IL CTP Business Plan - Illinois Flood Maps

Cooperating Technical Partner
Business Plan
State of Illinois
Department of Natural Resources
Office of Water Resources
University of Illinois
Prairie Research Institute
Illinois State Water Survey
November 2016
Executive Summary
This 2017 Illinois Business Plan serves as the State of Illinois’ “notice of interest” to continue
its participation as a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and perform work under FEMA’s Flood Hazard Mitigation,
National Flood Insurance, and Mapping Programs through its Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR), Office of Water Resources and the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie
Research Institute, University of Illinois. This State of Illinois plan is intended to continue the
terms of the April 28, 2004 FEMA/IDNR CTP agreement and the September 9, 2013
FEMA/ISWS CTP agreement. As statewide CTPs, the Office of Water Resources and the
Illinois State Water Survey are prepared to continue to work with FEMA to identify flood
hazard risks, communicate those flood hazard risks, identify means to reduce flood hazard
risks and implement those means to help FEMA meet its national goals. The State of Illinois
Business Plan describes the realigned structure of the Office of Water Resources including
its current programs, capabilities and resources, CTP activities, project activities and goals.
This plan describes the structure, capabilities, and current projects of the Illinois State Water
Survey. This plan provides the status of Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Risk
Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (MAP) in Illinois as well as the short term and long
terms state goals in this regard.
Introduction
Illinois is mostly bordered by large rivers and water from 24 states enters or flows along
these Illinois’ boundaries. Illinois also has one of the largest inland systems of rivers, lakes,
and streams in the entire nation and flood disasters are a common occurrence in the state.
While Illinois used to rank in the top ten states for flood insurance claims, strong state and
local regulations that protect property in potential flood damage areas, and efforts to move
homes and businesses out of harm’s way, have removed it from the top ten. Even so,
substantial flood damages still remain in Illinois. Therefore, as the primary floodplain
management agency in Illinois, the Office of Water Resources is committed to maintaining
an aggressive floodplain management regulatory program and flood mitigation program
supported by quality flood hazard maps and other data to continue to reduce flood risk
within the state.
Purpose of the Plan
The State of’ Illinois Cooperating Technical Partner Business Plan is a joint plan prepared
by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Water Resources (OWR) and the
Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS). It defines the existing structure and capabilities of OWR
and ISWS and outlines current programs, program goals, activities, needs, challenges, and
priorities related to flood risk identification and reduction.
i
Coordination of Cooperating Technical Partners
The IDNR/OWR and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) work closely together to provide
improved flood information for communities and property owners. The Illinois Department of
Natural Resources/Office of Water Resources (IDNR/OWR) is responsible for managing the
state’s river, lakes and streams. The IDNR/OWR relies upon the ISWS for their expertise in
risk identification and mapping services.
The IDNR/OWR and ISWS will coordinate activities to make the most efficient use of FEMA
grant dollars in the process of elimination of flood risks and the process of providing the
citizens of Illinois with accurate documentation of the residual flood risks.
ii
Contents
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... i
Introduction .................................................................................................................................. i
Purpose of the Plan ..................................................................................................................... i
Coordination of Cooperating Technical Partners ......................................................................... ii
Office of Water Resources ......................................................................................................... 1
Structure and Programs ......................................................................................................... 1
Capabilities and Resources .................................................................................................... 2
Project Activities......................................................................................................................... 6
NON-STRUCTURAL .............................................................................................................. 6
Delegated Community Audits ................................................................................................. 6
Regulations Updates .............................................................................................................. 6
Assessment of Conveyance only Floodway Mapping Community Compliance:...................... 6
Flood Hazard Mitigation ......................................................................................................... 7
Statewide Flood Risk Assessment and Prioritization .............................................................. 8
Urban Flood Awareness Study ............................................................................................... 9
Structural................................................................................................................................ 9
Current CTP Activities ...............................................................................................................12
Coordinated Needs Management Strategy (CNMS) ..............................................................12
Great Lakes Costal Flood Study ............................................................................................12
Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (MAP)...................................................................13
State of Illinois Goals and Activities...........................................................................................13
Staffing (IDNR/OWR) ............................................................................................................13
Public Safety .........................................................................................................................13
Flood Risk Reduction ............................................................................................................14
Water Supply Planning ..........................................................................................................14
Lake Michigan .......................................................................................................................14
Floodplain Management ........................................................................................................15
Flood Risk Identification and Mapping ...................................................................................15
Stormwater Management ......................................................................................................18
Illinois State Water Survey ........................................................................................................19
Structure and Programs ........................................................................................................19
Current Capabilities and Resources ......................................................................................20
CHAMP Projects Related to Flooding and Flood Risk FFY2016............................................22
IDNR/OWR and ISWS Local, State, and National Associations ............................................24
Illinois Flood Risk Identification Status ......................................................................................28
Contents - continued
Countywide Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps ....................................................................28
Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (MAP) Deployment ................................................30
Summary of Coordinated Study Needs System Data ............................................................31
State of Illinois FEMA Partnership Funding Requests ...............................................................33
Programmatic and Staffing ....................................................................................................33
Discovery and Outreach ........................................................................................................34
Priority Streams for Hydrologic and Hydraulic Studies FFY2017 ...........................................36
Priorities for Flood Insurance Rate Maps Countywide and PMRs ..........................................37
Action Mitigation ....................................................................................................................38
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................56
Tables
Table 1.
Community Buyout Needs Identified through Discovery............................................ 8
Table 2.
Summary of Current CTP Projects ...........................................................................25
Table 3.
CMNS Summary by HUC 8 .....................................................................................31
Table 4.
Discovery 7 Year Plan .............................................................................................34
Table 5.
Study Needs in the environs of the Little Wabash HUC8 .........................................37
Table 6.
Sangamon River Study Needs .................................................................................42
Table 7.
Summations of Mitigation Projects Identified Through Discovery and Action
Discovery .................................................................................................................43
Figures
Figure 1. CHAMP Organization Chart .....................................................................................21
Figure 2. DFIRM status in Illinois as of August 2016 ...............................................................28
Figure 3. LiDAR status in Illinois as of October 2016 ..............................................................29
Figure 4. Region 5 RiskMAP Status Map as of September 2016 ............................................30
Figure 5. Availability of LiDAR in Counties Lacking DFIRMs, October 2016 ...........................39
Figure 6. HUC8 Watershed Federal Fiscal Year .....................................................................40
Figure 7. Upper Sangamon Reaches......................................................................................41
Office of Water Resources
Structure and Programs
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources/Office of Water Resources (IDNR/OWR) is
responsible for managing the state’s river, lakes and streams. The Office of Water Resources is
also the lead state agency for water resources planning, navigation, floodplain management, the
National Flood Insurance Program, water supply, drought, and interstate organizations on water
resources. Interagency duties include the state water plan, drought response, flood emergency
situation reports, the comprehensive review of Illinois water use law and evaluation of national
water policy.
The primary capital activity of the office is in the area of urban flood damage reduction with
assistance to units of local government through planning, design, construction, regulations, and
financial assistance. The urban program also features the acquisition of flood prone homes and
businesses.
The Office administers regulatory programs over construction in the floodways of rivers, lakes
and streams; construction in and along Lake Michigan; construction and operation of dams;
construction in public bodies of water; diversion of water from Lake Michigan; and withdrawal of
water from Lake Shelbyville, Carlyle Lake, and Rend Lake.
Office personnel operate the William G. Stratton lock and dam on the Fox River, the Sinnissippi
Dam on Rock River and other state-owned facilities. The office sponsors water resources
research and operates stream gauging stations, flood gauges and lake water stage recorders in
cooperation with federal, state, and local cooperators.
The Office gathers water resource data prior, during and following a flood or other disaster and
disseminates data to various state and local agencies while serving as a Technical Liaison to
the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
The Office is the lead managing agency for the State of Illinois Resiliency Team, coordinating
various state agencies and their statewide resiliency measures intended to reduce flooding
issues throughout the state.
IDNR, Office of Water Resources goals include:







Public Safety
Flood Risk Reduction
Floodplain Management
Flood Risk Identification and Mapping
Stormwater Management
Water Supply Planning
Public Water Management
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Capabilities and Resources
Staff levels in the Office of Water Resources for FY-2017 remain critically low. The approved
State of Illinois Stop Gap operations budget continues to limit the hiring of required new staff
and necessary internal promotions. While the Office of Water Resources still intends to staff
additional levee safety, engineering studies, engineering design, floodplain management,
mapping coordination and mapping study review positions, the lack of adequate spending
authority hinders the ability to increase staffing. Due to attrition and unfilled vacancies, existing
onboard staffing levels are 32% lower (49 of 72 required) than staffing levels necessary
to maintain the existing work load, and do not consider any necessary program
expansions. Staff work assignments are often adjusted to service critical objectives of the
Office. All Capitol appropriations for the Office of Water Resources have been suspended
pending new authorization from the General Assembly. All mitigation funding has also been
suspended pending new authorization with the exception of $5 million for the Alexander County
mitigation project. IDNR-OWR continues to actively pursue the restoration of these funds.
To help streamline program management, the IDNR/OWR has realigned its organization into
two divisions, the Division of Resource Management and the Division of Capital Programs.
Division of Resource Management (Manager Loren Wobig, P.E., CFM)
The Division of Resource Management is comprised of 6 sections including: Northern Illinois
Regulatory Section, Downstate Regulatory Section, Dam Safety Program, Statewide Programs,
Lake Michigan Management Program and Levee Safety Program.
Northern Illinois Regulatory Section (Manager Gary Jereb, P.E.)
This Section is responsible for enforcing higher standards floodplain management in the
metropolitan Chicago counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will. Its staff of 6
engineers and 1 administrative assistant reviews applications for permits for construction of
dams, other construction in stream floodways, and activities in and along public water bodies.
This Section reviews approximately 150 floodway and dam safety permit applications annually
on average. It also assists with the coordination of the NFIP and administers a program through
which local governments are delegated authority to approve projects under the State’s floodway
construction rules.
There are 51 communities within the 6 county Chicago metro region (3708 rules area) that have
been delegated OWR’s regulatory authority including DuPage County. These communities are
authorized to complete their own review of proposed floodway activities and issue permits to
applicants that comply with existing state and local standards (3708 rules). The Northern
Illinois Section is currently conducting audits of these delegated communities to assure that all
terms of the IDNR’s delegation are being enforced properly prior to recertification of these
communities by the Department.
Staff
4 Engineers (1 CFM, 2 Licensed Professional Engineers (PE), 2 Engineer-In-Training)
1 Part-time Engineer
1 Engineer on Non-Work Related Disability
1 Secretarial
2
Downstate Regulatory Section (Manager Stephen Altman, P.E.)
This section is responsible for enforcing higher standards floodplain management in Illinois
except for the 6-County metropolitan area covered by the Northeastern Illinois Regulatory
Section. Its staff of 4 engineers and 1 administrative assistant reviews applications for permits
for construction of dams, other construction in stream floodways, and activities in and along
public water bodies. It also assists with the coordination of the NFIP as necessary. This
Section reviews approximately 325 floodway and dam safety permit applications annually on
average.
Staff
4 Engineers (1 CFM, 2 Licensed Professional Engineers, 2 Engineer-In-Training)
1 Secretarial
Dam Safety Program (Manager Paul Mauer, P.E.)
This Section is responsible for regulating all jurisdictional dams in the state of Illinois. In
addition to maintaining an inventory of all Class 1 (high hazard), Class 2 (medium hazard) and
Class 3 (low hazard) dams in the state, this section is responsible for monitoring all dam safety
inspections, emergency action plans and operation and maintenance manuals in the state.
This Section also conducts dam site inspections as required by FEMA and conducted 278 such
inspections last year.
Staff
1 Engineer (PE)
Statewide Programs Section (Manager Paul Osman, CFM)
This Section conducts floodplain management training workshops statewide (9 in 2015),
community assessment visits (36 in 2015), ordinance reviews (12 in 2014), general technical
assistance to local communities and citizens (1,545 in 2015), and a myriad of other legislative,
disaster response, FEMA Risk Map and Corps of Engineers coordination activities (84 other
coordination meetings in 2015). The office also coordinates with the CRS program in Illinois.
Illinois now has 61 communities in CRS with an average rating of Class 6. Nearly 50% of all
flood insurance policies in Illinois are discounted due to proactive floodplain management
programs. In FY2015 and 2016, major floods passed through Illinois and flood damages were
minimal. Due to strong local floodplain programs and proactive mitigation, many communities
in Illinois can now pass record floods unscathed.
The OWR also administers a non-structural Flood Hazard Mitigation Program which purchases
and removes repetitively flood damaged structures. This program is used as global match to
allow communities to take advantage of matching FEMA mitigation programs.
The Statewide Programs Section of OWR also coordinates floodplain mapping study reviews,
approves stream discharges used for regulatory programs, and assists regional stormwater
management program. This Section reviewed 15 studies, 33 Letters of Map Amendment, and 4
miscellaneous submittals related to the mapping program in the last year. This section also
maintains a summary table on the OWR website to track the status of current study review
requests, map revision requests, and discharge certification requests.
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Staff
1 Floodplain Manager
2 Engineers
Lake Michigan Management Program (Acting Manager Jim Casey)
This Section is responsible for enforcing and regulating higher standards in Illinois Public Water
construction in the Chicago Metro area and managing all Lake Michigan activities related to the
public bed and public water trust doctrine of the lake including management of water allocation
from the lake in accordance with the international Great Lakes settlement. Staff in this Section
work closely with the Illinois Zone Coastal Management Group and other state and federal
agencies associated with Lake Michigan.
Staff
0 Engineers
1 Part time Secretary
 Working to create a Water Allocation Program management position (Public Service
Administrator position) and an entry level Lake Michigan Management Program
Engineer (Civil Engineer Trainee).
Levee Safety Program (not yet established)
This Section is responsible for the maintaining a database of all levees in the state of Illinois and
coordinating levee safety and mapping issues with FEMA and the Corps of Engineers National
Levee Safety Program.
Division of Capital Programs (Manager Rick Gosch P.E.)
Engineering Studies Section (Manager Rita Lee, P.E., CFM)
This section is responsible for:
 Hydraulic, hydrologic, economic and legal analysis of water resource projects that includes
flood control, water supply, recreational and environmental enhancements

Coordination with United States Geological Survey for operations of 90 (+/-) stream gages
throughout the state

Flood surveillance activities that includes situation reports to IEMA and others that are
developed using internet provided data and supplemented with field data from OWR staff
when appropriate

Management of the water supply allocations from Lake Shelbyville, Carlyle Lake and Rend
lake including coordinating payments from the local water users to IDNR and providing
payments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the operation and maintenance of the
reservoirs

Daily operational guidance to OWR staff operating Stratton Lock and Dam and Sinnissippi
Dam
Staff
1 Secretarial
6 Engineers (5 PE, 4 CFM, 1 EIT)
1 Publications Specialist
4
Technical Services Section (Manager Lee Woodward, PLS).
This section is responsible for:

Acquisition, analysis and mapping of topographic, property and bathymetric surveys of rivers,
lakes, streams and other areas of interest such as roads and structures.

Acquisition, analysis and documentation of stream flow and stage information using stream
flow meters, digital recording gages, staff gages and crest stage gages.

Acquisition and preparation of LiDAR data for use by others in OWR and IDNR

Development of GIS products and GIS support
Staff
1 Land Surveyor (PLS)
1 GIS Analyst
4 Engineering Technicians (field)
1 Engineering Technician (office)
Design and Construction Section (Manager Ted Montrey P.E., S.E.)
This section is responsible for:
 Development of plans and specifications for OWR construction projects

Technical support for construction of OWR and OWR funded projects

Technical support on various statewide committees (Illinois Urban Manual Technical Review
Committee and IDOT’s Low Water Crossing Research Panel)

Technical support for OREP Projects
Staff
4 Engineers (3 PE, 1SE)
2 Engineering Technicians (office)
Michael Baker, Jr. Consultants
Operations Section (Manager Amy Giesing P.E.,)
This section is responsible for:

Installing, maintaining and removing buoys and warning signs at 22 dams on the Fox, Rock,
Kankakee and Vermillion Rivers and Salt Creek

Installing, maintaining and removing navigational buoys on the Fox River from Johnsburg to
Algonquin

Inspection and maintenance of all OWR owned facilities

Construction of small scale OWR projects such as dam removals

Collecting weather information for the National Weather Service at Stratton Dam

Operating the Sinnissippi Dam on the Rock River and the Stratton Dam on the Fox River to
maintain water levels and minimize flooding

Operating the lock at Stratton Dam for boaters. The lock is open 7 days a week from May 1
to October 31.

Inspection of Flood Relief (FR) projects constructed by OWR to insure local agencies are
operating and maintaining them appropriately
5

Coordinating with the Fox Waterway Agency for dredging related projects to maintain
navigational depths in the Chain O’ Lakes
Staff
1 Engineer (PE)
1 Field Maintenance Supervisor
1 State Facilities Maintainer
1 Dam Supervisor
1 Lock Master
1 Assistant Lock Master
3 Lock and Dam Tenders
Project Activities
NON-STRUCTURAL
Delegated Community Audits
There are 51 communities within the 6 county Chicago metro region (3708 rules area) that have
been delegated OWR’s regulatory authority including DuPage County. These communities are
authorized to complete their own review of proposed floodplain activities and issue permits to
applicants that comply with existing state and local standards (3708 rules). The Northern
Illinois Section is currently conducting audits of these delegated communities to assure that all
terms of the IDNR’s delegation are being enforced properly.
Regulations Updates
As very limited staff resources allow, both regulatory sections are working to revamp the current
statewide and regional permits to consolidate similar authorizations and possibly eliminate
others based on new permit application review fees. Both sections will also be working to
assure that any policies created by statewide, general or regional permits are included in the
administrative rules. The Downstate regulatory section is working to amend the Part 3700
Administrative Rules to change the “worst case analysis” for floodwalls and levees to reflect
limiting our regulatory authority to the 500-year frequency flood event profile.
The Downstate Regulatory Section has developed draft Technical Guidelines to assist
applicants seeking IDNR authorization for proposed floodway activities under the Part 3700
Administrative Rules and help streamline the application review process timeline. This draft
publication is currently under-going legal review.
Assessment of Conveyance only Floodway Mapping Community Compliance:
Part 3708 Administrative Rules provides for Conveyance Only (90% floodplain storage not
preserved in the designated floodway) Floodway delineation mapping in any community (ies)
that agree to regulate and preserve all floodplain storage within the specially designated
mapping reach. The Statewide Programs Section is conducting a floodplain storage audit of
these specially mapped communities in the 6 County Chicago Metro area to assess compliance
with the storage preservation requirements established in accordance with the terms of the
existing IDNR agreement with these communities. Failure to comply with the terms of the
Conveyance Only Floodway Agreement results in the limited floodway maps being rescinded
6
and replaced with either previous storage floodway mapping or considering the entire floodplain
floodway for regulatory purposes.
Flood Hazard Mitigation

The IDNR Office of Water Resources Flood Hazard Mitigation program is focused on assisting
Illinois communities implement flood damage reduction projects and creating open space.

IDNR can purchase real property – mobile homes are excluded.

Operates independent of, or provides cost share assistance with, other state or federal
mitigation programs.

Projects are selected based on the overall benefit to the State of Illinois.

Operates as an IDNR/OWR reimbursement program, not a grant program. Community must
pay all expenses and request reimbursement from OWR for the expenses related directly to
the project.
Ongoing Mitigation Projects
Project Location
Alexander County
IDNR/OWR Funding
$5,000,000
Suspended Projects Pending Illinois Capitol Budget
Project Location
DuPage County
McHenry County
City of Des Plaines
Village of Pearl City
Gallatin County
City of Freeport
Village of Roanoke
Village of South Elgin
Total
IDNR/OWR Funding
$277,500
$1,100,000
$1,925,000
$2,145,000
$297,000
$85,000
$250,000
$34,000
$6,811,500

Future projects include City of Moline, Rockford, and City of South Beloit.
applications will be considered when additional funding is approved.

Additional projects may also be considered based on mitigation acquisition projects identified
in existing countywide Hazard Mitigation Plans.
Additional
7
Table 1 below identifies additional buyout needs that have been identified though Discovery
efforts.
8
Table 1. Community Buyout Needs Identified through Discovery
Watershed
County
Community
Approximate Number
Des Plaines
Cook
Maine Township
Des Plaines
Cook
Wheeling Township
60
Des Plaines
Cook
Franklin Park, Village of
Des Plaines
Cook
Mount Prospect, Village of
Des Plaines
Cook
Maywood, Village of
Des Plaines
Cook
Melrose Park, Village of
Des Plaines
DuPage
Addison, Village of
Des Plaines
DuPage
Carol Stream, Village of
4
Des Plaines
DuPage
Wood Dale, City of
9
Des Plaines
Will
Joliet, City of
*
Chicago
Cook
Glenview, Village of
*
Rock
Winnebago
Machesney Park, Village of
Lower Fox
LaSalle
Ottawa, City of
Lower Fox
Kane
Kane County
Lower Fox
Kane
South Elgin, Village of
2
Upper Fox
Lake
Lake County, Pistakee Lake
*
Upper Fox
Lake
Lake County, Slocum Lake
*
Upper Fox
Lake/McHenry
Fox Lake, Village of
*
Upper Fox
Lake/McHenry
Port Barrington, Village of
3
Upper Fox
McHenry
Cary, Village of
4
Upper Fox
McHenry
Crystal Lake, City of
3
Upper Fox
McHenry
Lakemoor, Village of
1
Upper Sangamon
Macon
Decatur, City of
6
Upper Sangamon
Macon
Macon County
5
Upper Sangamon
Piatt
Monticello, City of
*
Upper Sangamon
Sangamon
Sangamon County
*
Saline
Middle Wabash
Busseron
Saline
Harrisburg, City of
5
Crawford
Hutsonville, City of
2
*
33
*
60
(Maywood and Melrose Park)
60
(Maywood and Melrose Park)
14, 3 (two areas)
31+ (in progress)
4 (numerous completed)
3 (completed)
*Specific need to be determined
Statewide Flood Risk Assessment and Prioritization
It is the goal of State of Illinois to develop a statewide assessment of flood hazard risk for every
structure located within a designated floodplain in the state of Illinois. Based on known structure
types, structure appraised values, and surveyed first floor/low entry information the state intends
to create a statewide GIS database of such assessments to help prioritize federal, state and
local mitigation assistance, estimate event related flood damages, update community hazard
plans, and evaluate potential structural flood damage reduction projects. Cook County has
already completed such work in their county. IDNR/OWR and ISWS partnered with the City of
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Rockford in the Lower Rock HUC-8 to complete such an assessment of flood hazard risk in the
city of Rockford and vicinity in 2014 and 2015. Now that the city of Rockford is completed, we
are using this project to show other communities what they can do. IDNR/OWR is working with
the Corp of Engineers’ Silver Jackets to do flood risk assessments of Rock Island and HuntLima Levee District. We are also working with DCEO to work with other larger communities in
downstate Illinois.
Urban Flood Awareness Study
The Urban Flooding Awareness Study report published on June 30, 2015 investigates the
impacts and possible remedies related to “urban” flood damages in Illinois. As part of the study
effort IDNR/OWR and ISWS in cooperation with the Illinois Association for Floodplain and
Stormwater Management (IAFSM) in partnership with the Association of State Floodplain
Managers (ASFPM) Foundation held a Flood Risk Symposium on February 10, 2015. The
symposium was held to facilitate discussion on three topics: urban flood risk, urban flood risk
reduction methods, and sources of funding. The 80 symposium attendees included a diverse
representation of professionals that included local floodplain managers from Chicago and
downstate Illinois, state and federal officials, urban planners, insurance and real estate
representatives, hydrologists, hydraulic engineers and experts in key topics. The final urban
flooding report concludes that responsibility for urban flooding lies at all levels, from state
government to individual property owners, and a tiered approach is required for all aspects of
stormwater management. The research led to 33 recommendations that are grouped by four
levels of responsibility, some of which require legislative action, executive authority, state
agency engagement, community action, and action by an informed public. One of the
recommendations in the report is for the state government to develop a state model local
stormwater ordinance. This ordinance was released in October 2015 to be used by
communities as a best practices document to develop or update their stormwater programs.
Another recommendation from the reports is to grant authority to all Illinois counties to adopt
countywide stormwater ordinances, projects, and programs. We are currently working with a
small group to draft legislation that will be sent out for comments.
Structural
Ongoing Engineering Studies Section activities include:

Coordination of Albany Park Stormwater Diversion Tunnel project with City of Chicago

Coordination of Cache River Levee Repairs with responsible drainage districts

Coordination of dam removal projects with local governments.

Permit acquisitions for dam removal projects

Develop alternatives for potential flood control project in Diedrich

Strategic Planning Study for Embarras River State Recreation Area

Flood Surveillance and coordination with IEMA

Hickory Creek Flood Control Project

City of Fairfield hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of Johnson Creek and associated flood risk
reduction feasibility study of a residential and commercial portion of the community
10

Edgar Lakes Pump Station Rehabilitation

Wabash River hydraulic modeling and remapping

Jacksonville – hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of Town Branch and associated streambank
stabilization study

Upper Fox River Flood Risk Damage Assessment (similar to Rockford/Rock River
Assessment underway with CTP funding)

Kingston hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of an unnamed tributary to the Kishwaukee River
and associated flood risk reduction feasibility study of a residential and commercial portion of
that community.

Real-Time Flood Inundation Mapping Programs for the Rock, Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

Inundation mapping library for unprotected (non-leveed) communities on the Mississippi
River.

Water supply planning
Ongoing Technical Services Section activities include:

Bathymetric surveys of water supply lakes

Wetlands and ordinary high water marks for dam removal projects

Survey of first floor elevations of structures located in floodplains in Rockford

Surveys of channel cross sections and floodplain sections in Poplar Creek

Surveys of channel cross sections and floodplain sections in Nippersink Creek

Possible surveys of channel cross sections and floodplain sections in DuPage River

Town Branch in Jacksonville topographic first floor/low water entry surveys

As-built and construction staking surveys for Fox River Stratton Lock and Dam Expansion
Project

Development of Rock River Real Time flood inundation mapping

LiDAR data management

GIS project support and data management
Ongoing Design and Construction Section activities include:

Development of plans and specifications for the Cache River levee repair

Development of Plans and specifications for Touhy, Dam 4, Chick Evans, Danville and BuzziUnicem dam removals

Development of plans and specifications for the Yorkville Dam By-Pass Channel
Reconstruction

Development of plans and specifications for the channel mitigation project in Hadley Valley
Preserve of Will County Forest Preserve District

Acquisition of geotechnical data required for the Pilcher Park Dam Removal

Development of plans and specifications for Hickory and Spring Creeks Channel
Improvements Phase IIIC
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
Coordination and supervision of Stratton Lock and Dam Life Extension construction project
(currently suspended pending an approved FY16 state capital budget)

Coordination and supervision of Yorkville Walkway Improvements (currently suspended
pending an approved FY16 state capital budget)

Development of plans and specifications for the removal and installation of a new pump station

Review of plans and specifications for the Fabyan Causeway Removal Project

Development of plans and specifications for the Rock Cut State Park Trail and Bridge project

Development of plans and specifications for the Golf Road Interceptor project

Development of plans and specifications for the Len Small Levee Breach Repair
Completed
 Development of Plans and specifications for Dempster (design completed and dam has
been removed)

Review of plans and specifications for Albany Park Stormwater Diversion Tunnel
(completed)
Ongoing Operation Section activities include:

Execution of Ellsworth Park Dam Removal (Danville - currently suspended pending an
approved FY16 state capital budget)

Coordinating development of plans and specifications for Sinnissippi Dam Control System
modifications and life extension work for inflatable bags. A Procurement Business Case has
been approved by Central Management Services. A small business waiver has been
submitted to fiscal and should be approved soon. Midwest Crane was the low and only bidder.
Midwest Crane is hiring a structural engineer to certify their crane. Once the certification is
complete, the work can commence on this project.

Coordinating development of plans and specifications for Edgar Lakes Pump Station
Rehabilitation. A Request for professional services is complete. Once funding is restored, it
can be advertised.

Fox Waterway Agency Dredging Support Activities lead by the Fox Waterway Agency is in
the process of getting approval of permits by the Corp of Engineers for the Trinski Island
project.

Installation of buoys and warning signs throughout State include approximately 300 buoys
and 5 floating signs are placed, maintained and retrieved by the Office of Water Resources,
and 25 abutment signs were installed and are maintained by OWR.

Maintenance of OWR owned facilities at Crissenberry, Midlothian, Busse Woods and others
- All regular maintenance is ongoing. Facilities Maintenance is on hold at Crissenberry and
Montgomery dams until funding is restored.

Inspection and Report Preparation of Previous Construction Projects – All Dam Safety
Inspections are done annually. All Flood Relief projects are inspected every five years,
dependent on staffing levels.
12
Current CTP Activities
Current FEMA CTP Program Management funding for IDNR/OWR is less than a third of
the funding necessary to complete FEMA CTP Mapping and Mitigation activities.
In September 2015, the Office of Water Resource enlisted the services of Cara N. Lisuzzo
(formerly Adkins) (IDNR Office of the Director) to serve as an Illinois Mapping and CTP
Coordinator. Ms. Lisuzzo will continue to participate in mapping coordination, Risk MAP, and
CTP coordination efforts representing the State of Illinois, Office of Water Resources, to
improve the State of Illinois’ presence, participation, and collaboration in these FEMA initiatives
with the State. Ms. Lisuzzo will also assist with Lake Michigan Program Section responsibilities
including Lake Michigan Water Allocation.
FEMA grants have been awarded to the IDNR/OWR for the Dam Safety Program, the National
Flood Insurance Program, and the Cooperating Technical Partner Program. These grants
support staff assigned to these missions. Staff must provide quarterly reports as follows:
FEMA Grant
Dam Safety 2016
National Flood Insurance 2016
CTP Project Management 2016
CERC Poplar Creek Study 2015
Grant Period
07/31/16 – 07/30/17
10/01/16 – 09/30/17
10/01/16 – 09/30/17
10/01/15 – 09/30/17
Grant Award
$151,800
$314,706
$50,000
$15,000
Reporting
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Coordinated Needs Management Strategy (CNMS)
Status
The CNMS database is being used to determine future FEMA study and mapping needs
throughout the state in deployed watersheds.
CNMS Mapping Activity Statement No. IDNR10-01_ISWS10-12 was executed September 2010
and resulted in the development of the CNMS database for all Illinois stream segments by ISWS
and quality control evaluation of the database by IDNR/OWR. CNMS Mapping Activity
Statement No. IDNR11-01_ISWS11-13 was executed August 2011 and allowed to expire by
FEMA on 9/30/14. That previous MAS resulted in updates to the CNMS database by ISWS with
approval from IDNR/OWR. Limited similar work is now included as a portion of the work
identified in the current Program Management CTP Partnership Agreement IDNR/OWR 201401 which is set to expire on 9/30/2015. Currently, updates to the CNMS database by ISWS are
reviewed and approved on an as-available basis by IDNR/OWR.
Goals
To maintain an up-to-date CNMS database that can be used to assist the State in the
determination of future FEMA study and mapping needs throughout the state. Continued
coordination between IDNR/OWR and ISWS to keep the CNMS database up-to-date.
Great Lakes Costal Flood Study
Status
CTP Grant 2012-7007 was allowed to expire by FEMA on 9/30/14.
13
Goals
Continued participation in FEMA’s Great Lakes Costal Flood Study as outlined in a new grant
agreement with additional funding to cover such work by IDNR/OWR.
Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning (MAP)
Status
The IDNR/OWR participation in Risk MAP activities is described in PM SOW No. IDNR/OWR
2016-01which was executed August 2016. IDNR/OWR has participated in Risk MAP activities
since the SOW was executed.
Goals
Participate in Discovery meetings and any other Discovery or Resilience meetings as the State
NFIP coordinator in order to evaluate future study and hazard mapping needs. Please refer to
Table 4 for the Discovery Seven-Year Plan.
State of Illinois Goals and Activities
To continue to pursue sound floodplain management, provide for secure water sources for
public and industrial uses and further flood risk reduction in Illinois.
Staffing (IDNR/OWR)
IDNR/OWR intends to seek additional staff including:
1. Lock and Dam Tender
2. Civil Engineer Trainee
3. Waterways Construction Supervisor 1
4. Public Service Administrator 8E
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Public Service Administrator 8E
CTP and Mapping Coordinator
Waterways Construction Supervisor 1
Dam Safety Program Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer Trainee – Engineering Studies
10. Civil Engineer Trainee – Lake Michigan Programs
Public Safety

Implement removal of public low head dams in the Chicago River, Des Plaines, Vermilion
(Illinois), Vermilion (Wabash), Fox, Kankakee, Hickory Creek, and Sangamon River
Watersheds to improve public safety;

Continue to conduct flood surveillance activities as flooding and flood damages occur
statewide to update forecast gage stage damage information (identify what is damaged at
what stage);

Continue State Dam Safety Program review, inspections and compliance determinations;

Create a State Levee Safety Program in the IDNR, Office of Water Resources in accordance
with the US Army Corps of Engineers WRRDA Guidance that will be responsible for
14
maintaining a database of all levees in the state of Illinois and coordinating levee safety and
mapping issues with FEMA and the Corps of Engineers. Additional staff and associated
funding is required to initiate this program;

Mapping levees statewide using LiDAR based survey to determine overtopping elevations,
levee breach inundation mapping and economic impacts of such levee failures.
Flood Risk Reduction

Continue to implement additional Flood Hazard Mitigation (acquisition) Projects statewide to
eliminate repetitive loss structures as available funding allows. Illinois also intends to
continue to partner with FEMA and IEMA to help optimize repetitive loss acquisitions
through the HMGP by working with local communities to provide for the required 25% local
match either individually or globally;

Based on Discovery information, the State of Illinois will continue to partner with local Illinois
communities like Kingston, Illinois (Kiswaukee watershed) to study the feasibility of potential
flood hazard risk reduction projects, and if appropriate, complete project planning and
project designs to implement such economically feasible measures.

Continue to develop a statewide assessment of flood hazard risk for every structure located
within a designated floodplain in each community in the state of Illinois based on known
structure types, structure appraised values, and surveyed first floor/low entry information to
create a statewide GIS database of such assessments to prioritize federal, state and local
mitigation assistance, estimate event related flood damages, update community hazard
plans, and evaluate potential structural flood damage reduction projects.
Water Supply Planning

Continue to coordinate the non-Federal withdrawal of water from three federally owned
water supply reservoirs: Lake Shelbyville, Carlyle Lake, and Rend Lake.

Coordinate the development of new regional water supply planning groups throughout the
state and continuing the efforts of the existing regional groups.

Continue to seek local water conservation district payment to the Corps of Engineers for
public water supply in accordance with existing intergovernmental agreements in lieu of the
IDNR/OWR being required to pay the Corps for all required costs.

Provide guidance documentation on various water supply topics such as water conservation
and template drought contingency plans for water users throughout the state.
Lake Michigan

Manage the Lake Michigan Water Allocation program, which includes:
o Collecting annual water use data from over 200 Lake Michigan Water Allocation
permittees.
o Collecting monthly water use data from 21 Lake Michigan Water Allocation Direct
Diverters.
o Tracking permittees compliance with the Department’s water conservation requirements.
o Preparing annual water use reports for the Great Lakes Commission’s Water Use
Database.
15

Continue the review of petitions for new or revisions to existing Lake Michigan water
allocations.

Review all applications-for-permit for construction projects on Lake Michigan and the
Chicago Waterways.

Aid the Illinois Coastal Management Program in the review of Federal Consistency
Determinations.

Assist the Illinois Coastal Management Program in developing a sand management strategy
for Lake Michigan.
Floodplain Management

Continue to regulate Public Water and floodway activities statewide for compliance with the
Rivers, Lakes and Streams Act and Administrative Rules Part 3700, 3702, 3704, and 3708.

Continue to work with communities to demonstrate NFIP compliance, participate in the
National CRS program and minimize flood hazard risks through FEMA’s CAP Program.

Conduct audits of communities in Northeastern Illinois (Section 3708 regulations) that have
been delegated state floodplain management authorities to assure proper implementation of
the delegated floodplain regulations.

Revise the current statewide and regional permits to consolidate similar authorizations and
possibly eliminate others based on new permit application review fees.

Update rainfall frequency analysis (estimated $350,000) replacing the 25-year-old Bulletin
70 analysis. Innovative new techniques for integrating climate change model results into
future rainfall frequency valves will also be included in the update to the rainfall frequency
calculations for the state to allow communities planning for climate resiliency to address the
current and future risk of heavy rains.

Evaluate current Statewide, Regional and General Permits to assure that any policies
created by statewide, general or regional permits are included in the administrative rules.

Amend the Part 3700 Administrative Rules to change the “worst case analysis” for floodwalls
and levees to reflect limiting our regulatory authority to the 500-year frequency flood event
profile.

Developed Technical Guidelines to assist applicants seeking IDNR authorization for
proposed floodway activities under the Part 3700 Administrative Rules and help streamline
the application review process timeline.

Continue to actively participate in the IAFSM Special Unsteady Modeling Subcommittee as
a means to developing better insight and policy related to use of unsteady modeling for
regulatory purposes.
Flood Risk Identification and Mapping
Illinois recognizes that it needs to continue to develop better flood hazard maps for all urban and
urbanizing areas of the State to improve NFIP activities and the State’s regulatory floodplain
management programs. CNMS has helped to identify technical deficiencies in existing
floodplain and floodway mapping. Using this information can direct resources to the areas
where improved technical products can provide the greatest public benefit.
16

Wabash River: Complete new hydraulic modeling of the Wabash River to develop
improved flood profiles and floodplain mapping. Numerous floods have occurred along the
Wabash River over the past ten years. The existing maps are based on a physical model of
the Wabash River, and experience has demonstrated that the Wabash River moves and
changes regularly, making the existing maps of limited value. In coordination with the State
of Indiana, new modeling will serve as a basis for new mapping in the watershed and will be
used for regulatory purposes to evaluate proposed floodway activities. IDNR/OWR is
working with the State of Indiana DNR to develop a set of discharges on the Wabash River
that will be used by both states and have agreed to use the latest analysis developed by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District. The Corps of Engineers performed an
analysis on the stream gages along the Wabash River to determine frequency discharges
as part of a new USGS Bulletin 17B hydrologic study of the watershed using the 1969-2015
gage record. IDNR/OWR is developing a new hydraulic model of the Wabash River from
the mouth up to where it enters Indiana. IDNR/OWR has completed cross section surveying
for the new hydraulic modeling and has provided all Wabash River survey data to the
Louisville Corps of Engineers for development of a model of the Wabash River for their use
in operations. The Corps provided this operations model to IDNR/OWR. IDNR/OWR has
developed the model into a complete model from the mouth up to the Illinois/Indiana border
and is currently working on calibration. Once approved, the modeling information will be
used to update floodplain/floodway mapping for the watershed.

Rock River: FEMA has placed the proposed floodway/floodplain mapping of the Lower
Rock River “on hold” until FEMA Region V determines the best way to continue the mapping
approval process absent state written concurrence with the mapping and associated
computer modeling that is the usual protocol. IDNR/OWR has reviewed, commented, and
vetted the technical aspects of the mapping and study proposal as required and considers
the modified version of the proposed study and computer modelling to be technically sound.
For regulatory program purposes, IDNR/OWR will continue to abide by the errant existing
regulatory floodway mapping (until it is superseded by FEMA with new mapping) for
jurisdictional determinations (is a proposed activity within the floodway, or in the floodplain
fringe) concerning the need for an IDNR/OWR permit for work in the floodway. However,
IDNR/OWR will utilize / require the new modeling be used as “best available information” to
determine floodway activity flooding impacts to others when assessing compliance with the
IDNR Administrative Rules Part 3700 as required by the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act
when an IDNR/OWR permit is required for floodway activities. On tributary streams to the
Lower Rock River, such as Zuma Creek, where no tributary floodway has been delineated,
IDNR/OWR will continue to regulate all activities in the entire tributary floodplain as floodway
in accordance with our Administrative Rules until such time as floodway modeling for the
tributary stream has been defined and approved by IDNR/OWR.

Mississippi River: Support and assist the Corps of Engineers in preparing hydraulic
modeling of the Mississippi River which would become the basis for all future work along the
river. The adoption of this model by multiple Mississippi River states would minimize the
differences in regulatory efforts between states, and would ensure that levee districts,
highway departments, and others have a sound and consistent model for their application.
17

Fox River: Develop accurate floodplain and floodway mapping to assist in the structural risk
assessment and identification of high priority mitigation buyouts along the river for flood
hazard reduction and lock and dam gate operations by IDNR/OWR.

Cache River: Repair the breached levee and map the Upper Cache River and Lower Cache
River to accurately reflect flood risk. The Karnak Levee breached in 2002 leaving the Lower
Cache River unprotected from high water on the Ohio River and the Upper Cache River.
Flooding of the Lower Cache River occurred in 2008 and 2011.

Continue to conduct Discovery in all HUC-8 watersheds in Illinois and work with FEMA to do
the same.

Continue to conduct audits of communities where Conveyance Only Floodways have been
approved in accordance with stringent local floodplain regulation requirements. Where
issues of noncompliance are apparent, conveyance floodways will be rescinded until
communities are able to comply with the floodplain management and storage requirements
necessary for conveyance only floodways;

Continue to develop the ability to create real time inundation mapping in those additional
river reaches in the state capable of producing real time flood inundation mapping based on
National Weather Service gage predictions particularly on the Rock, Wabash, and Fox River
Watersheds;

CNMS Top 10: The State of Illinois through its Department of Natural Resources, Office of
Water Resources will consider the top 10 listings of the CNMS program when developing
floodplain mapping needs to continually improve flood hazard risk identification in Illinois.

Conduct review of CNMS program activities generated by the Illinois State Water Survey;

Update the current Map Revision and new study guide to explain the IDNR/OWR review
process and data requirements for a complete submittal.;

Complete digital mapping updates for all Illinois Counties not previously completed. In
partnership with FEMA and the local communities, the state of Illinois seeks to complete
digital mapping in the following counties: Stark, Warren, McDonough, Shelby, Fayette,
Effingham, Jasper, Clay, LaSalle, Richland, Wayne, Edwards, Hamilton, Johnson, Pope,
and Massac. See Figure 2.

Complete LiDAR acquisition in the Illinois counties lacking LiDAR and digital DFIRMs
including: Bond, Cass, DeKalb, Ford, Greene, Hancock, LaSalle, Macoupin, and
Montgomery to allow for improved digital mapping updates. See Figure 3.

Resolve levee accreditation issues in Illinois where levees remain un-accredited and county
mapping remains in an unapproved status, limiting the use of new mapping data.
Unaccredited levees in Peoria and Tazewell Counties have prevented the adoption of
improved floodplain and floodway maps. Resolution of the accreditation issues will lead
toward improved mapping along the Illinois River in Peoria and Tazewell Counties;

Kingston: This DeKalb County community has sustained flood damages during several
storm events in the past ten years. The IDNR is conducting a flood study of the tributaries
through Kingston to identify the source of the flood problem and to develop a flood mitigation
strategy for the future. Improved floodplain mapping will be produced as one of the products
from this study.
18

Continue efforts to resolve unsteady modeling based floodway determine issues. Use of
unsteady models in Illinois represents the latest in technology when modeling watersheds
and the dynamic response of floodplains. Unsteady models are encouraged by Illinois but
the use of unsteady models to develop floodways has proven to be problematic;
Stormwater Management

Continue to work with FEMA and CTP Core Team Partners to conduct urban flood risk
reduction open houses in deployed communities to provide resources and “how to guides”
to help floodprone homeowners learn what they can do to reduce flood risks to their homes.

Continue to have staff actively participating in leadership roles in the Illinois Association for
Floodplain and Stormwater Management (IAFSM). Currently Loren Wobig serves as Past
Chair of the Association and Brian Eber also serves as a committee chair on the
Associations Board of Directors.
19
Illinois State Water Survey
Structure and Programs
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Illinois State
Geological Survey, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, and the Illinois State Archeology
Survey are collectively referred to as the Illinois State Scientific Surveys. As of July 1, 2008, the
ISWS joined the other state surveys to form the Prairie Research Institute (formerly the Institute
of Natural Resource Sustainability) within the University of Illinois. The institute will serve as a
focal point for applied energy, environmental science, and sustainability programs, taking
advantage of the surveys’ complementary goals and missions of providing the scientific
underpinnings for energy, sustainability, environmental policy, and natural resource
management, ensuring that the natural environment is developed to enhance the well-being of
citizens and communities.
Illinois State Water Survey
The ISWS is the primary agency for research and information on surface water, groundwater,
and the atmosphere. The ISWS is a premier organization with more than 110 years of
experience in all aspects of water resources. Located on the University of Illinois campus, the
ISWS conducts research and monitors and provides information on the availability, use, and
quality of surface water, groundwater, and atmospheric resources, including state and regional
data on weather, climate, air quality, water supplies, and flood hazard identification. ISWS staff
apply state-of-the-art science to solve real-world problems. Most staff are funded by grants and
contracts through the University of Illinois.
The ISWS is home to the State Climatologist Office, the State Hydrologist, and the Midwestern
Regional Climate Center, where precipitation, tornado, hail, and wind data are tracked and
recorded. The Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) is a cooperative program of the
Illinois State Water Survey and the National Climatic Data Center (National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce). The MRCC is a partner in a
national climate service program that includes the National Climatic Data Center, Regional
Climate Centers, and State Climate Offices.
Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program Section
Vision Statement
Through science and collaboration, CHAMP is dedicated to preventing losses from flooding and
other natural hazards.
Mission Statement
CHAMP produces relevant information, creates innovative products, and engages partners in
order to inform, educate, and empower others to take action to prevent losses from natural
hazards.
20
The Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program (CHAMP) Section focuses on
natural hazard identification and mitigation. In concert with the ISWS mission, CHAMP
conducts research and provides information on surface water resources and hazards.
Recognizing that flood hazards are the most predictable natural hazard, the ISWS has long
been engaged in programs and activities to identify flood hazards and provide technical support
to individuals and communities. ISWS staff actively participate in the Illinois Association for
Floodplain and Stormwater Management, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the
Illinois Geographic Information System Association, Illinois State Hazard Mitigation Plan
committee, and Illinois Silver Jackets. The ISWS in general, and CHAMP in particular, has a
long-standing cooperative working relationship with the IDNR/OWR, the state regulatory
authority, and FEMA.
Current Capabilities and Resources
CHAMP comprises engineers and GIS, outreach, and data
Non-federal funding is
management professionals. These staff perform engineering
provided by the ISWS
and mapping tasks to prepare the Digital Flood Insurance Rate
for a minimum of 0.5
Maps (DFIRMs) and technical data for Flood Insurance Studies
FTE to directly support
(FIS). CHAMP staff conduct hydrologic and hydraulic studies to
FEMA projects.
identify flood hazards, help manage stormwater, and assist
communities. CHAMP staff is comprised of nine GIS
Professionals, 10 engineers, and two outreach and data management staff. Seven engineers
are Registered Professional Engineers in Illinois. Twenty program staff are Certified Floodplain
Managers. Three GIS professionals are certified HAZUS-MH trained. Seven GIS staff have
earned their Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification. The CHAMP
organization chart is shown in Figure 1.
21
Coordinated Hazard Assessment and Mapping Program Organization Chart
October 2016
Program Manager – Sally McConkey
GIS Manager – Kingsley Allan
MT-2 Review & Processing
Chris Hanstad - Lead
Brian Chaille
Aaron Thomas
Mapping & Support
Greta Buckley
Sam Chakravorty
Sarah Milton (graphics)
Michelle Fuller (post
processing)
Engineers & GIS as needed
Notes:
Black = primary
assignment
Blue = secondary
assignment
Hydrology and Hydraulic Projects
Senior Hydraulic Engineer
Glenn Heistand
Project Engineers
Amanda Flegel
Aaron Thomas
Staff Engineer
Greg Byard
H&H Engineer
Jennifer Byard
Assistant Engineer
Mary Richardson
GIS Team Lead
Ryan Meekma
GIS Specialist
Clayton Ballerine
Zoe Zaloudek
Greta Buckley
DFIRM & Risk MAP Projects
Project Engineer
Diana Davisson
QC/QR/LOMC
Sam Chakravorty
Sarah Milton
Michelle Fuller (post processing)
GIS Team Lead
Lisa Graff
GIS Specialists
Marni Law (CNMS)
Brad McVay (HAZUS)
Zoe Zaloudek
Clayton Ballerine
Greta Buckley
Sam Chakravorty
Outreach & Discovery
Mary Richardson– Lead
Lisa Graff
Brad McVay
Sally McConkey
Glenn Heistand
LOMCs
Sam Chakravorty- Lead
Special Projects
Atmospheric Science
Nicole Gaynor
Quality Checks & Quality Review
GIS Specialist Sarah Milton; Engineer Diana Davisson
Technical Writer Jeanne Handy
Web Page Kingsley Allan (Lead), Sarah Milton, Zoe Zaloudek
Figure 1. CHAMP Organization Chart
22
CHAMP Projects Related to Flooding and Flood Risk FFY2016
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Watershed Specific Release
Rate Study
ISWS/CHAMP is conducting an analyses of pilot watersheds in Cook County to evaluate
appropriate watershed specific release rates from stormwater detention facilities under the
Watershed Management Ordinance.
Forest Preserves of Cook County – water resources assessment
In conjunction with the Prairie Research Institute’s partnership with the Forest Preserve District
of Cook County (FPCC), ISWS/CHAMP is performing a water resources assessment of
selected landscape units in the District. The Natural and Cultural Resources Master Plan for the
FPCC identifies a number of threats to the FPCC resources. The first step to managing the
hydrology of the preserves is to characterize the watersheds, the network of streams and rivers,
climate, and potential climate change. Considerable information is available for Cook County
including: land use, soils, and topography; observations of streamflow, water quality, and
climate; and hydrologic and hydraulic models for streams and rivers prepared for the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) watershed
management planning. The ISWS is assembling the available data into a geospatial database
to provide an overview of the characteristics of the watersheds draining to the selected
landscape units. ISWS staff met with Forest Preserve staff to collect specific information and
locations where water issues present a threat. These data will be integrated with data collected
by the MWRDGC during their Watershed planning activities in a geospatial format. The various
data sets will be spatially integrated to provide a coherent picture of the watersheds and
landscape units. Information and data gaps will be assessed. This will provide a common
starting point for discussion and coordination with MWRDGC and watershed communities.
The study will inform planning to improve stream quality, advance coordination with other
agencies and communities, and specifically advance the objective of retrofitting forest preserves
for hydrologic management and erosion reduction.
ISWS flood hazard related programs
The ISWS has 120 years of experience serving the citizens of Illinois. Before FEMA’s Map
Modernization Program, the ISWS served as the state repository for the paper maps and
available engineering models. The ISWS is still recognized as a superior source of information
regarding flood data. ISWS/CHAMP has continued this tradition of public outreach and
engagement though website development and participating in and/or hosting multiple meetings
in nearly every Illinois county for Scoping, Open Houses, Discovery, and Flood Risk Revue.
The overwhelming response and attendance at meetings hosted by ISWS are a testament to
the outreach capability of the ISWS.
23
Flood Information Services and Web
Resources
The ISWS maintains the Illinois
Floodplain Maps website, home to Risk
MAP Watershed base outreach and
products, for Illinois (http://www.illinois
floodmaps.org/). The site has four main
pages, as indicated by the bold font in
the following descriptive paragraphs.
IL State Climatologist Office Website:
http://www.isws.illinois.edu/atmos/statecli/index.htm
Under DFIRMs the status of the DFIRM
mapping in Illinois is tracked.
Midwestern Regional Climate Center Website
http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/
Illinois State Water Survey
Website Pages
Illinois State Water Survey –
www.isws.illinois.edu
Illinois Flood Maps Website:
www.illinoisfloodmaps.org
Risk MAP OUTREACH products hosted
on the website include Discovery Maps,
associated databases, outreach materials, and useful websites.
The site is also home to SERVICES, including a web page, Destined for DFIRMS, showing the
locations of in-progress hydrologic and hydraulic flood studies. A link is provided to the ISWS
study conducted under a FEMA Best Practices Award where Unmapped Special Flood Hazard
Areas in Illinois have been identified, mapped, and tabulated for each Illinois County.
LOMR (MT-2) applications (excluding levee accreditation packages) are reviewed by CHAMP
staff through the FEMA LOMR Delegation Program. The website includes information about this
program.
CTP Risk MAP Activities
ISWS staff perform ALL activities awarded under CTP grants. ISWS works collaboratively with
the IDNR/OWR and with other agencies such as the USACE to perform project work. Below is
a list of the tasks performed by ISWS and IDNR/OWR. Table 2 lists current FEMA projects.
 Planning (IDNR/OWR & ISWS)
 Discovery
 Deployment & Mitigation Action
 Hydrology & hydraulics (IDNR/OWR & ISWS)
 Floodplain mapping & Flood Insurance Study writing
 DFIRM database development
 Community Flood Risk Review Meetings
 Non- Regulatory Products (Changes Since Last FIRM; Depth & Analysis Grids; HAZUS)
 Preliminary Map Products
 Public Open House & Community Officials Meeting
 Manage Comments and Appeals
 Adoption IDNR/OWR
 Effective DFIRMs – Revalidation Letters
 LOMR delegation (MT-2 application review)
24
IDNR/OWR and ISWS Local, State, and National Associations
Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management (IAFSM)
ISWS and IDNR/OWR staff hold officer and board positions. The IAFSM annual conference,
which attracts approximately 500 attendees each year, provides an effective venue for
floodplain and stormwater training, continuing education, FEMA messaging, and professional
collaboration statewide.
Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)
The 2016 Annual National Conference was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan in June 2016.
IAFSM was a co-sponsor of the Conference and staff from ISWS and IDNR/OWR were active in
conference planning. Amanda Flegel (ISWS) acted as conference planning co-chair, Glenn
Heistand (ISWS), Loren Wobig (IDNR-OWR, and Brian Eber (IDNR-OWR) participated on the
planning committee. Brian Eber (IDNR-OWR) is the Stormwater Committee Co-Chair and
Amanda Flegel (ISWS) is also a part of the board.
Illinois Geographic Information Systems Association
ISWS staff held the position of President in 2016 and continue to serve on the Board of
Directors. ILGISA hosts Regional Training events throughout Illinois and hosts one large annual
conference each year. Ryan Meekma (ISWS) acted as President, Clayton Ballerine (ISWS)
participated on Outreach Committee, Lisa Graff (ISWS), Brad McVay (ISWS), and Zoe
Zaloudek (ISWS) have presented content this year. ILGISA provides essential training in a field
where the technology is rapidly evolving. ISWS booths at the conference provide education
about flooding and how GIS is used to identify and communicate the hazard and determine the
risk.
Illinois Valley Regional Resilience Alliance
ISWS and IDNR/OWR staff attend quarterly meetings and present on topics as requested.
Rapid Assistance Flood Team (RAFT), Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater
Management (IAFSM): Watseka, Illinois
Following flooding in 2013, and 2015, the IAFSM RAFT team was assembled to assist the local
floodplain managers in Watseka and Mason County with damage assessments. Staff from
ISWS, IDNR, and several local communities participated in the effort which resulted in well over
200 damage assessments. Many of those damaged structures have since been elevated or
demolished thereby minimizing future flood damages.
Illinois Silver Jackets
IDNR/OWR hosts the teleconference and in person meetings of the Illinois Silver Jackets.
ISWS and IDNR/OWR staff attend quarterly meetings and present on topics as requested.
25
Table 2. Summary of Current CTP Projects
MAS Number
ISWS12-09
MIP Case#
Project Name
13-05-4873S
DFIRM and Risk MAP Conversion (Will
County)
Forked Creek Study (Will and Kankakee
Counties) PMR
Project Status
Comments
In Progress
The Will Countywide DFIRM project has been funded in multiple
years. Tasks funded under this MAS are nearly complete.
ISWS cannot
obtain QR3
pass until
levee issues
are resolved
Undated QR/3 review comments received 5/28/2015, edits
complete and responses sent, and approved.
The period of performance for the grant has been extended to
9/30/2018, however continued delays due to unresolved levee
issues have now created a situation where the project cannot be
completed by 9/30/2018. The levee issues are being managed by
FEMA Regional staff and contractors. The impact on the time line
to this project has been noted and recorded in monthly conference
call notes with the FEMA Region.
14-05-4890S
(RMP)
14-05-4891S
(RMP)
Peoria Countywide DFIRM and FIS
Preliminary Maps and Post Processing
ISWS 13-07
14-05-4894S
14-05-5004S
Tazewell Countywide DFIRM and FIS
Preliminary Maps and Post Processing
In progress
ISWS 13-09
14-05-4896S
(closed in
MIP)
14-05-4897S
Will Countywide DFIRM and FIS Post
Processing
In progress.
14-05-4898S
Upper Sangamon HUC, Macon County
PMR (Spring and Stevens Creeks)
In progress
KDP 5 passed 9/27/2016
QR5-7 submitted 10/7/2016
(selected LFD date is Dec 7 2016)
Forked Creek, Kankakee County PMR
In progress,
aligned with
Will County
Forked Creek PMR affects multiple panels in Will County, with a
limited extent in Kankakee Co. Kankakee work progress is tied to
Will County work.
ISWS 13-05
ISWS 13-10
ISWS 13-11
14-05-4560S
Waiting for
FEMA
resolution of
levee issues
Revalidation work to start Jan 2017
(will be effective 2/17/2017)
The Will Countywide DFIRM project has been funded in multiple
years. The project has been delayed while an appeal from the City
of Joliet was resolved. All appeals of the Preliminary Maps from
2009 have been resolved. An extension to the period of
performance has been granted. Funds (from the Pulaski
Countywide DFIRM - ISWS13-06) have been assigned to this project
and submission to QR2/3 is expected in October.
26
MAS Number
ISWS 13-12
ISWS 13-13
MIP Case#
Project Name
Project Status
Comments
In progress
ISWS tasked to provide support to FEMA Contractor for Action
Discovery Pilot Projects in Illinois. Projects are complete, support
tasks complete. General project management continues.
14-05-4556S
14-05-4558S
Program Management, Pilot Projects,
Action Mitigation Support
14-05-4713S
In progress,
LAMP report
Lower Rock River Basin (HUC07090005) completed by
Risk MAP (LAMP Pilot Project)
ISWS and
submitted to
FEMA
Report is complete, waiting for FEMA signature on cover letter to
distribute to Levee District trustees who worked on this with the
ISWS, FEMA and STARR.
Outreach has been conducted with key stakeholders in Whiteside
county to identify potential Mitigation Actions that ISWS could
support. Project work draft presented to community. Report is
being finalized.
ISWS 14-02
15-05-4302S
CERC SOW support and enhance CERC
activities Whiteside County (Lower
Rock River HUC8 watershed), Will
County (Des Plaines River and Chicago
River HUC8 watersheds).
IDNR-ISWS 01
15-05-4383S
15-05-4427S
CERC Rockford IL (structure elevation &
risk assessment)
In progress
ISWS 15-02
16-05-2856S
CERC Action Support Urban Flooding
In progress
ISWS15-03
16-05-2969S
/
16-05-2988S
(AOMI) /
16-05-2995S
(FOA)
Little Wabash Discovery
In progress
In progress
The City of Joliet has been identified for the CERC work in Will Co.
Joliet has formally requested that ISWS provide a structure based
risk assessment for the area of downtown Joliet which has newly
identified SFHA that will be incorporated in the Countywide DFIRM
to be released in 2017.
Structure surveys and HAZUS runs complete and report is in
progress. A meeting with City of Rockford staff is scheduled for Nov
16, 2016.
Work to develop the Topographic Wetness index is in progress. The
TWI raster has been created for DuPage and Will Counties. Report
in internal review.
First Order Approximation (FOA) work complete and Discovery
meeting held August 18, 2016. Report in progress.
27
MAS Number
ISWS15-04
ISWS15-05
MIP Case#
16-05-3000S
13-05-2653S
Project Name
Upper Rock River HUC8,Turtle Creek
Comments
In progress
Hydrologic and hydraulic models for Turtle Creek prepared by WI
DNR have been received and reviewed. Hydrology and hydraulics
completed and approved by IDNR/OWR. A Flood Risk Review
meeting will be scheduled with the community.
In progress
Work to convert Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of
Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) models for Spring Creek and Poplar
Creek to steady state hydraulic routing is underway including
seeking as-built drawings for structures completed since MWRDGC
models were prepared. Upper Fox Chair of Lakes hydrology study
underway and hydrologic models are being developed.
Not started
These tasks will not be available to ISWS to pursue until Revised
Preliminary Maps have been prepared. The Will Countywide DFIRM
project is funded in multiple years. The Will Countywide DFIRM
database will be submitted for QR2/3 in October 2016.
In progress
IDNR/OWR field survey of channel cross-sections is complete
hydraulic model preparation in progress.
In progress
Survey maps for Poplar Creek study area sent to OWR 12/18/2015,
final maps sent 1/6/2016. OWR surveyors collecting first floor and
low-entry points of buildings IDNR/OWR is 85% complete with
survey data collection, does not include processing of data).
Poplar Creek Risk Assessment part of project initiated by identifying
local communities and watershed groups.
Upper Fox HUC8, Hydrology and
Hydraulics
ISWS 15-06
13-05-4873S
Will County Illinois Post Preliminary
Process for Revised Countywide DFIRM
IDNR-ISWS1501
13-05-2653S
Upper Fox HUC8, Nippersink Creek
Hydrology and Hydraulics
IDNR-ISWS 1503
Project Status
16-05-2865S
/
CERC, Upper Fox HUC8, Poplar Creek
16-05-2873S Risk Assessment
(Depth Grids)
ISWS 16-01
TBD
Project Management
In progress
ISWS16-02
TBD
DuPage Countywide DFIRM Revised
Preliminary Products and Post
Preliminary Processing
In progress
ISWS16-03
TBD
ISWS 16-04
ISWS 16-05
TBD
TBD
Cook County PMR Mill and Tinley Creek
Watersheds
Ford County Data Development
Warren County Data Development
Not started
Not started
Not started
28
Illinois Flood Risk Identification Status
Countywide Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps
There are 102 counties in Illinois. There are 18 Counties in Illinois where the effective Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are still in a paper, community-based format, which have not
been updated in 20 or more years and have not been scheduled for updates. Figure 2 shows
the status of Digital, Countywide Flood Insurance Rate Maps in Illinois, note data development
for Ford and Warren County was funded in FFY2016 and is not yet reflected in the status map.
Figure 3 shows the status of LiDAR acquisition in Illinois.
Figure 2. DFIRM status in Illinois as of August 2016
29
\
Figure 3. LiDAR status in Illinois as of October 2016
30
Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (MAP) Deployment
Discovery has been conducted in eleven HUC8 watersheds. There are four counties which did
not have effective FIRMs at the initiation of the Risk MAP program and are considered
“conversion counties” as certain Risk MAP activities were performed. Figure 4 shows the HUC8
watershed and counties where Risk MAP products have been funded through FFY2015.
Figure 4. Region 5 RiskMAP Status Map as of September 2016
31
Summary of Coordinated Study Needs System Data
Summaries of stream miles classified under the New Verified Unknown Engineering Standards
(NVUE) were accessed from the CNMS database maintained by the ISWS which is current as
of October 2016. The vast majority of streams in Illinois have only an approximate floodplain
represented in the FIRM (Zone A). With respect to the validity of the engineering analyses,
12.4% of the mapped stream miles in Illinois are NVUE compliant. This does not include the
stream miles in Illinois which have been identified as “unmapped” and yet a Special Flood
Hazard zone should be shown. See Identification of Unmapped Special Flood Hazard Areas in
Illinois, http://illinoisfloodmaps.org/sfharisk.aspx (accessed Dec 13, 2014).
Table 3. CMNS Summary by HUC 8
Being
Studied
0
Deferred
0
NVUE
Compliant
0.0
To Be
Assessed
6.6
To Be
Studied
0.0
14.8
0
8.9
13.7
0.0
0
0
0.0
7.5
36.0
0
0
99.4
59.8
220.9
Middle Wabash-Busseron
0
0
38.6
246.9
64.7
05120112
Embarras
0
0
68.5
659
124.5
05120113
Lower Wabash
0
0
0.0
181.4
160.8
05120114
Little Wabash
0
0
2.5
298.5
665.7
05120115
Skillet
0
0
0.0
123.9
234.3
05140202
Highland-Pigeon
0
0
9.3
0.0
0.0
05140203
Lower Ohio-Bay
0
0
63.0
104.1
253.3
05140204
Saline
0
0
84.3
442.2
26.4
05140206
Lower Ohio
7.4
0
24.4
181.8
61.9
07060005
Apple-Plum
0
0
70.5
100.3
284.8
07080101
Copperas-Duck
19
0
87.7
61.8
22.1
07080104
Flint-Henderson
0
0
5.3
446.2
184.7
07090002
Middle Rock
1
0
3.6
0.0
0.0
07090003
Pecatonica
0
0
109.3
252.9
7.0
07090004
Sugar
0
0
23.1
13.3
7.8
07090005
Lower Rock
83.2
0
260.4
475.6
51.0
07090006
Kishwaukee
0.8
0
118.2
466.5
126.8
07090007
Green
0
0
13.0
227.2
126.3
07110001
Bear-Wyaconda
0
0
9.3
67.1
149.2
07110004
The Sny
47.8
0
335.9
96.6
49.8
07110009
Peruque-Piasa
55.9
0
46.2
26.2
39.2
07120001
Kankakee
115.5
0
12.4
111.6
275.7
07120002
07120003
Iroquois
Chicago
0
0
24.0
2.5
304.8
14.7
0
155.3
72.7
162.6
HUC8
04040001
Name
Little Calumet-Galien
04040002
05120109
Pike-Root
Middle Wabash-Little
Vermilion
Vermilion
05120111
05120108
32
Being
Studied
239.7
Deferred
0
NVUE
Compliant
198.5
To Be
Assessed
165.0
To Be
Studied
775.9
0
0
64.3
238.4
108.1
251.8
0
102.1
0.0
177.0
3.1
0
144.1
175.8
271.8
47.2
0
44.2
231.2
447.2
0
0
48.4
41.4
409.2
305.2
0
52.1
22.4
235.6
0
0
8.8
116.8
363.1
Spoon
45.5
0
13.4
233.8
465.6
07130006
Upper Sangamon
37.7
0
38.3
295.9
189.3
07130007
South Fork Sangamon
0
0
14.2
25.4
430.8
07130008
Lower Sangamon
29
0
1.8
134.6
170.3
07130009
Salt
0.0
0
15.3
372.9
300
07130010
La Moine
07130011
Lower Illinois
07130012
Macoupin
07140101
HUC8
07120004
Name
Des Plaines
07120005
Upper Illinois
07120006
Upper Fox
07120007
07130004
Lower Fox
Lower Illinois-Senachwine
Lake
Vermilion
Lower Illinois-Lake
Chautauqua
Mackinaw
07130005
07130001
07130002
07130003
0
0
0
113.6
486.3
48.1
0
93.9
434.4
238.1
0
0
0
225
0.0
177.3
0
315.3
24.8
90.1
0
0
116.5
75.9
162.2
07140106
Cahokia-Joachim
Upper Mississippi-Cape
Girardeau
Big Muddy
7.3
0
57.3
318.1
806.7
07140108
Cache
101.4
0
3.3
170.3
0.0
07140201
Upper Kaskaskia
0
0
61.4
270.6
230.5
07140202
Middle Kaskaskia
0
0
28
58.9
747.1
07140203
Shoal
0
0
13.1
300.6
128.8
07140204
Lower Kaskaskia
464.8
0
70.7
11.6
553.7
2118.2
0.0
3178.1
8.3%
0.00%
12.4%
07140105
Totals
% of Total
Miles
Total
Miles:
8803.3
34.5%
11427.7
44.8%
25,527
33
State of Illinois FEMA Partnership Funding Requests
Programmatic and Staffing
IDNR/OWR Mapping Coordinator
IDNR/OWR Division of Resource Management Mapping Coordinator is needed to oversee
Mapping issues and work with FEMA and other state and local entities to assure continued
improvements to flood hazard risk identification mapping in Illinois. IDNR/OWR General
Revenue Personnel Services funds are not currently sufficient to fill this position.
IDNR/OWR Floodplain/Floodway Studies and Revisions Review Staff
IDNR/OWR takes seriously its role to review floodplain/floodway studies and revisions for
compliance with state rules and policies in a timely manner and has developed and now
maintains a database on the IDNR/OWR website of floodplain map revision and study review
requests and review status for public information. Additional funding sources to support
additional full time staff in this program will improve the timeliness of necessary floodplain study
and mapping reviews.
ISWS-FEMA Partnership Programmatic Funding Requests
Program management funds are requested to maintain the illinoisfloodmaps.org website and for
general program management.
Mapping Study Repository
A single site repository is necessary to “house” all existing, updated and new floodplain
hydrologic, hydraulic and floodway models in the State of Illinois. Such models that are the
basis for flood insurance studies, regulatory mapping, and regulatory analysis purposes must be
free and readily available to the public for use. The FEMA Map Library is the most logical
repository for this information in Illinois. The State of Illinois has initiated discussion with FEMA
about this repository and the need to determine which models are already in the FEMA Library,
which models are missing and where the missing models are located (ISWS, IDNR, consultants,
etc.).
Henry, Rock Island and Whites Counties PMR – Rock River.
Floodplain mapping is the most important tool to reduce flood risk. It is critical to clearly and
accurately identified flood hazard areas. The study of the Rock River performed by the USACE
and ISWS in Henry, Whiteside, and Rock Island Counties shows the increased flood hazard.
IDNR/OWR considers updating the FIRMs for these counties a high priority and requests FEMA
to complete the regulatory mapping process.
Completion of Statewide Digital Mapping
As illustrated on the exhibit entitled DFIRM Status, 18 counties, primarily in the south-central
portion of the state remain without improved flood hazard mapping in a digital format including:
Stark, McDonough, Shelby, Fayette, Effingham, Jasper, Clay, Richland, Wayne, Edwards,
Hamilton, Johnson, Pope, Massac, Macoupin, Montgomery, Bond and Washington.
34
Discovery and Outreach
Discovery
A multi- year plan for initiating Discovery has been developed based on FEMA projections for
initiation of Discovery projects. It is shown in Table 4. The selection of HUC8 watersheds for
Discovery supports two goals for the State of Illinois: Identification of technical and mitigation
needs is accomplished through Discovery and information gathering for IDNR/OWR watershed
planning and flood risk management and mitigation objectives. Information gathered can be
used to determine if further state action is warranted.
Table 4. Discovery 7 Year Plan
HUC Number
7090006
7120001
4040002
HUC Name
Kishwaukee
Kankakee
Pike-Root
Federal
Fiscal Year
Federal
Fiscal Year
Project Planning
and Budgeting
(KDP0)
2017
Discovery (KDP1)
2017
2017
2017
2017
2017
7130001
Lower Illinois-Senachwine
Lake
2018
2018
7120005
Upper Illinois
2018
2018
7120002
Iroquois
2019
2019
7130008
Lower Sangamon
2019
2019
5120112
Embarras
2020
2020
7130010
La Moine
2021
2021
7130012
Macoupin
2021
2021
5120115
Skillet
2022
2022
7130005
Spoon
2022
2022
7130007
South Fork Sangamon
Not Scheduled
5120109
Vermilion (Wabash)
Not Scheduled
7060005
Apple-Plum
Not Scheduled
7140106
Big Muddy
Not Scheduled
7080101
Copperas-Duck
Not Scheduled
7130002
Vermilion (Illinois)
Not Scheduled
7090003
Pecatonica
7110001
Bear-Wyaconda
Not Scheduled
7140101
Cahokia-Joachim
Not Scheduled
7080104
Flint-Henderson
Not Scheduled
7090007
Green
Not Scheduled
4040001
Little Calumet-Galien
Not Scheduled
7130011
Lower Illinois
Not Scheduled
TBD
35
HUC Number
7130003
HUC Name
Lower Illinois-Chautauqua
Federal
Fiscal Year
Federal
Fiscal Year
Project Planning
and Budgeting
(KDP0)
Not Scheduled
Discovery (KDP1)
7140204
Lower Kaskaskia
Not Scheduled
5140206
Lower Ohio
Not Scheduled
5140203
Lower Ohio-Bay
Not Scheduled
7130004
Mackinaw
Not Scheduled
7140202
Middle Kaskaskia
Not Scheduled
7090002
Middle Rock
Not Scheduled
5120108
Middle Wabash-Little Vermilion
Not Scheduled
7110009
Peruque-Piasa
Not Scheduled
7130009
Salt
Not Scheduled
7140203
Shoal
Not Scheduled
7090004
Sugar
Not Scheduled
7110004
The Sny
Not Scheduled
7140201
Not Scheduled
7140108
Upper Kaskaskia
Upper Mississippi-Cape
Girardeau
Cache
7120003
7140105
Not Scheduled
Complete
Complete
Chicago
Complete
Complete
7120004
Des Plaines
Complete
Complete
7120007
Lower Fox
Complete
Complete
5120113
Lower Wabash
Complete
Complete
5120111
Middle Wabash-Busseron
Complete
Complete
7090005
Rock
Complete
Complete
5140204
Saline
Complete
Complete
7120006
Upper Fox
Complete
Complete
7130006
Upper Sangamon
Complete
Complete
5120114
Little Wabash
Complete
Complete
36
Priority Streams for Hydrologic and Hydraulic Studies FFY2017
Des Plaines River, between Lockport and Brandon Road L&D
The USACE Flow Frequency study UNET Model is the effective model for the Des Plaines River
from the confluence with the Illinois River to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam including the
floodway determined from an unsteady HEC-RAS model based on the UNET model The
UNET model extends further upstream to the Lockport Lock and Dam, but a floodway study has
not been performed thus the USACE UNET model results have not been adopted as the
effective study for this reach. A floodway needs to be determined, following the past protocol for
the reach between Brandon Road and Lockport Lock and Dams. This is essential for the City of
Joliet to be able to use the USACE Flow Frequency study results in mitigation planning and
project permitting.
Wabash River (Lower Wabash and Middle Wabash – Busseron HUC8)
The IDNR/OWR has made the Wabash River a priority for study. Survey work has been
completed and draft hydraulic modeling is expected to be completed in calendar year 2016. To
expedite the remapping of the Wabash River, additional funding is required to allow Illinois State
Water Survey to complete hydrologic modeling portion of the Wabash River in the deployed
watershed. The new modeling will not only serve as a basis for new mapping in the watershed,
but will also be used for regulatory purposes to evaluate proposed floodway activities. Funding
is requested for remapping in FY-18.
Little Wabash HUC8
A nigh priority for Illinois is to begin hydrologic and hydraulic studies in the Little Wabash
watershed. There are several counties in the watershed that do not have digital (modernized)
FIRMs and the flood hazard data is decades out of date. Given that entire counties need
updated FIRMs it is preferred that data development be funded for entire counties as needed,
even if outside the Little Wabash watershed. Funding to develop flood hazard data for
Effingham and Clay Counties is a top priority for FFY2017 project funding as well as data
development throughout the watershed. Below is a table providing the number of stream miles
within the environs of all communities in the Little Wabash watershed. The number of stream
miles within communities in Effingham and Clay Counties are also provided. Streams in the
environs of communities should have detailed hydrologic and hydraulic studies performed to
best identify flood hazards in populated areas.
Also provided in the table are the number of stream miles in the entire watershed, and within
Effingham and Clay Counties for which base modeling adequate to support Zone A SFHA
mapping is appropriate. Lastly, for countywide DFRIM preparation there are some streams
outside the Little Wabash watershed for which model based Zone A analyses would be needed
for the DFIRM. The stream miles in Effingham and Clay counties are listed.
37
Table 5. Study Needs in the environs of the Little Wabash HUC8
Zone A Stream Miles Within 1 mile of Communities with SFHA
Total Stream Miles
133
Effingham County
47
Clay County
21
Total FOA Zone A Miles for Little Wabash
Total Stream Miles
1064
Effingham County
209
Clay County
261
Zone A Stream Miles outside of Little Wabash
Effingham County
28
Clay County
9
Sangamon River (Upper Sangamon HUC8)
The main stem of the Upper Sangamon River has been the subject of several FEMA initiated
studies. Hydrology has been completed. An assessment of effective hydraulic models and
available model data have been assembled in a draft working HEC-RAS model. The level of
study recommended and the priority have been established. The summary is provided in Table
6 below. The Sangamon River main stem in the Upper Sangamon HUC is an Illinois priority for
hydraulic study in 2015.
There are numerous hydrologic and hydraulic study needs throughout the state. Hydrologic and
hydraulic analyses should be initiated for study needs identified through the Discovery process
to the extent that funding allows.
Priorities for Flood Insurance Rate Maps Countywide and PMRs
Lake County PMR
Four watersheds in Lake County have new engineering studies prepared, Glenn Flora, Bull Creek,
Dead Dog, and Mill Creek. A Flood Risk Review Meeting was held July 22, 2015, for Glenn Flora,
Bull Creek, Dead Dog watersheds. Comments received show that some updates are needed
before proceeding. A 316 PMR letter was issued in 2016 for a study of the Mill Creek watershed.
Funding is needed in FFY2017 to prepare the PMR for Mill Creek; considerable savings and
efficiently would be gained to complete the updates of the other studies and concurrently issue
Preliminary Maps and FIS for all four watershed study updates for Lake County.
38
Action Mitigation
Flood Hazard Risk Assessment
Funding to complete Flood Hazard Risk Assessments in the remaining HUC8 watersheds
starting with the Rock River and Fox River to prioritize mitigation actions in those watersheds.
Structure specific risk assessments are the highest priority for the state for Action
Mitigation. . Through the Discovery process a number of projects have been identified to
reduce flood risk. Table 7 provides a list of mitigation action projects identified through
Discovery.
Details of each possible project are provided in Appendix A for the Des Plaines, Upper Fox,
Lower Fox, and Upper Sangamon HUC8 watersheds. Areas of interest in the Little Wabash
HUC 8 may be viewed via the http://illinoisfloodmaps.org/littlewabashdiscovery.aspx using UN:
watershed; PW: Illinois.
Funding of some of these projects in FFY2017 will provided crucial follow up to the process and
demonstrate FEMA’s commitment to these communities who have actively participated in the
process. Demonstrating to these communities that participation leads to better risk
identification and management will inspire other communities to actively engage in the
Risk MAP process as Discovery is initiated in other watersheds.
39
Figure 5. Availability of LiDAR in Counties Lacking DFIRMs, October 2016
40
Figure 6. HUC8 Watershed Federal Fiscal Year
41
Figure 7. Upper Sangamon Reaches
42
Table 6. Sangamon River Study Needs
43
Table 7. Summations of Mitigation Projects Identified Through Discovery and Action Discovery*
Watershed
County
Community
Flood Risk Area
Various locations in the
community experience
flooding and hazard is not
reflected in FIRMs
Flooding issues in several neighborhoods and new stormwater studies are
underway. Current flood studies do not reflect the observed flood hazard.
Comments from Flood Risk Review Meeting July 22, 2015...
West Street
Complete storm drainage project by installing 2,535 feet of pipe.
Combine sewer separation project.
Pike Root
Lake
Beach Park
Middle
Wabash
(Busseron)
Edgar
Metcalf
Mitigation Project
Middle
Wabash
(Busseron)
Clark
City of Marshall
Urban and basement
flooding Archer Avenue to
Vine Street and Illinois 1 to
14th Street.
Middle
Wabash
(Busseron)
Crawford
City of Robinson
Two areas of flooding
within the community.
Investigate sources of flooding and mitigate pinch points.
Middle
Wabash
(Busseron)
Crawford
Village of
Palestoine
Levee seepage along
Wabash River
Levee repair project.
Middle
Wabash
(Busseron)
Clark
Unincorporated
Darwin
Overtopped road north of
Lawrence gravel pit.
Critical facilities and emergency vehicles are no longer accessible to the
residents of Darwin when road overtopped. This area of the road needs to be
elevated.
Edwards
and White
City of Grayville
Bompas Creek flooding
Drainage of Bompas Creek to the Wabash River is impeded due to meander
change in the Wabash River limiting outlet capacity.
Lower
Wabash
44
Watershed
County
Community
Flood Risk Area
Lower
Wabash
Edwards
City of Albion
Water treatment plan
Relocate water treatment plant to area above the 0.2% annual chance flood.
Urban flooding, storm sewer back up and basement flooding. .
Road elevation, culvert replacement and stream bank stabilization.
Lower
Wabash
Edwards
City of Albion
North 4th Street and North
5th Street residential
neighborhoods.
Lower
Wabash
Lawrence
Village of St.
Francisville
Raccoon Creek, Route 1
overtopping
Lower
Wabash
Richland
Village of
Calhoun
Lower
Wabash
Wabash
Patton
Lower
Wabash
Wabash
Village of
Keendburg
Lower
Wabash
Wabash
City of Mount
Carmel
Bonpas Creek East at
Otterbein Lane and County
Road 420N SE.
Mitigation Project
East Otterbein Lane, SE of the Village of Calhoun, is flooded several times per
year when Bonpas Creek overtops, with flooding lasting for more than a day. A
structure and infrastructure project for flood control and flood management is
needed to improve the drainage of Bonpas Creek at Route E. Otterbein Lane.
Crawfish Creek and
Tributaries, E 1100 Rd
northwest of Patton, N
1900Blvd to N 2200 Blvd
and Hwy 1at E 1200 Rd
Frequent road overtopping.
IL Rte 1 NE of Keendburg
below confluence of Sugar
Creek
Coffee Creek frequently overtops the road, culvert replacement indicated.
Route 1 east of city.
The Wabash River north of Mt. Carmel frequently overtops, flooding Il Rte 1. A
structure and infrastructure project with culvert expansion/modification for flood
control and flood management is needed.
45
Watershed
Lower
Wabash
Lower Fox
Lower Fox
Lower Fox
Lower Fox
County
Community
Wabash
City of Mount
Carmel
LaSalle
LaSalle /
Kane
Kane
Kane
Ottawa
Flood Risk Area
Greathouse Creek at IL
Rte. 1
Dayton Hydro Dam / OSF
St. Elizabeth Medical
Center south
(downstream) of the dam
Mitigation Project
Greathouse Creek frequently overtops Il Rte 1, west of Empire Street, north of
Mt. Carmel. A structure and infrastructure project with culvert
expansion/modification for flood control and flood management is needed.
Catastrophic Inundation Study for Dayton Hydro Dam for mapping and
evacuation purposes in case of damage to the infrastructure of the dam or dam
failure.
Fox River Ice Jams
A comprehensive report on historical ice jam flooding could assist floodplain
managers, communities, and FEMA in mitigating risks due to ice jams. Specific
reaches identified were the Lower Fox River from the confluence with the Illinois
River to Sheridan, IL, (includes LaSalle County, Ottawa, Dayton, Wedron, and
Sheridan) and the Fox River throughout Kane County (including Montgomery,
Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, South Elgin, Elgin and
Dundee).
Aurora
The South Park
Subdivision, located in the
floodplain area adjacent to
Mastodon Lake
The South Park Subdivision, a residential area north of Montgomery Road and
West of Hill Avenue in Aurora, experiences first floor and basement flooding. The
proposed mitigation action would be to construct a storm sewer to provide
positive drainage from the depressional area. The project is expected to protect
thirty-eight low-to-moderate income homes and four roads from flood damage.
Preliminary engineering has been completed, and the project is expected to cost
$1,100,000 and could be completed in 12-18 months. The cost could be covered
by a combination of local contribution, Aurora Township, Kane County, and
FEMA.
Aurora
Single family homes
constructed in the 1970s
along Johnston and
Lindenwood Drives south
of Jericho Road near a
CNMS unverified Zone A
floodplain from Fox River
Tributary
The current tributary alignment is clearly outside of the mapped Zone A
floodplain, as are a number of the homes experiencing first floor and basement
flooding. A flood study of the area and concept level engineering has been
completed for a project to re-sculpt the topography on an adjacent 5-acre farm
parcel to the east of Lindenwood Drive and create detention storage for
floodwaters that previously impacted the neighborhood. The project is expected
to alleviate flooding for nine or more homes and two roads. The project is
expected to cost $300,000 and take between 12 and 18 months. The cost could
be covered by a combination of local contribution, Aurora Township, Kane
County, and FEMA.
Aurora, Ottawa,
Sheridan,
LaSalle County,
Kane County
46
Watershed
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
County
Macon
Macon
Macon
Macon
Macon
Community
Flood Risk Area
Decatur
The Meadowlark
Subdivision is bounded on
the north by Spring Creek
Tributary and on the
Northwest by IL-48
Decatur
The Meadowlark
Subdivision is bounded on
the north by Spring Creek
Tributary and on the
Northwest by IL-48
Decatur
West McKinley Avenue, a
local collector street that
services Decatur Memorial
Hospital, begins where
Spring Creek intersects
with IL-48
Decatur
Grays Lane, north of IL121 N and south of CR-22.
It is situated east of
Stevens Creek
Decatur
Northeast Drainage
Ditch/originates from a
large detention basin at
the intersection of
Pershing Road and N
22nd Street in the City of
Decatur
Mitigation Project
Comments received during Action Discovery indicate several properties and
roadways within the Meadowlark Subdivision are subject to regular flooding.
Spring Creek Tributary East flows through the subdivision from the Southeast to
the Northwest. A stormwater study in this area would determine what type of
management may improve flooding conditions within the subdivision, both for
present conditions and for future conditions. Areas of undeveloped land drain to
Spring Creek Tributary and Spring Creek Tributary East, so without a
management plan for current flooding issues, this area is liable to worsen with
future development.
The Meadowlark Drive bridge between Hummingbird Drive and Whippoorwill
Drive in Meadowlark Subdivision, Decatur conveys the Spring Creek Tributary
East northwest through the Meadowlark Subdivision to its confluence with Spring
Creek. The bridge is undersize and causes upstream flooding within the
subdivision. A study to determine the correct size of the bridge, for both current
and future watershed conditions, would lead to mitigation of upstream flooding in
the subdivision and identify areas in the watershed that are exacerbating
flooding, so mitigation plans can be developed to address them.
On the north side of McKinley Avenue, a ditch parallels the road and drains into
Spring Creek, a detailed study with floodway. During storm events flooding
occurs in the ditch and overtops McKinley Avenue, creating a driving hazard and
potentially eliminating an ingress/egress route for a critical facility. Hydrologic
and hydraulic analysis must be performed to determine the full nature of the
flooding condition. Upon identifying the underlying conditions of the flooding,
actions to mitigate might include altering the ditch to accommodate the amount of
drainage reaching the ditch, improving or diverting local drainage paths, or
adjusting outlet configurations on the adjacent stormwater detention basin.
Erosion from Stevens Creek along Grays Lane is threatening residential
structures and causing damage to property. Stevens Creek is a detailed study
with floodway and classified as unverified within CNMS. The erosion problem
could be mitigated by stream stabilization of Stevens Creek along the meander
near Grays Lane, or by the constructing a stable swale to direct runoff from
Grays Lane towards Stevens Creek.
Northeast Drainage Ditch runs due north to confluence with Spring Creek near E
Mound Road. Comment 25C, received during Action Discovery, indicates that
Northeast Drainage Ditch has inadequate capacity for the amount of drainage
reaching this waterway. Several properties flood along the ditch. A study within
this area would determine what type of stormwater management may improve
flooding conditions along the ditch, both for present conditions and future
conditions. Potential land for future development lies within the drainage area for
Northeast Drainage Ditch, so a management plan to address present and future
flooding issues in this area is apropos.
47
Watershed
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
Upper
Sangamon
County
Macon
Macon
Macon
Macon
Macon
Community
Flood Risk Area
Mitigation Project
Decatur
Spring Creek, immediately
down-stream of the Spring
Creek Tributary
confluence, on Mound
Road and E. Finch Drive
Several properties along Mound Road flood on a regular basis. These properties
are within the 1% annual chance floodplain, but may flood during more frequent
flood events as well. A study could be completed to determine areas of
additional storage either in this area or upstream of this area to protect the
properties or buyouts. ISWS is already engaged in a hydrologic and hydraulic
study of existing conditions along this reach of Spring Creek as part of MAS
ISWS11-18.
Macon County
Repetitive Loss Properties
on Pin Oak Lane,–Macon
County
Properties on Pin Oak Lane have suffered repetitive loss due to flooding events.
The best mitigation for this flooding problem is to buy-out the properties and
demolish the structures to avoid future repetitive loss. The Unnamed Tributary to
Lake Decatur is a Flood Zone A study with an unknown CNMS classification.
Macon County
Repetitive Loss Properties
on East Lost Bridge Road
–Macon County
East Lost Bridge Road runs along the eastern shoreline of the Big Creek Arm of
Lake Decatur. Long Creek Tributary crosses E. Lost Bridge Road before it
confluences with Long Creek and flows into Lake Decatur. Properties have
undergone repetitive loss from flooding where E. Lost Bridge Road crosses over
Long Creek Tributary. To solve this flooding problem, a buy-out of the properties
would mitigate the flooding and prevent future repetitive loss in the area. Long
Creek Tributary is a detailed study and classified as unverified within CNMS.
Macon County
Repetitive Loss Properties
on Kruse Road –Macon
County
Big Creek, southeast of Decatur, crosses Kruse Road and causes repetitive loss
due to flooding of property. Buy-outs of these properties would prevent future
loss from flooding and mitigate current flooding issues. Big Creek is a detailed
study and classified as valid within CNMS.
Candlebrook Estates;
southeast of Decatur at the
corner of Long Creek
Road and Camp Warren
Road.
Several issues are contributing to the flooding problem in Candlebrook Estates
such as excess overland flow from adjacent property draining into the subdivision
which also contributes to sediment deposition within the neighborhood. Secondly,
the subdivision’s stormwater system is unable to effectively manage the volume
of water reaching the neighborhood. A stormwater study to needed to accurately
determine how much water is coming from which adjacent property. Possible
mitigation actions include a diversion channel or grass swale to direct overland
flow around the subdivision to a safe area downhill, or a detention facility uphill of
the subdivision. The current stormwater system capacity should also be
investigated for a possible retrofit to handle excess water.
Macon County
48
Watershed
County
Community
Flood Risk Area
Upper
Sangamon
Mahomet
Champaign
County
Sangamon River Flooding
– Village of Mahomet,
Newcomb Township, Lake
of the Woods
Upper
Sangamon
Monticello
Piatt County
Camp Creek
Lake / Kane
East Dundee,
Elgin, Lake
Barrington,
Lake County,
Kane County
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Lake
Lake
Fox River Ice Jams
Fox Lake
The Chain O’Lakes on the
Fox River; Eagle Point
Subdivision; Rte. 12 at
Eagle Point Road (west of
Rte. 12)
Fox Lake
Residential area in the
Village of Fox Lake near
Grand Ave and Holly Ave;
on the southwest shore of
Fox Lake
Mitigation Project
The Sangamon River floods several areas experiencing rapid development north
of the Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. The Sangamon River is a detailed study
through the Lake of the Woods, but is a Zone A river north of the Lake of the
Woods and classified as unknown within CNMS. Multiple Letters of Map Change
(LOMC) have been issued in this area to accurately represent areas prone to
flooding. A new study should be performed on the Sangamon River and Big
Ditch north of the Lake of the Woods to determine flooding boundaries and
mitigate current and future flooding problems in the area. Another identified
flooding concern in this area is where CR2500N crosses Big Ditch directly
upstream of Big Ditch’s confluence with the Sangamon River. During flood events
CR2500N regularly floods and overtops, indicating that the bridge was built too
low for the flood conditions regularly occurring on Big Ditch. Big Ditch is a Zone
A stream and is classified as unknown within CNMS.
Request from City – convert Zone A to Zone AE…
A comprehensive report on historical ice jam flooding could assist floodplain
managers, communities, and FEMA in mitigating risks due to ice jams. Specific
reaches identified were the Upper Fox River from Elgin, IL to East Dundee, IL
(including Kane County and Richardson Subdivision), the Fox River throughout
Lake County (including Lake Barrington and the Chain-of-Lakes), and Mattoon
Creek in Lake County.
During the April, 2013 flood event the water surface elevation on the Chain
O’Lakes crested at 741ft and caused damage to 400 homes in the Village of Fox
Lake and damaged up to 600 more homes in the surrounding area. Eagle Point
Subdivision, located on a peninsula on the east side of Pistakee Lake in the
Village of Fox Lake, experiences frequent street and basement flooding. During
the April, 2013 flood many homes had basement and first floor flooding and the
subdivision was closed for 3 days. Numerous repetitive loss properties are
located within the subdivision. Mitigation actions suggested by Fox Lake and
Lake County to reduce future flood damages includes buyouts of repetitive loss
properties, elevating flood prone properties, and basement waterproofing.
Parts of Grand Ave., Holly Ave., and Keystone Ave. were closed for 2 days
during the April 2013 flood event. Many properties are repetitive loss properties.
Mitigation actions suggested by Fox Lake and Lake County to reduce future flood
damages includes buyouts of repetitive loss properties, elevating flood prone
properties, and basement waterproofing.
49
Watershed
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
County
Community
Lake
Fox Lake
Lake
Flood Risk Area
Knollwood Subdivision,
located on Duck Lake
Mitigation Project
Knollwood Subdivision, located on Duck Lake, is frequently flooded and suffered
a major flood April, 2013. Duck Lake is hydraulically connected to Fox Lake and
floods with the Chain O’Lakes accordingly. Many homes had basement and first
floor flooding. A number of homes are repetitive loss properties. Mitigation
actions suggested by the Village of Fox Lake and Lake County to reduce future
flood damages includes buyouts of repetitive loss properties, elevating flood
prone properties, and basement waterproofing.
Lake County
T-channel located in
unincorporated Lake
County on the east side of
Pistakee Lake
The T-channel located in unincorporated Lake County on the east side of
Pistakee Lake is one of the first areas on the Chain of Lakes which floods. Past
mitigation has elevated several homes. Mitigation actions suggested by the
Village of Fox Lake and Lake County to reduce future flood damages includes
buyouts of repetitive loss properties, elevating flood prone properties, and
basement waterproofing.
The low lying residential area on the south side of Slocum Lake includes a
number of repetitive loss single family homes. The area is subject to backwater
flooding from the Fox River. Property acquisitions and buyouts are the mitigation
actions suggested by Lake Country for 30 homes with a total estimated cost of $3
million.
Upper Fox
Lake
Lake County
Slocum LakeUnincorporated Lake
County
Upper Fox
Kane
West Dundee
Fox River
The Village of West Dundee reported repetitive loss properties (3 apartment
buildings) at the corner of 6th Street and Lincoln Ave on the bank of the Fox
River. Buyouts were suggested to mitigate future flood damage.
Upper Fox
Lake /
McHenry
Port Barrington
Fox River
The Village of Port Barrington reported repetitive loss residual structures at 228,
230, and 232 Eastwood Lane (south end of Eastwood Lane on Fox River) in Port
Barrington, IL. Buyouts were recommended by Village engineer to mitigate
future flood damage.
Upper Fox
McHenry
Lakemoor
390 Sheridan Road
The Village of Lakemoor reported a repetitive loss residual structure 390
Sheridan Road (south end of Sheridan Road) in Lakemoor, IL. A buyout is
recommended by the Village to mitigate future flood damage.
Crystal Lake
The area around and downstream of Crystal Lake is prone to flooding due to a
high water table in the area and inadequate drainage. During the original Upper
Fox Discovery, the City of Crystal Lake noted that verification of the existing flood
elevation of Crystal Lake was needed because the original model used to
determine effective BFEs could not be found. Since that time the City hired a
consultant to determine new BFEs which should be forwarded to appropriate
agencies for review by the end of 2014. This is the first step in addressing
numerous flooding issues around Crystal Lake.
Upper Fox
McHenry
Crystal Lake,
City of
50
Watershed
County
Community
Upper Fox
McHenry
Crystal Lake,
City of
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
McHenry
McHenry
McHenry
McHenry
Flood Risk Area
The west, north, and
northeast sides of Crystal
Lake.
Mitigation Project
During large storm events areas on the west, north, and northeast sides of
Crystal Lake are prone to basement, roadway, and sometimes first floor flooding.
The west side of the lake does not have a storm sewer system or any organized
major or minor drainage system. The groundwater is high in this area. Flooding
occurs once the depressional areas fill. Four alternatives have been identified by
the City which would reduce the peak flood elevations and inundation time for the
depressional areas and these actions would help about 50 residents. The cost
estimated by the City of Crystal Lake is $300,000.
Crystal Lake,
City of
Crystal Lake- north side
(East End Avenue,
Greenfield Road and
Crystal Beach Avenue)
Approximately 125 residents are affected by flooding as well as three residential
roadways. The three roadways are overtopped, basements flood, and standing
water is present for many days, sometimes weeks, causing concern for both
mold and the West Nile virus. Standing water is present throughout the area.
The groundwater in this area is very high and no specific drainage routes are
identified for stormwater. Proposed improvements would include rerouting
stormwater to a new drainage facility and providing a specified overland storm
water flow path. These improvements would also provide designated areas for
stormwater to be stored until it can be infiltrated into the ground. The estimated
cost by the City of Crystal Lake is $4 million.
Crystal Lake,
City of
Crystal Lake -the northeast
side of Crystal Lake (South
of IL 176, east of Lippold
Park, west of US 14, north
of Cove Pond)
On the northeast side of Crystal Lake approximately 50 residents and businesses
are affected by flooding due to high groundwater in the area and an inadequate
major and minor drainage system. Proposed improvements include a new
perforated storm sewer to improve the existing drainage within the area by
lowering the shallow groundwater elevations and restoring the natural infiltration
and storage capacity of the soil and depressional areas. The cost estimated by
Crystal Lake is $250,000.
the northeast side of
Crystal Lake (South of
Crystal Lake Avenue, east
of Route 14, west of Oriole
Trail, north of Carpenter
St)
At a second location on the northeast side of the lake 11 homes and 3
businesses are affected by frequent rear yard flooding and approximately 50
homes are affected periodically. Water also overtops Oriole Trail. Proposed
improvements include the purchase of 3-5 homes in the area to remove the
residential structures from this flood-prone area. The area where the buyouts
occur will be used for storm water routing and storage during rain events. The
area where the homes previously existed will be regraded to provide designated
areas for the stormwater storage during rain events. The cost estimated by the
City of Crystal Lake is $1 million.
Crystal Lake
The City of Crystal Lake has also proposed work along Crystal Creek to lower the
BFE of Crystal Lake and reduce the flooding problems around the Lake noted
above. Specifically, the City would like to increase the culvert size under Lake
Avenue to lower and stabilize the Crystal Lake BFE for an estimated cost of
$150,000.
Crystal Lake,
City of
Crystal Lake,
City of
51
Watershed
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
Upper Fox
County
McHenry
McHenry
McHenry
McHenry
McHenry
Community
Crystal Lake,
City of
Crystal Lake,
City of
McHenry
County
McHenry
County
McHenry
County / City of
McHenry
Flood Risk Area
Mitigation Project
Crystal Lake
Increasing the culvert size under Country Club Road would lower the 100-year
floodplain along the creek and remove properties between Country Club Road
and Crystal Lake from the floodplain and floodway. This action could remove
approximately 260 properties from the floodplain and over 40 properties from the
floodway. The estimated cost is $150,000.
Along the creek between
the Crystal Lake and St.
Andrews Lane
A large number of residential properties along the creek between Crystal Lake
and St. Andrews Lane flood during large rain events. The parking lot of Crystal
Lake Country Club and the middle school flood during large flow events as well.
The City would like to construct stormwater storage areas to mitigate current
flooding and also account for the increase in peak discharge downstream due to
the proposed enlarged culverts under Lake Avenue and Country Club Road. The
estimated cost for these improvements is $675,000.
Unnamed Tributary to
Nippersink Creek- North of
Wonder LakeUnincorporated McHenry
County
There are significant discrepancies in topographic datasets in this area and
throughout McHenry County. The current County GIS 2-ft contours dataset (from
LiDAR) differs from the effective mapped Zone A boundaries and/or the BFEs for
Zone AE's by 2 to 10 feet in many areas. The area north of Wonder Lake
(Unnamed Tributary to Nippersink Creek) shows discrepancies of 6-10 feet
between the current LiDAR based contours and the effective mapping. New
hydrologic and hydraulic studies and floodplain mapping are requested for many
of these areas.
South Branch Slough
Creek
The other section missing a SFHA designation is Woods Creek just upstream of
the confluence with Crystal Creek. This section is riverine between Woods Creek
Zone AE and connects downstream to Crystal Creek Zone AE. Numerous permit
applications have been submitted in this area for existing developed areas,
signaling a need for a new study in this area. New hydrologic and hydraulic
study and floodplain remapping is requested.
Boone Creek
In addition to the topographic discrepancies, many areas in McHenry County
have experienced significant development and road construction/modification.
New hydrologic and hydraulic studies are needed due to development
(hydrology) and topography discrepancies and modified/new structures
(hydraulics) for floodplain mapping. Boone Creek and Unnamed Tributary to
Boone Creek near the City of McHenry are streams of concern with regard to
these issues.
52
Watershed
Upper Fox
Saline
Saline
Saline
Saline
Saline
County
Kane
Williamson
Saline
Community
Flood Risk Area
Carpentersville
Carpenter Creek from
Maple Ave to
approximately 2000ft
upstream of Maple Avenue
(Zone A)
Williamson
County
Unincorporated Williamson
Co. Saline watershed area
Unincorporated Williamson County has ten overtopped road locations within the
Saline River watershed. All of the locations are impassable and signed when
they are overtopped. The current is quite swift. Most of these locations would
involve both drainage structure improvements and grade raises to eliminate the
overtopping.
Harrisburg
West Harrisburg/Small
Street; N. Webster Street /
N. Jackson Street
Flooding is a major problem in the West Harrisburg area. The area has recently
flooded 3 times in 2008, 2011 and April 2013 affecting approximately 6
businesses, and 40 residences. Mitigation projects include buyouts and
improvements at the pumping station. The City currently has plans to build a
second pumping station.
Gasaway Branch, and
Tributaries A and B
Flash flooding resulting in overland flow affects Utility Road in the northwest
section of Galatia where the Village of Galatia sewer plant and utility yard is
located. The utility barn at the sewer plant floods with up to 2 feet of water. The
Village needs to relocate the utility barn and the community seeks mitigation
funding for this project.
North Fork Saline River
and Saline River
The installation of stream gages on the North Fork Saline River and the main
stem Saline River are needed for inundation mapping and warning purposes.
One location is in the northeastern corner of Saline County where the North Fork
Saline River and Highway 1 intersect and the other location is south of the Village
of Equality on Forrest Road where the Saline River intersects.
Crawford Creek
Within the Village of Ridgway a new study along Crawford Creek is needed to
change the area from Zone A to detailed AE to help with floodplain management
and various other flood risk issues. Creeks and ditches need cleaning for flood
control. Crawford Creek has been recently cleaned by the Village. Two buyouts
are pending.
Saline
Galatia
Saline /
Gallatin
Village of
Equality,
Gallatin County,
Saline County
Gallatin
Mitigation Project
The Village of Carpentersville has already funded and replaced the restrictive
culvert under Maple Avenue. The Village is also developing final engineering
plans for improving channel conveyance and stabilize the eroded stream banks.
A LOMR will need to be completed along Carpenter Creek to map more accurate
flood risk. The Village also applied for and received Section 319(h) funding for
the water quality improvements. The Village will also use general funds for its
local match. Additional improvements are needed along the creek between
Spring Street and Fox River, including the replacement of the restrictive culvert
under Washington Avenue. Total estimated cost for these mitigation actions is
$2.7 million and approximately $1.1 million is funded through Section 319(h) and
Village funds. Additional funding is needed for improving channel conveyance
between Spring Street and Fox River, the Washington Avenue culvert
replacement, and for a LOMR application.
Ridgway
53
Watershed
County
Community
Des Plaines
Cook
Wheeling
Township
Des Plaines
Des Plaines
Des Plaines
Des Plaines
Cook
Cook
Cook
Cook
Mount Prospect
Franklin Park
Maywood and
Melrose Park
Franklin Park
and
Schiller Park
Flood Risk Area
Feehanville Ditch and the
area upstream of Des
Plaines River Road
Mitigation Project
According to the Wheeling Township Highway Commissioner, repetitive loss
buyouts for this area are the highest priority flood risk mitigation project in
Wheeling Township. Feehanville Ditch is included in the Detailed Watershed Plan
(DWP) for the Des Plaines watershed, prepared by the Metropolitan Water
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC). This study could support a
Benefit-Cost Analysis for buyouts and could correct the area where the reported
roads that do not flood are shown as inundated by the 1 percent annual- chance
flood.
McDonald Creek
Comments received during Discovery indicate several areas where homes,
businesses, and roads regularly flood. Some of these flooded areas are repetitive
loss flood damage areas. A study of McDonald Creek was performed by the
MWRDGC as part of their DWP study of the Des Plaines watershed. The DWP
study could be used to support a Benefit-Cost Analysis for buyouts and may help
determine proper mitigation actions in the area.
Silver Creek
Buyouts of 33 homes. High concentration of LOMCs. Silver Creek channel
improvement project to improve existing drainage by replacing an existing culvert
and an existing trapezoidal channel. A study of Silver Creek was performed by
the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) as
part of their Detailed Watershed Plan (DWP) study of the Des Plaines
Watershed. BFEs from this study could support a Benefit-Cost Analysis for
buyouts and may help determine proper mitigation actions in the area.
Silver Creek
Buyouts or elevation of approximately 60 homes in the area that had first floor
flooding during the April 2013 flood event. There are also several areas of
erosion along the stream and undersized culverts that cause over-bank flooding
during large storm events. A study of Silver Creek was performed by the
MWRDGC as part of their DWP study of the Des Plaines watershed. BFEs from
this study could help support a Benefit-Cost Analysis for buyouts and may
facilitate the completion of mitigation projects in the area.
Crystal Creek
IDNR recently completed the Crystal Creek Phase 2B project, which enlarged
Crystal Creek through Franklin Park and Schiller Park. The preliminary modeling
prior to construction showed that nearly all of Crystal Creek’s floodplain within
Franklin Park would be eliminated as a result of the project and over 300 parcels
could be removed from the floodplain. Re-mapping of this area would remove
these properties from the floodplain and more accurately reflect the risk and help
the Village focus their mitigation efforts on the higher risk areas of the Village.
54
Watershed
County
Community
Des Plaines
Will
Crest Hill
Des Plaines
Will
Joliet
Des Plaines
Will
Will County
Flood Risk Area
Rock Run (1.77 mi); St.
Francis Academy Creek
(0.7 mi); St Anne School
Tributary (0.8 mi)
Hickory and Spring Creeks
DuPage River
Des Plaines
Lake
Lake Zurich
Buffalo Creek
Des Plaines
Lake
Third Lake
Mill Creek
Little
Wabash
Effingham
Effingham
community
Little
Wabash
Clay
Flora
Little
Wabash
Coles
Mattoon
Mitigation Project
The community of Crest Hill submitted a comprehensive list of flooding issues;
which includes overtopped roads, numerous homes that flood, and inaccurate
floodplain maps. An updated hydrologic and hydraulic study is needed to
determine the cause of flooding throughout community.
IDNR has been working on a mitigation project to provide an increased level of
protection for people in the 100-year floodplain along Hickory Creek. Given that
a portion of the project has been constructed and is providing benefits to the
community, the City may be interested in obtaining a LOMR prior to the entire
project being completed. This could result in a removal of structures from the
floodplain and floodway. An updated hydrologic and hydraulic study could be
used to develop BFEs for this area to support a Benefit-Cost Analysis for buyouts
and may help determine proper mitigation actions in the area.
Discovery comments confirm the unverified CNMS status of this reach of the Du
Page River in Will County. Given the high risk area, this should be considered
for new study. This reach of the DuPage River is approximately 9.7 miles from its
confluence at the Des Plaines River to a point approximately 0.33 miles upstream
of the bridge at Seil Road.
Major flooding events occurred in this watershed in April 2013 and June 2013.
Much of the flooding and damage has occurred in areas outside the mapped
SFHA, indicating that the effective studies are not accurate. Down-cutting and
channel erosion on Buffalo Creek also continues to worsen and expand. The
Village is interested in a stream restoration project to fix the erosion problem and
reduce flooding. An updated hydrologic and hydraulic study of Buffalo Creek for
the 1.1 mile reach would support the Village’s continuing efforts to understand
the flooding dynamics, pursue erosion mitigation, restore the channel, and
manage the significant flooding problems in this watershed.
Discovery comments indicate the dam controlling outflow from Third Lake is in
need of replacement and an engineering analyses needs to be performed using
the updated ISWS hydrologic and hydraulic study (March 2014) to determine the
correct specifications for the new dam as it is controlling flows that affect flooding.
Two homes and one business in floodplain are opportunities for mitigation
buyouts. Updated flood study needed and community has technical data to
support new flood study.
Old City of Flora reservoir
and dam
Log jams at the reservoir create flow restrictions. Note, the dam safety study is
decades old and dam safety issues may need to be taken into consideration.
Upland drainage
Upland drainage areas are experiencing ponding. Community is in the planning
phase of drainage improvements with the Little Wabash Drainage District.
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Watershed
Little
Wabash
County
Community
Coles
Mattoon
Flood Risk Area
Lake Paradise Dam
Multiple overtopped roads
during flood events
Mitigation Project
The city of Mattoon is scheduled to begin significant repairs to the concrete
spillway of the dam.
Five roads were identified, three that overtopped often and 2 that rarely overtop.
Note, updated hydrologic and hydraulic studies would assist with preparing
adequate future bridge replacement. Debris from farm fields and logging clogging
culverts. IDNR/OWR provided follow up on regulatory rules and authorities to
have debris removed.
The bridge crossing west of Route 45 is hazardous as it frequently over tops
during rain events.
Effingham water authority requests an official Base Flood Elevation for Lake Sara
and updated floodplain mapping to show accurate flood plain boundaries. Lack of
accurate data is impacting local homeowners and floodplain management
Current FIRM do not accurately show the flood hazard, the approximate
engineered floodplain provided at the meeting show that development is
occurring in “unidentified” flooding hazard areas. Detailed study data is needed
to accurately show the flood hazard and assist with local floodplain management
activities.
The City of Fairfield is subject to flooding due to the necessary breaching of a
failing dam in 2007. The floodplain maps were not updated when the dam was
breached. IDNR/OWR is completing a flood survey and updated floodplain
mapping is needed. A number of areas flood within the community.
Four locations were noted where flooding results in road closures and localized
flooding. Note, updated flood hazard data is needed to provide necessary
information for bridge and culvert design and floodplain management.
Little
Wabash
Richland
and Clay
Little
Wabash
Effingham
Effingham
Bridge crossing
Little
Wabash
Effingham
Effingham
Lake Sara
Little
Wabash
Effingham
Teutopolis
Salt Creek Tributary
Little
Wabash
Wayne
Fairfield
Little
Wabash
Wayne
Wayne and
Edwards
Little
Wabash
Wayne
Unincorporated areas
Issues with farm structures causing localized flooding.
Little
Wabash
White
Carmi
Backwater from Little
Wabash
Water backs up from the Little Wabash via a ditch and creates a flooding hazard
through the City of Carmi, and threatens a nursing home. Note, updated detailed
study data would provide needed information to determine appropriate actions to
reduce the flood risk.
Little
Wabash
Wayne
Johnsonville &
Mt. Erie
Tornado
Concerns expressed about adequate tornado sheltering.
Little
Wabash
White
Crossville
Flooding in non-SFHA
Recurring flooding problems. IDNR/OWR has some study data.
Little
Wabash
multiple
dams
There are numerous dams in the watershed and there is concern about dam
stability, capacity, and updates of hydrologic analyses.
Lakeside Park
Road overtopping and
closures
*Narratives with additional supportive information and overview maps are available from the ISWS for most of the above summations.
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Conclusion
The State of Illinois through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois State
Water Survey wishes to continue to partner with FEMA through the CTP program. This business
plan serves as a notice of interest for funding in FFY2017. It is important to continue the
dialogue between the State and FEMA to identify projects that serve common interest and
advance the reduction of flood risk in Illinois
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