Concerned about Buffalo Creek? Here’s your chance

The public is invited to the first public meeting of the Buffalo Creek Clean Water Partnership from 7-9 p.m. April 25 at the Buffalo Grove Village Council Chambers, 50 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove.

Buffalo Creek drains an area of 27 square miles, arising in Lake Zurich, Deer Park and Palatine, and flowing through Long Grove, Kildeer and Arlington Heights before collecting in the reservoir in Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve.

Buffalo Creek continues through Buffalo Grove before discharging into the Des Plaines River in Wheeling.

BCCWP will strive to address many watershed issues, including water quality, wildlife habitat, erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and the overall environmental health of the water resources.

The purpose of this meeting is to inform stakeholders about this new partnership and solicit input regarding water quality, priorities and suggestions for the BCCWP.

The meeting is open to the public and residents who are concerned about the environment and water quality in the Buffalo Creek Watershed are invited to attend. A website, www.buffalocreekcleanwater.org, has been developed for the public to receive information and to provide input.

Attend and learn about BCCWP’s plans for preparation of a Buffalo Creek Watershed Plan, cleanup events, restoration projects, water quality sampling and other educational activities.

Presentations will be made by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Village of Buffalo Grove and Lake County Health Department.

They will participate and lead discussions of issues, providing opportunities for citizens and communities to learn and voice their concerns.

Local communities, SMC and the MWRD are working to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion damage along the creek. Water quality issues include chloride, phosphorus, low dissolved oxygen, suspended solids and fecal coliform.

A wetland mitigation project is under way at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, and another is planned for Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove.

Additional stormwater storage, native habitats and recreation opportunities are planned for Heritage Park in Wheeling.

For information, contact Jeff Weiss at (847) 224-0965 or marjeff1@aol.com; or Marcy Knysz at mknysz@gha-engineers.com. The meeting will be accessible to persons with a disability. Anyone in need of special assistance should contact Jeff Weiss by April 20.