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Erosion prevention project nets environmental recognition for Lake Zurich

A project to stop erosion from taking more backyard property along the north branch of Buffalo Creek in Lake Zurich has been recognized with an environmental award by the American Public Works Association.

Addressing the issue south of Bristol Trails Park was identified long ago. It took two years to secure approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

Construction by Integrated Lakes Management of Waukegan began last spring and was substantially completed in December.

Retaining walls and other structures on Buffalo Creek in Lake Zurich were damaged over the years by erosion. A project completed in late 2024 to stabilize 1,400 feet of shoreline was recognized by the American Public Works Association in the environment category Courtesy village of Lake Zurich

“The streambank has suffered severe bank erosion from significant rainfall events,” said Kyle Kordell, the village's management services director.

Timber retaining walls were collapsing and residents stood to lose more of their backyards if the banks weren't stabilized, he added.

Lake Zurich invested $518,000 on what is described as a green infrastructure improvement to reinforce about 1,400 feet of streambank. The work included protective armoring and gabion retaining walls — wire cages filled with rocks and other materials to create a sturdy structure to stabilize the slope and prevent erosion, Kordell said.

A project completed in late 2024 to stabilize 1,400 feet of shoreline on Buffalo Creek in Lake Zurich was recognized by the American Public Works Association in the environment category Courtesy village of Lake Zurich

The project is intended to improve stormwater drainage and reduce flood risk to homes nearby. Native prairie plants with deep root systems will improve filtration and provide wildlife habitat, biodiversity and aesthetic value, officials added.

Kordell said that because of the emphasis on preplanning, the village likely will secure a $494,000 state grant covering the majority of project design and construction costs.

Public Works Director Mike Brown said the project has been a long time coming.

“With the village's finances improving and the village board prioritizing investments in local infrastructure, we were finally able to bring this project to fruition,” he said.

By addressing the long-standing erosion issues, the village is preserving property and safeguarding the future of the village's neighborhoods and natural beauty, added Mayor Tom Poynton.

The Lake Zurich project was recognized in the environment category for projects under $5 million by the APWA Chicago Metro Chapter, Lake Branch.

Other Lake County project winners were:

• Transportation — $5 million to $25 million: Forest Park boardwalk and bluff restoration

• Structures — $5 million to $25 million: North Chicago water treatment plant renovations

• Structures — $25 to $75 million. Buffalo Grove Leider facility adaptive reuse

• Environment — $5 million to $25 million: North Chicago 16th Street and Kemble Avenue transmission main

• Disaster/emergency — Less than $5 million: Riverwoods emergency water main improvements.

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