140 trees, branches clogging Carol Stream creeks

Recent storms have left trees, branches and other debris in Klein and Thunderbird creeks, which run through Carol Stream.

The result is numerous obstructions with the flow of water, village officials say, they need to outsource the repair work.

The village will begin seeking quotes from contractors to remove about 140 trees or branches that village engineers identified during an inventory assessment last week. The largest obstruction is a 30-inch diameter tree, officials said.

A total of 431 trees and branches that had built up during past floods were removed earlier this year. The village paid Kramer Tree Specialists $35,700 for the work.

But recent heavy windstorms and the subsequent disposal of tree trimmings by ComEd or private homeowners, according to the village, have created the potential for new flow obstructions.

The village board would have to approve a budget amendment for additional tree removals since funds were not budgeted, officials said.

Though there are fewer obstructions today than earlier in the year, the additional debris removals could cost just as much. High stream levels in the late summer and early fall could interfere with removal work, making it more costly than in the winter, said Jim Knudsen, the village’s director of engineering services.

Village crews have already removed some of the smaller obstructions, but Knudsen said the larger debris removals should be contracted.

He said members of the village disaster preparedness committee are developing a handout that would encourage residents not to put tree branches or grass clippings in the creeks.