Glen Ellyn to study Lake Ellyn flooding

Glen Ellyn village and park officials will split the cost of a study to analyze conditions that allowed Lake Ellyn to overflow following storms in July 2010 and September 2008 and to prevent it from happening again.

The lake, north of downtown, is supposed to hold stormwater for roughly a one-square-mile area and then gradually release it through underground pipes to nearby Perry’s Pond.

Ultimately, the water reaches the East Branch of the DuPage River.

The lake’s current configuration was set in 1991, when it was dredged to expand its capacity. Officials want to analyze changes in how water comes into the lake from underground pipes and overland flow routes.

“The study will involve taking a look at what’s getting into the lake now versus 20 years ago when the last modifications were made,” said Bill Rickert, president of RHMG Engineers, the Mundelein-based engineering firm hired to do the study. “What was a 100-year storm 20 years ago has changed.”

The study also will analyze lake operations, evaluating what is the optimal water level and if it’s possible to increase its capacity. RHMG will work with regulatory agencies such as the county’s stormwater management department and the Army Corps of Engineers to see if it’s possible to increase the lake’s release rate.

“We’ll talk to them to see if there is any wiggle room,” Rickert said.

The study also will consider what can be done to better protect homes along the stormwater’s overland flow route. That could include route modifications, floodproofing of homes or potential buyout programs, he said.

The study is expected to cost $51,430 and take four months. RHMG will share the results with the village and park district.