Federal grant to help Waukegan keep Lake Michigan clean

The city of Waukegan has received a $375,000 federal grant to help filter and reduce stormwater discharge into Lake Michigan.

Awarded as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Grant, the funds will be used to construct vegetated drainage systems, known as bioswales, at the parking lot adjacent to Waukegan Beach.

The project will reduce discharge into Lake Michigan of 1.1 million gallons of annual untreated stormwater, and the associated sediments and other contaminants it carries.

The new system also is expected to decrease closures of the beach.

"Protecting our Great Lakes and conserving this resource for the next generation is critical both for surrounding communities and our planet as a whole," said U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, who announced the grant Monday. "This project is a step toward reducing damaging runoff into Lake Michigan, while also improving quality of life in Waukegan by increasing beach access."