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Busse Woods dam flood control project in Elk Grove finally operational

After eight years of planning, the new and improved Busse Woods dam in Elk Grove Village finally went operational this week, aimed at reducing flooding in the area.

And after heavy rains early Thursday, the dam passed its first major test with flying colors, Mayor Craig Johnson said.

"It's operating exactly as it's supposed to," Johnson said. "The flow meter and sensors are working to a T."

Construction of the $4.6 million in modifications to the dam near Cosman Road began last August and was expected to be complete by Thanksgiving, but the project faced two significant delays: when engineers discovered there wasn't enough pressure to operate the dam's two hinged crest gates, and after a "mix-up in communications" between the village and ComEd postponed engineering design work for a needed electrical source, Johnson said.

But the mayor this week lauded ComEd for expediting the design process - reducing the time needed from an expected eight months to only three - and for providing village officials daily updates on engineers' progress.

A sensor along Salt Creek near Golf Road intended to measure the water level and flow now has electricity, as well as a solar backup generator that will kick in if the power goes out, Johnson said.

The new gates at the dam open and close, allowing water to come in or go out, depending on the upstream water level. During a storm, the level of Busse Lake, which feeds into Salt Creek, is manually lowered, allowing the reservoir to hold more water. The water is then released at a slower pace after the storm.

Elk Grove paid the bulk of the project's costs - $3.38 million for design, study and construction - while DuPage County paid $100,000, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District added $1.12 million.

Planning for the project began in 2008.

"After years and years of work, as I've said before, the biggest achievement this (village) board has ever had is getting that dam system running," Johnson said. "It's not going to solve every flood issue, but it's going to minimize the worst and eliminate a vast majority of them."

Cooperation celebrated on Busse Woods dam project

Construction delays on Busse Woods flood control project

  A $4.6 million upgrade to the dam at Busse Woods forest preserve near Elk Grove Village got its first test Thursday during heavy rainstorms. Officials say the recently completed improvements should reduce flooding in the area. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  The upgraded Busse Woods dam is operational after eight years of planning and months of construction delays that pushed back its completion from November to this month. "It's going to minimize the worst (floods) and eliminate the vast majority of them," Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
  The newly improved dam at Busse Woods forest preserve in Elk Grove Village is operational after more than eight years of planning and months of construction delays. Officials say the $4.6 million project to upgrade the dam should reduce the chances of flooding downstream. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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