill materials in
the project area. These materials are almost entirely Wis-
consinan in age and are generally divided into five substages:
(1) The Altonian, which includes till and outwash buried by
younger drift and found mainly in the northwestern part of
the area; (2) the Farmdalian, which includes local deposits
of peat, organic silts, and lake deposits; (3) the Wood-
fordian, which includes most of the Wisconsinan till, out-
wash, and lake deposits in the area; (4) the Twocreekan,
which includes local lake and swamp deposits in the Lake
Chicago sediments; and (5) the Valderan, which includes lake
deposits in a small part of the Lake Chicago plain and part
of the youngest sand and gravel deposits in the Des Plaines
and Illinois Valleys.
The Altonian substage has but one subdivision; the
Winnebago formation. The Winnebago consists of silty and
sandy tills, and a silt member with peat. It is found to
the northwest and west of Chicago. The Farmdalian substage
consists of the Robein silt which has been encountered in
borings in the northwestern part of the area.
Sediments of the Woodfordian substage or of Woodfordian-
Valderan age comprise the vast majority of sediments in the
Chicago area. Because of the complexity of glacial sedi-
mentation, the deposits of the Woodfordian glaciers are also
classified into morphostratigraphic units called drifts.
Each drift or moraine contains parts of all of the Woodford-
ian formations. There are 27 named moraines and at least
19 stands of ice front are required to account for the
Chicago moraines.
The Wedron formation of Woodfordian age averages 100
feet thick throughout the area but may be as thick as 300
feet. There are five till members that range from sandy
and silty tills to clay tills and all have particles the
size of pebbles, cobbles, and boulders. The tills also
contain beds of waterlaid sand, gravel, or silt.
Willman, H.B., "Summary of the Geology of the Chicago Area", Illinois
State Geological Survey, Circular 460, 1971.
B-l
-------
The most important of the morphostratigraphic moraines
of Woodfordian age are the Valparaiso drifts, Tinley drifts,
and the Lake Border moraines. lae Valparaiso drifts are
clayey, silty, and sandy tills with intermixed gravel and
sand deposits. The Tinley drift is large clayey till with
interbedded silts and clays. The Lake Border drifts are
clayey tills with some fine sandy gravels.
Several Woodfordian age formations continued to be
deposited during Twocreekan and Valderan time. The promin-
ent units are the Henry formation and the Equality formation,
The Henry formation is predominately sand and gravel with
local beds of silt and till. The Equality formation is com-
posed of silt, sand, gravel, and clay deposits that accumu-
lated in glacial lakes. Much of the eastern section of the
Chicago area is surfaced with Equality sediments.
A number of Wisconsinan sediments are found as small
deposits throughout the region and include the Richland
loess, Parkland sand, the Grayslake peat, and floodplain
deposits collectively called the Cahokia Alluvium.
Natural gas has been encountered on rare occasions in
the glacial drift during drilling operations in the Chicago
area. One soil-boring for a building foundation encountered
a gas flow which is reported to have continued for 24 hours.
No gas was found in any holes drilled during the 1968, 1971,
or 1974 exploration programs.
2.1 PALEOZOIC
Silurian. The Silurian forms the bedrock surface
in much of the Chicago region. The Silurian pre-
sent in the area falls into the Niagaran and Alex-
andrian series. The uppermost Cayugan series is
not present.
Niagaran series. The Niagaran series is composed
of four formations; the Racine, Sugar Run, Waukesha,
and Joliet.
Racine formation. The Racine formation, the young-
est, most lithologically variable, and stratigraph-
ically highest of the bedrock formations of the
Chicago area (except for some rocks in the Des
Plaines disturbance), consists of dolomite with
some chert. North and west of Chicago the thick-
ness of the formation thins to zero feet. Drill
B-2
-------
hole data indicate that the thickness increases
toward the south and east, reaching 70 feet in
Wilmette, 213 feet at Roosevelt Road and Lake Shore
Drive, and a maximum of about 360 feet in the
Thornton area. The thickness of the formation, as
found in drill holes, ranges from zero to 358 feet
with the thickness in the majority of holes rang-
ing from 100 to 175 feet.
The lithologic variability of the Racine dolomite
can be traced to its origin. During its deposi-
tion, the Chicago area was occupied by a large com-
plex of coral reefs, which were as large as several
miles in diameter. Three varieties, or facies, of
the Racine are recognized in the area: the reef,
reef-flank, and interreef facies. Some zones
within the Racine display thin alternating layers
of both the reef and interreef facies within a
short vertical distance.
Reef. This facies is a light to medium gray, ex-
ceptionally pure (non-argillaceous), massive,
porous, medium to coarsely crystalline dolomite.
Petrographic analyses show the crystals to be
interlocking and from 0.1 to 0.2 mm in size.
Irregularly shaped vugs, to a 0.25 foot maximum
dimension, are abundant in the reef facies. Most
of the vugs are unlined, but a few are lined with
secondary calcite, pyrite, or quartz. A black
asphaltic residue is found locally in the upper-
most part of the formation.
Reef facies constituted approximately 66 percent
of the Racine drilled along the Mainstream Tunnel
System, and it constituted the basal portion of
the Racine formation in all but three holes drilled
during the subsurface exploration programs. Wide-
spread and relatively thick sections of interreef
rock are found, overlying the basal reef in some
areas.
Reef-flank. The reef-flank deposits are transi-
tional between the massive reef facies and the
thinner and finer grained beds of the interreef
facies. The reef-flank facies is found on the
margins of some of the larger reefs and is char-
acterized by beds that dip as much as 45 degrees
away from the central reef core. Dipping beds
crop out and also occurred in cores in the Thornton
and the McCook areas.
B-3
-------
Interreef. This variety of the Racine formation
is composed of argillaceous, silty dolomite. Lo-
cally, it contains che-t in the form of scattered,
porous nodules and as thin beds. Sporadic thin
partings end lenses of green shale also occur.
Rock in the Racine, as seen in the cores, is gen-
erally fresh. In a few holes, however, the upper
few feet of rock is weathered. The weathered
zone is generally limited to the upper 10 feet,
but locally extends to a depth of 20 feet. Stain-
ing on joint surfaces occurs in a few holes to
greater depths. Weathered zones of a foot to a
few feet in thickness occur at depth in a few
holes.
Core recovery is usually very high in the Racine,
on the order of 95 to 100 percent, and the Rock
Quality Designation (RQD) is uaually higher than
85 percent. Core recovery and RQD are both re-
duced at the bedrock surface where the rock is
weathered and closely fractured.
Sugar run formation. In 1973 the Illinois State
Geologxcal Survey designated a well-bedded dolo-
mite comprising the basal 25 feet of the Racine
formation as the Sugar Run formation. The unit
is lithologically similar to many interreef de-
posits, and although readily observed in outcrop
in the Chicago area, it is difficult to identify
in cores, and may be locally absent.
Waukesha formation. The Waukesha formation is a
slightly silty, dense to finely vuggy, fine
grained dolomite that occurs in smooth surfaced
beds that commonly are 2 to 8 inches thick but are
locally as much as 3 feet thick. It is light
brownish gray and weathers brown. It is exposed
at Joliet, in the Des Plaines River bluffs north-
ward from Joliet and in deep quarries at Elmhurst
and Hillside. The formation is 20 to 30 feet
thick in the outcrop areas, but it is locally miss-
ing in the subsurface in the eastern part of the
area. The Waukesha formation was not recognized
in exploratory holes drilled for the tunnel
excavations.
B-4
-------
Joliet formation. The Joliet Dolomite is 40 to
60 feet thick and has 3 distinct units; the Romeo
member, Markgraf member, and Brandon Bridge mem-
ber.
Romeo member. The Romeo member is a persist-
ent, fairly uniform, pure, white to cream,
very dense, very fine grained dolomite, gen-
erally about 14 feet thick, that underlies
the Racine Dolomite and grades downward into
the Markgraf member. In exposures the Romeo
member is locally mottled pink and exhibits
poorly developed thick bedding. The forma-
tion provides a distinctive stratigraphic
marker which is especially useful in determin-
ing possible displacement along faults.
The Romeo, found in tunnels and drill holes,
is uniformly fresh rock. Core recovery is
commonly 100 percent and RQD is usually 95
percent or higher.
Markgraf member. The Markgraf member is a
widespread, distinctively light bluish gray
dolomitic unit that underlies the Romeo mem-
ber. The upper contact is defined as the up-
permost cluster of shale partings. The mini-
mum thickness is 9 feet; the maximum is 51
feet; and the average is 23 feet.
The member consists of an upper zone which
is fine-grained and dense and which contains
a few thin clustered shale partings and soft,
porous chert nodules; a middle argillaceous
zone; and a silty lower zone in which closely
spaced dolomitic shale laminae become in-
creasingly common. The shale partings do
not appear to slake badly. In addition to
interlocking dolomite grains averaging 0.04
mm in diameter, petrographic analyses report
thin, opague streaks or organic matter.
The Markgraf, found in tunnels and drill holes,
is uniformly fresh rock. Core recovery is
commonly 100 percent and RQD is usually 95
percent or higher.
B-5
-------
Brandon bridge member. The Brandon Bridge
member is absent in most of the Chicago area.
Alexandrian series. The Alexandrian Series is
composed o^ two formations; the Kankakee and the
Edgewood.
Kankakee formation. The general character-
istic feature of the Kankakee formation is
wavy beds of fine-to-medium grained, greenish-
gray, locally pinkish, dolomite layers, one
to three inches thick. The bedding is often
separated by numerous thin wavy partings of
green shale. The upper contact is marked by
a thin lamina of bright green shale which
occurs on a distinctive smooth, but deeply
pitted, surface.
Four zones of slightly differing lithologies
have been identified within the Kankakee
formation in the literature. These zones have
been named the Plaines, Troutman, Offerman,
and Drummond members of the Kankakee formation.
The uppermost zone, the Plaines member, is a
distinctive, porous, pure, white dolomite
unit. Its thickness is two to three feet.
The thickest zone of the Kankakee, underly-
ing the Plaines member and comprising over
half of the formation, is the Troutman mem-
ber. Its description fits the generalized
description of the Kankakee, greenish to pink-
ish gray dolomite containing wavy green shale
partings. A few sporadic chert nodules occur
in this unit.
A thin zone, only a few feet thick, of slight-
ly argillaceous, thin bedded dolomite com-
prises the Offerman member. The basal unit,
the Drummond member, is a thicker-bedded,
fossiliferous dolomite which contains thin
shale partings, scattered glauconite, and
rounded quartz grains.
The shale partings of the Plaines and Drum-
mond members, usually one-eighth inch thick
(but up to one-half inch thick) and one inch
apart have shown signs of deterioration in
B-6
-------
cores exposed to the atmosphere. All labora-
tory tests were performed on freshly waxed
samples so that shale deterioration prior to
testing was prevented.
The Kankakee dolomite, as found throughout
the Chicago area, usually has a thickness of
35 to 45 feet, but was found to range in drill
holes from 10 to 79 feet. The contact with
the underlying Edgewood formation is conform-
able. The Kankakee, found in drill holes, is
uniformly fresh rock. Core recovery is gen-
erally in the 95 to 100 percent range and RQD
is commonly above 95 percent. The RQD values
are slightly more variable than in the over-
lying units, however, and scattered values in
the 53 to 75 percent range are reported.
Edgewood formation. The Edgewood formation
is the oldest unit of the Silurian system.
Its thicknes range varies widely because it
was deposited on the underlying erosional sur-
face developed on the top of the Maquoketa
group (generally the Brainard Shale). The
thickness ranges from about 10 feet, where
the Brainard was little eroded, to over 100
feet, where the Brainard was deeply eroded.
The Edgewood is a light gray to gray and fine-
to-medium grained dolomite slightly argill-
aceous in the upper 30 feet but very cherty.
Its upper contact is marked by the first
chert nodule below the top of the Kankakee
formation. The chert occurs in the form of
interbeds and nodules to 0.3 foot thick at
an average spacing of one foot. The chert
is white, soft, and porous.
The lower portion of the Edgewood may be
divided into an argillaceous, slightly cherty
colomite unit underlain by a very argillaceous,
noncherty dolomite unit. The chert nodules
decrease in frequency and size with depth,
but become harder. Conversely, the argil-
laceous content and frequency and thickness
of shale and dolomite shale partings in-
crease with depth through the formation. The
base is marked by laminated, crinkled beds.
Where the Edgewood formation is very thick
B-7
-------
the lowest beds consist of dolomitic shale
with a basal layer of dolomitic siltstone,
and containing br iwnish-black pebbles in
a dolomitic shale matrix.
It has been proposed that the formation be
divided into two parts, each of which is to
be elevated to the rank of formation. The
upper, very cherty unit, described in the
first paragraphs of the Edgewood description,
would be called the Elwood formation, and the
lower argillaceous, slightly cherty unit,
described in the second paragraph, would be
called the Wilhelmi formation. The Wilhelmi
formation would then be divided into two
members; the Birds member, an argillaceous
and slightly cherty dolomite overly the non-
cherty Schweizer member, a very argillaceous
dolomite to dolomitic shale.
The Edgewood found in drill holes is uniform-
ly fresh rock. Core recovery is generally in
the 95 to 100 percent range and RQD is com-
monly above 95 percent. A few RQDs in the
80 to 90 percent range and an occasional
RQD of 59 to 80 percent is reported.
Qrdovician. The Ordovician is subdivided into
3 series; the Canadian, Champlainian, and the Cin-
cinnatian. These series, in turn, are subdivided
into groups. The Middle Ordovician Champlainian
series has three groups; the Galena, Platteville,
and Ancelli; while the Canadian series has one
group, the Prairie du Chien; and the upper Ordo-
vician Cincinnatian has one group, the Maquoketa.
Only the Maquoketa group falls within the range
of the drop shafts and tunnels.
Cincinnatian. The upper Ordovician is predomin-
ately gray and green shale, but includes brown,
red, and black shales. It has a persistent lime-
stone formation in the middle and hematite oolites
at the top.
Maquoketa group. The Maquoketa group consists
of four formations; the Neda formation, Brainard
shale, Fort Atkinson, and the Scales Shale.
\
Neda formation. The Neda formation, the
uppermost formation of the Maquoketa group
B-8
-------
is an iron-oxide-bearing, brick red shale,
zero to 15 feet thick (5 feet average) of
restricted distribution. It is found only
where the Brainard formation is very thick.
Much of the Neda was probably removed by pre-
Edgewood erosion.
Characteristics of the Neda formation, other
than color, are similar to those of the
underlying Brainard Shale.
Brainard formation. The Brainard formation
is a dark greenish gray, thin bedded, fossil-
iferous, silty claystone to shale with inter-
bedded dolomite. The upper contact is sharp.
As a result of pre-Edgewood erosion, as de-
scribed previously, the Brainard Shale varies
in thickness from one to 136 feet depending
on the configuration of the Brainard-Edge-
wood unconformity. In many holes the forma-
tion is less than 50 feet thick. It is local-
ly absent.
In general, the Brainard is lithologically
uniform. Interbedded dolomite occurs as
3-inch-thick layers spaced about one foot
apart; generally more numerous where the
Brainard is thin. Petrographic analyses re-
port 90 percent clay and 10 percent scattered
dolomite grains 0.01 to 0.02 mm in size, with
scattered clusters of pyrite. X-ray analyses
indicate 3 parts illite clay to one part
chlorite intermixed with dolomite.
The Brainard, found in drill holes, is uni-
formly fresh rock. Core recovery is gener-
ally above 90 percent and RQD is commonly
over 80 percent.
Fort Atkinson formation. The Fort Atkinson
varies considerablyin composition. It con-
sists of gray, fossiliferous, shaly lime-
stone; tan and pink, crinoidal coarsely
crystalline limestone overlying fine grained
dolomite; and mostly fine grained limestone
with shale partings. In borings in the Chi-
cago area, it is a very hard, brownish-gray
medium grained, fossiliferous dolomite with
B-9
-------
some shale beds. It varies in thickness from
6 feet to 40 feet, averaging 17 feet.
Petrographic analysis reported granular inter-
locking grains of dolomite, 0.02 to 0.4 mm in
size elongated paralled to bedding, and fossil
fragments.
Scales Shale. The Scales Shale is largely
gray shale, but the lower part is locally
dark brown to nearly black in the southern
part of the area. Much of the shale is dolo-
mite. Thin beds with small black phosphatic
nodules and small pyrite fossils occur near
the base and locally near the top. As ob-
served in borings, this formation is a soft,
dark gray, very uniform thin-bedded shale,
averaging 100 feet in thickness.
Petrographic and x-ray analyses show 5 to 10
percent scattered dolomite grains in a matrix
of clay that is three parts illite to one
part chlorite. Disseminated pyrite is also
present.
B-10
-------
APPENDIX C
DESCRIPTION OF FAULTS LOCATED
IN THE CHICAGO AREA
-------
APPENDIX C
DESCRIPTION OF FAULTS LOCATED IN THE CHICAGO AREA
1.1 FAULT CHARACTERISTICS
By definition, a fault is a fracture along which dis-
placement has occurred. In the three recently completed
tunnels, much of the fault displacement was seen to be hori-
zontal, or strike-slip, as shown by slikensided fault sur-
face (scratched surfaces showing the direction of movement).
As there is no vertical movement along a strike-slip fault
and as joint and fault fillings are very similar, it is
likely that some faults were mapped as joints.
As bedding is horizontal or very gently inclined, and
as the fault movement appears to have been largely strike-
slip (horizontal), substantial horizontal movement is
required to produce a vertical displacement of as little
as one foot. Since the identification of faults in flat-
lying strata, by means of seismic surveys or core drilling,
depends primarily on observations of vertical displacement
of beds, strike-slip faulting, prevalent in the Chicago
area, would be expected to be undetected by these methods,
unless core drilling disclosed a zone of disturbed rock
attributable to faulting.
The fault surfaces are generally slickensided and
often have fluted or washboard structure. All striations
noted were horizontal or near-horizontal. The faults are
invariably filled with grey, black or green clay and lesser
amounts of breccia. Fault widths are largely in the range
of a fraction of an inch to 2 or 3 inches, however, a few
of the faults obtain locally a width of 6 inches, and a
maximum width of 12 inches was noted on a fault in the
Southwest Tunnel. Apparent stratigraphic offsets vary
normally from a fraction of an inch to 6 inches, and reach
a maximum of 8 inches.
2.1 SURVEY RESULTS
Most of the fault dips in the Chicago area were found
to be vertical or near-vertical. A few of them varied from
the vertical by as much as 15 degrees. The seismic survey
delineated 30 faults in the area surveyed, omitting the Des
Plaines disturbance and its boundary faults.
C-l
-------
In the area north of Irving Park Road, along the North
Shore Channel, and along the North Branch of the Chicago
River, only one seismically mapped fault was actually crossed
by the line of explorations. Displacement at this fault was
indicated to be only about 10 feet. The eastern end of
another fault came within 1,000 feet of the North Branch
section. Although slight undulations were interpreted from
the core borings in the beds in the areas of these two
faults, they are no greater than in other areas along the
North Branch where no faults were mapped. Furthermore, the
rock in the holes drilled to explore these faults revealed
no disturbance. Although no fault at this location has
been shown, a fault having predominantly horizontal move-
ment and little vertical displacement cannot be excluded.
One fault was mapped by the seismic survey as crossing
the Chicago River between Polk and Harrison Streets. A
group of holes were drilled to confirm the existence, nat-
ure, and extent of any fault at this location. The drilling
confirmed the fault, and indicates a displacement of 25
feet on the top of the Galena between Taylor Street and
Roosevelt Road. The southern side was found to be lower.
It appears now that the zone of possible fault disturbance
is limited in extent.
There is a disturbed and faulted zone in the area be-
tween Chicago Avenue and Lake Street. No fault was mapped
in this area by the seismic survey. Nevertheless, drilling
in this area encountered extensive lengths of hole in rock
that was closely fractured, fragmental, and gouged. Joints
showing slickensides were also common. In one drill hole
the Maquoketa shales were sheared and showed signs of re-
molding.
To further delineate this zone of disturbance, two
additional holes were drilled. One drill hole contained
considerable sections of fragmental core and had a Galena
top 30 feet higher than that in the hole, 1,300 feet to
the south. A core loss, perhaps due to poor quality rock,
of 13 feet was reported in the latter boring. The dis-
placement of beds in this area would seem to indicate a
fault or fault zone between these holes. It is possible
that an additional fault of lesser displacement could
occur between Randolph and Ohio Streets. It is in this
area where a proposed short feeder tunnel intersects the
main tunnel.
Additional evidence of faulting in this area is found
in reports of the Des Plaines Street and Chicago Avenue
C-2
-------
Tunnels. The former, excavated in 1938, encountered a zone
with clay slips or faults carrying large quantities of water.
The main fault was reported as nearly vertical with a
northeast-southwest orientation. This broken zone is loca-
ted south of Erie Street at the tunnel elevation of approxi-
mately -160 CCD (Chicago City Datum). Clay slips which were
very wet and which required timbering were also described
in the Des Plaines Street Tunnel report.
Seepage in the Chicago Avenue Tunnel, driven in 1930,
was reported to have increased greatly when the tunnel
reached distances of 600 feet east and west of a shaft at
the Chicago River. At that point two 300 gpm pumps were
required to control the leakage. One pump was operated
16 hours per day, six days per week and the other pumped
about 24 hours per week.
In another reach of the Chicago Avenue Tunnel, numerous
faults were mapped and were reported to form a graben 820
feet wide, extending east and west of a shaft at the Lake
Shore. The faults in this area are nearly vertical and
contain clay filled, brecciated zones up to three feet wide.
Displacements greater than 13 feet are reported in six
faults, two of which had displacements of 36 and 48 feet.
These faults were very troublesome to tunneling, because
of large water inflows and a need for support of the roof
rocks. Joints showing solutioning and filled with clay
pockets up to 100 feet wide were reported. Some of these
required timbering and one necessitated the use of concrete
lining.
The faulting, close jointing, and disturbance observed
in the 1971 exploration program, in the Des Plaines Street
Tunnel, and in the two reaches of the Chicago Avenue Tunnel
are very likely interrelated. A more detailed evaluation
of the areal and vertical extent of the zone, the magnitude
of the displacement, brecciation, leakage, and solution
phenomena will require further drilling in the design phase.
Seven faults crossing the line along the tunnel, along
the Des Plaines River, and south of the Des Plaines complex
were mapped by the seismic survey. Subsequent drilling has
not confirmed the presence of three of these faults.
Of the remaining four faults, three have been substan-
tiated by the 1971 explorations. These have apparent dis-
placements of 25 feet, 50 feet, and 10 feet. Displacement
of the fourth fault was measured at 20 feet in the drilling.
However, no fault of such large displacement was observed
C-3
-------
in the Southwest Intercepting Sewer 13A Tunnel, which crosses
this same seismically mapped fault.
Rock in the vicinity of the 25 foot and 10 foot faults
displayed unusually severe fracturing or gouge. In particu-
lar, one boring north of the 25 foot fault followed for 20
feet a joint filled with clay and broken pieces of dolomite.
In some cases, the joint filling was wider than the core
diameter. A core loss of eight feet was also reported in
this hole, and slickensided joint surfaces were found in
another drill hole south of the fault. A core sample from
a boring north of 10 foot fault contained gouged sections
and the Platteville section was closely fractured.
3.1 FAULTS AFFECTING TARP
Two feeder tunnels, which will intersect the proposed
Tunnel from the west, may cut by a 50 foot fault, based on
the seismic survey. This fault may cross the more northern
of the feeder tunnels and a 20 foot fault may cross the
southern tunnel.
Data mapped by the seismic survey on the geologic
structure and on faulting in the Lake Calumet area has not
been substantiated by drilling. In this area ten faults
were mapped by the seismic method. All of these are shown
in the area east of the Calumet Tunnel. No faults were
mapped along the tunnel alignment from the Calumet Tunnel
northwest to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
The proposed tunnel may cross one fault having a dis-
placement of 20 to 30 feet, and another fault with a dis-
placement of about 30 feet. The tunnel is close a fault
of-unknown displacement near its intersection with the 30
foot fault.
The Calumet River branch of the tunnel may cross five
east-west trending faults. These faults, located from south
to north, have a displacement of about 20 to 25 feet. The
short feeder tunnel which intersects this tunnel segment fol-
lows or closely parallels a 20-to-25 foot fault throughout
the length of the tunnel.
The Little Calumet River branch of the system parallels
one fault for a considerable distance and may cross another
fault as well, depending on the exact location of the tunnel,
The displacement on the former fault ranges from a few feet
to about 30 feet and the latter is about 20 feet.
C-4
-------
APPENDIX D
AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
-------
APPENDIX D
AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
Air quality is measured in terms of time-averaged
pollutant concentrations in the air, usually at ground
level, where people and property are most often exposed to
the pollutants. For various substances which have been
identified as air pollutants, air quality standards for
them have been set at the Federal and state levels.
The air quality standards can be divided into the
following classes:
Ambient air quality standards
Nondegradation criteria
Standards for hazardous air pollutants
Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations.
The first two classes of standards apply to pollutant
concentrations in the outdoor air, whereas the third, stan-
dards for hazardous air pollutants, applies to the emission
of such pollutants. These standards are discussed below.
The fourth class, the Occupational Safety and Health Act
regulations, apply to pollutant concentrations inside indus-
trial plants and other job areas where workers are likely
to be exposed to pollutants. Therefore, they are not dis-
cussed here.
1.1 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
Pursuant to the Clean Air Act of 1970, the U.S. EPA
has established national ambient air quality standards for
six pollutants: sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen dioxide, and photochemical
oxidants. These standards are shown in Table D-l. They
consist of both primary standards, which are intended to
protect public health, and secondary standards, which are
intended to protect public welfare, including protection
against damage to property and vegetation, and aesthetic
damage.
The State of Illinois has also established ambient air
quality standards. The state particulate standards are the
same as the Federal standards. However, for carbon monoxide,
oxidants, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen dioxide, the state has
only one set of standards equivalent to the Federal secondary
standards.
D-l
-------
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-------
2.1 NONDEGRADATxON CRITERIA
The intent of the nondegradation criteria, established
in December 1974, is to prevent significant deterioration of
air quality in areas with currently clean air. These cri-
teria apply to increments in the existing ambient concentra-
tion of particulate matter and of sulfur dioxide.
Three classes with different allowable increments in
the above concentrations have been established: Class I
represents the cleanest areas in which a small increment
may cause significant deterioration, Class II represents
the areas in which an increment associated with moderate
urban growth may not significantly affect the air quality,
and Class III represents the highly developed urban areas
in which degradation of air quality up to the national
ambient air quality standards may not be considered signi-
ficant. Table D-2 summarizes the nondegradation criteria.
Table D-2
Significant Deterioration Criteria
Pollutant
Particulate matter
Annual geometric mean
24-hour maximum
Sulfur dioxide
Annual arithmetic mean
2 4 -hour maximum
3-hour maximum
Allowable
Class I
Mg/m3
5
10
2
5
25
Increments
Class II
(ig/m3
10
30
15
100
700
For Class III, the above concentrations could increase
until the air quality degrades up to the national ambient
standards.
Initially, all areas in the U.S. were designated as
Class II, but the states have the option of reclassifying
any area to suit local community needs. Illinois has not
reclassified any areas in the state.
3.1 HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS
Those air pollutants with no applicable ambient air
quality standards are included in the hazardous air pollu-
tant category. The EPA has also established emission
standards for such pollutants. At present, asbestos, beryl-
lium, and mercury are designated as hazardous air pollutants.
The EPA has the authority to include other substances in
this category if they are found to pose a threat to public
health and welfare.
D-3
-------
APPENDIX E
NOISE: UNITS AND STANDARDS
-------
APPENDIX E
NOISE: UNITS AND STANDARDS
1.1 NOISE UNITS
Noise is often defined as unwanted sound. A complete
noise description includes magnitude, frequency distribu-
tion, direction of propagation, variation with time, and
operating conditions of the noise generator.
Urban noise is a mixture of sounds produced by a variety
of sources including vehicles, industrial plants, construc-
tion activity, sirens, appliances, power equipment, and con-
versation. Although noise is generally uniform in all direc-
tions, it varies in magnitude and frequency with time. It
is possible to describe urban noise in terms of its magni-
tude for each frequency and at each instant. However, such
description would be too voluminous and difficult to compare
with other noise. Various noise units have been developed to
describe urban noise in terms of a single number, which can
account for its magnitude, frequency, and duration. This
section describes the basic unit of noise: the decibel (dB},
the A-weighted decibel (dBA), and the day-night sound level
1.1.1 Decibel (dB)
The magnitude of noise is generally measured by its
sound pressure level referred to a standard pressure level.
The reference pressure level is generally taken to be 0.0002
microbar, which is the threshold of audible sound. Because
of the vast range of sound pressure levels that can be heard
by the human ear, noise is expressed in terms of a logarithm
of the ratio of measured to standard sound pressure levels.
The resulting unit is termed as decibel (dB). Thus, dB =
20 log,_ /P*, where P = measured sound pressure; P* =
reference sound pressure, generally taken to be 0.0002
microbar (2 x 10~5 Newton/m^).
1.1.2 A-Weighted Sound Pressure Level (dBA)
Human response to noise varies with noise frequency.
The response is approximately constant for frequencies between
500 and 10,000 Hz, but drops off sharply below 100 Hz and
above 20,000 Hz. To account for this variation in human noise
E-l
-------
response, the measured noise signal is weighted, giving less
importance to the low and high trequencies and more importance
to the midrange frequencies, '.t'here are several internationally
approved noise weighting scales designed for different purposes.
For community noise, the A-scale is used, and the resulting
unit is called dBA.
1.1.3 Day-Night Sound Level (L, )
an
Many attempts have been made to describe the time-varying
noise in terms of a single index. The U.S. EPA has recommended
the day-night sound level (Ldn) as an index for community noise.
It is based on the Equivalent Sound Level (Leq)• The Leq is
defined as "the constant sound level which if Blasted for the
actual total duration of the noise signal, would yield the
same value of energy average as the actual sound level over
the total duration of the noise."!
The L
-------
At the Federal level, the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and
the EPA have noise standards or guidelines in effect. The
State of Illinois and the city of Chicago also have established
noise control regulations. These standards and guidelines are
discussed below.
2.1.1 EPA Guidelines
In response to the Noise Control Act of 1972, the EPA
identified long-term noise levels considered necessary to
protect the public health and welfare with an adequate margin
of safety. These identified noise levels do not represent
EPA standards, but are considered necessary by the EPA both
to protect the most sensitive segment of public from any
measurable hearing loss and to minimize feelings of annoyance
both with an adequate margin of safety. The EPA findings
are given in terms of Leq over 24 hours; Table E-l shows
the EPA findings in terms of L^n- ml~~ 4— *—*•—
shown at the bottom of the table.
The conversion factor is
Table E-l
Summary of Noise Levels Identified as Requisite To
Protect Public Health and Welfare With
an Adequate Margin of Safety!
Effect
Hearing Loss
Outdoor activity
interference and
annoyance
Indoor activity
interference and
annoyance
Level
Ldn < 74 dB
%n < 55 dB
Ldn < 59 dB
Ldn < 45 dB
Ldn < 49 dB
Area
All areas
Outdoors in residential areas
and farms and other outdoor
areas where people spend widely
varying amounts of time and
other places in which quiet is
a basis for use.
Outdoor areas where people spend
limited amounts of time, such as
school yards, playgrounds, etc.
Indoor residential areas.
Other indoor areas with human
activities such as schools, etc.
NOTE: All L^ values converted to L, for ease of comparison (L, equals
Leq (24) + 4 dB). d"
U.S. EPA, March 1974.
E-3
-------
2.1.2 HUD Noise Criteria
The Noise Abatement and control Standards established
by HUD are intended to remove uncontrollable noise sources
from residential cind other noise-sensitive areas and to
prohibit HUD support for new construction on sites having
unacceptable noise exposure. The HUD noise criteria for
funding new residential construction are given in terms of
Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) values. The NEF values can
be converted into L^n by using the equation, L(jn = NWF + 35 dB.
The criteria in terms of L are as follows:
Noise Levels, L^
Less than 65 dB
65 to 75 dB
More than 75 dB
HUD Policy
Acceptable
Discretionary
Unacceptable
2.1.3 FHWA Noise Standards
The FHWA of the Department of Transportation has estab-
lished noise standards and procedures to be used in highway
planning and design. These standards have been established
in terms of the LXQ values, which represent the noise level
in dBA-exceeded 10 percent of the time. The FHWA standards
are summarized in Table E-2.
Table E-2
FHWA Noise Standards
Land Use Type
Parks and areas re-
quiring special quali-
ties of serenity and
quite
Residential, business
and commercial
Uses other than those
mentioned above
Design Noise. Level, L^g
60 dBA
70 dBA
55 dBA
75 dBA
(Exterior)
(Exterior)
(Interior)
(Exterior)
E-4
-------
2.1.4 QSHA Noise Regulations
OSHA, of the Department of Labor, has established
noise standards to protect the health and safety of in-
dustrial workers. According to OSHA standards, a worker
may not be exposed to noise levels greater than 90 dBA
for eight hours per day. For shorter durations, exposure
to higher noise levels is allowed as follows:
Duration Per Day Sound Level
(Hours) (dBA)
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1.5 102
1 105
0.5 110
0.25 or less 115
The EPA has recommended a limit of 85 dBA for eight-hour
exposure with higher limits for shorter durations.
2.1.5 State of Illinois Noise Standards
The Illinois noise standards apply to noise levels
measured beyond 25 feet from a property-line noise-source.
The standards vary with types of land use, which are divided
into three classes: A, B, and C. The standards depend
not only on the class in which the noise level is measured,
but also on the class in which the noise source is located.
For example, a noise source located in Class C may emit
higher noise to an adjacent Class B area than Class A area.
The Illinois noise standards are given in terms of
octave band sound pressure levels and can be found in the
Environment Reporter.1
Illinois Noise Pollution Regulations, Environment Reporter, Noise
Control Regulations, October 1975, p. 81:4921.
E-5
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2.1.6 City of Chicago Noise Standards1
The city of Chicago promulgated a comprehensive noise
control ordinance in July 1971. This ordinance established
limits on noise from motor vehicles, construction equipment,
power tools and equipment, and recreational vehicles sold,
as well as operated in the city of Chicago. Standards for
noise from buildings were also established.
The maximum allowable noise levels measured at 50 feet
from new construction vehicles and equipment sold in Chicago
are shown in the following table.
Manufacture Date
After Jan. 1, 1968
After Jan. 1, 1972
After Jan. 1, 1973
After Jan. 1, 1975
After Jan. 1, 1980
Noise Limit (dBA)
Vehicles
(8,000 Ibs. or
more gross weight)
88
88
86
84
75
Construction
Equipment*
N/A
86
84
80
75
Does not include pile drivers.
The noise responsibility does not end with manufacturers.
The user must maintain the product so that it will not emit
more noise than the manufacturer intended. For vehicles with
gross weight 8,000 Ibs. or more, the following noise restric-
tions apply during operation:
Date
Before Jan. 1, 1973
After Jan. 1, 1973
Noise Limit (dBA) at 50 feet
For Posted Speed Limits
35 mph or Less
88
86
Over 35 mph
90
90
City of Chicago Noise Ordinance, Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code
of Chicago, as amended in 1971.
E-6
-------
The noise ordinance also prohibits use of noisy con-
struction equipment in residential areas between 9:30 p.m.
and 8:30 a.m. except for work on public improvements and
work for public service utilities.
In the case of noise from buildings, the restrictions
apply to noise levels measured at the property line or at
the boundary of zoning district as follows:
Type of Land Use
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Location of
Noise Measured
Property Line
Property Line
Zoning District
Boundary
Noise Limit (dBA)
55
62
58 to 66
E-7
-------
APPENDIX F
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA BY COMMUNITY FOR THE
MAINSTREAM, CALUMET, AND DBS PLAINES TUNNEL SYSTEMS
-------
APPENDIX F
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA BY COMMUNITY FOR THE
MAINSTREAM,
CALUMET, AND DES
PLAINES TUNNEL
SYSTEMS
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA - MAINSTREAM AREA COMMUNITIES1
Community
Bedford Park
Bellwood
Bensenville
Berkeley
Berwyn
Bridgeview
Broadview
Brookf ield
Burr Ridge
Chicago
Cicero
Countryside
Des Plaines
Elmwood Park
Evanston
Forest Park
Forest View
Franklin Park
Glencoe
Glenview
Golf
Harwood Heights
Hillside
Hinsdale
Hodgkins
Hometown
1970 Population
583
22,096
12,956
6,152
52,502
12,522
9,623
20,284
1,637
3,369,357
67,058
2,864
57,239
26,160
80,113
15,472
927
20,348
10,675
24,880
474
9,060
8,888
215,918
2,270
6,729
Percent Change
From 1960
-20.9
6.6
41.7
6.2
-3.2
70.7
12.1
-0.7
447.5
-5.1
-3.0
-
64.1
9.6
1.0
7.1
-11.0
11.1
1.9
37.2
15.9
59.3
14.0
23.8
101.6
-10.0
Median Family
Income-1970
-
13,008
13,394
13,708
11,836
11,910
12,553
12,993
-
10,242
11,265
12,976
14,056
13,028
13,932
11,941
-
12,833
29,565
19,137
-
13,208
14,079
19,185
-
11,118
F-l
-------
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA - MAINSTREAM AREA COMMUNITIES'1
Continued
Community
Indian Head Park
Justice
Kenilworth
LaGrange
LaGrange Park
Lincolnwood
Lyons
Maywood
McCook
Melrose Park
Morton Grove
Niles
Norridge
Northbrook
Northfield
Northlake
North Riverside
Oak Park
Park Ridge
River Forest
River Grove
Riverside
Rosemont
Schiller Park
Stickney
Stone Park
Summit
Westchester
Western Springs
1970 Population
473
9,473
2,980
17,814
15,459
12,929
11,124
29,109
333
22,716
26,369
31,432
17,020
27,297
5,010
14,212
8,097
62,511
42,614
13,402
11,465
10,432
4,360
12,712
6,601
4,429
11,569
20,033
13,029
Percent Change
From 1960
22.9
238.0
0.7
16.5
12.1
10.1
12.0
6.5
-24.5
1.9
38.4
54.1
20.8
134.6
25.1
15.4
1.4
2.3
30.5
5.6
35.5
7.0
345.8
123.5
5.8
45.8
11.5
10.7
20.2
Median Family
Income-1970
11,745
34,573
16,552
15,237
21,365
11,998
11,573
12,121
16,488
14,159
13,996
19,994
21,268
12,561
13,219
12,949
17,472
21,236
12,480
16,389
12,824
12,695
12,060
12,013
10,281
15,812
19,502
F-2
-------
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA - MAINSTREAM AREA COMMUNITIES1
Continued
Percent Change Median Family
Community 1970 Population From 1960 Income-1970
Willow Springs 3,318 41.3 12,713
Wilmette 32,134 13.7 21,809
Winnetka 13,998 4.7 28,782
Skokie 68,322 15.1 16,423
1 Suburban Fact Book - 1973, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission.
F-3
-------
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA - CALUMET AREA COMMUNITIES1
Percent Change Median Family
Community
Alsip
Blue Island
Burnham
Calumet City
Calumet Park
Chicago
Dixmoor
Do1ton
Evergreen Park
Harvey
Lansing
Markham
Oak Lawn
Phoenix
Posen
Riverdale
Robbins
South Holland
1970 Population
11,141
22,958
3,634
33,107
10,069
3,369,357
4,735
25,937
25,921
34,636
25,805
15,987
60,305
3,596
5,498
15,806
9,641
23,931
From 1960
195.5
17.0
46.7
32.4
19.2
-5.1
53.9
38.4
7.2
19 .-1
42.6
36.6
119.5
-14.4
21.7
31.6
28.4
129.8
Income-1970
12,687
11,470
11,262
11,823
12,546
10,242
10,565
13,282
13,903
11,035
13,069
12,045
13,824
9,800
11,866
12,520
8,192
14,495
Suburban Fact Book - 1973, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission.
F-4
-------
SOCIOECONOMIC DATA - DES PLAINES AREA COMMUNITIES1
Community
Broadview
Brookf ield
Des Plaines
Elmwood Park
Forest Park
Franklin Park
LaGrange
LaGrange Park
Lyons
May wood
McCook
Melrose Park
North Riverside
Park Ridge
River Forest
River Grove
Riverside
Rosemont
Schiller Park
Western Springs
1970 Population
9,623
20,284
57,239
26,160
15,472
20,348
17,814
15,459
11,124
29,019
333
22,716
8,097
42,614
13,402
11,465
10,432
4,825
12,712
13,029
Percent Change
From 1960
12.1
-0.7
64.1
9.6
7.1
11.1
16.5
12.1
12.0
6.5
-24.5
1.9
1.4
30.5
5.6
35.5
7.0
345.8
123.5
20.2
Median Family
Income-1970
12,553
12,993
14,056
13,028
11,941
12,833
16,552
15,237
11,998
11,573
12,121
13,219
13,472
21,236
12,480
16,389
12,824
12,695
19,502
Suburban Fact Book - 1973, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission.
F-5
-------
APPENDIX G
CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS - 1954 THROUGH 1975
-------
APPENDIX G
CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTANT EVENTS - 1954 THROUGH 1975
Month
1958 August
1959 February
1960 March
1961
Description of Events
Leffler Plan proposed
(Alternative K*).
Meissner Plan proposed
(Alternative L).
Ramey-Williams Channel
Improvement Plan pro-
posed (Alternative M).
Reports Issued
Meissner, John F., "Flood
Control - A Report for the
Metropolitan Sanitary
District," Engineers, Inc.
Ramey, H.P., "Floods in
the Chicago Area," A Report
for the MSDGC.
McCarthy, R.L., "Supplement
to Proposed Flood Control
Project for the MSDGC."
State of Illinois, "Report
on Plan for Flood Control
and Drainage Development,
Des Plaines River, Cook,
Lake and DuPage Counties,"
Dept. of Public Works and
Buildings.
Appendix G.
1964
Original Deep Tunnel
Plan with Mined and
Surface Storage in
the Calumet Area
proposed (Alternative
A) .
Metropolitan Sanitary
District of Greater
Chicago Flood Control
Studies resulted in
proposed plan
(Alternative P).
Flood Control Coordinating Committee designations.
G-l
-------
Year
Month
Description of Events
Reports Issued
1965
1966
May
October
1967 January
November
Flood Control Coordi-
nating Committee
(FCCC) formed and
members appointed by
Governor of Illinois.
Commenced investigations
on mining machines
(MSDGC).
Original Chicago
Underflow Plan for
Flood and Pollution
Control proposed
(city of Chicago).
The FCCC appointed
members for a tech-
nical advisory
committee (TAG).
Lawrence Avenue under-
flow sewer system con-
struction commenced
(city of Chicago).
MSDGC initiated feasi-
bility studies on
Chicago tunnel plans.
Drilling and testing
of deep aquifer test
and specific capacity
wells commenced (MSDGC)
Harza Engineering Co.
and Bauer Engineering, Inc.,
"A Deep Tunnel Plan for the
Chicagoland Area," A Report
for the MSDGC.
Harza Engineering Co.
"Appraisal Report on Storm
Drainage by Alternative
Open-cut and Tunnel Sewers
for the Eastwood Wilson
Auxiliary Outlet Sewer
System," report for
Department of Public Works.
City of Chicago, "The
Chicago Underflow Plan for
Flood and Pollution Control,"
Dept. of Public Works,
Bureau of Engineering.
G-2
-------
Month
November
(Continued)
Description of Events
Seismic survey of 5
locations commenced
to determine effi-
cacy of vibrosis
(MSDGC).
Drilling and testing
of 36 shallow and
deep holes commenced
to determine general
subsurface conditions
(MSDGC).
Reports Issued
1968 February
1968 May
Seismic survey com-
pleted
Harza Engineering Co.
and Bauer Engineering,
Inc., "Pollution and
Flood Control: A Program
for Chicagoland," a report
for the MSDGC.
Seismograph Service Corp.,
"Reports on a Vibrosis
Survey, Chicagoland Deep
Tunnel Plan for Pollution
and Flood Control, Phases
I-III Mobilization and
Reconnaissance," for the
MSDGC.
May
July
Harza Engineering Co., and
Bauer Engineering, Inc.,
"Chicagoland Deep Tunnel
System for Pollution and
Flood Control - First
Construction Zone Definite
Project Report," for the
MSDGC.
McCarthy, R.L., "The Metro-
politan Sanitary District
of Greater Chicago Flood
Control Report."
G-3
-------
Year
Month
Description of Events
Reports Issued
1968
July
(Continued)
September
Composite Plan
proposed (Alternative
E).
1968 November
November
November
State of Illinois,
Division of Waterways
Plan proposed
(Alternative D).
Drilling and testing
completed.
Deep Tunnel Plan with
Pumped Storage Power
proposed (Alternative
V
City of Chicago Under-
flow Plan revised.
Sheaffer Plan proposed
(Alternative N).
Harza Engineering Co. and
Bauer Engineering, Inc.,
"Chicagoland Deep Tunnel
System for Pollution and
Flood Control - First
Construction Zone Definite
Project Report Appendices."
City of Chicago, "Composite
Drainage Plan of the
Chicago Area," Dept. of
Public Works for the TAG.
Harza Engineering Co. and
Bauer Engineering, Inc.
"Design, Construction, and
Financing Schedule for the
Composite Drainage, Flood
and Pollution Control Plan
for the Combined Sewer
Portion of the Metropolitan
Sanitary District of
Greater Chicago."
State of Illinois, "Chicago
Drainage Plan," Dept. of
Public Works and Buildings.
Seismograph Service Corp.,
"Report on Borehole Logging
Services, Chicagoland Deep
Tunnel System for Pollution
and Flood Control," for the
MSDGC.
G-4
-------
1969
Month Description of Events
November Deep Tunnel Plan with
(Continued) Mined and Surface Storage
in the Calumet and Stick-
ney Areas proposed
(Alternative B).
Deep Tunnel Plan
(Calumet, Stickney
Storage) with Pumped
Storage proposed
(Alternative B .)
P
Deep Tunnel Plan with Mined
and Surface Storage in the"
Calumet, West-Southwest
and North--side Sewage Treat-
ment Plant Areas proposed
(Alternative C).
Deep Tunnel Plan (Storage
in Three Locations) with
Pumped Storage Power Pro-
posed (Alternative C ).
January Report on effects of deep
tunnel storage upon MSDGC's
sewage treatment capacity
presented to MSDGC.
January
Reports Issued
February
Bauer Engineering, Inc.,
"The Effect of Deep
Tunnel Storage upon
District Sewage Treat-
ment Capacity."
Anderson, A.G., and
Dahlin, W.Q., "Project
Report No. 100 - Supple-
ment No. 1 - Effect of
Air and Detergents on
Flow Pattern." University
of Minnesota.
Harza Engineering Co.,
and Bauer Engineering,
Inc., "Report on the
Impact of the Deep
Tunnel Plan on the Water
Resources of Northeast
Illinois," for the MSDGC.
G-5
-------
Year Month
1969 April
July
September
1969 October
1970 May
June
Description of Events Reports Issued
Koelzer, V.A., Bauer, W.J.,
and Dalton, F.E., "The
Chicago Area Deep Tunnel
Project - A Use of the
Underground Storage Re-
source," JWPCF.
Bauer Engineering, Inc.,
"The Role of Storage in
Sewage Treatment Plant
Design," for the MSDGC.
City of Chicago, "Combined
Underflow-Storage Plan for
Pollution and Flood Control
in the Chicago Metropolitan
Area," Dept. of Public Works.
Papadopulos, I.S., Larsen,
W.R., and Neil, F.C., "Ground-
water Studies - Chicagoland
Deep Tunnel System," Ground-
water Journal, Vol. 7, No. 5.
Chicago Underflow Plan- State of Illinois, city of
Lockport proposed Chicago, MSDGC, "Underflow
(Alternative F). Plan for Pollution and Flood
Control in the Chicago
Metropolitan Area."
Chicago Underflow
Plan - Single Quarry
proposed(Alternative
G) .
Chicago Underflow
Plan - Two Quarries
proposed
(Alternative H).
Chicago Underflow Plan-
Three Quarries proposed
(Alternative J).
Four Storage Plan
proposed (Alternative Q).
G-6
-------
Year
Month
Description of Events
Reports Issued
1970
June Four Storage Plan with
(Continued) Pumped Storage Power
proposed (Alternative Q ) .
McCook, Calumet, and
O'Hare Storage Plan
proposed (Alternative R).
McCook, Calumet, and
O'Hare Storage Plan with
Pumped Storage Power pro-
posed (Alternative R ).
P
Chicago Underflow Plan,
McCook and Q'Hare Storage
proposed (Alternative S).
November
1971 January
February
April
The FCCC reactivated.
Work program prepared for
development of a flood and
pollution control plan.
Additional subsurface analysis
initiated.
Separate System of
Sanitary Sewers
proposed and evaluat-
ed (Alternative T),
DeLeuw, Gather, and Co.,
"Southwest Side Intercepting
Sewer 13A, Report of Tunnel
Inspection Performed, November
1970," for the MSDGC.
Metcalf & Eddy, "Application
of Storm Water Management
Model to Selected Chicago
Drainage Areas - Phase I,"
report to city of Chicago,
Dept. of Public Works.
City of Chicago, "Estimate
of Cost To Provide a
Separate System of Sanitary
Sewers for the city of Chicago,"
Dept. of Public Works.
G-7
-------
Year Month
1971 May
May
Description of Events
The Technical Advisory
Committee re-estaulish-
ed.
Reports Issued
September
September
October
October
1972
Tunnel and Reservoir
Plan (TARP) proposed.
January
August
MSDGC, "Position Paper
Concerning Combined Sewer
Overflows."
Consoer, Townsend and
Associates, "Chicagoland
Flood and Pollution
Control Program Second
Interim Report on Treat-
ment to the city of
Chicago," a report for
the MSDGC.
Harza Engineering Co.,
"Chicagoland Flood Control
and Pollution Abatement
Program, Interim Report,
Geology and Related
Studies."
Bauer Engineering, Inc.,
"Final Report - Drop Shaft
Investigation for Crosstown
Expressway (1-494)."
Harza Engineering Co.,
"Evaluation of Geology
and Groundwater Conditions
in Lawrence Avenue Tunnel.
Calumet Intercepting Sewer
18E, Extension A, South-
west Intercepting Sewer
13A."
MSDGC, "Evaluation of
Alternative Systems."
MSDGC, "Summary of Technical
Reports."
G-8
-------
Year Month
Description of Events
Reports Issued
1972 August
October
November
December
1973 July
Additional boring tests Seismograph Service Corp.,
completed. "Borehole Logging Report
for North-Side Rock Tunnel
Project."
TARP adopted by FCCC
Board.
DeLeuw, Gather, and Co.,
"Preliminary Plans for
O'Hare Collection Facility,"
conventional intercepting
sewers and TARP.
MSDGC, "Technical Reports -
"Development of a Flood
Control Plan for the Chicago-
land Area," Part I - Data
Collection; Part II -
Computer Simulations Programs;
Part III - Treatment;
Part IV - Geology and Water
Supply; Part V - Alternative
Systems; Part VI - Power
Generation; Part VII -
Benefit-Cost-Financing-
Scheduling.
Issued "Environ-
mental Assessment"
and "Environmental
Impact Statement" for
TARP for Corps, of
Engineers (MSDGC).
Preliminary plans and
designs for Upper Des
Plaines system and
O'Hare collection
facility prepared
(MSDGC).
Hydraulic model studies
of drop shafts and
collecting structures,
computer services, re-
finement of TARP, and
preliminary designs of
drop shafts initiated
(MSDGC).
G-9
-------
Month
July
(Continued)
1974 April
March-
September
1975 January
July
Description of Events Reports Issued
Preliminary planj for
second phase Calumet
tun^sls, administration
of subsurface exploration,
and preparation of geo-
technical design report
for Calumet system
initiated (MSDGC).
Preparation of geo-
technical design for
Mainstream tunnels and
two reservoirs initiated
(MSDGC).
Mapping of Mainstream,
Calumet and Lower Des
Plaines systems commenced
(MSDGC).
Subsurface exploration of
Lower Des Plaines, Calumet,
Upper Des Plaines, Mainstream
and reservoir systems
commenced (MSDGC).
Reservoir sites proposed for
O'Hare and Calumet areas
(MSDGC).
Drop shaft modeling studies Anderson, A.G. and
completed and reports issued Dahlin, W.Q., Status
(University of Minnesota). Reports No. 1 through
6, for the city of
Chicago.
Drop shaft modeling
study completed
(University of Minnesota).
Anderson, A.G. and
Dahlin, W.Q., "Model
Studies of Drop Shafts,
Final Report,"
University of
Minnesota, for the city
of Chicago.
Hearings conducted by MSDGC
pertaining to EPA con-
struction grant for
tunnels and shafts of
Addison to Wilmette and
O'Hare systems.
G-10
-------
Year Month Description of Events Reports Issued
1975 September Hearings conducted by
Illinois EPA for design
grants of all first phase
tunnel systems.
November Public hearing conducted by
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
G-ll
-------
APPENDIX H
METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT
OF GREATER CHICAGO
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS—CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS
-------
March 1974
INDEX
THE METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
(CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS)
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1 Definitions GS-1
2 Powers of the Engineer GS-1
3 Contractor's Plans, Data & Samples GS-2
4 Approval of Contractor's Plans GS-2
5 Additional Sanitary District Plans GS-3
6 Checking Plans GS-3
7 Keeping Plans & Specifications on the Work GS-3
8 Lines & Grades GS-4
9 Inspection & Testing of Materials & Equipment GS4
10 Inspections & Tests of Workmanship GS-5
11 Measurement for Payment GS-6
12 Intent of Plans & Specification GS-6
13 Ground Surface & Underground Conditions GS-6
14 Existing & Future Structures GS-7
15 Space for Material, Equipment & Plant ' GS-7
16 Cleaning Work Sites GS-8
17 Provisions for Delivery at Site GS-8
18 Procedure & Methods GS-8
19 Handling Water at Treatment Plant Sites GS-9
20 Openings, Cutting & Fitting GS-9
21 Water, Power & Sanitary District Equipment GS-10
22 Safety GS-10
23 As-BuUt Drawings GS-12
24 Open Burning GS-12
25 Equipment Manuals GS-12
26 Posting of Project Signs GS-12
27 Operating Personnel Training GS-12
28 Proprietary Designations GS-13
29 Fire or Other Emergency GS-13
H-l
-------
March 1974
TOE METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
(CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS)
Definitions.
(1) Whenever the following terms in quota-
tions appear in the contract documents, they
shall be interpreted as follows:
"Sanitary District" or "District" - The Me-
tropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago,
party of the first part.
"Contractor" spelled with a capital "C" -
The Contractor under this contract, party of the
second part.
"Chief Engineer" or "Engineer" - The Chief
Engineer or Acting Chief Engineer of The
Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chica-
go, or any other Engineer designated by him.
The Purchasing Agent is the duly authorized
Officer of the District, carrying out the func-
tions assigned to him by the Purchasing Act (111.
Rev. Stat. 1963, Ch. 42, Sec. 11.1-11.23) and
the Board of Trustees.
"He", "him", "his", "it" or "it's" designating
the "Contractor" — The individual, firm or
corporation awarded the contract for the work
hereunder.
"The work" - The work to be performed
hereunder, including all material, labor, tools
and all appliances and appurtenances necessary
to perform and complete everything specified or
implied in the contract or shown on the plans
and specifications furnished by the Sanitary
District, and the additional plans and infor-
mation furnished by the Contractor under
Section (3), in full compliance with all the terms
and conditions hereof.
"Site" — The location described in the Agree-
ment where the work under this contract is to
be performed.
"Plans" — The contract plans listed in the
Agreement and the Additional plans, prints and
drawings furnished by the Contractor in accor-
dance with the requirements of Section (3).
"Written Order" — A written order signed by
the Chief Engineer of the Sanitary District, a
duly appointed Acting Chief Engineer or an
Assistant Chief Engineer designated by said
Chief Engineer, mailed to the Contractor at the
address designated in his proposal or to such
other address as he may designate in writing as
his official olace of business.
"Or equal" or "or equal thereto" - Wherever
a particular process, material, device, detail or
part is specified herein followed by these words
or by similar or equivalent expressions, such
words or expressions shall be understood to
mean and permit the use of another process,
material, device, detail or part that the Engineer
shall determine is fully equal in suitability,
quality, durability and in all other respects, to
the process, material, device, detail or part
herein specified for such use and shall approve
for such use in the work hereunder.
"Designated", "ordered", "permitted", "ap-
proved" — These words or others of similar
import, unless specifically modified, shall be
taken to mean, designated, ordered, permitted
or approved by the Engineer.
Powers of the Engineer.
(2) It is covenanted and agreed that the
Chief Engineer and his properly authorized
agents shall measure and calculate the quantities
and amounts of the several kinds of work
performed under this contract and on whose
inspection all work shall be accepted or con-
demned. The Chief Engineer, or other Engineer
designated by him, shall have full power to
reject or condemn all materials furnished or
work performed under this contract, which in
his opinion do not conform to the terms and
conditions herein expressed.
To prevent all disputes and litigations, it is
further agreed by and between the Sanitary
District and the Contractor that the Engineer
shall hi all cases decide every question of an
engineering character which may arise relative to
the execution of the work unde^- fhis contract.
H-2
-------
on the part of the Contractor, and his decision
shall be final and conclusive _n both parties
hereto; and such decision, in case any question
may arise, shall be a condition precedent to the
right of the Contractor to receive any money or
compensation for anything done or furnished
under this contract.
Contractor's Plans, Data and Samples.
(3) Within thirty days after the approval
of the bond of the Contractor by the Board
of Trustees of the Sanitary District, the Contrac-
tor shall submit to the Engineer for approval,
plans in duplicate of the equipment, material
and apparatus included under this contract and
the foundations for same (other than those for
which details are given in the plans attached
hereto by the Sanitary District), as listed under
the Detail Specifications, together with all other
information in such detail as may be necessary
to permit the Engineer to inform himself
whether the same will comply with the specifi-
cations, and to determine the character of the
various equipment, material and apparatus
which the Contractor proposes to use. The time
for submitting Contractor's plans may be ex-
tended by the Engineer at his discretion, if in his
opinion such extension will not delay the
progress of work under the contract.
All such plans shall be of sizes to be desig-
nated or approved by the Engineer and shall be
clearly identified by item number, if any, and
location of the equipment, material and appara-
tus in the work. The general character and
arrangement of the shop and working plans shall
be subject to the approval of the Engineer and
before commencing such plans the Contractor, if
requested, shall confer with the Engineer re-^
garding the character, scale, arrangement, and
completeness of such plans. The detailed shop
plans shall give views, dimensions, instructions
and references so that duplicate parts for repairs
can be ordered and made from the drawings at
any time in the future. The assembly and
working plans shall show necessary details, and
plans and elevations with dimensions, instruc-
tion and references for proper erection, instal-
lation and adjustment of the equipment.
The Contractor shall furnish to the Engineer a
tabulated list of the minor equipment for which
plans may not be required, showing the name of
the manufacturer and the catalog number and
type of equipment proposed, together with such
dimensions, specifications, samples, or other
data, as may be required to permit intelligent
judgment of the acceptability of the same.
Machinery, equipment, accessories or parts to
be furnished under this contract must be of
current manufacture unless otherwise specified.
Such material, whose manufacture has been
discontinued or is scheduled to be discontinued
within the life of the contract or duration of the
maintenance bond, will not be accepted unless
otherwise specified.
The contractor shall upon request furnish a
certified statement from the manufacturer that
any equipment, accessories or parts being fur-
nished under the contract are in current pro-
duction and that there are no present or near
future plans to discontinue production of the
item or items in question.
Approval of Contractor's Plans.
(4) The plans submitted by the Contractor
for approval, as specified in Section (3), will be
examined by the Engineer and it is understood
by the Contractor in submitting the plans, that a
reasonable amount of time will be necessary for
their examination by the Engineer before they
can be approved by him or returned for cor-
rection.
"All plans requiring structural design sub-
mitted by the Contactor shall be accompanied
by the calculations for the work or design and
shall be stamped by a registered structural
engineer having a license to practice in the State
of Illinois."
Unless otherwise instructed, the Contractor
shall submit to the Engineer for examination
three prints of each plan, and, as far as possible,
all plans of any particular part of the structures
or equipment, and of parts connected therewith,
shall be submitted at the same time. After the
plans have been examined as above mentioned,
one print of each plan will be returned to the
Contractor by the Engineer with his approval
thereon, or marked with notations or corrections
and changes that may be required. All plans not
approved by the Engineer shall be corrected or
revised by the Contractor as the Engineer shall
direct and shall be resubmitted in the same rou-
tine as before. No orders for any work, materials,
or equipment shown on any plans shall be given
by the Contractor without the written consent
of the Engineer.
H-3
-------
American Petroleum Institute API
American National Standards Association ANSI
American Society of Mechanical
Engineers ASME
American Society for Testing Materials . .ASTM
American Welding Society EEI
American Water Works Association .... AWWA
Edison Electric Institute EEI
Standard Specification for Road and Bridge
Construction of the Department of Public Works
and Buildings, Division of Highways,
State of Illinois IDH
Illinois Environment Protectional Agency. IEPA
Insulated Power Cable Engineers
Association IPCEA
Metropolitan Sanitary District of
Greater Chicago MSD
National Electrical Manufacturers:
Association NEMA
National Fire Protection Association ... .NFPA
Occupational Safety & Health
Administration OSHA
Steel Structures Painting Council SSPC
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency .USEPA
Where reference is made to standard specifi-
cations of any of the above societies, institutes
or associations, these references refer to the
latest Standards and Tentative Standards of said
society, institute or association in force on the
date when bids on this contract were received;
except that, if a revised specification is issued by
said society, institute or association before
completion of a part of the work affected by
said specifications, the Contractor may, if
approved by the Engineer, perform the part of
the work affected in accordance with the revised
specifications. In interpreting said standard
specifications, the "Purchaser" shall be under-
stood to mean the Sanitary District, and the
"Manufacturer," the Contractor hereunder of
any person or persons or corporation furnishing
materials for or performing work under this
contract.
For any material not covered by the desig-
nated specification of some designated society,
institute or association, appropriate methods of
testing and inspection to be designated by the
Engineer shall be followed.
All samples for analysis and tests shall be
taken in such manner as to be truly representa-
tive of the entire lot under test and shall not be
worked on in any way to alter the quality before
testing. Where expressly permitted by the Engi-
r^er in the case of materials taken from stock or
for use in minor parts, certified analysis and
tests of the manufacturer, furnished in triplicate,
may be accepted in lieu of the tests prescribed
above. In case the records of physical and
chemical tests of stock materials are not avail-
able a reasonable number of tests shall be
furnished to the Engineer free of charge as
required by the Engineer to satisfy himself as to
its quality.
Inspection and tests of fabricated parts and
manufactured articles shall be made by such
methods and at such times as to insure compli-
ance with the specifications in all respects. In-
spection of all metal work shall be made before
painting.
Should the preparation of the material be at
far distant or inaccessible points, or should it be
divided into unreasonably small quantities, or
widely distributed to an unreasonable extent, or
should the percentage of rejected material be
unreasonably large, the additional cost of extra
inspection resulting therefrom shall be borne by
the Contractor, the Engineer being sole judge of
what is to be deemed extra inspection.
The Engineer or his authorized representative
shall have full power to reject any and all
material or equipment which fails to meet the
terms of the specifications and such material or
equipment shall be promptly removed from the
work hereunder. All material or equipment
which develops defects during the life of the
contract, either before or after erection, shall be
removed and replaced, notwithstanding that it
may have passed the prescribed inspection and
tests.
Inspection and Tests of Workmanship.
(10) It is the intent, under this contract, to
secure high class workmanship in all respects and
that structures be substantially watertight. By
substantially watertight is meant concrete struc-
tures with no appreciable leaks from cracks,
porous places, holes, expansion or construction
joints, and metal structures or pipe lines with no
leaking or sweating joints or leaks through
defective pipe materials.
Any imperfect work thut may be discovered
H-6
-------
before the final acceptance of the work shall be
corrected immediately. The h^pection of any
work shall not relieve the Contractor of any of
his obligations to perform proper and satisfac-
tory work, as herein specified, and all work,
which, during its progress may become damaged
from any cause, or fails for any reason to satisfy
the requirements of the specifications shall be
removed and replaced by good and satisfactory
work without extra charge therefor.
The Contractor shall perform all tests which
are specified under the various items of the
contract. Any changes or repairs necessary to
put all work and equipment in satisfactory
adjustment and operating condition (except for
changes of repairs of equipment furnished by
the Sanitary District), whether due to defective
material, design or construction, shall be done
by the Contractor at no additional cost to the
Sanitary District. In general, all mechanical and
electrically operated equipment furnished and
installed under the various items of the contract
shall be given such operating tests as are neces-
sary to demonstrate that it is in satisfactory op-
erating condition and adjustment.
The Contractor shall furnish all tools, mate-
rials, labor and equipment, except as otherwise
specified, necessary for performing all tests
specified under this section and under the
various items of the contract and for making all
necessary repairs and adjustments (except for
repairs and adjustments of equipment furnished
by the Sanitary District), at no additional
expense to the Sanitary District other than that
specified to be paid under the various unit and
lump .sum prices of the contract. Power for
testing equipment will be furnished by the
Sanitary District, to the extent permitted by the
Engineer, if Sanitary District power is available
at the site of the work.
Measurement for Payment.
(11) When unit prices are specified, all
measurements of quantities for payment under
the unit price item or items of this contract shall
be made by the Engineer in the manner speci-
fied, and the price or prices paid shall include
the furnishing, delivering, erecting and con-
necting up of all tools, materials, equipment,
apparatus and appurtenances; the furnishing of
all labor and performance of all work required
for the installation; and all plans, testing,
painting. Contractor's bond, maintenance bonds
where required, and collateral work necessary to
complete the work as specified in the Detail
Specifications. The cost of performing all work
specified in the General Specifications and
General Conditions, shall be included in the unit
and/or lump sum price or prices specified in the
Agreement (unless otherwise directly specified)
and no additional payment will be made by the
Sanitary District to the Contractor for per-
forming said specified work. No "extra" or
"customery" allowances for payment will be
made under any item, unless directly specified
therein, and no additional payment for work
included under any item of this contract will be
made under other items unless directly so
specified.
Where payment by scale weight is specified
under certain items, the Contractor shall provide
suitable weighing equipment which shall be kept
in accurate adjustment at all times. The weighing
of all material shall be performed by the
Contractor in the presence and under the super-
vision of the Engineer or his authorized repre-
sentative.
Intent of Specifications and Plans.
(12) The specifications and plans are in-
tended to cover the complete installation. It is
not the intent to give every detail in the
specifications and plans. The Sanitary District
will not be responsible for the absence of any
detail the Contractor may require, or for any
special construction work, equipment, material
or labor which may be found necessary as the
work progresses. No additional compensation
will be allowed the Contractor for any such
special construction work, equipment, material
or labor which may be found necessary for
performing or completing any work hereunder
unless it can be clearly shown, to the satisfaction
of the Engineer, that such special construction
work, equipment, material or labor is beyond
the intent and scope of the plans and specifi-
cations, or is not included under the lump sum
or unit prices specified in the Agreement. If this
is shown, the payment for such special con-
struction work, equipment, material or labor
shall be made under Articles 7 and 8 of the
General Conditions, after the additional cost has
been agreed upon and a written order by the
Chief Engineer has been issued.
Ground Surface and Underground Conditions.
(13) Where profiles of the ground or cross
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sections showing typical elevations of the pre-
sent ground and of the finished surfaces of cuts
and fills adjacent to the structures to be built
under this contract are shown on the plans
hereto attached, the elevations are believed to be
reasonably correct but are not guaranteed to be
absolutely so, and together with any schedule of
quantities, are presented only as an approx-
imation. The Contractor shall satisfy himself,
however, by actual examination of the site of
the work, as to the existing elevations and the
amount of work required under this contract.
Where test pits and borings have been dug
on the site of the work, the results supplied to
the District by the soils engineer may be given
on the plans or are in file in the Engineer's Of-
fice for the information of the contractor. The
District does not guarantee the accuracy or
correctness of this information. If the contrac-
tor desires any additional information relating
to the soils investigation, he should contact
the soils consultant to obtain such informa-
tion. The District does not guarantee the
accuracy or correctness of any such informa-
tion supplied by the soils consultant to the
prospective bidder. The contractor must
satisfy himself by making borings or test pits
or by such other methods as he may prefer to
determine the character, location and amounts
of water, peat, clay, sand, quick sand, gravel,
glacial drift, boulders, conglomerate, rock,
gas and other material to be encountered and
work to be performed.
Existing and Future Structures.
(14) Various underground, and overhead
utilities and other structures are shown on the
plans hereto attached. The location, material
and dimensions of such structures, where given,
are believed to be reasonably correct, but do not
purport to be absolutely so. All known struc-
tures both under and above ground, either
existing or under construction, except con-
tractors' plants, are plotted on the plans and
profiles for the information of the Contractor or
are on file in the office of the Chief Engineer,
but information so given is not to be construed
as a representation that such structures will be
found or encountered as plotted, or that no
other such structures will be found or encoun-
tered. Other structures may also be encountered
which may be built under existing or future
contracts, or by other parties, which are not
shown on the plans. All structures encountered
shall be protected and supported, and, if
damaged, repaired by the Contractor without
•large therefor to the Sanitary District. The
Contractor shall arrange with the owners of said
structures for the shifting, temporary removal
and restoration and protection of same where
necessary for the prosecution of work under this
contract, at no additional expense to the Sani-
tary District except as otherwise specified here-
in.
Where all or part of the site on which work is
to be performed has boen utilized under former
contracts for the storage of Contractor's ma-
terials and for Contractor's temporary roadways
and tracks, the Contractor shall make no claim
for extra cost of his work due to encountering
debris or other obstructions resulting from such
use.
Space for Material, Equipment and Plant.
(15) The Contractor shall have the use of
such available areas on unoccupied and unused
property of the Sanitary District adjacent to or
near the site of the work, for the storage of
material and for field erection of plant and
equipment as are not needed for other structures
to be built under existing or future contracts, or
for delivery of material and equipment under
existing or future contracts, or for other pur-
poses of the Sanitary District. All areas on
Sanitary District property shall be used under
conditions to be approved by the Engineer, and
in no case will the Contractor be permitted to
block access to other parts of the work under
construction or to the treatment plant. The
Contractor shall submit drawings showing the
proposed layout of his plant to the Engineer for
approval, if required. All other necessary or
additional storage facilities shall be provided by
the Contractor.
When considered necessary and ordered by
the Engineer, the Contractor shall immediately
remove or relocate any of his tracks, equipment,
buildings or other structures which, in the
opinion of the Engineer, constitute an obstruc-
tion or interfere with the proper carrying on of
any other work, without additional charge to
the Sanitary District.
Where the Sanitary District has prepared areas
at the site of the work for use as parking spaces
for the Contractor's forces, the parking of the
cars of the Contractor's forces in locations other
than in such parking areas v-M' .*:'. be permitted.
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Cleaning Work and Sites.
(16) The Contractor shall keep the siie of
the work and adjacent premises as free from
material, debris and rubbish as is practicable and
shall remove from any portion of the site, if, in
the opinion of the Engineer, such material,
debris or rubbish interferes with the operation
of the existing plant or other contractors,
constitutes a nuisance, or is objectionable in any
way to the public. The Contractor further agrees
to remove all machinery, materials, implements,
barricades, staging, false-work, debris and rub-
bish connected with or caused by said work
immediately upon the completion of the same
and to clean all structures and work constructed
under this contract to the satisfaction of the
Engineer; regrade all areas which have been
rutted or disturbed so that the areas will drain
without pockets; and to leave the premises,
upon completion of the contract, in at least as
good condition as when he entered upon them.
Provisions for Delivery at Site.
(17) The Contractor shall make his own
arrangements for delivery of materials and
equipment to the site, except as may be other-
wise stated in the Agreement.
Where the Sanitary District has railroad con-
nections serving the site, the Contractor will be
permitted the use of such tracks only to the
extent that it does not interfere with the
Sanitary District's operations. Any damage to
plant tracks due to the Contractor's use other
than normal wear shall be promptly corrected
by repair or replacement to the satisfaction of
the Engineer.
The Contractor, subject to the approval of the
Engineer, will be allowed a reasonable use of any
existing roadways that are under the jurisdiction
of the Sanitary District. Any repairs or main-
tenance made necessary by the Contractor's use
of any such roads shall be done by the Con-
tractor without expense to the Sanitary District.
The Contractor's use of the roads shall be
strictly in conformity with conditions to be
prescribed by the Engineer and shall not inter-
fere with their use by the Sanitary District or
other contractors. The Contractor shall so con-
duct his work as to keep all existing roads in
continuous service, except as otherwise
specified.
The Contractor shall provide and maintain at
his own expense such other roadways or other
means to obtain .access to the work as he may
require. Such roadways and other means of
access may also be used by the Sanitary District
or other contractors now or hereafter engaged
upon work on this site.
Procedure and Methods.
(18) The attention of the Contractor is
particularly called to the time alloyed for the
completion of the work included under this
contract. To avoid delay in the completion of
work hereunder, he shall submit the names of all
sub-contractors and suppliers of material and
equipment for approval within 10 days after the
date of approval of his bond and shall place all
orders for material and equipment within 5 days
after receiving the approval of the Engineer. The
Contractor's attention is further called to the
fact that the Sanitary District may take over
certain parts of the work under this contract for
permanent operation as rapidly as completed in
advance of the completion of the contract as a
whole.
The Contractor shall determine the procedure
and methods and also design and furnish all
temporary structures, sheeting, bracing, tools,
machinery, implements and other equipment
and plant to be employed in performing the
work hereunder, and shall promptly submit
layouts and schedules of his proposed methods
of conducting the work to the Engineer for his
approval. The use of inadequate or unsafe
procedures, methods, structures or equipment
will not be permitted, and the Engineer may
disapprove and reject any of same which seem to
him to be unsafe for the work hereunder, or for
other work being carried on in the vicinity, or
for work which has been completed or for the
public or for any workmen, engineers and
inspectors employed thereon, or that interferes
with the work of the Sanitary District or other
contractors, or that will not provide for the
completion of the work within the specified
time, or that is not in accordance with all the
requirements herein specified.
The Contractor shall employ and assign to
work on this contract only, a qualified technical
engineer, satisfactory to the Chief Engineer of
the Sanitary District, to act as contact man with
the Engineer.
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Before starting construction, the Contractor
shall submit his proposed order of procedure to
the Engineer for approval. The construction of
the various parts of the work shall be performed
in such sequence that interfei?nce with opera-
tions of the Sanitary District or other con-
tractors will be kept to a minimum.
The acceptance or approval of any order of
procedure, methods, structures or equipment
submitted or employed by the Contractor shall
not in any manner relieve the Contractor of any
responsibility for the safety, maintenance and
repairs of any structure or work, or for construc-
tion, maintenance and safety of the work
hereunder, or from any liability whatsoever on
account of any procedure or methods employed
by the Contractor, or due to any failure or
movement of any structures or equipment fur-
nished by him. When constructed, even though
in accordance with the approval of the Engineer,
should any structure or equipment installed
hereunder afterwards prove insufficient in
strength or fail on account of poor workmanship
or any procedure or methods employed by the
Contractor, such failure shall in no wise form
the basis of any claim for extra compensation
for delay, or for damages or expenses caused by
such failure, or for extension of time for
completion of this contract, or for material,
labor or equipment required for repairing or
rebuilding such structure or equipment, or for
repairing or replacing any other work that may
be damaged in any way by the failure or
movement of any structure or equipment or by
any other happening.
The Contractor shall, at his own expense,
provide any necessary temporary blocking, sup-
ports or protection for all structures already
constructed or now hereafter under construc-
tion, with which his work comes in contact, to
prevent injury to the same, and shall make good
at his own expense any damage done by him to
any part of said structures or their appurten-
ances in unloading and installing any of the
work, material, apparatus or equipment included
under this contract, or in removing plant or
other property or in cleaning up.
The Contractor shall furnish such protection
as may be necessary against damage in any way
to the work, material, apparatus or the equip-
ment included under this contract before and
after the same have been installed (including all
necessary protection for structures and equip-
ment which may be damaged by winter condi-
tions), and shall be fully responsibile for such
equipment until its final acceptance.
Handling Water at Treatment Plant Sites.
(19) The Contractor shall make all arrange-
ments for handling and disposing of water
entering the work to maintain safe, dry and
satisfactory working conditions. He will be
permitted a reasonable use of existing drainage
ditches and the drains and appurtenances con-
structed under various items of this contract for
the disposal of water under conditions satis-
factory to the Engineer, except as otherwise
specified. In using the drainage ditches and
drains, the Contractor shall keep them free from
concrete, clay or other deleterious substances,
and if such substances are allowed to enter the
drains, their use may be forbidden altogether by
the Engineer. The discharge of water containing
clay or other soHd matter into the drainage
system will under no circumstances be allowed.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the care
of all drains and appurtenances constructed
under this contract during its entire life, and just
prior to its completion, all drains and appur-
tenances shall be thoroughly cleaned of all
debris, deposits or other substances which will
interfere with their proper operation and all
broken or damaged parts shall be replaced or
repaired without cost to the Sanitary District.
Openings and Cutting and Fitting.
(20) The Contractor shall provide all open-
ings and recesses in the concrete, brickwork and
other parts of the work, that may be required
for any class or part of the work to be furnished
or performed hereunder, or that are ordered by
the Engineer. He shall do all drilling, cutting,
fitting, patching and finishing that may be
required to make the various classes and kinds of
work hereunder go together in a proper, work-
manlike and finished manner.
All such work shall be performed with proper
and suitable tools in a workmanlike manner. No
cutting will be allowed except by the permission
of and subject to the direction or approval of
the Engineer. Where holes are to be cut through
concrete walls or floor slabs, a core drill or saw
shall be used to prevent spalling of the concrete.
The Contractor shall cut all one;.' •"*; required
for setting inserts in concrec- ^ crick masonry
placed under other contracts. All cutting shall be
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confined closely within the limits required for
installing the inserts. Any concrete or brick
masonry removed beyond the required limits
and any damage to existing structures or equip-
ment resulting from the cutting of concrete or
brick masonry, shall be promptly replaced or
repaired by the Contractor at his own expense in
such a manner as ordered by the Engineer.
Inserts shall be grouted in, and the cutting shall
be done so that the grout can be thoroughly
bonded and keyed to the existing structure.
Grout shall be so placed as to make watertight
joints and shall be neatly finished off flush with
the surface of the adjoining structure. Reinforce-
ment steel which may interfere with the setting
of inserts shall be removed from all openings cut
in the concrete, unless otherwise specified or
ordered.
The cost of making all pipe connections to
work performed under other contracts shall be
included as part of the work under the appro-
priate unit and lump sum items of this contract
unless otherwise specified.
Water, Power and Sanitary District Equipment.
(21) The Contractor shall arrange for his
own water supply, which shall be of quality to
be approved by the Engineer, free from con-
tamination.
The Contractor, if he so desires, will be
permitted to use water from the Sanitary Dis-
trict mains where it is available and does not
interfere with the work of the Sanitary District
or the requirements of other contractors on the
site. The Sanitary District, however, will not be
responsible for any interruption of service, or
possible inadequacy of the supply. The Con-
tractor will be required to pay for the water so
used from the Sanitary District mains at the
current rate paid by the Sanitary District to the
various municipalities for purchase of water, and
shall, at his own expense, install a meter or
meters of approved type for the measurement of
the water so used. He will be required to make
such temporary connections as he may need,
subject to the approval of the Engineer, and to
restore all existing facilities prior to the com-
pletion of the work at no additional expense to
the Sanitary District.
The Contractor shall arrange for his own
supply of power.
The Contractor will be permitted the use,
without charge, of washrooms and toilets in
existing Sanitary District buildings, as approved
by the Engineer.
The Contractor will not be permitted to use
any Sanitary District equipment or facilities
except in case of emergency or as specified
herein. If such equipment or facilities are used in
case of emergency, the Chief Engineer shall first
give his permission and shall determine the cost
of such use.
The cost for use of its facilities shall be paid
to the Sanitary District on bills rendered
monthly.
Safety.
(22) The Contractor shall be responsible for
the safety of the Contractor's employees, Sani-
tary District personnel and all other personnel
at the site of the work. The Contractor shall
have a competent safety engineer (s) on the job
at all times while work is in progress. He shall
be provided with an appropriate office on the
job site to maintain and keep available safety
records and up-to-date copies of all pertinent
safety rules and regulations.
A resume of the qualifications of the Safety
Engineer must be submitted to the District
and approved by the Engineer prior to the
start of any field work. This resume shall in-
clude such items as; experience, education,
special safety and first aid courses completed,
and safety conferences attended.
The safety engineer shall:
Be completely familiar with all applicable
health and safety requirements of all govern-
ing legislation and ensure compliance with
same.
Schedule and conduct safety meetings and
safety training programs as required by Law.
Post all appropriate notices regarding safety
and health regulations at locations which
afford maximum exposure to all personnel at
the job site.
Post the name, address and hours of the
nearest medical doctor; name and address of
nearby clinics and hospitals, and the tele-
phone numbers of the fire and police de-
partments.
Post appropriate instructions and warning
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signs in regard to all hazardous areas or
conditions.
Have proper safety and rescue equipment
adequately maintained and readily available
for any contingency. This equipment shall
include such applicable items as; proper fire
extinguishers, first aid kits, safety ropes and
harnesses, stretchers, life savers, oxygen
breathing apparatus, resuscitators, gas detec-
tors, oxygen deficiency indicators, explosi-
rneters, etc.
Make inspections at least once daily to ensure
that all machines, tools and equipment are in
a safe operating condition; that all work
methods are not dangerous; and that all work
areas are free of hazards and submit to the
Engineer each day a copy of his findings on
an inspection check list report form.
Also submit to the Engineer copies of all
safety records along with all safety inspection
reports and certifications from regulating
agencies and insurance companies.
The Contractor shall report to the Engineer
all accidents involving injury to personnel or
damage to equipment and structures. In addi-
tion, the Contractor shall furnish to the En-
gineer a copy of all accident or health hazard
reports prepared for OSHA.
All personnel employed by the Contractor or
his Subcontractors whenever entering the job
site, any shaft, or tunnel headings shall be
required to wear approved safety hats.
The Contractor shall comply with all require-
ments relating to noise levels as specified in
OSHA.
When the work is located on or close to
roadways, the Contractor shall provide all neces-
sary traffic control for protection of the travel-
ing public.
The Contractor shall comply with the provi-
sions of "State of Illinois Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices" or other pertinent
governing regulations for traffic control.
Where work is in tunnel or for excavations
more than 10 feet in depth, the Contractor shall
also provide the following safety equipment, all
subject to the approval of the Engineer:
Adequate stretcher units placed in convenient
locations adjacent to the work:
Oxygen deficiency indicators;
Carbon monoxide testers;
Hydrogen Sulphide detectors;
Portable explosimeter for the detection of
explosive gases such as methane; petroleum,
vapors, etc.
An adequate number of U.S. Bureau of Mines
approved self rescuers in all areas where
employees might be trapped by smoke or gas.
In tunnel work an additional explosimeter
shall be provided at the heading at all times
which will continuously monitor for the pre-
sence of explosive gases. This explosimeter shall
be the type that automatically provides both
visual and audible alarms.
No employee will be allowed to work in areas
where concentrations of airborne contaminants
exceed Federal threshold limits. Respirators
shall not be substituted for environmental con-
trol measures and shall be used only as pre-
scribed by OSHA.
Internal combustion engines other than
mobile diesel powered equipment shall not be
used underground. All mobile diesel powered
equipment used underground shall be certified
by the Bureau of Mines as prescribed in OSHA.
All internal combustion equipment shall be
operated in such a manner as to prevent any
health hazards to personnel from exhaust fumes.
All haulage equipment such as hoists, cages
and elevators operating in excavations and shafts
shall conform to all requirements described in
OSHA.
In addition to the safety requirements herein
set forth, the Contractor shall comply with the
health and safety laws, rules and regulations of
federal, state and local governments, including
but not limited to:
Safety Rules — Metropolitan Sanitary District
of Greater Chicago, dated March 1, 1970 and
as subsequently amended;
The Illinois Health and Safety Act approved
March 16, 1936, together with all Amend-
ments thereto and all rules and standards
implementing said Act;
The Federal Occupational Safety and Health
Act of 1970, which includes "Safety and
Health Regulations for Construction", to-
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gether with all Amendments thereto and all
rules and standards implementing said Act.
As-Built Drawings.
(23) Upon completion of the work under
this contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the
Sanitary District one complete set of As-Built
drawings.
The original reproducible Contract Drawings
will be made available to the Contractor by the
Engineer upon which the Contractor shall make
the necessary additions and corrections to show
the As-Built conditions. The changes shall be
made by using opaque black ink and standard
drafting techniques. Each drawing changed or
unchanged shall bear the notation AS-BUILT
near the title block and shall be signed as to its
correctness by the Contractor and submitted to
the Engineer for approval.
The Contractor shall include in the appro-
priate pay items of this contract, all engineering
and drafting costs required to produce these
As-Built drawings.
Open Burning.
(24) The Contractor shall not dispose of
any material, debris or rubbish by open burning
on the site of the work or on any other site, and
shall comply with all rules and regulations of the
Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) in effect
and as may be amended during the course of the
contract.
Equipment Manuals.
(25) In addition to the requirements speci-
fied in Section (3) of the General Specifications,
the Contractor shall provide 9 copies of an
Equipment Manual for all equipment furnished.
The Manual shall consist of bulletins, certified
manufacturers' prints, as-built drawings of
equipment, and other pertinent data which
provide all information necessary to install,
service, maintain, repair, and operate each piece
of equipment, and shall include parts lists,
service and maintenance instructions, and per-
formance data.
The Manual must be submitted and approved
prior to the beginning of the Operation Test as
specified under Section (10) and of the Operat-
ing Personnel Training as specified in Section
(27) of the General Specifications. Only 2 copies
of the Manual will be required for purposes of
review by the Engineer with 9 approved copies
to be delivered to the Engineer prior to opera-
tion testing and personnel training.
The Manuals shall be bound in vinyl multi-
ring binders bearing the contract title and
number on the cover and in the window on the
binder backbone. The inserts shall be 8Vfc" x 11"
in size, with any larger sized inserts folded to
SVi" x 11". The Manuals must include an index
and tabbed sheets, which will contain item
numbers and descriptions in sufficient detail for
easy reference to any particular piece of equip-
ment included in the Manual.
Posting of Project Signs.
(26) Prior to the start of construction, the
Contractor shall erect two 4' x 8' signs on the
job site for public viewing at locations desig-
nated by the Engineer. These signs shall be
erected in accordance with regulations of the
USEPA and IEPA for grant funded projects.
These signs will be furnished to the Contractor
by the Sanitary District at storage locations on
District property.
For each sign, the Contractor shall furnish
and install (2) 6" x 6" x 14' long dense
structural grade Southern Pine mounting posts
which are to be set 4 feet into the ground and 5
feet apart (center line to center line). The
bottom of the signs shall be 6-feet above ground.
The Contractor shall also furnish (4) 3/8" x 10"
long mounting bolts with nuts and washers for
each sign.
These signs shall be maintained by the Con-
tractor for the duration of the contract. Upon
completion of this contract and acceptance by
the Sanitary District, the Contractor shall dis-
mantle the installed signs and deliver them to a
place to be designated by the Engineer. All
material furnished by the Contractor shall be-
come his property and the site shall be restored
to its original condition.
Operating Personnel Training.
(27) It shall be the Contractor's responsi-
bility to furnish necessary training and instruc-
tion to make supervisory and operating per-
sonnel completely familiar with the operation
and maintenance of all equipment installed
under this contract. This training and familiari-
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zation shall include coordination of new with
existing control.
Such time as is necessary shall be devoted to
this requirement and a log shall be kept up to
date by the Contractor of such training in-
cluding date, duration, equipment and/or
systems covered and party or parties conducting
and attending the instructions. When all Operat-
ing Personnel Training is completed the Con-
tractor shall submit the certified log to the
Engineer.
Proprietary Designations.
(28) When proprietary specifications are used
in the contract documents followed by an "or
equal" clause, they are intended to establish a
standard of quality and not to inhibit the use of
products of other manufacture.
Therefore, all processes, materials, devices,
details, or parts specified by proprietary name
shall be understood to mean and permit the use
of other processes, materials, devices, details, or
parts that the Engineer shall determine to be
fully equal in suitability, quality and durability
to the processes, materials, devices, or parts
herein specified. The Engineer shall be the sole
judge in determining equals of proprietary speci-
fications and his decision shall be final and
binding to both parties.
The foregoing shall be adhered to unless
specifically noted to the contrary in the Detail
Specifications. Such note will refer to this
section.
Fire or Other Emergency.
(29) In the event of fire or other emergency
occuring at or about the site of the work, the
Sanitary District, at its option, may summon
such aid as it deems necessary. The Sanitary
District reserves the right to pay any third party
for emergency services so rendered, and the
Contractor shall promptly reimburse the Sani-
tary District for the amount of such payment.
No liability on the part of the Sanitary District
for cause of damage shall be inferred as a result
of such aid being summoned, nor as a result of
payment being made for such aid, and the
Contractor hereby agrees to indemnify, keep
and save harmless the Sanitary District from all
claims, judgments, awards and costs which may
in anywise come against the Sanitary District by
reason of its summoning such aid and/or paying
charges therefor. In the event that the Con-
tractor summons emergency aid, the Sanitary
District, at its option, may pay any party for
emergency services rendered, and the Contractor
shall promptly reimburse the Sanitary District
for the amount of such payment. No liability on
the part of the Sanitary District shall be inferred
as a result of such payment being made, and the
Contractor hereby agrees to indemnify, keep
and save harmless the Sanitary District from all
claims, judgment, awards and costs which may
in anywise come against the Sanitary District by
reason of its paying for emergency services
rendered.
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APPENDIX I
METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT
OF GREATER CHICAGO
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS—SEWERS
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INDEX
THE METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS - SEWERS
SECTION
SUBJECT
I ' INTERFERENCE WITH OTHER CONTRACTORS
2 EXAMINATION OF SITE
3 LIMITS OF WORK
4 UNACQU1RED RIGHT-OF-WAY
5 LINE PIPES ON TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION
6 STRUCTURES ENCOUNTERED
7 CARE OF STRUCTURES AND PROPERTY
8 WATER PIPES
9 PUMPING, BAILING AND CLEANING
10 PLANT FOR TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION
11 PLAN OF TUNNEL FROM A CENTRAL SHAFT
? 2 PROTECTION OF STREETS AND TRAFFIC
13 REPAIRING OF PAVED STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
14 NEW PAVEMENTS, GUTTERS. CURBS AND WALKS
15 HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SPECIMENS
16 PLACING MATERIAL FURNISHED BY THE DISTRICT
EARTH EXCAVATION - TUNNEL
17 Work Included - Tunnel
18 Lighting and Ventilation in Tunnel
19 Shafts
20 Excavation in Tunnel
21 Sheeting, Bracing and Lining in Tunnel
22 Breasting
23 Unauthorized Excavation in Tunnel
24 Disposal of Excavated Material - Tunnel
EARTH EXCAVATION - OPEN CUT
25 Work Included - Open Cut
26 Excavation - Open Cut
27 Sheeting, Bracing and Timbering
28 Backfilling
29 Disposal of Excavated Material
30 Unauthorized Excavation
ROCK EXCAVATION IN OPEN CUT AND TUNNEL
31 Description
32 Blasting
SAND, GRAVEL OR LIMESTONE BACKFILL
33 Description
PIPE SEWER
34 Gasket Specifications
35 Laying Concrete Pipe in Open Cut
36 Pipe Grade for Sewer in Open Cut
37 Pipe Grade in Tunnel and Jacking
38 Setting Line and Grade
39 Clay Sewer Pipe
40 Concrete Sewer Pipe
41 Backfill
IRON CASTINGS AND MISCELLANEOUS METALS
42 Description
43 Material and Workmanship
44 Bolts and Nuts
45 Inserts
46 Cast Iron Pipe
47 RESTORATION WORK
48 TESTS
49 PLUMING AND BY PASSING
50 SIGNS
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THE METROPOLITAN SANITARY DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS - SEWERS
(1) INTERFERENCE WITH OTHER
CONTRACTORS
The Contractor shall so conduct the work
that there shall be no interference with work
which may be in progress under contracts with
other contractors. In case of dispute between
the Contractor and other contractors employed
by the Sanitary District, the decision of the
Engineer shall be final and binding on both the
parties hereto.
The Contractor shall at his own expense re-
pair any damage to machinery, equipment,
masonry, buildings or other property of the
Sanitary District or other owners or work under
construction by other contractors occasioned by
the Contractor in the execution of this contract.
The disposal of tools, material, machinery and
other supplies and appurtenances during storage
and erection on the property of the Sanitary
District or other owners shall be subject to the
approval of the Engineer. The Contractor shall
assume all responsibility for the security and
safety of everything he may have on the prop-
erty of the Sanitary District or other owners.
(2) EXAMINATION OF SITE
The Contractor is required to examine the site
of the work and adjacent premises, the means of
access to the site, and to make all necessary in-
vestigations in order to inform himself thor-
oughly as to the character and magnitude of all
work involved in the complete execution of this
contract; also as to the facilities for delivering,
handling and installing the construction plant
and other equipment and the conditions, and
the difficulties that may be encountered in the
performance of the work specified herein. No
plea of ignorance of conditions that exist or that
may hereafter exist, or of difficulties that will be
encountered in the execution of the work here-
under, as a result of failure to make necessary
examinations and investigations, will be ac-
cepted as a sufficient excuse for any failure or
omission on the part of the Contractor to fulfill
in every detail all the requirements of this con-
tract, or will be accepted as a basis for any claim
whatsoever for extra compensation or for an
extension of time to complete the contract.
(3) LIMITS OF WORK
In order to prevent interference between con-
tractors on adjoining sections, it is hereby agreed
that the occupation of the space and the perfor-
mance of work within a distance of fifty (50)
feet on either end of the limits herein specified
or shown on the plans, shall be such as the
Engineer may direct. The Contractor shall per-
form any work ordered by the Engineer in
writing, that is included within a distance of
fifty (50) feet beyond either end of said limits,
and such work shall become a part of this con-
tract, and the Contractor shall be paid for said
work performed by him at the unit prices herein
specified for each class of work performed. In
the event that the Contractor is ordered by the
Engineer, in writing, he shall omit the doing of
any work designated by the Engineer which is
included within a distance of fifty (50) feet in
either direction, from either of the end limits of
this contract, and the Contractor shall not be
paid for any work omitted and not performed
by him, or for any anticipated profits on work
omitted, and the work omitted may be per-
formed by the Sanitary District or by any other
of its Contractors. In any event, the Sanitary
District shall not be liable to the Contractor for
any damages or extra expenses for any decrease
in the work to be performed hereunder, or for
any expense that may result from any increase
of the quantities of work, or from the perfor-
mance of any work by the Contractor within a
distance of fifty (50) feet beyond either end
limit of this contract, in excess of the unit prices
herein specified for work actually performed,
nor shall the Sanitary District be liable for dam-
ages on account of the occupation by another
contractor of the space within a distance of fifty
(50) feet inside of either of the end limits of this
contract.
(4) UNACQUIRED RIGHT-OF-WAY
All of the permanent structures to be con-
structed under this contract are located within
the limits of public streets and highways and in
right-of-way on private property which, if not
now acquired, will have been acquired by the
Sanitary District prior to the date of commence-
ment of construction.
In case the Sanitary District fails to acquire
any part of the right-of-way included within the
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limits of the work specified under this contract,
as shown on the accompanying plans, on or
before sixty (60) days after the approval of the
Contractor's bond, and if, in the opinion of the
Engineer, such failure to acquire such part con-
stitutes or causes a delay in the commencement
or prosecution of all or any part of the work
under this contract, then the time of completion
of the work to be performed under this contract
shall be extended for such period of time as the
Engineer may determine that the work under
contract has been delayed by such failure to
acquire the same, and such extension of time
shall begin at the time of completion as specified
in Article 23 of the General Conditions. Di .J-A.
If such unacquired right-of-way is not ac-
quired within nine (9) months after the approval
of said bond, then this contract, insofar as it
relates to work to be performed within the prop-
erty where said right-of-way is unacquired, shall
be null and void at the option of either party
hereto, and the Sanitary District shall claim no
damages against the Contractor for not per-
forming any work on right-of-way which is unac-
quired, nor shall the Sanitary District be respon-
sible for or pay any damages to the Contractor
by reason of interference with his work due to
the fact that all of said right-of-way has not been
acquired, nor on account of anticipated profits
on work of any kind not performed.
The Contractor will not be allowed to con-
struct the work on private property until the
easement has been obtained.
(5) LINE PIPES ON TUNNEL
CONSTRUCTION
The Contractor shall place line pipes along the
route of the work at such times and places as
directed by the Engineer. The number of line
pipes to be placed shall be determined by the
length of the tunnel. Installation is to be at a
rate of one (1) line pipe per one thousand
(1,000) feet of tunnel on a straight line and one
at each point of curvature and one at each point
of tangency on a curve, all at locations desig-
nated by the Engineer. The size of line pipes
shall be determined by the depth of the sewer
tunnel to be constructed. The size shall be ten
(10) inches finished diameter or smaller where
the invert of the tunnel is one hundred (100)
feet or less below the top of ground and ten (10)
inches finished diameter or larger where the
invert of the tunnel is more than one hundred
(100) feet below the top of ground. The line
pipes shall be made of steel. Line pipes shall be
driven or placed by other methods in a vertical
position from the surface of the ground to a
point inside the structures to be built under this
contract so that a plumb bob can be threaded
through the pipe without contact with the pipe
at any point. The top of each line pipe shall be
provided with a standard screw cap, drilled and
tapped for and furnished with a l'/2 inch plug.
In addition, two (2) standard screw caps shall be
furnished for use in checking the line. Each of
the additional caps shall have holes drilled at
locations ordered by the Engineer in order that a
bob wire may be threaded through any of
the holes. If compressed air is used, each of the
additional caps shall be drilled and tapped for
and furnished with a 1/2 inch stopcock. The top
of each line pipe shall be capped at all times.
except when such pipes are being used for
checking the line. The Contractor shall obtain
any permits necessary for this work and shall
repair all pavements damaged. The line pipes
shall be removed for a distance of at least five
(5) feet below the ground surface when not
under pavement and at least two (2) feet below
the top of any pavement. Where the line pipes
project through the tunnel, the Contractor shall
cut off tiic pipes to the outside neat lines of the
tunnel and fill the opening with concrete and
the balance of the pipe or the hole left by the
removal of the pipe shall be filled with sluiced
sand before the surface of the ground is re-
stored.
(6) STRUCTURES ENCOUNTERED
Various underground, surface and overhead
structures are shown on the plans hereto at-
tached. The location and dimensions of such
structures where given, are believed to be reason-
ably correct, but do not purport to be abso-
lutely so. These structures are plotted on the
plans and profiles for the information of the
Contractor, but information so given is not to be
construed as a representation or assurance that
such structures will be found or encountered as
plotted or that such information is complete or
accurate.
The Contractor therefore shall satisfy himself
by such means as he may deem proper as to the
location of all structures that may be encoun-
tered in the construction of the work.
The plans do not show the location of under-
ground or overhead utilities serving the prop-
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erties adjacent to the sewer to be constructed,
nor highway drainage systems^ performance
All structures [or obstructions encountered
during the ^e*fed«8a»& of the work under this
contract, whether shown on the plans or not,
shall be relocated or protected from injury by
the Contractor, except as hereinafter provided.
(7) CARE OF STRUCTURES AND PROPERTY
All poles, trees, shrubbery fences, pavements,
sewer, water, gas or other pipes, wires, conduits,
culverts, drainage ditches and manholes, tunnels,
tunnel shafts, buildings and all structures and
property along the route of the sewer to be con-
structed shall be supported and protected from
injury by the Contractor, during the construc-
tion and until the completion of sail sewer and
appurtenances. The Contractor shall he liable for
all damages to such structures and property and
shall save and keep the Sanitary District harm-
less from any liability or expense for injuries,
damages or repairs to the same.
In open cut work, wherever sewer, gas and
electric pipes or conduits cross the sewer trench
without cutting through the section of the sewer
to be built under this contract, the Contractor
shall support said pipes and conduits without
damage to them and without interrupting their
use during the progress of work under this con-
tract.
Where said pipes or conduits cross the trench
cutting through the section of the sewer to be
constructed under this contract, the Contractor
shall notify the private individuals, utility com-
pany, city, village or township who owns the
pipes or conduits in order to move or rearrange
them and shall cooperate with said utility com-
pany, city or village, or township in preserving
service through said pipes or conduits, and all in
accordance with the provisions of the ordi-
nances, easements and permits of the contract
documents.
The Contractor shall conduct the work so
that no equipment, material or debris will be
placed on or allowed to fall upon private prop-
erty in the vicinity of the work unless he shall
have first obtained the owner's written consent
thereto and shall have shown his written consent
to the Engineer.
All streets, pavements, roadways, parking lots,
sidewalks, parkways and private property shall
be thoroughly cleaned of all surplus materials.
earth, and rubbish placed thereon by the Con-
tractor, and such streets, pavements, sidewalks,
parkways and private property shall be restored
to as good condition as before the commence-
ment of the work. Where sod has been removed
or killed, new live sod shall be relaid as herein-
after provided. Where the areas have been
seeded, top soil equal to that removed shall be
placed, fertilized, seeded and rolled to the satis-
faction of the owner of the land, as hereinafter
provided. All trees, shrubs, and plants damaged
shall be replaced at the proper season of the year
with live growing stock of the same kind and
variety of reasonable ->ize ordinarily used for
planting purposes.
The Contractor shall make such changes in
the location of all electric power conduits and
cables ;md police and fire alarm electrical wires
of the municipalities as may be rendered neces-
sary by the performance of the work specified
under this contract. Such changes shall be made
at the. places and in the manner designated by
and be subject to the approval of the proper
municipal officials, and the provisions of the
ordinances, easements and permits of the con-
tract documents.
The Contractor shall arrange with all persons,
partnerships or corporations for the support,
removal, relocation and/or maintenance of any
conduits, wires, poles, pipes, gas mains, cables,
or other structures within any portion of the
streets, public alleys and highways and ease-
ments to be occupied or used during the perfor-
mance of the work specified under this contract,
and shall do all work necessary for such support,
removal, relocation and/or maintenance of such
conduits, wires, poles, pipes, gas mains, cables.
or other structures encountered, as may be ren-
dered necessary by the construction of said
intercepting sewer and appurtenances.
The Contractor shall furnish all material and
supplies, plant, staging and falsework, machine-
ry, tools and implements, vehicles, cars and rail-
road tracks; in fact, all material and appliances
of every sort or kind that may be necessary for
the full and complete performance of this con-
tract, and shall furnish and maintain, subject to
the approval of the Engineer, all necessary barri-
cades, and other protections, lights and signs,
necessary for the proper protection of the pub-
lic. The Contractor shall also furnish watchmen
not only to protect the public, but to protect all
materials, tools, machinery and equipment and
all work performed by the Contractor until said
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work has been completed and accepted by the
Engineer.
On all connection items, the Contractor shall
make a preliminary trench excavation to locate
the existing sewers and other utilities before he
begins the actual work of excavation for the
connection to be built at each location.
(8) WATER PIPES
Wherever, in the performance of the work
specified under this contract, it shall be neces-
sary to remove, alter or repair water mains in the
streets, public alleys and highways of the munic-
ipalities, the Contractor will arrange for the
removal, alteration or repair of such water
mains, without extra charge to the Sanitary Dis-
trict, and in accordance with the rules, regula-
tions and ordinances of the municipalities, under
which this work is performed, subject to the
approval of the proper municipal officials.
Wherever, in the performance of the work
specified under this contract, it shall be neces-
sary to remove, cut off or damage water service
pipes in any way, the Contractor shall alter,
repair or replace such water service pipes and
connect the same to the water mains and shall in
the meantime install and maintain temporary
service in place of that interrupted, without
extra charge to the Sanitary District. The Con-
tractor shall perform all work on water service
pipes in accordance with the rules, regulations
and ordinances of the proper municipal officials.
Wherever it has been necessary to alter, repair
or replace water mains or service pipes, the Con-
tractor shall take adequate measures to disinfect
the new section in accordance with AWWA stan-
dards. All work performed by the Contractor
shall have the approval for standards and quality
of the local public health agency having jurisdic-
tion and shall be approved by them before
placing the section in service.
(9) PUMPING, BAILING AND CLEANING
The Contractor shall at all times during con-
struction provide and maintain ample means and
devices with which to promptly remove and
properly dispose of all water or sewage entering
the tunnels, trenches, or other parts of the work.
and keep said excavations as dry as possible until
the structures to be built therein are completed.
All water pumped or drained from the work
shall be disposed of in a suitable manner without
damage to adjacent property, or to sewers, pave-
ments, electrical conduits, or other work or
property. Until the acceptance of the work, the
Contractor shall, if so ordered by the Engineer,
keep the entire work pumped free of water and
sewage and before the acceptance of any part of
the work shall clean the entire length of such
finished part of the work, to the satisfaction of
the Engineer.
The Contractor shall make provisions to dis-
pose of all accumulated surface water at the
site. The Sanitary District does not and will
not provide an outlet for or handle the dis-
posal of any such accumulated surface water.
The Contractor shall place and maintain any
temporary dams, flumes, bulkheads, or other
structures, necessary to prevent water, from
adjacent sections of the sewer or adjacent
structures, from entering the work under this
contract, and shall completely remove the same
when ordered by the Engineer where emer-
gency by-passing of sewage is required into
either a receiving ditch, waterway or storm
sewer, the Contractor shall chlorinate such
flows as approved by the Engineer.
All expense incident to or caused by said
water conditions or by such interruption of the
work shall be included in the unit or lump sum
prices herein specified.
(10) PLANT FOR TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION
Fireproof materials shall be used in all above
ground tunnel plant structures, within 100 feet
of the shaft. On all shafts, steel bracing and tight
wood lagging will bi required. In the tunnel con-
struction. 5teel ribs and wood lagging will be per-
mitted. The electrical service buildings may be
constructed of eitner wood, steel or other
material which, in the opinion of the Engineer,
is acceptable.
An adequate ventilation system shall be pro-
vided to properly ventilate all sections of the
tunnel in a manner satisfactory to the Engineer.
The Contractor shall have in operation in each
heading at all times an audible automatic gas
alarm. The alarm shall be Model No. 700 J-W
Sentinal, Audible Combustible Gas Alarm as
manufactured by Johnson & Williams, Inc.,
Mountain View, California, or an approved
equal. In addition, the Contractor shall have on
the job site approved portable testing equip-
ment to measure for carbon monoxide and
hydrogen sulphide gases and oxygen deficiency.
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Sanitary conveniences for the use of all per-
sons employed on the project shall be con-
structed and maintained by the Contractor in
sufficient number in accordance with the State
of Illinois Health and Safety Rules, and in such
manner, and at such places as shall be approved
by the Engineer.
Hoisting in shafts may be done by means of a
crane upon written approval of the Engineer.
Cranes and other gasoline or diesel powered
equipment must be kept 20 feet away from the
shaft with the exhaust at least 30 feet away in
order to keep the contaminated air away from
the shaft area. However, in the event the Con-
tractor elects to perform construction opera-
tions out of a single central shaft, cages must be
used exclusively for hoisting men and materials
during construction of the tunnels except during
the construction of the shaft. Hoisting equip-
ment shall be provided with all recognized safety
devices including landing dogs at all landings,
effective devices to prevent over-winding, and
down speed regulators. Cages shall be of metal,
fitted to metal guide bars running from top to
bottom, safely constructed and properly equip-
ped with strong metal covers, screens and auto-
matic devices for the protection of persons
riding in them.
An emergency exit shall be provided adjacent
to each main shaft, in a manner satisfactory to
the Engineer.
(11) PLAN OF TUNNEL FROM A CENTRAL
SHAFT
If the headings exceed 1,000 lineal feet in
length, the Contractor shall furnish a glass cov-
ered steel case at least thirty (30) inches by
forty (40) inches of a type approved by the
Engineer and shall mount the same in a conspic-
uous place near the top of shaft as soon as the
shaft is constructed. The Contractor shall pre-
pare a detailed plan on linen showing all parts of
the shafts, plant and tunnels in the vicinity of
the shafts and keep this plan complete and cor-
rect at all times, the Contractor shall keep this
plan displayed in the above mentioned case.
(12) PROTECTION OF STREETS AND
TRAFFIC
The Contractor shall make provisions, so far
as is practicable, at all cross streets and private
driveways for the free passage of vehicles and
foot passengers by bridge or otherwise. Where
bridging is impracticable or unnecessary, in the
opinion of the Engineer, the Contractor shall
make arrangements, satisfactory to the Engineer
and the proper authorities, for the diversion of
traffic and shall provide all material and signs
and perform all work necessary for the construc-
tion and maintenance of roadways and bridges
for the diversion of traffic. Where openings are
made in or adjacent to any street, alley or public
place, the Contractor shall at his own expense,
furnish such barricades, fences, lights and
danger signals, shall provide such watchmen.
and shall take such other precautionary mea-
sures as are necessary for the protection of
persons or property. All material excavated and
the materials or plant used in the construction
of the work shall be so placed as to safeguard
the work and allow free access to all fire
hydrants, water valves, gas valves, manholes or
electric, telegraph and telephone conduits, and
fire alarm and police call boxes in the vicinity.
After completion of the work the Contractor
shall remove all equipment, falsework, build-
ings, temporary protections, barricades, rubbish
and unsightly materials that were created by
his operations, and shall leave the work area
and the adjacent premises in a clean and
orderly condition.
The Contractor shall comply with the provi-
sions of "State of Illinois, Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices" and any regulations for
all traffic control devices erected on Sanitary
District construction projects.
(13) REPAIRING OF PAVED STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS
Roads or pavements, storm ditches, culverts,
gutters, curbs, crosswalks and sidewalks de-
stroyed or damaged by the Contractor, either in
the construction of the work under this contract
or by the hauling and storing of material other
than that incidental to vehicular traffic on pub-
lic streets and highways, shall be repaired or
replaced by the Contractor without extra charge
therefor.
If the destruction or damage is due to settle-
ment caused by work in tunnel, the ground sur-
face shall be brought to its original elevation and
the pavement, storm ditches, culverts, gutter,
curb, crosswalk or sidewalk shall be replaced
immediately with new material by the Contrac-
tor.
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If the destruction or damage is due to work in
open cut, immediately after the trench or pits
have been refilled, the paving, storm ditches, cul-
verts, curb, gutter, crosswalk or sidewalk shall be
temporarily restored and maintained by the
Contractor, in as near the original condition as
possible, using old materials at hand or such new
materials as are necessary to keep the street safe
for traffic, until it is repaved or the curbs, gut-
ters, crosswalks or sidewalks are reconstructed.
(14) NEW PAVEMENTS, GUTTERS, CURBS
AND WALKS
The Contractor shall obtain the consent of
the Engineer and the appropriate Municipal,
County or State authority having jurisdiction
thereover, before constructing the permanent
pavements, gutters, curbs, crosswalks and side-
walks in place of those destroyed or damaged.
The Contractor shall construct the new pave-
ments, gutters, curbs, crosswalks and sidewalks
in a careful and thorough manner of like charac-
ter to that destroyed or damaged, or of such
other material as the Engineer shall order, pro-
vided the use of such other materials will involve
no greater expense to the Contractor
The use of old material removed from the
work shall be subject to the inspection of the
Engineer, and any material rejected shall be
replaced with new material. Any deficiency shall
be supplied with new material ot approved qual-
ity. The materials used and the manner in which
pavements, gutters, curbs, crosswalks and side-
walks are restored shall conform to the require-
ments and specifications of the municipality or
governmental agency under whose jurisdiction
the work is done, and shall be subject to the
approval of the Engineer. See Ordinances. Ease-
ments and Permits from the State of Illinois,
County of Cook, Municipalities and other gov-
ernmental agencies.
(15) HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC
SPECIMENS
The Contractor shall preserve and deliver to
the Engineer any specimens of historic or scien-
tific value encountered in the work as directed
by the Engineer
(16) PLACING MATERIAL FURNISHED BY
THE DISTRICT
The Contractor shall install in the work at
locations to be indicated by the Engineer, any
materials not included in this contract, or herein
specified to be installed by the Contractor,
which may be necessary to complete the work.
All materials thus installed will be furnished at
the site of the work by the Sanitary District at
its own expense, but the Contractor shall per-
form such extra work in accordance with Article
7 of the General Conditions, "Extra Work". The
Contractor shall carefully inspect all materials
furnished by the Sanitary District at the time of
delivery, shall reject and set aside all cracked,
broken or otherwise defective pieces discovered
by him, and shall notify the Engineer in writing
of the same within twenty-four (24) hours after
the inspection. The Contractor shall be respon-
sible for all materials furnished by the Sanitary
District, after they have passed the Contractor's
inspection as being sound, until they have been
accepted in the completed work. Any cracked,
broken or otherwise defective pieces discovered
after inspection by the Contractor shall be re-
placed at his own expense.
EARTH EXCAVATION-TUNNEL
(1 7) Work Included - Tunnel
Earth excavation in tunnel shall include the
loosening, loading, removing and disposing in
the specified manner of all materials, wet or dry,
necessary to be remo\ed for purposes of con-
struction, the furnishing, placing and main-
taining of all sheeting, bracing and lining, the
pumping, bailing and cleaning, the protection of
existing structures and utilities from injury, the
protection and repair of street surfaces and side-
waiks and all incidental and collateral work
necessury to complete the entire work as spec-
ified.
(18) Lighting and Ventilation in Tunnel
All tunnel work shall be lighted with a suffi-
cient number of electric lights to insure proper
work and inspection. A supply of fresh air suffi-
cient for the health, safety and efficiency of the
workmen and engineers shall be provided at all
times throughout the length of the tunnel and
especially at the headings. Additional lights and
ventilation shall be provided whenever the
Engineer may direct.
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(19) Shafts
The Contractor shall make all arrangements
necessary for the location, construction and
operation of the shafts.
The Contractor shall so excavate and support
the surrounding earth so that at no time is there
more than five feet, measured vertically, unsup-
ported by bracing as approved by the Engineer.
In case the shaft is built outside the line of
the tunnel, the tunnel connecting the shaft with
the line of the finished work shall be con-
structed as provided in Section 7 of the General
Specifications-Sewers.
The shaft shall be constructed of proper size
and shape and in no case be less than 12 feet in
diameter and shall be suitably equipped to
allow the work to be carried on expeditiously.
An approved ladder as shown on the plans in
a separate well lighted compartment shall be
constructed in each shaft so as to provide safe
entrance and exit. Suitable protection shall be
installed at bottom of shaft to properly protect
the men.
Hoisting in shafts may be done by means of a
crane as described in Section 10 of the General
Specifications—Sewers.
Upon the completion of the work, the Con-
tractor shall remove any concrete as directed by
the Engineer, and shall completely backfill all
shafts, drifts and tunnels not part of the finished
work.
Backfilling shall be done as specified herein
under Sections 33 and 41 of the General Specifi-
cations-Sewers.
(20) Excavation In Tunnel
The tunnel shall be excavated and trimmed to
such size and shape as will allow the placing of
the full masonry section of the sewer to the
specified tolerances of line and grade as shown
on the plans after all lining is in place.
The Contractor shall so excavate the tunnel
and support the surrounding earth that no move-
ment of the earth over or adjacent to the work
shall occur at any time and at no time will there
be more than five feet, measured horizontally,
unsupported by bracing as approved by the
Engineer.
The Contractor shall use extreme care in exca-
vating and trimming to insure that the full
masonry section will be placed within the speci-
fied tolerances of the correct lines and grades of
the finished structure.
If steel bracing is used, the full masonry sec-
tion shown on the plans shall be placed inside
any indentations in the body of the plates used
to support the earth. Flanges or shapes may
extend into the body of the masonry a distance
not to exceed two (2) inches. If wooden bracing
is used, no part thereof shall extend into the
sewer section shown on the plans. No additional
payment or allowance of any nature will be
made for the use of steel plates or shapes for
supporting the earth.
If permission is given the Contractor to exca-
vate the tunnel for a specified distance without
immediately placing the concrete lining, the pro-
posed method of bracing the tunnel and the
extra bracing necessary shall be submitted for
approval.
In case, due to unforeseen conditions or
otherwise, any movement of the earth over or
adjacent to the work occurs, the Engineer may
order any or all work under this contract
stopped except that which assists in making the
work secure and in preventing further movement
of the ground over or adjacent to the work. The
Contractor shall resume tunneling at the place at
which movement of the earth over or adjacent
to the work has occurred only when, in the
opinion af the Engineer, he has taken all neces-
sary precautions to prevent further movement.
The Engineer will keep a record of the eleva-
tion of all sewer, water and utility lines to detect
any settlement of or damage to such utilities,
and the Contractor shall immediately upon
verbal notification from the Engineer, perform
such work or make such arrangements that will
restore any such damaged utilities and will in-
sure against further settlement or damage.
(21) Sheeting, Bracing And Lining In Tunnel
The Contractor shall furnish, place and main-
tain all sheeting, bracing and lining required to
support the sides, floor and headings of the
excavation in tunnel.
On all shafts, steel bracing and tight wood
lagging will be required. If the sewer is con-
structed with or without the use of compressed
air, steel ribs and wood lagging will be per-
mitted. Bracing in place supporting the earth
shall not be removed except by permission of
the Engineer.
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A drawing showing the method and sizes of
lining and bracing proposed to be used shall be
submitted to and approved by the Engineer
before the necessary materials or equipment is
ordered by the Contractor.
Special care shall be exercised to insure that
full bearing is obtained between the lining and
sheeting and the earth.
If at any time the method being used by the
Contractor for supporting any material or struc-
ture in or adjacent to any excavation is not
reasonably safe, in the opinion of the Engineer,
the Engineer may require and the Contractor
shall provide additional bracing and support nec-
essary to furnish the added degree of safety
required by the Engineer. The Contractor shall
provide such added bracing and support by such
method approved by the Engineer as he may
elect to use, but the taking of such added pre-
cautions shall in no way relieve the Contractor
of his sole and final responsibility for the safety
of lives, work and structures.
(22) Breasting
The Contractor shall at all times keep avail-
able near each heading sufficient breasting and
bracing to secure the heading against soil move-
ment.
(23) Unauthorized Excavation in Tunnel
Wherever excavation is performed outside of
the specified outside dimensions of the masonry
section to allow the placing of the sheeting,
bracing or lining and whenever the Contractor is
allowed to excavate beyond the lines of the fin-
ished work for his convenience, and whenever
material outside of the specified outside dimen-
sions of the section, caves or breaks into the
tunnel, then the Contractor, without extra pay-
ment therefore, shall completely fill the remain-
ing space with concrete of the quality specified
for the sewer section or such other material out-
side of the lines of the finished work as the
Engineer shall order.
(24) Disposal of Excavated Material - Tunnel
All excavated material, except that required
for backfilling in open cut elsewhere on this
work, and, except as stated in Section 15, of the
General Specifications-Sewers, shall be removed
from the site of the work as soon as excavated
and shall be disposed of by the Contractor with-
out additional charge therefor.
EARTH EXCAVATION-OPEN CUT
Sections 25 to 30 of the General Specifica-
tions-Sewers, inclusive, apply to the excava-
tions for work in open cut shafts, pits or con-
nections or excavations necessitated by cave-in.
(25) Work Included - Open Cut
Earth excavation in open cut shall include
clearing the site of the work, the loosening, load-
ing, removing and disposing in the specified
manner all materials, wet or dry, necessary to be
removed for purposes of construction; the fur-
nishing, placing and maintaining of all sheeting,
bracing and timbering; the pumping, bailing,
fluming. cleaning, and care of existing structures
and utilities; the protection and repair of street
surfaces and sidewalks; backfilling and all inci-
dental and collateral work necessary to complete
the entire work as specified.
(26) Excavation - Open Cut
The excavation between the lines of sheeting
shall be of sufficient width to permit the work
to be constructed in the manner and of the size
specified.
In all streets improved with any type of
paving the Contractor shall, unless otherwise
ordered by the Engineer, so excavate, sheet and
brace the trench or pits that the maximum hori-
zontal dimensions of the trench or pit at the
surface of the ground shall not exceed the out-
side horizontal dimension of the structure plus
one-tenth (1/10) of the distance from the street
surface to the top of the masonry.
Top soil shall be stripped off separately and
stored for replacement of top surface over the
backfill.
(27) Sheeting. Bracing and Timbering
The Contractor shall furnish, place and main-
tain all sheeting, bracing and timbering required
to properly support trenches and other excava-
tions in open cut and to prevent all movement
of the soil, pavement, or utilities outside of the
trench or pit. Sheeting, bracing and timbering
shall be so placed as to allow the work to be
constructed to the lines and grades shown on the
plans and as ordered by the Engineer.
All sheeting in contact with the concrete or
masonry shall be cut off as directed by the
Engineer and left in place.
1-9
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If at any time the method being used by the
Contractor for supporting any material or struc-
ture in or adjacent to any excavation is not rea-
sonably safe in the opinion of the Engineer, the
Engineer may require and the Contractor shall
provide additional bracing and support necessary
to furnish the added degree of safety required
by the Engineer. The Contractor shall provide
such added bracing and support by such method
approved by the Engineer as he may elect to use,
but the taking of such added precautions shall in
no way relieve the Contractor of his sole and
final responsibility for the safety of lives, work
and structures. The use of such additional
bracing and support shall be without additional
cost to the Sanitary District. The failure of the
Engineer to order the aforementioned additional
bracing shall in no way relieve the Contractor of
his sole and final responsibility.
(28) Backfilling
All backfilling of excavations in open cut on
paved roads shall be done as specified in Sec-
tions 33 and 41 of the General Specifications-
Sewers. All excavations in open cut shall be
backfilled to the line and grades shown on the
plans or to the ground surface as found where
no lines or grades are shown on the plans. The
backfilling shall be done as compactly as pos-
sible, and the material shall be well tamped in
such a manner as to allow as little after-settle-
ment as possible.
After the sewer or structure has been con-
structed and the concrete has hardened to the
satisfaction of the Engineer, the Contractor shall
backfill the trench in such a manner that will
cause no damage to the sewer or structure by
the shock of falling earth or otherwise. The
backfill shall be deposited in such a manner as to
prevent eccentric loading and excessive stress on
the sewer or structure. Top soil stripped in exca-
vation shall be replaced on top of the backfilled
material.
All backfilling operations shall be accom-
plished as speedily as possible, the trench being
filled as soon as the concrete is sufficiently set.
In streets and in other places when the Engineer
shall so order, the backfilling shall not be left
unfinished more than four hundred (400) feet
behind the completed masonry or pipe work.
Where existing structures have to be removed
and backfilled or where additional fill or
mounds are placed around manholes or itauu
top soil equal in depth to that in sur-
rounding area shall be placed in the backfilled
section and fertilized, seeded and rolled to the
satisfaction of the owner of the land.
All fill slopes shall be not steeper than 3 hori-
zontal to 1 vertical, unless otherwise directed by
the Engineer.
(29) Disposal of Excavated Material
All excavated material except that required
for backfilling in open cut, and except that
stated in Section 15 of the General Specifica-
tions -Sewers shall be removed from the bite of
the work and shall be disposed of hy the Con-
tractor without additional charge therefor.
As far as possible, all excavated material,
except that required for backfill, shall be re-
moved from the site of the work as soon as exca-
vated.
(30) Unauthorized Excavation
Wherever excavation in open cut is performed
without authority, beyond the lines and grades
shown on the plans or as directed by the Engi-
neer, the Contractor shall refill without extra
payment therefor, all such excavated space
beyond such lines and grades with concrete or
other material as the Engineer may direct.
ROCK EXCAVATION IN OPEN CUT
AND TUNNEL
(31) Description
All rock excavation shall be performed by the
Contractor in accordance with Sections 17 to
30, of the General Specifications-Sewers, inclu-
sive, as far as they apply and supplemented by
the specifications for each excavation.
(32) Blasting
Extreme care shall be exercised in connection
with all blasting necessary under this contract.
Signals of danger shall be given and displayed
before the firing of any blasts; and the Con-
tractor shall conform his acts to and obey all
rules and regulations for the protection of life
and property that may be required by law or
that may be made from time to time by the
Engineer relative to the storing and handling of
explosives and the firing of blasts. Whenever it
becomes necessary to blast in tunnel, the
amount of air used for ventilation shall be in-
creased and the amount of explosive used at any
Structures
1-10
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one time shall be kept to a minimum and shall
be so placed as to minimize the amount of rock
breaking outside of the lines of the finished
work. No blasting shall be done adjacent to any
part of the completed sewer or other structure
and the material surrounding or supporting the
same shall not be damaged by blasting. In case
injury occurs to any portion of the sewer or
other structure or to the material surrounding or
supporting same, due to explosions or blasting,
the Contractor, without extra payment therefor,
shall rebuilt the sewer or other structures and
shall replace the material surrounding or sup-
porting same, and shall furnish such material and
perform such work or repairs and replacements
as the Engineer may order.
The Contractor shall employ only experi-
enced and qualified dynamite workmen to
handle all powder and caps. Only licensed dyna-
mite workmen detailed to dynamite magazines
shall have access to these buildings.
The Contractor shall comply with the provi-
sions of An Act Regulating the Manufacture,
Possession. Storage. Transportation. Use. Sale or
Gift of Explosives (Illinois Rev. St. Ch. 93. Sec-
tion 143-156, approved July 12. 1939. and as
amended). The Contractor shall obtain an
Explosives License from the Department of
Mines and Minerals. State of Illinois, in compli-
ance with said Act. and submit a reproduced
copy to the Engineer before proceeding with the
storage of dynamite on this contract.
In addition, the Contractor shall comply with
all the provisions relating tc explosives of the
State of Illinois Health and Safety Act and all
requirements of authorities having jurisdiction in
the area.
The Contractor agrees to indemnify and save
the Sanitary District harmless against all claims
for damages to real or personal property or for
injuries to persons, or deaths caused in any man-
ner whatsoever, by explosions, blasting, handling
or storing of explosives for the work hereunder.
SAND. GRAVEL OR LIMESTONE BACKFILL
(33) Description
All excavations under or adjacent to any type
of pavement, including concrete, concrete base.
bituminous, gravel or crushed stone, shall be
backfilled as follows:
Sand, gravel, limestone screenings or crushed
limestone backfill shall be used from the bottom
of the sewer trench or excavation up to a point
where the distance to the top of the natural
ground surface equals the distance from the
nearest edge of the sewer trench or excavation }g
to the pavement. Tilt* tamlt grumlt UnniUum A
• j-nuhjarl IJIT.IJI jfnrva-—iVi-rall Hut frithim-
»WriJ*lfc*ir"wM*lii "O» lii****11 *!***-•***4*1!'•>**!** '*llw M
It may contain material passing a No. 200 0
mesh sieve not to exceed ten percent by weight, <"4
but shall contain no organic matter. Material £
passing a No. 16 mesh sieve shall not exceed Z
eighty-five percent by weight. fEighty-five per-
cent of the material shall pass the one inch sieve
and shall not contain stone larger than four
inches. Backfill shall not contain any frozen or
cemented material.
Sand and gravel material shall be obtained
from an approved sand and gravel pit or lime-
stone screenings or crushed limestone from an
approved material yard or quarry.
Material removed from the excavated trench
will not be allowed as backfill, unless it is ap-
proved by the Engineer as meeting the above
specifications.
Cinders will not be approved as backfill.
PIPE SEWER
(34) Gasket Specifications
Gasket stock shall be a synthetic rubber com-
pound in which the elastomer is Neoprene,
exclusively. Said compound shall contain not
less than 50% by volume of Neoprene and shall
contain no factice. reclaimed rubber or any
deleterious substances. The stock shall be ex-
truded or molded and cured in such a manner
that any cross-section will be dense, homo-
geneous and free from porosity, blisters, pitting
and other imperfections. The stock shall be
extruded or molded with smooth surfaces to the
required diameter within a tolerance of ± 1/32"
at any cross-section. The Compound shall meet
the following physical requirements when tested
in accordance with the appropriate ASTM
standards.
TEST REQUIREMENTS
Tensile strength - 1 500 psi minimum, ASTM
Test Standard D412.
1-11
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Elongation at Break - 425% minimum,
ASTM Test Standard D412.
Shore Durometer Type A-45 ± 5 for pipe
diameters less than 90" (55± may be used for
pipe diameters over 90"), ASTM Test Standard
D2240.
Compression Set - 20% maximum when com-
pressed 22 hours at 158° F. ASTM Test Stan-
dard D395 Method B.
Accelerated Aging - 20% maximum tensile,
40% maximum elongation deterioration, 15
points maximum increase in hardness, all deter-
mined after oven aging, for 70 hours at 212° F.
ASTM Test Standard D573.
Liquid Immersion, Oil - 80% maximum vol-
ume change after immersion in ASTM Oil No. 3
for 70 hours at 212° F. ASTM Test Standard
D471. Test specimens shall have a height or
thickness of 0.08" ±0.005". The test specimens
shall be circular discs cut from the gaskets. The
specimen diameter shall be that of the cross-
section of the gasket.
Liquid Immersion Water — 15% maximum
volume change after immersion in water for 7
days at 158° F. ASTM Test Standard D471.
Test specimens shall have a height or thickness
of 0.08" ±0.005" (See note 4 under Section 7
of ASTM D471). The test specimens shall be
circular discs cut from the gaskets. The specimen
diameter shall be that of the cross-section of the
gasket.
Ozone Cracking — no visible cracking at 2
times magnification of the gasket after 100
hours exposure in 3 ppm ozone concentration at
100° F. Testing and inspection to be on a gasket
loop mounted to give approximately 20% elon-
gation.
Durometer "A" — Hardness increase after 48
hours at + 14° F. + 15 points maximum.
The Contractor shall furnish certified copies
of laboratory reports from his gasket supplier
indicating conformance with the above require-
ments for each shipment of gaskets. A minimum
of 2 tests for each pipe diameter shall be per-
formed at the Contractor's expense on gaskets
selected at random by the Engineer. Tests shall
be performed by an independent testing labora-
tory and shall include all the tests listed above.
Each gasket shall be permanently marked
with the manufacturer's trademark or name,
date of manufacture, and the initials of the
Metropolitan Sanitary District. All gaskets shall
be stored in a cool place, preferably at 70° F. or
less and in no case shall the gasket for joints be
exposed to direct rays of the sun for more than
72 hours.
No more than two (2) vulcanized joints will
be permitted on any one gasket.
(35) Laying Concrete Pipe in Open Cut
(a) Excavation
The trench shall be excavated in accordance
with the depths and widths shown on the plans.
Trench widths in excess of those shown on the
plans will not be permitted.
Steel or wood sheeting shali be furnished and
installed as required and its use shall be deter-
mined by the ground conditions encountered,
easement agreements as specified or as directed
by the ENGINEER and as shown on the plans.
Dewatering operations sufficient to maintain
the water level at or below the surface of trench
bottom or base of the bedding course shall be
accomplished prior to placement of pipe or con-
crete, if not performed prior to excavation and
placing of the bedding as called for on the con-
tract plans. The dewatering operation, however
accomplished, shall be carried out so that it does
not destroy or weaken the strength of the soil
under or alongside the trench. The normal water
table shall be restored to its natural level in such
a manner as to not disturb the pipe and its foun:
dation.
(b) Laying Pipe
The concrete pipe shall be laid to the lines
and grades shown on the plans.
Where practicable, pipe shall be laid with the
bell or groove end at the advancing end of the
pipe. Before laying, the joint surfaces shall be
clean and free of all dirt and other foreign
material. The gasket and the joint surfaces of the
pipe to be laid shall be lubricated and the gasket
properly placed in the groove on the spigot or
tongue end. The pipe shall then be laid and pull-
ed firmly into position. Care shall be exercised
to see that the pipe is straight and level as the
spigot enters the bell. The position of the gasket
shall be checked with a feeler gauge to see that it
is properly positioned.
If adjustment in the position of a length of
pipe.is .required after it has been laid or if the
gasket is found to be out of place, the length of
1-12
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pipe shall be removed, cleaned and rejointed as
for a newly laid pipe.
Concrete cradle as shown on the plans shall
achieve a compressive strength of 2,000 pounds
per square inch prior to backfilling of the trench
over a level as shown on the plans above the top
of the pipe. Backfill below a level as shown on
the plans above the top of pipe may take place
after the concrete has achieved a sufficient
initial set so that no damage to the concrete will
occur when placing the backfill.
(36j Pipe Grade for Sewer in Open Cut
The tolerance in the grade of installed rein-
forced concrete pipe shall comply with the
following:
The invert of the sewer after the pipe is in
place shall be such that after flooding, the Hood
water will drain off so that no remaining puddle
of water will be deeper than 1/2" on pipe 36
inches internal diameter or -.mailer, and 3/4" on
pipe larger than 36 inches internal diameter.
Any section of pipe that does not comply with
this requirement shall be replaced at the Con-
tractor's expense.
(37) Pipe Grade in Tunnel and Jacking
The tolerance in the grade of installed rein-
forced concrete pipe shall comply with the
following: Departure from established grade -
, Departure from established line - 3".
The return to established line and grade shall
be at a rate no greater than 3" per 100'.
Any pipe placed which does not comply with
this requirement shall be replaced at the Con-
tractor's expense.
(38) Setting Line and Grade
The Contractor is responsible for setting line
and grade from the information included in the
Plans and Contract Documents, and in accor-
dance with Section 8 of the General Specifica-
tions (Construction Contracts,) "Lines and
Grades." No payment in addition to the price
bid for the respective items will be allowed for
setting line and grade.
The control of vertical and horizontal align-
ments shall be accomplished by the use of a laser
beam instrument. The Contractor shall comply
with the provisions of "an Act to Require Reg-
istration of Laser Systems..." Approved
August 11,1967, by the Illinois State Legisla-
ture and shall submit to the Engineer a repro-
duced copy of the acknowledgement of registra-
tion from the State Department of Public
Health.
(39) Clay Sewer Pipe
The Contractor shall furnish and lay clay
sewer pipe in accordance with the provisions for
concrete pipe. See Sections 35,36,37 and 38 of.
the General Specifications-Sewers and as shown
on the plans.
All pipe and specials shall conform to Specifi-
cations ASTM C13 or ASTM C200, as shown on
the plans. Joints shall conform to ASTM Specifi-
cation C425, type 3.
(40) Concrete Sewer Pipe
All reinforced concrete circular pipe shall be
provided with bell and spigot or tongue and
groove type joints for use with rubber gaskets as
hereinafter -.perilled. Excessive shrinkage cracks
in the bell and spigot or tongue and groove ends
or excessive bleeding at form ends which expose
aggregates or create voids, or other defects or
damage to the end of the pipe which would pre-
vent making a satisfactory joint, as determined
by the Engineer, shall be deemed reason for re-
jection of the pipe. The pipe shall have a pre-
formed groove on the tongue or spigot face of
each pipe section to properly position and con-
fine the rubber gaskets in the annular space.
All reinforced concrete pipe shall conform to
ASTM Specification C76. The pipe joints shall
conform to ASTM Specification C361. All refer-
ence to a specific class of pipe and wall thickness
shall conform to the requirements of that speci-
fied under ASTM Specification C76. The rein-
forcement steel in the joint shall be tied to the
pipe barrel steel as called for in ASTM
C361.
Gaskets for concrete pipe shall conform to
"Gasket Specification", Section 34 of the Gen-
eral Specifications—Sewers. The gaskets shall be
circular in cross section and shall be of sufficient
cross-sectional area and volume so that when the
joint is assembled, the gasket will be compressed
to form a water-tight seal. Gaskets shall be ex-
truded or molded and cured in such a manner
that any cross-section will be dense, homoge-
nous and free from porosity, blisters, pitting and
other imperfections. The gaskets shall be molded
or extruded to the tolerance as specified.
1-13
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Any foreign material which adheres to the
pipe and interferes with the proper seating of
the gasket shall be removed. No enicked. broken
or otherwise defective gaskets shall be used in
this work. As the work progresses, the interior
of the pipe shall be cleaned of all dirt 2nd all
other superfluous material.
Lubricant for use wit i the gasket shall be
equal to the vegetable oil soap as manufactured
by Davis Young Corp.. Foil Wuyru:, Indiana, or
a Bentonite Slurry diluted to a paste of con-
sistency satisfactory to the bngineer. No pttro-
leum product shall be used ^ a lubricant.
The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer
for approval, detailed drawings of the pipe and
pipe joint to be furnished and placed under this
contract, including the dimensions of the rubber
gasket and the joint in the assembled pipe posi-
tion.
A tapered lifting hole in concrete pipe 36"
in diameter and larger as indicated on the
plans, if used, shall be filled with a fitted
precast tapered concrete plug, coated with
mastic and driven into place with wooden
mallet. For concrete pipe placed in open cut
the top of the plug shall be covered with
cement mortar and hand trowelled so as to
cover at least an area three inches greater than
the opening. No lifting holes shall be placed in
concrete pipe less than 36-inches in diameter.
The supplier of reinforced concrete sewer
pipe shall submit for approval the design of pipe
sizes not listed in the tables of ASTM C76. The
information submitted shall show wall thickness,
concrete strength, and the area, type, placement
and strength of the steel reinforcement and shall
meet the D-Ioad strength test requirements as
called for in the ASTM tables. .
Reinforced concrete sewer pipe delivered to
the job site shall be not less than ten (10) days
old from date of manufacture and except for
closure pieces, shall be not less than 6-feet nor
more than 12-feet long unless otherwise approv-
ed by the Engineer.
On each reinforced concrete pipe manufac-
tured, the following items shall be clearly mark-
ed on the interior surface of the pipe: (1) class
and size of pipe; (2) Date of manufacture; (3)
Name or trademark of the Manufacturer.
No reinforced concrete sewer pipe shall be
delivered to the job site without the M.S.D. in-
spector's stamp affixed thereon, and shall be
subject to re-inspection upon delivery to the job
site.
(41) Backfill
In location*- where the Permits, Easements.
Ordinances or the Detail or the General Specifi-
cations require sand or other granular backfill,
material shall be as specified in Section 33 of the
General Specification Sewers.
Where sand or other granular backfill is not
required, regular backfill may be used. Regular
backfill shall be a uniformly divided material
free from debris, stones larger than 6", obiec-
tionable organic matter and frozen materials and
must be capable of compacting to a dense, stable
backfill free of after-settlement.
Backfilling, unless otherwise specified, shall
take place in accordance with Section 28 of the
General Specifications-Sewers or in accordance
with applicable easements, ordinances or per-
mits. The Contractor's attention is directed
particularly to the backfill requirements of the
State Highway Permit.
In locations where it is not specified that
sheeting must be left in place, sheeting shall jje.
extracted.
Sheeting shall be extracted where practicable
ahead of the backfilling where this procedure
can progress without endangering the side of the
excavation and in such a manner as to leave no
voids in the space previously occupied by the
sheeting.
Sheeting extracted after backfilling shall be
removed in such a manner as to preclude leaving
voids in the space previously occupied by the
sheeting and in such a manner as to be con-
sistent with Sections 26 and 27 of the General
Specifications—Sewers.
IRON CASTINGS AND MISCELLANEOUS
METALS
(42) Description
The Contractor shall furnish, deliver and place
iron castings, including manhole frames and
covers, and miscellaneous metal parts, and such
other iron castings and metal parts as are shown
on the plans or as ordered by the Engineer. All
pieces shall be plainly marked with the piece
mark as called for on the plans. Painting, if re-.
quired, shall be performed as called for in the
plans and specifications.
1-14
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(43) Material and Workmanship
AH castings shall be of tough, close-grained
gray iron, free from blowholes, shrinkage cracks
and cold shuts. They shall conform to a suitable
grade of the "Tentative Specifications for Gray
Iron Castings," ASTM A48. They shall be sound,
smooth, clean and free from-blisters and all de-
fects. All castings shall be made by the cupola
process. No plugging of defective castings will be
permitted. Where malleable castings are required
they shall be furnished and installed hereunder
and shall conform to the "Standard Specifica-
tions for Cupola, Malleable Iron," ASTM A197.
All castings shall be made accurately to
dimensions shown and shall be placed, chipped,
filed or ground where' marked or where other-
wise necessary to secure perfectly flat and true
surfaces. Allowance for shrinkage shall be made
in the patterns so that the specified thickness
shall not be reduced. Manhole covers shall be
true and shall seat at all points. All drilling and
tapping shall be carefully and accurately done.
All wrought-iron parts shall be made of
genuine wrought-iron conforming to the require-
ments of the "Standard Specifications for
Refined Wrought-iron Bars and Wrought-lron
Plates," ASTM A189.
Steel parts shall be open hearth medium steel
of quality conforming to .the "Standard Specifi-
cations for Structural Steel for Buildings,"
ASTM A36.
All parts called for on the plans as galvanized
shall be coated in accordance with "Zinc Coat-
ing on Standard Steel Shapes." ASTM A123. All
galvanized metals whose coatings are damaged
during shipment or installation, shall be touched
up with MSDGC 117 Zinc rich primer paint.
Bronze bushings shall be of good quality
phosphor-bronze. All parts called for as
chromium-nickel steel shall be made of a ferrous
alloy approved by the Engineer.
The Contractor shall notify the Engineer
when castings and material parts are ready for
inspection. See Section 9 of the General Specifi-
cations (Construction Contracts), "Inspection
and Testing of Materials".
(44) Bolts and Nuts
Stud, tap and machine bolts shall be of speci-
fied wrought-iron or of specified structural steel
of rivet quality unless otherwise specified. In
general square heads and hexagonal close fitting
nuts shall be used. All threads shall be clean cut
of the U.S. standard sizes.
(45) Inserts
All inserts to be imbedded in the concrete
shall be heavily galvanized malleable castings
suitably normalized and of a type approved by
the Engineer.
(46) Cast Iron Pipe
All cast iron pipe shall be furnished in accor-
dance with ASA Specification A21.6 orA21.8
with the type of joint as specified in the Detail
Specifications and/or shown on the plans. Pipe
shall be furnished in full lengths except where
shown on the plans in lesser lengths or where
necessary to make closure. Wall thickness desig-
nated by a class number shall be based on ASA
Manual of Design A21.1.
All fittings shall conform to ASA Specifica-
tion A21.10 at the pressure rating as specified in
the Detail Specifications and/or shown on the
plans. Where ASA A21.10 specification is not
applicable, the fittings shall conform to ASA
B16.1 Specification.
, All rubber gasket joints for cast iron pipe and
fittings shall conform to ASA Specification
A21.ll.
Fittings for pipes over 12 inches in diameter
shall be Class B. Fittings for pipes 12 inches in
diameter or less shall be Class D.
Wall pipes and wall sleeves shall be furnished
with intermediate wall collars and shall have end
types as shown on the plans and shall be Class B
except where they extend beyond the outside
surface of the wall in which case they shall be
Class D.
Pipe and fittings shall be furnished bitumi-
nous coated inside and outside unless otherwise
specified in the Detail Specifications and/or
shown on the plans.
Cement linings specified in the Detail Specifi-
cations and/or shown on the plans shall conform
to ASA Specifications A21.4. Pipe furnished
with cement lining shall be bituminous coated
on the outside.
Ductile Iron Pipe specified in the Detail Speci-
fications and/or shown on the plans shall con-
form to ASA Specification A21.51 with all
other requirements as listed above for cast iron
pipe, except for wall thickness which shall be
1-15
-------
designated by a class number based on ASA
Manual of Design A21.50.
(47) RESTORATION WORK
The Contractor's attention is directed to Sec-
tion 7 of the General Specifications-Sewers,
Care of Structures and Property.
Restoration work shall follow construction
work as the work progresses and be completed
as soon as possible. Restoration work shall not
be delayed and shall be completed no later than
thirty (30) days after sewer or structure is in
place. Any testing or further inspection neces-
sary for final completion and inspection of the
sewer or structure shall not be cause for any
delay of restoration work required under this
contract. This provision for restoration shall in-
clude all public and private property which was
affected by the Contractor's construction opera-
tions. Such final restoration that cannot be per-
formed within the thirty day period due to
adverse weather conditions may, upon written
request, including a proposed procedure and
time schedule, be performed as approved by the
Engineer. Any delayed restoration will be con-
tingent upon providing suitable safe temporary
facilities without inconvenience or nuisance in
the interim.
The Contractor shall maintain existing surface
and subsurface drainage conditions in all areas
along the line of the work, including highway
ditches, storm sewers, culverts, natural terrain,
field tile systems, etc.
Whenever public or private property is so
damaged or destroyed, the Contractor shall at
his own expense, restore such property to a con-
dition equal to that existing before such damage
or injury was done by repairing rebuilding, or
replacing it as may be directed, or he shall other-
wise make good such damage or destruction in a
manner acceptable to the Engineer. If he fails to
do so the Engineer may, after the expiration of a
period of thirty (30) calendar days after giving
him notice in writing, proceed to repair, rebuild,
or otherwise restore such property as may be
deemed necessary, and the cost thereof shall be
deducted from any compensation due, or which
may become due the Contractor under this Con-
tract.
This provision for restoration work shall
apply to all Items listed in the Proposal.
(48) TESTS
An infiltration test shall be made by the con-
tractor in the presence of the Engineer after the
first one thousand linear feet or less of sewer is
completed, as ordered by the Engineer. Addi-
tional tests of the type ordered by the Engineer
will be required for each succeeding one thou-
sand linear feet or less, as ordered by the Engi-
neer. A final test of the type ordered by the
Engineer will be required prior to final accep-
tance of this contract. All tests will be con-
ducted in a manner to minimize interference
with the contractor's work or progress. No addi-
tional pipe shall be laid until the infiltration test
on the section tested is satisfactory.
Where the depth of the ground water is not
sufficient to completely submerge the section to
be tested, an exfiltration test shall be used in
place of an infiltration test when ordered by the
Engineer. The Contractor shall be allowed addi-
tional payment for exfiltration tests in addition
to the prices bid for sewer Items. The additional
payment shall be the actual cost of the work to
the Contractor and shall be determined on a
time and material basis for labor, material and
equipment.
No additional payment for infiltration tests in
addition to the prices bid for Sewer Items to be
tested as called for in the Detail Specifications
will be allowed.
Personnel for reading measuring devices will
be furnished by the Engineer, but all other
labor, equipment, material and water, including
gauges and meters, will be furnished by the Con-
tractor.
Infiltration tests will be made by measuring
the infiltrated flow of water over a measuring
weir set up in the invert of the sewer a known
distance from a limiting point of infiltration. Ex-
filtration tests will be made by bulkheading the
section to be tested and admitting water to the
lower end allowing air to escape at the upper
end until the sewer is filled. The bulkheads must
then be watertight and water will be added until
a level of water four feet above the crown of the
sewer in the manhole at the upper end of the
section is attained. The rate of flow required to
keep this required head will be the exfiltration.
All tests will be carried on for a length of time
and at intervals as ordered by the Engineer.
The infiltration or exfiltration shall not ex-
ceed 48-gallons per day, per inch of sewer
perimeter per mile of sewer, and no individual
1-16
-------
leak will be permitted that in the opinion of the
Engineer might endanger the pipe-line or the
backfill around it. If the leakage exceeds the
maximum permitted, the contractor shall im-
mediately make all repairs and replacements that
in the opinion of the Engineer are necessary to
secure the required water-tightness.
After all repairs are made to the satisfaction
of the Engineer, the Contractor shall again make
an infiltration or exfiltration test and this pro-
cedure will be repeated until a satisfactory test is
made, if and when ordered by the Engineer. The
cost of any additional testing, as specified by the
Engineer, will be at the Contractor's expense
and at no additional cost to the Sanitary Dis-
trict.
The Sanitary District shall not be responsible
for any damage to the pipe lines or otherwise
due to testing.
(49) PLUMING AND BY PASSING
Flumes and by-passes shall be designed with
sufficient capacity to carry the maximum storm
flow without restricting the flow in the existing
sewer. Plans and procedure shall be submitted to
the Chief Engineer for approval before proceed-
ing with the work.
(50) SIGNS
Pro^lConstruction Signs, if requested, will
be nMsHNLerected and removed under a
a location or locations as
The
his own to
the Engineer, of a*
The cost of furntshir _
signs shall not be included
sum price of the contract.
attach a tablet of
signaled by
x 36".
1-17
-------
APPENDIX J
WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION INVENTORIES
-------
APPENDIX J
WILDLIFE VEGETATION INVENTORIES
P'ian' and_ Animal Re so LI re c?_
Flood Plain Areas:
The main stem of the Des Plaines River begins in an area of
intensively cultivated agricultural land in Racine and Kenosha
Counties, Wisconsin. At a point about half-way through its approxi
mately 17 mile course in Wisconsin, the valley widens, the channel
is essentially unaltered, and the stream becomes sluggish. In this
lower portion, extending from State Highway 50 downstream to
Interstate 94, the channel is natural and scenic, and wildlife
habitat is considered good to excellent. From Interstate 94 down
to the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, the valley continues to widen
and is comprised primarily of various types of wetlands with
excellent wildlife habitat. Two private shooting preserves are
located in this area.
Throughout Lake County, Illinois, the valley varies from
1/4 mile to 1/2 mile in width. There has been very little encroach
ment of urban development into the flood plain. Two notable
exceptions to this have occurred in the vicinity of Libertyvilla
and Half Day. Approximately 1-mile upstream from Libertyville,
a residential development named North Libertyville Estates has been
built in the flood plain on the east side of the river. A—tfrt-a-r-of
^g^sfc^^^s^^isd^^ _'-n •••4f?«pes=saaga. Downstream from
»
Highway 22, about 3/4 mile southeast of Half Day, a residential
development named Lincolnshire has been built partially in the
flood plain on the east side of the river. Ar:^«~
-------
Appendix J(2)
ly across the
river from Lincolnshire, in the v:est flood plain area, a large
resort hotel-recreation complex has just been built. This involved
blocking and diverting Indian Creek straight east into the Des Plaines
with the hotel being built in the area south of the Indian Creek
diversion channel and between the old channel and the Des Plaines River.
Flood plain land use in the Lake County portion is quite.varied
consisting of woodland, pasture, cropland, and other land'including
numerous wetlands. The area also includes five Lake County Forest
Preserve District properties which comprise 1,826 acres. Numerous
gravel pits occupy terrace positions along .the stream galley-
Woodland includes cottonwood, ash, oak, willow, and boxelder.
Habitat is suitable for waterfowl, deer, upland game species
including pheasants and squirrels, wading and shorebirds, and songbirds,
From the Laker-Cook County line downstream to Highway 171 at
Summit, the stream flows through a highly urbanized watershed. Most
of the river and adjacent flood plain is owned by the Cook County
Forest Preserve District so that woodlands and some wetlands have
been preserved, and urban development has generally been kept out
of the Des Plaines River flood plain. This greenbelt furnishes
valuable habitat for many wildlife species. In addition to the
many bird species found here, a checklist of animals occurring in
Cook County Forest Preserve lands includes 16 species of amphibians,
22 species of reptiles, and 46 species of mammals. Locations noted
-------
Appendix J(3)
for large or unusual trees and for wildflowers arc-: Caii:p Pine Woor.: ,
Lake Avenue Woods, Darn No. 2 Woods, Thatcher Woods, Che-Che-Pine-Que
Woods, and Scheller Woods.
From Highway 171 downstream to Romeoville Road, the Des Plaines
River flows parallel and adjacent to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship
Canal. Some of the flood plain is wooded but industrial development
detracts from its value as wildlife habitat. An extensive area of
wetland habitat lies between Lemont Road and Romeoville. It includes
Goose Lake and a portion of the "Sag Valley Site" which has been
recommended for public acquisition and preservation as an open space
area by the-Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
The Wisconsin portion of the watershed has several tributaries
in addition to the main stem which are important as wildlife habitat.
These tributaries include Salem Branch, Brighton Creek, Dutch Gap
Canal, and Upper and Lower Pleasant Prairie Ditch. There are about
1,100 acres of undra'ined marshy wetlands in stream valleys and
flood plains in addition to habitat.provided by streamside herbaceous
and woody cover. Most of this part of the watershed is rural with
hdbitat suitable for deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, foxes,
waterfowl, woodcock, pheasants, hungarian partridge, and many song-
birds. This is one of the areas in Wisconsin where the ring-necked
pheasant is most abundant.
-------
Appendix J(4)
in Illinois the furthest upstrec.- tributary of major sig-
nificance is Mill Creek which outlets into the Des Plaines River
just south of V.'adsworth. Its major tributaries include North Mill
Creek, wh-ich originates in Wisconsin as Dutch Gap Canal and Hastings
Creek which enters North Mill Creek at the upper end of Rasmussen
Lake. North Mill Creek and Hastings Creek flow through areas
which are primarily agricultural. Mill Creek, which originates
further south than the aforementioned tributaries is a mixture
of suburban housing, much of which is located around natural lakes,
and agricultural land. Flood plain land use consists of cropland, .
pasture, woodland and some idle land. Stream banks are mostly wooded
with boxeldar, willow, -as&, elrn, maple, and ash being the major species;
non-wooded sections are grass covered with some reed canary grass.
Habitat along North Mill Creek is especially valuable to such species
as ring-ie:r'£f! pheasant, bobwhite quail, muskrats,. mink, cottontail
rabbits, and songbirds.
Bull CreeK, which originates northwest of Loch Lomond Lake near
Mundelein, enters the Des Plaines River about 2 miles north of
Libertyville. The numerous lakes which comrpise the headwaters
are surrounded by housing developments, but the flood plain from
Butler Lake to the Des Plaines River is open, idle land interspersed
with urban areas and housing developments. Streambanks are wooded
in some reaches with aspen, maple, willow, and ash. Reed canary
grass and annual v.'eeds comprise most of the herbaceous cover on
the non-wooded Streambanks.
-------
Appendix J(5)
Indian Creek enters the Der. PI dines River jubi scuiLiieiiSt o'
Half Day and about 1/4 mile downstream frcrn Highway 22. At this
point, the natural channel has been blocked and a diversion channel
approximately 1/3 mile in length has bean constructed. This was done
in conjunction with a large resort hotel-recreation complex which
has recently been completed in the Indian Creek-Des Plaines River
common flood plain area. Indian Creek begins at Countryside Lake
and flows through numerous areas of intermittent marsh, cropland,
pasture, and idle land to Prairie Road which is about 1 mile west
of Half Day. In these reaches, the streambanks generally have good
woody cover consisting of willow, boxelder, cottonwood, maple, ash,
and wild grape. Habitat for waterfowl and upland game is generally good
in this area. From Prairie Road downstream through Half Day,
Indian Creek flows through lawns, behind stores and other business
buildings. Although flowing through nn urban area, there are large
willows and oaks along the banks with an understory of grape, box-
elder, and elderberry. The wildlife value of this reach is restricted
principally "to songbirds. Seavey Drainage Ditch, a major tributary,
begins in Mundelein and enters Indian Creek about 1 1/2 miles west
of Half Day. It flows through cropland for most of its length
<£. -..'
but sews urban development is occurring north of Highway 60. Reed
canary grass, giant ragwee'd and wild carrot provide some cover for
wildlife, primarily pheasants and songbirds.
-------
Appendix J(6)
Aptakisic Creek is a small tritxiuiry which or 19 iiiin.es north-
east of Long Grove. It flov;s through cropland and pasture to a
point about 1/2 mile upstream from U.S. Highway 45. From there
downstream to the highway, the flood plain has been used for resi-
dential development. Streambank cover consists mainly of shrubs,
small trees and herbaceous vegetation in the upper reaches and
willow and maple trees in the lower reaches. Habitat along
Aptakisic. Creek is of value to such wildlife as pheasant and songbird?
Buffalo Creek originates southeast of Lake Zurich and enters
the Des Plaines as Wheeling Drainage Ditch about 1 1/2 miles down-
stream from Wheeling. From Lake Zurich to Long Grove, it is a small
tree-lined ditch passing through numerous wetlands which have been •
drained or are being filled and used for housing developments.
Trees along the streambanks include mulberry, black walnut, cotton-
wood, and maple. The area provides fair habitat for upland game
and songbirds. From Long Grove to Wheeling, the stream flows througt
a rural area and the Village of Buffalo Grove. It is lined with
large willow, cottonwood, boxelder, maple, and ash trees. The
flood plain is in cropland and pasture except in Buffalo Grove/
where residential development and a park are in the flood plain.
Habitat is suitable for upland game and songbirds. As it enters
Wheeling, Buffalo Creek changes to Wheeling Drainage Ditch and the
natural channel, with its many small meanders, becomes a dredged
and straightened ditch. From the north edge of Wheeling to Wolf
Road, the flood plain is generally in urban use, w4£J»-c;--
-------
• -^~^^~z£^-^'^2^^-£z^:^—ii"b±£ -'-"iersts-i-TjbrjE-rt T.O r j.oodlfrj'. From
Wolf Road to the Des Plaines River, the flood plain is in cropland
or idle. The entire reach is tree-lined with willov/, cottonwood, and
boxelder, and has some herbaceous cover of reed canary grass, ragv/eed,
etc. which has habitat value primarily for songbirds.
McDonald Creek is ajf int&pa>itgent stream which flows through
urban residential areas throughout most of its approximately 4-mile
course to its outlet into the Des Plaines Rivar about 2 miles upstream
from Des Plaines. It is tree-lined with willow, ash, boxelder, and
elm, forming a narrow greenbelt in an urban setting and furnishing
some habitat for songbirds..
Wallers Creek is a stream which, in its natural condition,
i_
originated in Arlington Heights. This upstream portion has now been
replaced by conduits and filled in down to Central Road in Mount Prospect
From there it flows through a residential area and the Mt. Prospect
Country Club which forms an attractive greenbelt and park. From
Elmhurst Road downstream, it is a combination of intermittent stretches
of open ditch and conduit passing through a highly urbanized area
and provides no open space or wildlife habitat.
-£.'- \*. a >•-• a 4..
Willow Creek is a/1 intersa-ttent stream for most of its length
from Elk Grove Village east to the Des Plaines River at Rosemont.
It flows between Highway 72 and the Northwest Toll way along the
north side of O'Hare International Airport, draining tank farms,
industrial parks and the northern portion of the airport. It
provides little wildlife habitat.
-------
Appendix J(8)
y.'> f.*-?: :-'< ^
Crystal Creek is 3/1 intcp;-ritteat stream which drains rr.ost of
the southern portion of Q'Hare International Airport and flows into
the Des Plaines River at Schiller Park. It is entirely urban except
for the lower half mile which flows through forest preserve land.
Silver Creek originates as Bensenville Ditch, which drains the
southwestern portion of O.'Hare International Airport. It flows
through residential and industrial areas in Franklin Park and
Mel rose Park, where it flows into the Des Plaines River at Thatcher
Woods Forest Preserve. It is a dirty, little ditch which furnishes
no open space or wildlife habitat.
-------
Appendix J(9)
Flag Creek begins in Hinsdale ana Western Springs, flowing
southward parallel to the Tri-State Roll way for about 3 miles.
Little wildlife habitat exists except for the tree cover on the
streambanks. It borders Timber Trails and Edgewood Valley Golf
and Country Clubs which along with adjacent residential developments
provide some songbird habitat. At both 79th and 83rd Streets » the
flood plain is residential and the stream is tree-lined and attractive
except for the polluted appearance of the water. At 91st Street
the flood plain is idle and wooded and is surrounded by industrial
and residential development. This part of the flood plain furnishes
habitat suitable for upland game species, furbearers, and songbirds.
Sawmill Creek, a# ift£eir7*H?£ent stream begins in Darien, about
1 mile west of Highway 83, in a residential area. It flows through
Argonne
a conduit for much of its upper length and flows through
National Laboratory Reservation and Forest Preserve land before
outletting into the Des Plaines "River about 1 mile west of Highway 83.
The upper reaches provide essentially no wildlife habitat, but the
lower reaches through Argonne and the forest preserve is .in woodland
and idle, furnishing habitat suitable For upland game species, fur-
bearers, and songbirds.
-------
Appendix J(10)
? :, n.v. Habitat and Fisheries:
Information concerning fish and fish habitat of the Des Plaines
River has come from the following four major sources: Tichacek and
Wight, 1972; Strieker et al., 1972; Harry Wight, Illinois Depart-
ment of Conservation; and Vidal, 13&9.
Des Plaines, Main Stem (Kenosha County). Flows south through
Paris Township to Section 1-6, Bristol Township, then-east to
Section 18, Pleasant Prairie Township, and south into Illinois.
Managed in lower portion for northern pike and forage fishes.
"Rough fish" are common in larger sections of the river.
Almost all of the stream, prior to the entry of the east and
center branches, Is ditched and straightened. Northern pike
use much of the 851 acres of marsh adjacent to the stream
for spawning. Marshes associated with the river have been
important duck hunting areas and winter cover for pheasants.
Brighton Creek. Flows south from community of Brighton to
Section 6, Bristol Township, then east-northeast to the
main stem of the Des Plaines River. Wetlands along the stream
have almost all been drained. Management is for forage fish
since the water level fluctuates extremely. Some parts of.
the stream are frequented by northern pike for spawning
in early spring.
Root River. Flows south through the center of Paris Township
and southeasterly to join the main stem west of the Village
of Pleasant Prairie. Managed only for forage fish since -
it. is intermittent near its source in dry years. One impound-
ment of less than one acre (Massie farm pond) exists in
Section 2 of Bristol Township. There are no remaining
wetlands along the stream of value to fisheries. Prior to
the extensive drainage along this stream, much value was
realized from the excellent duck hunting it offered.
K?lbourne Creek. Flows south.through the westernmost tier
of sections in Somers and Pleasant Prairie Townships to
join the main stem west of the Village of Pleasant Prairie.
Managed for forage fish due to interrni ttency and irregularity
of flow. There are 76.5 acres of marshy wetland along the
stream. In the spring northern pike use these areas for
spawning.
-------
Appendix J(ll)
Dos Plaints RJvcr, jijjn Slrm (LaU-. CouniyK The DCS Plaints
River is small and shallow wi th an average width of 60 feel.
Boatir.tj is mostly restricted to canoeing because of the
shaIlowness. Average depth at 2 stations was 2.5 feet.
Ths bottom type is primarily sand which is covered with silt
in soTie locations. The river becomes increasingly polluted
as it moves southward although presence of pirate perch and
blackchin shiner indicate the river Is not grossly polluted.
Pollution is mainly from municipal and industrial sources.
The fish population is varied. Twenty-five species of fishes
were collected at 2 stations in Lake County. The river re-
ceives only light fishing usage because of poor access.
North Mi 1] Creek. The creek is a clear stream with a sand and
rubble bottom. It is a continuation of Dutch Gap Canal and
flows through a farming area.' There is some pollution from
cattle yards and agricultural runoff. This stream receives
light fishing pressure for panfish, carp and an occasional
largemouth bass. Green sunfish and blunt-nose minnows are
abundant. Fishermen Interviewed at 2 bridges said carp
were the fish most commonly caught.
HI 1 I Creek. Receives drainage from a number of lakes most
of which have extensive housing developments. The stream
Is polluted by septic drainage and agricultural runoff.
The bottom type Is primarily silt with gravel at the riffles.
Black bulIhead, yellow bullhead, green sunfish,.golden
shiner, and pumpklnseed sunfish were collected during a
1971 stream survey. Fishing pressure Is light and access
is limited to road bridges.
Bull Creek. A small stream which has a silt bottom. It has
been dammed in three places to create Lock Lomond, St. Mary's
and Butler Lakes. According to the Lake County Surface Water
Report, this stream receives sewage effluent from three sources.
The fish population nas not been surveyed, but thu stream
receives light fishing pressure.
Indian Creek. This stream drains a number of lakes including
Diamond Lake, Sylvan Lake and Countryside Lake. The watershed
is largely agricultural. Pollution sources are septic drainage,
agricultural runoff and sewage treatment plants. The bottom
type is muck or silt, and the fishery consists of panfish,
bullhead, and bass. Blunt-nose minnows, creek chubs, blue-
gills, and carp are abundant. Fishing pressure is light
and access is from road bridges.
-------
Appendix JC12)
SJJ_ve_r_C_£_cek_. Thi:, 5. trcor;i has a silt bolt or., cjn ;.';jund;int
population of leafy and flat stem pondi.'eed, and ii subject
to industrial pollution. The fish population was sampled on
September 20, 1970 at a station in Section 33, T^ON, R12E.
Fish collected were fathead minnows and green sunfish. This
creek runs out of O'Hare International Airport through an
industrial and urbanized watershed into the Des Plaines River
in Mel rose Park.
Salt Creek. Salt Creek Is a low gradient, meandered, steep
banked, permanent stream with extensive flats and pools inter-
spersed with a few riffles. They are extensive sludge
deposits in the pools. Riffles, located mainly below the
two .dams and in upstream areas of pools have exposed rumble.
Salt Creek is heavily polluted. Pollutants include silt from
construction activities as well as sewage effluent from seven
communities in the DuPage County portion of the watershed alone.
This pollution contributes to excessive amounts of aquatic
vegetation. Elodea, coontail, pondweeds, cattail, and arrow-
head grow in the sludge deposits. Filamentous algae an
duckweed are common as are excessive plankton algae blooms.
Dissolved oxygen readings as low as 0.2 and 0.8 ppm have been
experienced during fish kill investigations. Extremely high
conform counts limit recreational use of the stream. Fish
are limited to pollution tolerant species. Only carp, goldfish
carp and goldfish hybrids, green sunfish, central mudminnow
and black bullheads have been collected.
Addison Creek. Addison Creek flows through a highly industri-
alized area including the towns of North Lake, Mel rose Park,
Bellwood, and V/estchester. It joins Salt Creek in LaGrange
Park. The creek bottom is primarily rubble and gravel and
has an excessive filamentous algae growth. Only goldfish and
fathead minnows were collected when the fish" population was
sampled on September 2, 1970. The sampling station was located
in Section 9, T39N, R12£.
Flat Creek. Flows through Hinsdaie, follows the Tri-State
TolIway for about 3 miles and enters the Des Plaines east of
Argonne National Laboratory. Hinsdaie sewage treatment plant
pollutes this stream. An unidentified reH substance was
staining the water at the Plainfield Pvoad bridge on July 26,
1973. This stream has a gravel bottom with some riffle-pool
development. The fish population was sampled 1 mile north of
Willow Springs on September 2, 1970. Only goldfish, carp,
and creek shubs were collected.
-------
Appendix J(13)
Convey Drairuiqe Ditch. Irsis ditch drains an
south of /-U/iiclc 1 c i n. Much of tfiu v;ater^h^cl is
but there are numerous housing deve lopMents - Ali;io:>t ths_
entire stream course has been channelized. The street i^
polluted by sev;age treatment plants. The bottom type is
predominantly organic muck and leaf litter. N'o frsh were
seen during a 1971 stream survey, It is doubtful if fish
can survive in this stream. There is no fishing pressure.
Aptakisic Creek. It is an intermittent sand bottom stream
originating northeast of the village of Long Grove and runs
into the Des Plaines 1.5 miles north of Wheeling. It is
lightly polluted from fertilizers and pesticides and receives
no fishing usage. it is dry most of the year. .Largemouth
bass, green sunfish, bullheads and minnows are reported in
tiir.es of flow.
Buffalo Creek. Only a part of this stream is in Lake County.
This part is intermittent, is only about 2 feet vnde, and
drains primarily pasture and cropland. It has a sand and
gravel bottom. The fish population is assumed to be mostly
minnow species. There is no fishing usage. It is con- .--- -
sidered to be moderately polluted.
Des Plaines R?ver.(Cqok County). This stream has been sampled
in various places with 1367 the most recent date. It has a
sludge bottom, poor water quality, a septic odor and heavy
algal blooms in summer months. Fish collected are goldfish,
carp, carp-goldfish hybrids, green sunfish, black bullhead,
golden shiner, hybrid sunfish, black crappie, blunt-nose
minnow, pumpkinseed sunfish, northern pike, largemouth bass,
yellow bullhead, redfin shiner, white crappie, bluegill, and
yellow perch.
McDonald Creek. This stream begins north of Wheeling, flows
through Wheeling and Prospect Heights and enters the Des Plaines
east of Arlington Heights. It has a predominantly urban
watershed. Banks are wooded; the bottom is primarily sand and
gravel with few riffles. The fish population was sampled on
September 1, 1970 at a location in Section 26, T^2N, RUE.
Fish collected were bigmouth shiners and creek chubs.
Wei 1 er Creek. This creek has an urban \vatershed. Stream
banks are wooded; the bottom is primarily sand and gravel.
Water quality is poor. The fish population was sampled on
August 8, 1970 in Mt. Prospect but no fish were collected.
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Appendix J(.14)
Lake and Pond Habitat and Fisheries:
A total of 123 lakes and ponds of 5 or more surface acres occur
in the Des Plaines River Watershed, excluding Salt Creek. Of these,
10 are in Wisconsin and 113 are in the Illinois portion. Twelve
lakes, of which 4 are in Wisconsin, are considered to provide good
wildlife habitat. There are 68 lakes, providing approximately
3,120 acres of surface area which are used for fishing. Most notable
of these lakes are Benet/Shangrila and Paddock Lakes in Wisconsin,
and Diamond, Lake Saint Marys, Gages, Third, Fourth, and Sand Lakes
in Illinois. Several of these lakes have been recommended for
rehabilitation as the result of population surveys which revealed
drastic deterioration of the lakes .fishery.
Nature Preserves and Natural Areas:
The following nature preserves and natural areas occur in the
Illinois portion of the Des Plaines River Watershed.
!' Edward L. Ryerson Nature Preserve is 150 acres in size and is
located in Lake County northwest of Riverwoods between Riverwoods
Road, Daerfield Road, and the Des Plaines River. It is ox^ned by the
. Lake County Forest Preserve District. Its major feature is an old
growth forest within the Des Plaines River valley. Tree species incll
white oak, black oak, red oak, sugar maple, white ash, bur oak, silvei
maple, hackberry, and black walnut. The forest supports many spring
wildflox^ers including large-flowered trillium,
•" Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve includes 245 acres in Sec. 32,
T39N, R12E and is owned by Cook County Forest Preserve District.
Natural features include upland forest with bur oak, white oak, red
oak, and black oak with some basswood and hickory; and floodplain
forest with silver maple, elm and cottonwood. Wildlife species in-
clude gray squirrels, raccoons, and chipmunks.
"'' Black Partridge Woods Nature Preserve is an 80 acre area in Sec.
19, T37N, RUE owned by Cook County Forest Preserve District. It has
river bluffs and ravines with a mesic forest of sugar napla, bass-
wood, red oak, white oak, bur oak, elm and ash. There is a spring-
fed stream which contains sculpins and other fishes; free-flowing
springs; and seep springs with skunk cabbage and marsh marigold.
Antioch BOK is located at the DPS Plaines Watershed boundary in
Lake County, Sections 14 and 15, T46N, R10E. The Illinois Nature
Preserves Commission hns recommended state acquisition of 89 acres.
The bog contains many ferns and is the only known location in Illi-
nois of the Virginia chain fern. Woody vegetation includes tamarack,
silver maple, poison sumac, winterberry, cnokeberry and dogwood.
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Appendix J(15)
Glenbrook North High School Pralrla is located in Cook County,
Sec. 16, T42N, R12E. It is a 2-3 acre prairie which is being
preserved by Glenbrook North High School> It contains over 50
species of prairie plants including prairie dropseed, indian grass,
cord grass, and blue-joint grass. It has been recommended for dedi-
cation as a nature preserve.
i,- Santa Fe Prairie is located in Cook County in the village limits
of Hodgkins and includes 10 acres along the Des Plaines River. It.
is a floodplain prairie and is thought to be one of the finest prairies
remaining in the state. All the surrounding land has been filled and
is being developed for heavy industry. It belongs to the Santa Fa
Railx/ay Company.
•/ Peacock Prairie is a 4 acre tract of virgin prairie that has been
purchased by the University of Illinois. It is typical of the black-
soil prairies of the Chicago Region. The location is Sec. 11, T41N,
R12E.
Wolf Road Prairie is an extremely good prairie of 40 acres in Sec.
30, T39N, RUE north of Beamis Uoods Forest Preserve. It is divided
into many tracts of privaca ownership. It is one of the finest
prairies in the state, contains a diversity .of habitats including
5-JLO acres of mesic prairie thought to be virgin, and harbors the
rare white-fringed orchid.
• r ^ " Ab°Ut 2'5°° acres of marsh a"d slough surround Deer
Abn,V?nn C°Unty'.Sections 2> 10, 11, 15, and 16, T46N, R10E.
About 600 acres are in the Des Plaines Watershed. Much of the area
is leased by a hunt club. Several species of ducks and other bi^-ds
breed here, including the yellow-headed blackbird, an unco^.or
species in Illinois.
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Appendix J(16)
The following i.ature prrsorve:-. and nat/iral areas occur in the
'..'iscons in portion of the Des Plaines River Kalershed.
Univers; 1 ty_ of Wiscons in-Park_s i de Marsh. This is a 400 acre
wetland of types 2, 4, 5, and 6 owned by the University of Wisconsin.
It is located in Section 36, T2N, R20E; Section 1, TIN, R20E; and
Section 31, T2N, R21E. (See No. 14 in list of Wisconsin wetlands,
this report.)
Benedict Prairie is located near the intersection of the R"oot River
with the Des Plaines River in Section 11, TIN, R21E. It is owned by the
Nature Conservancy and is managed by the University of Wisconsin at
Milwaukee,
Only one such area is known to exist in Lower Salt Creek Watershed.
It is Bloomingdale Grove Forest Preserve, a 30 acre near-virgin sugar
maple forest located between Bloomingdale and Roselle in DuPage County.
It is considered the richest tract of woods left in the county. The
herbaceous flora is rich and contains many unusual species. The
Forest Preserve District has been approached on the matter of dedi-
cating the area as a nature preserve.
Wetlands: ~ - - ••
A total of 105 wetland areas comprising.more than 9,280 acres
have been identified in the Des Plaines River Watershed. These are
distributed as follows: (1) Wisconsin portion - 23 wetland areas -
$ SIC
acres; (2) Illinois portion Des Plaines - 77 wetland areas -
acres; and (3) Lower Salt Creek -_6 wetland areas - 200 acres.
cfrc-4-s '
These wetland areas provide food and cover for ddor, pheasants, fur-
bearers, waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and wading birds, The
wetlands include types 1-7, but types 2-5 are predominant.
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Appendix J(17)
Wildlife:
There are 18 species of amphibians, 24 species of reptiles,
126 species of birds, and 41 species of mammals which are known
to exist or are likely to be found in the Des Plaines River Watershed.
A listing of these species and their preferred habitats has been
prepared and is part of the supporting data for this report.
Waterfowl using migration corridors that pass through the area
include: 600,000 mallards; 35,000 faaldpates; 25,000 pintails;
100,000 black ducks; 280,000 scaup; 117,000 ring-necked ducks;
160,000 Canada geese; and 9,000 snow geese. Pheasants, furbearers,
waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and wading birds are the most common
wildlife species in existence.
A total of 11 species of birds considered to be rare or endangered
in Illinois are found in the watershed. The watershed is in the range
of, and contains habit important to, four species of amphibians which
are rare in Illinois. These animals are listed as follows in the
Inventory of Fish and Wildlife Resources of the Des Plaines River
Watershed along.with their status in Illinois and preferred habitats:
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Appendix J(_18)
Black cro,,'r".cl night fir;,'>-.;;, - rare - ponds or sloughs
and swuMps (wet, woode- land).
American bit.torn - rare - ponds or sloughs and marshes
(not wooded).
Coopers h?.v/k - endangsred - thicket, hedgerows, edges
of woods, brushy abandoned fields, end v/oods.
Red-shouldered hawk - endangered - swamps (wet, wooded land),
thicket, hedgerows, edges of woods, brushy abandoned fields,
and woods.
Harsh hawk - rare - marshes (not wooded), open fields, meadows,
pastures, thicket, hedgerows, edges of woods, brushy abandoned
fields, parks, cemeteries, farms, orchards, sand areas, and
hill prairies.
Upland sandpiper - endangered - open fields, meadows, pastures.
Barn""owl - rars" - open fields, meadows, pastures, parks, -
cemeteries, farms, orchards, urban and suburban areas.
Long-eared owl - rare - woods.
Short-eared owl - rare - marshes (not wooded), open fields,
meadows, pastures, parks, cemeteries, farms, orchards.
Veery - rare - woods.
Brewer's blackbird - rare - open fields, meadows, pastures.
Blue-spotted salamander - rare - swamps (wet, wooded land).
Four-toed salamander - rare - urban and suburban areas.
Eastern woodfrog - rare - thicket, hedgerows, edges of woods,
brushy abandoned fields.
Western slender glass lizard - rare - bogs.
it U S GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1977—750-900
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