Palatine reservoir operations could change to reduce flooding

Many Palatine residents have long-wondered why a rainstorm can flood their streets, yards and basements, and yet a nearby reservoir remains dry.

More importantly, they want to know if anything can be done about it.

That answer shouldn’t be too far off with the village council’s approval Monday of an analysis into the benefits, as well as downsides, of changing the way the Margreth Riemer Reservoir operates.

“This has my full support,” Councilman Scott Lamerand said. “I think it’s one of the major things we have left to do that’s at our disposal (to alleviate flooding).”

When the reservoir at Quentin and Palatine roads was designed more than 30 years ago, it was done with one specific storm in mind: the 100-year storm. But officials are hoping it can be more flexible by taking in stormwater runoff for less severe events, providing some relief to residents downstream.

In addition to reducing bank flooding, lower creek levels will allow the storm sewers that discharge into Salt Creek to perform better, Village Engineer Mike Danecki said.

The village will pay engineering firm MWH up to $10,000 for phase one of a study to analyze the best and worst results that can be expected from modifications at the reservoir. If officials think it’s worth moving forward, a phase two study will be done to look at the specific changes.

It’s possible that the potential for a disastrous worst-case scenario will prevent any changes from taking place. Danecki said engineers will look into what happens if the reservoir fills, only for a major storm to follow.

With advances in technology including weather prediction tools, officials think it’s worth examining.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago would prefer the status quo, though officials are willing to take a study under consideration, Danecki said.

The water agency, which owns and operates the reservoir, is concerned that changing from the current passive setup to one involving more human interaction could result in a liability risk if decisions result in problems. There could also be an extremely lengthy and involved permit process, as well as higher operational and energy costs related to pumping out the reservoir more frequently.