Under the Clean Water Act, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is required to conduct an use attainability analysis (UAA) whenever recreational uses change for a water body. In the Chicago area waterways (CAWS), water quality has improved, and thus more folks are attracted to enjoy the water for recreational purposes. Canoeing, kayaking, sculling, fish and jet skiing are popular recreational activities, and henceforth, water quality standards need to be upgraded to protect these uses.

IEPA has been conducting a UAA study over the last two years to define the uses occurring in the major waterways that flow through and around the metropolitan Chicago area. Working with consulting firm CDM and numerous stakeholders along the Chicago area waterways, IEPA identified major recreational activities occurring in the waterways and the water quality standards necessary to protect these uses.

Throughout the project, CDM held numerous stakeholder meetings with public interest groups such as Friends of the Chicago River, the media, local governments, special districts (e.g. Parks and Recreation), state and federal agencies, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC), IEPA and USEPA. The meetings were structured to solicit stakeholder input in developing appropriate use designations for the waterways, and to identify strategies to protect those uses.

"Developing ideas and strategies through our work with the community groups was a definite highlight of this project," said Ron French, CDM's project manager.

Analyzing data collected over a decade of waterway monitoring, the project team prepared a report on the existing conditions of the CAWS, describing its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. The report established current water quality and recreational uses and trends, outlined pollutant sources, and summarized different programs and projects that focus on restoration and cleanup throughout the CAWS.

Team members then reviewed and recommended water treatment technologies to address problem areas where water pollution occurs - pollution such as wastewater treatment plant discharges and combined sewer overflows; and areas of excessive urban runoff. Solutions to these issues include upgrading existing stormwater facilities, designing new stormwater systems and sanitary sewer system maintenance.

Using this information, as well as stakeholder input, CDM prepared a strategic plan that identified attainable uses, appropriate water quality standards to protect those uses, and implementation strategies to ensure the water quality standards are met. After completion of the strategic plan, CDM will assist IEPA with additional public outreach activities to achieve better water quality in Lake Calumet and the Chicago River basin.