Buffalo Grove eyes ordinance requiring inspections of private ponds

When you think of infrastructure, you likely think of roads and sidewalks.

But ponds and basins also count and need just as much tender, loving care, says Buffalo Grove Village Engineer Darren Monico.

Monico said his staff intends to begin a pond and basin inspection program for all 187 private ponds and basins within the village. The eventual goal is to require the owners to perform a simple inspection once a year and send the documentation to the village.

"The purpose of this is to help pond owners and is not to add difficult requirements to them. Our goal will be assistance in compliance and not enforcement," he said.

"If these areas are not maintained, the cost to repair them at a later date can skyrocket," Monico added. "So, in a sense, we are hoping to help these owners avoid costly repairs in the long run and to promote good land stewardship."

He said staff intends to bring back an ordinance that codifies the program for village board consideration.