BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

IN THE MATTER OF:

WATER QUALITY STANDARDS AND

EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS FOR THE

CHICAGO AREA WATERWAY SYSTEM

AND THE LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER:

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO 35 Ill.

Adm. Code Parts 301, 302, 303 and 304

R08-9

(Rulemaking

-

Water)

PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OF SAMUEL G. DENNISON ON BEHALF OF THE

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

CONCERNING JUSTIFICATION FOR AN ADDITIONAL AQUATIC LIFE USE TIER

FOR BUBBLY CREEK (SOUTH FORK OF THE SOUTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER)

My name is Samuel G. Dennison. I am a Biologist IV in the Environmental Monitoring

and Research Division of the Research and Development Department of the Metropolitan Water

Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District). I received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a

major in Biology from Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota, a Master of Science

degree in Fisheries Biology from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and a Doctor of

Philosophy degree in Biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois. I am

a Certified Fisheries Professional with the American Fisheries Society and also a Past President

of the Illinois Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

I

have been employed by the District since 1971. My primary responsibility from 1974

through 2003 was monitoring the fish populations in Chicago area waterways. Since 2003, I

have served as Head of the Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Section within the

Environmental Monitoring and Research Division, where I supervise a staff of ten persons.

My testimony today focuses on deficiencies and flaws in the IEPA's approach for aquatic

life use designation and subsequent development of standards for the South Fork of the South

Branch Chicago River, which I will refer to as Bubbly Creek. The District's position is that the

IEPA did not adequately or properly consider Bubbly Creek in its Use Attainability Study and

1

---

that Bubbly Creek should have been placed into an Aquatic Life Use tier that is lower than

Aquatic Life Use B.

In pre-settlement Chicago, Bubbly Creek was once a meandering creek that slowly

drained a five square mile area of marshland. This portion of the Chicago Area Waterway

System has been severely altered by human development. In the early 1860s, the Union Stock

Yards were constructed along the banks of Bubbly Creek and this small stream became an open

sewer for the meatpacking industry for nearly a century. The channel of Bubbly Creek has been

systematically straightened, deepened, and widened to allow for more efficient urban drainage

and some commercial navigation. The extensive wetlands that were formerly drained by the

stream have been entirely filled in, resulting in complete loss of dry weather flow in present day

Bubbly Creek.

Today, Bubbly Creek is a relatively straight 1.3 mile channel that originates at the Racine

Avenue Pumping Station (RAPS) and flows north (Photograph Exhibit 1 and 2), during overflow

events, to its confluence with the South Branch of the Chicago River (Photograph Exhibit 3).

The channel depth varies from approximately six-feet near RAPS to fourteen-feet at Bubbly

Creek's junction with the South Branch of the Chicago River (Photograph Exhibit 4). The

channel width varies between 120 to 200-feet wide. The major physical alterations caused by

development of Bubbly Creek's historical drainage area have severely degraded the once natural

ecosystem and eliminated most of the natural aquatic and riparian habitats. Flow in the system

varies considerably, almost exclusively due to combined sewer overflow (CSO) input from

RAPS and gravity sewers. However, water level variations in the South Branch Chicago River

that occur during dry weather can cause minor north-south flow oscillations in Bubbly Creek.

2

---

Despite Bubbly Creek's unique flow conditions, as compared to other reaches in the

Chicago Area Waterway System, the Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) did not assess any

physical habitat and fish data specifically for Bubbly Creek. Figure 5-2 on page 5-9 of the UAA

report is used to classify various reaches of the Chicago Area Waterway System into Aquatic

Life Use categories using Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation

(QHEI) scores.

However, this Figure 5-2 does not include any sampling stations in Bubbly

Creek.

As such, it is indeterminable how an Aquatic Life Use was designated for Bubbly Creek.

On page 4-69 of the UAA report, Bubbly Creek is characterized as being "similar to the South

Branch," but in reality, these are two very different waterways. During the R08-9 proceeding the

IEPA admitted that it did not consider any data in its evaluation of Bubbly Creek (April 24, 2008

hearing transcript at pages 66-67).

Upon questioning the IEPA regarding exactly how it did

develop the aquatic life use designation it ultimately made for Bubbly Creek, it was obvious that

the Agency merely dismissed it as being equivalent to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

(April 24, 2008 transcript at pages 67-69), on the basis of the similarity of its side walls and

riparian zone land use. The IEPA did not take into account that in addition to having the same

highly degraded aquatic habitat as the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Bubbly Creek also is

stagnant during dry weather and has very unique sediments that impose a significant oxygen

demand on the creek which is much shallower than the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. These

factors cause Bubbly Creek to consistently have very low DO levels even during dry weather; a

phenomenon not observed to occur in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

During significant precipitation when RAPS discharges to Bubbly Creek, the water

elevation can rise over three feet and flow velocity in the narrow creek can reach in excess of

five feet per second, which can damage aquatic habitat and, as will be discussed by Dr. Garcia,

3

---

can resuspend bottom sediments. Following a CSO discharge from RAPS

,

the organic content of

the flow from RAPS and the resuspended sediment settles into Bubbly Creek and exhibits an

oxygen demand for a number of days, severely impacting the dissolved oxygen (DO) in the

channel.

The District's continuous DO data indicate that DO recovery at Bubbly Creek stations

sometimes takes several days longer than at other stations in the Chicago Area Waterway

System.

ATTACHMENT

1

shows DO at various stations in the Chicago Area Waterway

System during an example rain event in August

,

2006. Figure

5 in ATTACHMENT

1 indicates

that DO at 36th Street on Bubbly Creek declines to 0 mg/L for over 3 days following rain events.

During dry weather, Bubbly Creek is stagnant and its DO can often plummet to zero.

The fine sediments deposited throughout most of the creek exhibit a heavy oxygen demand. In

2001, the District measured a sediment oxygen demand

(

SOD) of 3.64 g/m2/day at Interstate

Highway 55 on Bubbly Creek

,

which was the 2°d highest value measured in the Chicago Area

Waterway System.

District field measurements near the Archer Avenue Bridge over Bubbly

Creek have shown that fine sediments extend to a depth of 54 inches below the top of the

sediment. In addition

,

chemical analyses of the sediments in Bubbly Creek have detected legacy

organic contaminants

,

such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs

),

polychlorinated

biphenyls

(

PCBs

),

volatile organic compounds

(VOCs),

and heavy metals

(USACE, Chicago

District

,

2006, ATTACHMENT

2).

High phytoplankton levels, sustained by abundant nutrient

loads from CSOs and stagnant waterway conditions

,

also contribute to oxygen demand as they

respire and eventually decay.

During 2006

,

DO was below the IPCB Secondary Contact DO

standard

of 4.0

mg/L in Bubbly Creek

for 72

percent of the time at 36th Street and 23 percent of

the time at Interstate Highway 55 (Minarik et al., 2007

- ATTACHMENT

3).

Figures 9 and 10

4

---

on pages 22

and 23 of ATTACHMENT

3, display DO concentrations throughout the year in

Bubbly Creek.

These low DO concentrations prevailed in Bubbly Creek during 2006 in spite of the

District's efforts to limit stagnation by drawing Bubbly Creek water back through RAPS.

Between April and September

,

the District pumped 3.7 billion gallons of Bubbly Creek water

back through

RAPS

to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant for treatment.

RAPS drawback

data are outlined

in ATTACHMENT

4,

which includes date, duration, and volume of drawback

events during 2005 and 2006.

More information about the District's efforts to reduce stagnation

in Bubbly Creek by drawback through RAPS can be found in Research and Development

Department Reports No. 03-1 (Lanyon

,

2003) and No. 04-8 (Sopcak, 2004

).

This

information

suggests that it does not appear that flow augmentation will enable Bubbly Creek to attain the

DO standard that IEPA proposed for it in R08-9 even under dry weather conditions.

The District also assessed the use of supplemental aeration to help meet the proposed DO

water quality standards for Bubbly Creek

.

Technical concerns, environmental impacts, and

compliance costs involved in that option are discussed in the testimony of Dr. Zenz, Mr.

McGowan, Mr

.

Mastracchio, and Dr

.

Garcia.

Increasing DO in Bubbly Creek by the use of artificial controls could make the waterway

an "attractive nuisance

"

to fish

.

Higher DO levels and relatively low flow velocities resulting

from diversion may increase fish populations in Bubbly Creek.

These increased populations

which would result from fish entering Bubbly Creek from the connecting South Branch of the

Chicago River would be at risk from sudden, high volume, low DO, CSOs from RAPS.

Resulting fish

-

kills could create an odor problem that would be offensive to the area residents

and would be

very

difficult to rectify

.

The proposed high-volume pump station that would be

5

---

required to transfer South Branch Chicago River water to the south end of Bubbly Creek may

create a situation of fish colliding with screens (impingement) and/or being sucked into pumps

(entrainment), as well.

On page 1-8 of the UAA report, it states, "The South Fork is a stagnant waterbody that

receives no flow unless the Racine Avenue Pump Station, storm sewers or other CSOs are

discharging." It further describes the extensive DO compliance issues in Bubbly Creek. IEPA

has acknowledged the unusual conditions in Bubbly Creek, however they have not accounted for

them in their UAA proposal for the Chicago Area Waterway System. In light of the impaired

sediment, wet-weather characteristics, and the extreme flow variations, the District suggests that

Bubbly Creek be classified as Aquatic Life Use C. Bubbly Creek is unique in that it is a side

fork and it is not even necessary to maintain DO for fish passage through the Chicago Area

Waterway System. To this end the District recommends a narrative DO standard be developed

that prevents fish kills and maintains aesthetics (prevents nuisance odors).

This would be

appropriate until such time as the sediments are capped, removed or remediated and the

frequency of discharge at RAPS is diminished sometime after 2024. If a numerical DO standard

is deemed imperative, then the IPCB should consider the testimonies of Mr. Paul Freedman and

Dr. Marcelo Garcia as a basis for such a standard.

---

Respectfully

submitted,

By:

Samuel G. Dennison

---

Testimony Attachments

1.

DO Recovery Graphs

2.

USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), Reconnaissance Study, Section 905(b)

(WRDA 86) Analysis, Bubbly Creek, South Branch of the Chicago River, 18 August

2006

3.

District R&D Report No. 07-25 Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring in the

Deep Draft Chicago Waterway System During 2006, The Metropolitan Water

Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, May 2007.

4.

2005-2006 RAPS Drawback Data

References

Lanyon, R., "Bubbly Creek Water Quality Improvement, A Demonstration Project in 2002,"

Research and Development Department Report No. 03-1, Metropolitan Water Reclamation

District of Greater Chicago, January 2003.

Sopcak, M., "2003 Bubbly Creek Water Quality Improvement Demonstration Project," Research

and Development Department Report No. 04-8, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of

Greater Chicago, June 2004.

Metropolitan

Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, 2007. "Technical Memorandum

6WQ: Flow Augmentation and Supplemental Aeration of the South Fork of the South

Branch of the Chicago River (Bubbly Creek)." Prepared by CTE.

UAA Report (Attachment B of proposed rule R08-9)

Photograph Exhibits

Photograph Exhibit 1. Bubbly Creek, looking north. Racine Avenue Pumping Station in

foreground.

Photograph Exhibit 2 Bubbly Creek, view looking north from 35`h Street

Photograph Exhibit 3 Bubbly Creek Looking South. Racine Avenue Pumping Station in

background (in yellow rectangle)

Photograph Exhibit 4 View looking north, junction of South Branch Chicago River with Bubbly

Creek.

7

---

Photograph Exhibit 1. Bubbly Creek, looking north. Racine Avenue

Pumping Station

in foreground.

---

Photograph Exhibit 2 Bubbly Creek, view looking north from 35"' Street

---

Photograph Exhibit 3 Bubbly Creek Looking South. Racine Avenue Pumping Station in

background (in yellow rectangle).

---

Photograph Exhibit 4 View looking north, junction of South Branch Chicago River with

Bubbly Creek.

---

A

tt

ac

hm

e

nt 1

---

FIGURE 1: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT ADDISON STREET ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

15

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

12

9

6

3

0

1

Aug 2

n

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5

Aug 6

Aug 7

Aug 8

---

FIGURE 2: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT FULLERTON AVENUE ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

10

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

Aug 2

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5

Aug 6

Aug 7

Aug 8

---

FIGURE 3: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT KINZIE STREET ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

10

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

Aug 2

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5

Aug 6

Aug 7

Aug 8

---

FIGURE 4: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT LOOMIS STREET ON THE SOUTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

15

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

12

9

6

3

0

Aug 2

Aug 3

I

Aug 4

I

Aug 5

I

Aug 6

I

Aug 7

I

Aug 8

---

FIGURE 5: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT 36TH STREET ON BUBBLY CREEK

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

10

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

11

Aug 2

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5

Aug 6

Aug 7

1-

Aug 8

---

FIGURE 6: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 55 ON BUBBLY CREEK

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

10

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

Aug 2

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5

Aug 6

Aug 7

Aug 8

---

FIGURE 7: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY

AT B&O CENTRAL RAILROAD ON THE CHICAGO SANITARY AND SHIP CANAL

FROM AUGUST 2, 2006 THROUGH AUGUST 8, 2006

10

IPCB Secondary Contact Proposed

DO Standard of 4.0 mg/L

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

Aug 2

Aug 3

Aug 4

Aug 5

Aug 6

Aug 7

Aug 8

---

Attac

h

ment 2

---

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DIVISION

,

GREAT LAKES AND OHIO RIVER

CORPS OF ENGINEERS

550 MAIN ST.

CINCINNATI

,

OH 45202

CELRD-PDS-P (1105)

20 April 2007

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, Chicago District

SUBJECT: Bubbly Creek, South Branch of the Chicago River,

Illinois;

Reconnaissance

Study Section 905 (b) Analysis (WRDA 86)

1.

References:

a. CELRC-

PM-PL memorandum

,

subject as above

,

dated 29 Aug 06

b.

CECW-

MVD memorandum

,

subject

"

Delegation of

Approval Authority

for Section

905(b

)

Reports

,"

dated 3 May 04

2.

Policy compliance and quality management verification for the subject report have

been completed in coordination with the HQUSACE Planning and Policy Division.

There was joint agreement by HQUSACE Planning and Policy Division and this Division

office that the 905(b) should be approved and the study can proceed into the feasibility

phase upon preparation of a project management plan and preparation and execution of

a FCSA.

3.

Early and continued coordination with higher headquarters is strongly

recommended to address potential policy issues related to proposed project features

including remediation of contaminated sediments.

4.

Per the amended guidance on Peer Review (EC 1105-2-408), the District is directed

to coordinate with the MVD Planning Center of Expertise on Ecosystem Restoration and

this office on the development of a Peer Review Plan.

5.

The subject report is hereby approved and the District may proceed with negotiation

and execution of a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

Director of Civil Works & Management

cf:

CELRD-PDC (Sadri)

CELRD-PDS-G (

Miller)

---

RECONNAISSANCE STUDY

Section 905(b

) (

WRDA 86) Analysis

Bubbly Creek

,

South Branch of the Chicago River

18 August 2006

1. STUDY AUTHORITY:

a) This study is being conducted in accordance with the study resolution adopted by the

Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate

,

July 20, 2005. The

study resolution authority reads as follows:

"Resolved by the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States

Senate, that, the Secretary of the Army, is requested to review the report of the Chief of

Engineers on the Illinois River, Illinois submitted in Senate Document

Numbered 126,

Seventy-first Congress

,

second session

,

and other pertinent reports, to determine whether

any modifications to the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River (commonly

known as Bubbly Creek

)

for ecosystem restoration is advisable at this time. "

b) Funds in the amount of $200

,

000 were appropriated by Congress in Fiscal Year 2006

to conduct the reconnaissance phase of the study

.

Any remaining funds will be carried

over to FY07 to initiate feasibility once approval is received.

2. STUDY PURPOSE:

The purpose of this reconnaissance study is to identify ecosystem restoration

opportunities that the Federal Government would have an interest in studying further

based on policy guidance for the Corps of Engineers

.

In response to the study authority,

the reconnaissance study was initiated in January 2006. The reconnaissance study has

resulted in the finding that there is a Federal interest in participating in a cost

-

shared

feasibility phase study to investigate ecosystem restoration improvements to the South

Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River. The purpose of this Section 905(b)

Analysis is to document the basis for this finding and establish the scope of the feasibility

phase. As the document that establishes the scope of the feasibility study, the Section

905(b

)

Analysis is used as the chapter of the Project Management Plan that presents the

reconnaissance overview and formulation rationale

.

Further detailed analysis to

determine ecosystem restoration measures will be provided in the feasibility phase.

3. LOCATION OF STUDY

,

NON-FEDERAL SPONSOR AND

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:

a) Study Area: The study area includes the entire 1.25 mile channel of the South Fork of

the South Branch of the Chicago River, colloquially referred to as "Bubbly Creek"

located entirely within the City of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. A once sluggishly

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

-1-

Bubbly Creek

icago District

_

Section 905

(

b)-Analysis

---

flowing channel that drained an area of 5 square miles of wetlands has since been

severely altered by human development. Bubbly Creek was once a pristine wetland

system that provided natural aquatic and terrestrial habitats for fish, bird, and mammal

species.

Bubbly Creek has endured major physical alterations including deepening and

widening of the channel, creation of sheet pile banks, complete filling of wetlands within

the original drainage area, severe hydrologic alterations, and introduction of polluted

sediments and runoff. Today, the Bubbly Creek channel begins near Racine Avenue and

38th Street at the Racine Avenue Pumping Station (RAPS) and flows north into the South

Branch of the Chicago River near Ashland Avenue as shown in

Figure 1

below.

P

~ _.

^

OF CHICAGO I

27th STREET

TURNING

BASIN I

LEGEND

F CHICAGO COMBINED SEWER

OUTFALLS (

9 Outfalls)

• DROP SHAFTS

A DO MONITOR

♦

DO MONITOR AND WATER QUALITY

SAMPLING LOCATION

s

35th STREET

n

BUBBLY CREEK

STUDY AREA MAP

37th STREET

RACINE AVENUE-

PUMPING STATION

38th ST.

39th STREET

PERSHING ROAD

MWRO OUTFALL /

Figure 1:

Bubbly Creek Study Area Map

1

38th STREET

38th PLACE

1

US Army Corps

of Engineers

Chicago District

FIGURE 1

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-2-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

ection

na ysis

---

b) Non-Federal Sponsor:

City of Chicago, Department of Environment (DOE)

c) Congressional District:

3`d Congressional District, Congressman Daniel Lipinski

4th Congressional District, Congressman Luis Gutierrez

U.S. Senators Richard Durbin and Barack Obama

4. PRIOR REPORTS AND EXISTING PROJECTS:

a) Corps of Engineers reports:

•

USACE, Chicago District,

Section 206 Preliminary Restoration Plan for the

South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River (Bubbly Creek), Chicago

Illinois,

2003.

The Chicago District received a letter from the City of Chicago, Department of

Environment in July 2002 requesting assistance under Section 206 of the

Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) to address problems with degraded

aquatic habitat in the Chicago River in the vicinity of Bubbly Creek. The District

produced a preliminary restoration plan for Bubbly Creek recommending further

study under the CAP Section 206 authority. During the feasibility phase of the

Section 206 study, the estimated costs of the project were determined to exceed

the Section 206 authority project limits and the project was converted to a general

investigation study.

• USACE, Chicago District,

Collection and Analysis of Sediment Samples from the

South Fork South Branch, Chicago River, Draft Final Report,

2004.

One of the first activities performed by the CAP Section 206 feasibility phase was

to characterize the existing sediments within Bubbly Creek. Limited sediment

characterization was available by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

(IEPA) and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

(MWRDGC). The Chicago District contracted with Camp Dresser and McKee

Engineers (CDM) to perform sediment core sampling and analysis of the bottom

sediments. Thirteen core samples and five grab samples along the entire length of

Bubbly Creek were sampled and analyzed. Results from the analysis concluded

that the material was not found to be characteristically toxic, corrosive or reactive

under RCRA, but further analysis of ignitability is required.

b) Other studies and reports pertaining to the study area:

•

City of Chicago, Department

of Planning and Development

,

Chicago River

Corridor Development Plan,

1999.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-3-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section-_n 905(b) Analysis

---

The Chicago River Corridor Development Plan and Design Guidelines are the

result of a collaborative effort among government agencies, private sector

developers, and non-profit organizations to create a blueprint for the future of the

Chicago River. The goal of the plan is to enhance the river's attractiveness as a

natural and recreational resource while respecting the needs of residential and

business developments. Approved by the Chicago Planning Commission in 1998,

the plan sets forth a shared vision for the river and outlines specific

recommendations to be completed over the next 10 years. Components of the plan

include specific recommendations for improvements to public and private land

that support the goals of the plan, and strategies for preserving and enhancing the

river's natural areas.

• MWRDGC, Research

and Development Department

,

Bubbly Creek Water Quality

Improvement

Demonstration

Project in 2002,

Report 03-01, 2003.

This report provides results of a demonstration project performed in the summer

of 2002 by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

(MWRDGC) with the goal of improving water quality in Bubbly Creek. The

demonstration project involved opening a gate at the Racine Avenue Pumping

Station (RAPS) to allow water from Bubbly Creek to discharge through the

intercepting sewer system, thereby establishing a flow in the creek when

otherwise it would have been stagnant. The demonstration project lasted about 3

months where approximately 2.5 billion gallons were drawn through the creek

and treated at their water reclamation plant (WRP) at an estimated cost of

$625,000.

Water quality monitoring showed a marked improvement to dissolved

oxygen (DO) during dry weather flows and recommendations for further

demonstration project operations were made.

•

MWRDGC, Research and Development Department, 2003

Bubbly Creek Water

Quality Improvement Demonstration Project,

Report 04-08, 2004.

This report provides results of a second-year demonstration project performed by

the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC)

with the goal of improving water quality in Bubbly Creek. This additional

demonstration project investigated a wider range of flows than the initial study.

The demonstration project lasted 6 months where approximately 2.1 billion

gallons were drawn through the creek at an estimated cost of $525,000.

Hydrologic conditions varied greatly in the second-year demonstration project

over the first-year project in that combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges

numbered eight overflow events versus two the previous year.

Water quality

monitoring showed marked improvements to dissolved oxygen (DO) during dry

weather flows and reductions in periods of low DO following CSO events.

Recommendations for further study of sediment oxygen uptake and the impact of

algal respiration on DO levels were made. The report also states that the method

of artificial flow creation used in this demonstration project cannot be used as a

long-term solution for the water quality improvements in Bubbly Creek since it

-

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-4-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

--- Section 905(b) Analysis

---

requires capacity at the WRP that may not be available in wet weather along with

significant additional operating costs.

•

IEPA, Use Attainability Analysis for the Chicago Area Waterway System, Draft

Report, 2004.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has the responsibility to

establish standards for the waterways in Illinois. Part of the standard-setting

process is based on how the waterways are being used and by what entities. IEPA

performed a Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) of the Chicago Area Waterway

System (CAWS) to help understand the changing circumstances of the waterways

in order to better set the standards. The Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB)

recently upgraded three reaches of CAWS due to water quality improvements

without going through the rigors of a UAA study. This study analyzed whether a

use upgrade for currently designated

Secondary Use

reaches are achievable, by

what means could limiting factors be controlled, and to determine whether the

recent upgrades of

General Use

reaches in CAWS were appropriate. This study

involved comprehensive data gathering in terms of water quality, sediment

chemistry, biological, habitat, hydrological, waterway use, recreational, and

aesthetics.

The UAA study recommends Bubbly Creek remain

a Secondary Use

reach along with a suite of management strategies to be implemented in order to

control limiting factors. The report recommends several strategies for Bubbly

Creek including flow augmentation and aeration to address low dissolved oxygen

levels, in stream habitat to improve fish communities, sediment removal to

improve aquatic life conditions, and disinfection to protect for water recreation.

5. PLAN FORMULATION:

Overall

Planning Process:

The six-step planning process laid out in the Water Resources Council's Principles and

Guidelines was used to guide the planning process and to identify and select alternatives

to pursue in more detail during the feasibility phase. The six planning steps are: 1)

identify problems and opportunities, 2) inventory and forecast conditions, 3) formulate

alternative plans, 4) evaluate effects of alternative plans, 5) compare alternative plans,

and 6) select recommended plan. Identifying problems and opportunities are emphasized

for this reconnaissance study. Due to time and funding constraints, the scope of work to

formulate, evaluate, compare and select a recommended plan are limited to existing

information. This reconnaissance study will provide a preliminary investigation of

potential solutions for ecosystem restoration. This information will be refined through

future iterations of the planning steps that will be accomplished during the feasibility

phase.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-5-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

ectron

na

Y

sis

---

a) National Objective:

The Corps has a national objective for ecosystem restoration in response to legislation

and administration policy. The National Ecosystem Restoration (NER) objective is to

contribute to the restoration of the Nation's ecosystems through implementation of

ecosystem restoration projects, with contributions measured by changes in the amounts of

ecological outputs.

b) Public Concerns:

During the preparation of this report, several meetings were held with the potential

sponsor and several other federal, state, regional, and local stakeholders including:

•

City of Chicago, Department of the Environment (DOE); potential local sponsor

•

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region V (USEPA)

•

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)

•

City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development (DPD)

•

City of Chicago, Mayor's Office (MO)

•

City of Chicago, Department of Water Management (DWM)

•

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago District

(MWRDGC)

•

Friends of the Chicago River (FCR)

•

The Wetlands Initiative (TWI)

A number of public concerns regarding Bubbly Creek have been identified during these

discussions. The public concerns are related to the establishment of planning objectives

and planning constraints. The following public concerns were identified:

•

Majority of the time Bubbly Creek is stagnant due to major hydrologic alterations,

which contribute to low water quality and aquatic habitat degradation.

•

Bubbly Creek receives combined sewer overflows from RAPS and other CSO

outfalls along the channel during major rain events. These CSOs contribute to

water quality degradation, aquatic habitat degradation, increased solids loadings,

and the introduction of floating debris.

•

The sediments contained within Bubbly Creek are the remnants of raw sewage

and waste from previous meatpacking industries that lined its banks. These

sediments contain high levels of organics that continually decompose

anaerobically producing methane and hydrogen sulfide gas in bubble form thus

contributing to water quality and aquatic habitat degradation.

•

Bubbly Creek is critical for providing flood relief to a 30 square mile area of the

south side of Chicago by receiving overflows. The conveyance capacity of the

channel must remain viable to accept the 6,000-cfs maximum overflows from

RAPS and additional overflow capacity from nine CSO overflows along the

channel.

Maintaining existing channel conveyance capacity in order to not induce

additional flooding must be taken into account throughout the planning process.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-6-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

section

na ysts

_ -

- -

---

•

Due to water quality problems, Bubbly Creek is classified as a secondary use

water body for limited contact. Plans to revitalize the surrounding area are

limited by its current degraded state.

•

Bubbly Creek offers limited recreational opportunities for millions of residents of

the local surrounding community.

•

Currently, Bubbly Creek is not aesthetically pleasing as the channel produces

frequent foul odors and collects unsightly floating debris following a CSO event.

c) Problem Identification:

General / Background -

Historically, the Chicago River system was essentially a wetland complex that sluggishly

flowed east into Lake Michigan. The drainage area of the Chicago River was unique in

that its boundary with the Des Plaines River to the west formed a continental divide

separating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River watershed from the Mississippi River

drainage basin. One location of the continental divide called Mud Lake, just two miles

west of Bubbly Creek, was quite low and ill-defined allowing sporadic overflows to the

Mississippi River basin during spring floods, which periodically connected these great

basins.

This unique topographic characteristic allowed for a permanent connection

between the two basins possible. In 1848 the completion of the Illinois and Michigan

Canal, which originated at the confluence of Bubbly Creek and the South Branch of the

Chicago River, created an efficient water trade route between the basins sparking the

rapid growth and development of the Chicago area. In 1900, a larger connection was

created with the completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which in turn

permanently reversed the flow of the Chicago River and its drainage from Lake Michigan

to the Illinois River and down the Mississippi River.

The South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River and its tributaries were once

clear meandering creeks that slowly drained the vast marshland that occurred within its

original 5 square mile drainage area. This once pristine ecosystem provided natural

aquatic and terrestrial habitats for many fish, bird, and mammal species. Over a period of

several decades, this pristine ecosystem was severely altered by human development. In

the early 1860's the Union Stock Yards were constructed along the banks of the South

Fork and this small stream became an open sewer and disposal site for large quantities of

blood, offal, hair, and other animal wastes from the meatpacking industry. The channel

was systematically deepened and widened to allow for drainage and disposal of wastes

from the nearby meatpacking industries. Biochemical reactions caused by decomposing

animal waste continuously produce methane and hydrogen sulfide bubbles. To this day

these bubbles constantly float to and break at the water surface, for which the name

"Bubbly Creek" is colloquially given. In 1923, the last tributary to Bubbly Creek, West

Arm of the South Fork, was completely filled in as a remediation solution to the vast

quantities of waste dumped in that channel. The Union Stockyards closed in 1971 after

105 years of meat production. The impact which the Union Stockyards have on the

landscape and its vast physical alterations to Bubbly Creek and the surrounding area

remains today.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-7-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 905(bT- na ysts

---

During the development of Chicago in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a vast sewer

system was constructed to collect sanitary waste and storm runoff and convey it via

massive underground combined sewers to the areas river system. A 30-square mile area

of the central and south side of the City of Chicago originally drained to Bubbly Creek by

gravity.

Conditions in the channel degraded to a point where a bypass connection was

constructed to pump fresh water from Lake Michigan to flush the system during dry

weather. In 1939, the worlds largest pump station, Racine Avenue Pumping Station

(RAPS), was constructed and dry weather flows were diverted to the Stickney Water

Reclamation Plant (WRP) for treatment instead of directly discharging raw sewage to

Bubbly Creek. Over the years, increases to treatment capacity at the WRP have reduced

the amount of overflows that occur. The construction of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan

(TARP), which encompasses a system of deep tunnels and massive reservoirs used to

store overflows, have drastically reduced the amount of combined sewer overflows

(CSOs) to area rivers. Currently the tunnel portion of the project is complete, thus

reducing the number of CSOs at RAPS to approximately 17 times per year.

Unfortunately, even with the TARP project completed, with construction of the McCook

reservoir currently scheduled for 2023 completion, overflow capacity will still be

required at RAPS, albeit less frequently, in order to prevent local flooding and basement

backup during large storm events.

Today, Bubbly Creek is a relatively straight 6,600-foot channel that originates at the

RAPS and flows north during overflow events to its confluence with the South Branch of

the Chicago River. The channel is mostly lined with vertical walls made of steel sheet

pile, concrete, or wood and few areas of steep rocky soils as shown in

Figure

2 below. A

mix of land uses are found along the banks of Bubbly Creek including industrial plants,

trucking terminals, rail yards, and construction material yards which are giving way to

new commercial and residential development. Channel depths vary from approximately

6-feet near RAPS to 14-feet at its mouth and channel widths vary between 120 to 200-

feet wide. The major physical alterations caused by development has severely degraded

the natural ecosystem and eliminated most of the natural aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

Due to hydrologic alterations, existing bottom sediments, combined sewer overflows, and

lack of riparian and in-stream habitats, Bubbly Creek remains a severely impaired

ecosystem with vast opportunities for restoration. Unfortunately, Bubbly Creek has been

altered and degraded so severely that simply restoring aquatic and terrestrial vegetation,

reintroducing natural bottom substrates, altering the channel form, and creating wetlands

will not work on their own. Sustainable conditions must be met in order for ecosystem

restoration to take hold and succeed.

Below is a discussion of specific problems that contribute to the degradation of Bubbly

Creek and which must be solved in order to allow for successful ecosystem restoration.

The first four problems identified below including stagnant flow conditions, combined

sewer overflows, poor sediment quality and poor water quality all contribute to the

degradation of habitat and biological integrity and must be addressed in order to provide

sustainable conditions for ecosystem restoration. Successful ecosystem restoration is

dependent upon restoring the conditions needed for sustainability. Bubbly Creek faces a

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-8-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 903

(b)-An-a^ysrs --_- - _

---

complex series of problems, which in turn will require an equally complex set of

restoration solutions.

Figure 2:

Bubbly Creek Looking Upstream from 35th Street

(1) Stagnant Flow Conditions -

During dry weather periods Bubbly Creek is stagnant, except for the occasional

movement of water caused by a passing boat or slight surge from the South Branch.

Following light to moderate rainstorms, flow in Bubbly Creek is not noticeably changed

since most rainfall runoff is captured in the combined sewer system and conveyed for

treatment and released downstream. Only small areas adjacent to the channel drain

directly to Bubbly Creek and runoff is too limited to significantly impact flows. Due to

this short-circuiting affect on drainage, Bubbly Creek functions more like a lake system

than a river system the majority of the time. During stagnant periods, severely degraded

water quality in Bubbly Creek can be attributed to several factors including the

biochemical interaction between the sediment and the water column, residual water

quality from CSOs, and photosynthetic activity. Levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), which

are good indicators of water quality impairment, typically plummet during stagnant

periods and often reach zero.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) which

operates RAPS conducted a demonstration project where flows were artificially

introduced to Bubbly Creek during dry weather by opening a gate at RAPS to allow

water to enter the interceptor sewers and be pumped for treatment, thereby establishing a

reverse flow in the creek when otherwise it would have been stagnant. MWRDGC

performed this demonstration project for two summers with success in improving dry

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-97

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

-

Section 90

_W na ysts ----

---

weather water quality at a cost of nearly $1.2 million dollars in added operating costs. It

was determined that the creation of an artificial flow during dry weather flows can

drastically improve water quality, but the method of artificial flow creation used in this

project cannot be used as a long-term solution for the water quality improvements in

Bubbly Creek since it requires additional treatment capacity that may not be available in

wet weather and entails significant additional operating costs.

(2) Combined Sewer Overflows -

During excessively heavy rainfall events, the combined sewer system that drains surface

water runoff and sanitary waste by gravity to RAPS can become overwhelmed. In order

to prevent local flooding and basement backup within the sewershed, pumps at RAPS are

turned on to discharge CSO to Bubbly Creek when the capacity of the sewer system is

reached. When this occurs, the water level in the creek rises forcing the CSO to flow

north toward the South Branch of the Chicago River. At maximum overflow capacity,

RAPS can discharge approximately 6,000 cubic feet per second. Combined with

additional flow from adjacent CSO overflows along the channel, the upstream water

levels near RAPS can rise over 3 feet and velocities in the channel can reach in excess of

5 feet per second. During overflow events the water quality in the channel is severely

degraded as CSO contains significant quantities of fresh sewage, street runoff solids, and

some floatable materials as shown in

Figure

3 below. In addition to water quality

degradation, riverine habitats are severely impacted due to high channel velocities caused

by CSO discharges.

Figure 3:

Floatable Debris Collected at RAPS Following a CSO Event

In the ten-year period between 1996 through 2005, overflow pumping to Bubbly Creek at

RAPS had occurred 14 times per year on average. The highest was 21 times in 2001 and

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-10-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 905(b) Analysis

---

the lowest was 9 times in 2005. The duration of pumping varied from a few hours to a

day or more, depending on the amount and duration of rainfall. The completion of the

Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), which encompasses a system of deep tunnels and

massive reservoirs used to store overflows, will reduce the frequency of overflows to

Bubbly Creek. In the interim period before the completion of TARP, the City of Chicago

is implementing a plan to reduce the volume of stormwater entering the combined sewer

system by utilizing Best Management Practices (BMPs) citywide. Unfortunately, the

TARP project will not eliminate all CSOs, therefore pumping from RAPS will continue

to occur when intense storms with large rainfall amounts hit the south side of Chicago.

(3) Sediment Quality -

The sediments within the Bubbly Creek channel contain remnants of animal wastes such

as carcasses

,

hair

,

and offal from the meat processing plants that previously lined its

banks, raw sewage once directly dumped into the channel

,

and solids contained in

combined sewer overflows still released

by RAPS

and other CSO outfalls along the

channel

.

The Illinois Environmental Protection

Agency (IEPA

),

U.S. Environmental

Protection

Agency (USEPA),

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater

Chicago

(MWRDGC), and USACE

have all performed past sediment sampling and bulk

chemistry analyses are consistent among these sampling events. The Chicago District

collected the bulk of sediment information available in the spring of 2004. Thirteen core

samples and five grab samples along the entire length of Bubbly Creek were sampled and

analyzed

.

Sediment depths ranged between 5.5 and 16.8 feet and consisted primarily of

sand and clay. Results of bulk chemistry and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure

(TCLP)

testing show that sampled sediment does not exceed toxicity criteria established

under the Resource Conservation and Recovery

Act (RCRA),

or maximum allowable

polychlorinated biphenyl

(

PCB) concentrations established under Toxic Substances

Control

Act (TSCA).

Sediment samples all showed elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs) and heavy metals. Other detected contaminants included semi volatile organic

compounds (SVOCs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs), oil and grease, and nutrients. A close examination of existing sediment quality

will be completed during the feasibility study as disposal locations and costs can

significantly alter the feasibility of measures addressing sediment quality. Additional

sediment sampling may be needed depending on measures considered during the

feasibility study.

Biochemical reactions within the sediment caused by anaerobic organic

decomposition produce methane and hydrogen sulfide bubbles that constantly float to the

surface sometimes carrying clumps of sediment when made buoyant by entrapped gas

bubbles as shown in

Figure

4 below. These clumps eventually sink when entrained gas

vents to the atmosphere. Odors produced by the gases and the appearance of these

clumps is aesthetically unpleasant.

The City of Chicago, in partnership with The Wetlands Initiative, the University of

Illinois at Chicago, and MWRDGC, is pursuing an active capping demonstration project

for the turning basin at the confluence of Bubbly Creek and the South Branch to

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-11-

Bubbly Creek

Chicag-o-Rislrict

Section 905(hrAnalysis-

---

demonstrate contaminant sequestration and reduction of exposure to the contaminated

sediments.

Results from this project could provide invaluable information that would be

used in the formulation and evaluation of sediment remediation measures for the entire

channel during feasibility phase.

Figure 4:

Clumps

of Sediment and Gas Bubbles at the Surface

of Bubbly Creek

(4)

Water Quality -

In general, the water quality in the Chicago Waterway system is marginal, but constantly

improving. Bubbly Creek is classified for

Secondary Use

by the Illinois Pollution

Control Board (IPCB), which indicates the water is only suitable for limited contact

activities such as boating and fishing. Bubbly Creek is also listed as an impaired stream

by IEPA according the Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The listed causes of

impairment include high pH, low dissolved oxygen, and high total phosphorus with

combined sewer overflows as the primary source of impairment. Stagnant flow

conditions and the biochemical interaction with contaminated sediments also contribute

to water quality degradation.

Water quality is critical to maintaining high quality habitats

needed to support diverse fish and wildlife populations. Poor water quality severely

limits the aquatic habitat and communities within Bubbly Creek

(5)

Habitat and Biological Integrity -

Currently, Bubbly Creek no longer maintains hydro-geomorphic function that historically

provided the means for a broad diversity of habitats to exist. Thus, this system no longer

supports healthy and rich plant and animal communities. The health of the Bubbly Creek

ecosystem has severely declined in response to a loss of habitat to support various life

stages of aquatic and terrestrial biota and a reduction in habitat quality due to several

factors.

The lack of flow diversity caused stagnant flow conditions and high velocities

from combined sewer overflows has resulted in severe habitat degradation. Poor

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-12-

Bubbly Creek

-Ch Cago District

-

-

-

-

-

-

Section 905(h)-A nalysis _ -

---

sediment quality and the biochemical reactions from organic decomposition further

degrade the aquatic habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates. Poor water quality caused by

combined sewer overflows, hydrologic alterations, and reactions with underlying

sediments also contribute to habitat degradation. The channel is absent of any aquatic

vegetation, physical structure, or lotic characteristics, which would provide the basis for

healthy and diverse riverine communities.

An Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) was used to assess the status and probable

improvements to the riverine ecosystem of Bubbly Creek in lieu of ecological restoration.

This IBI may be viewed as a quantitative empirical index for rating the health of a

riverine ecosystem with a scale between 0 and 60. A spring fish survey was performed

where six species were collected, all consisting of tolerant and / or non-native species.

Based on structural, compositional, and functional components of the fish community

surveyed, Bubbly Creek received an IBI score of 10. This score corresponds to a very

poor rating and is characterized as an imperiled aquatic ecosystem in which biotic

integrity has been severely reduced.

(6) Recreation -

Limited recreational activities occur along Bubbly Creek. At the confluence with the

South Branch of the Chicago River, the South Chicago Rowing Center has a small boat

launch. Bank fishing is also common at the confluence of Bubbly Creek. Many new

developments that are being constructed along the Chicago River including Bridgeport

Village, a new single-family residential development area along a portion of the east bank

of Bubbly Creek. Many of these developments are creating river walks to connect the

waterways to residents. Due to the poor water quality and the lack of aquatic habitat and

biological integrity, additional recreational opportunities are limited. Foul odors and

unsightly floating debris can also limit recreational user of from Bubbly Creek.

d) Opportunities:

Improve Stagnant Flow Conditions

- Feasibility phase and other studies can provide

opportunities to restore flow to the channel during normal and dry weather conditions.

The introduction of flows to the channel can significantly improve water quality, increase

and improve riverine habitat, provide environmental benefits for fish and wildlife, and

improve the aesthetics of the channel.

Reduce Combined Sewer Overflows

- Feasibility phase and other studies can provide

opportunities to reduce impacts of combined sewer overflows. Reduced combined sewer

overflows can significantly improve water quality by helping to control point sources of

pollution and provide environmental benefits for fish and wildlife. In addition, reducing

extremely high flow velocities experienced during overflow events can greatly benefit the

aquatic ecosystem by allowing natural structure to establish and remain intact.

Improve Sediment Quality -

Feasibility phase and other studies can provide opportunities

to reduce contaminant migration from existing sediments. Removal or capping of bottom

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-13-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago-acstrtct __

-

ection-

_. na ysts -- _ ___-

---

sediments can significantly improve water quality by controlling contaminant migration,

increase and improve substrates and macroinvertebrate habitats, and provide

environmental benefits for fish and wildlife.

Improve Water Quality

- Feasibility phase and other studies can provide opportunities to

benefit water quality. Increased water quality can significantly increase and improve fish

community habitat, provide environmental benefits for fish and wildlife, and improve the

aesthetics of the channel.

Increase Habitat and Biological Integrity -

Feasibility phase and other studies can

provide opportunities to increase or improve riverine habitat, improve riparian habitat

along the channel, restore native plant communities within the river corridor, restore

wetlands, and restore stream processes to a more natural condition allowing for increased

biological integrity.

Increase Recreational Opportunities - A

future ecosystem restoration project would

provide important opportunities for development of public recreation. Both land-based

and water based facilities could be incorporated into a restoration plan and would provide

an opportunity for State, city, and local entities to implement some of their recreation

plans and ideas. The project could also provide the opportunity for cultural, historic, and

scenic preservation.

e) Expected Future Without-Project Conditions:

The future without-project condition of Bubbly Creek is expected to remain in a highly

degraded state. Stagnant conditions, combined sewer overflows, and contaminated

sediments will continue to contribute to poor water quality, severe habitat degradation,

and continued loss of habitats that support various life stages of aquatic and terrestrial

biota.

Water quality is projected to slightly improve once the TARP system is fully

operational due to less frequent CSO events. Since overflows will not be completely

eliminated by TARP, water quality degradation from CSO discharges will continue.

Without major restoration, Bubbly Creek will remain classified as a limited contact water

body also contributing to major limitations on recreational opportunities.

f) Planning Objectives:

The following planning objectives are specific to Bubbly Creek:

•

Improve normal flow conditions

•

Reduce impacts of combined sewer overflows

•

Reduce exposure to and environmental impacts from bottom sediments

•

Improve water quality since it is the limiting factor to habitat restoration

•

Provide diverse aquatic and related habitats

•

Improve river corridor aesthetics

•

Provide recreational opportunities

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-14-

Bubbly Creek

--

-

_ Chicago istrict

-Secfion 905(6) Ana ysis --- - ---

---

g) Planning Constraints:

•

Bubbly Creek provides conveyance to combined sewer overflows from RAPS and

adjacent sewers. These overflows provide additional capacity to the combined

sewer system that drains a major portion of the central and south sides of

Chicago, thus eliminating local flooding and basement backups. The conveyance

capacity of Bubbly Creek must be maintained so that additional flooding is not

induced.

•

Flow velocities during CSO events can reach high levels thus limiting the design

of in-channel measures. Channel improvements, sediment capping, aquatic

vegetation, and other restoration activities must be designed to withstand these

flow velocities unless a separate conveyance for CSOs is developed.

•

In many areas, development exists right up to the edge of the channel.

Restoration efforts will be constrained in many locations mentioned above unless

land titles or easements are purchased.

•

Many properties surrounding Bubbly Creek either house current businesses or

once did. Impacts to current businesses should be minimized where possible.

Due to the historic nature of businesses along Bubbly Creek, a high potential for

brownfield contamination exists and should be avoided where possible.

•

The City of Chicago is currently in the process of developing an urban renewal

plan for the neighborhood that surrounds Bubbly Creek. Project features should

be planned in accordance with local land use and development plans.

•

Numerous laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and policies must be considered,

such as National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act

(ESA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Clean Air Act (CAA), National Historic

Preservation Act (NHPA), Comprehensive Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and

Recovery Act (RCRA), Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and Corps of

Engineers Planning and Engineering guidance.

h) Measures to Address Identified Planning Objectives:

A management measure is a feature or activity at a site, which addresses one or more of

the planning objectives. A wide variety of measures were considered, some of which

were found to be infeasible due to technical, economic or environmental constraints.

Each measure was assessed and a determination made regarding whether it should be

retained for future consideration in the formulation of alternative plans. The potential

measures that were considered are listed in

Table I

below.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-15-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 9aS(b7s

---

Measure Description

Evaluation

/

Rationale for Decision

Decision

- Measures to improve normal flow conditions

Separate sewers and collect stormwater from adjacent properties for

Numerous small sewersheds at one time drained directly into Bubbly Creek via the nine CSO outfalls currently along the channel. These sewersheds

controlled release during low-flow conditions

currently drain into interceptors and pumped for treatment. Due to the small size of these sewersheds, the possibility of sewer separation and

retain

collection of stormwater for controlled release exists.

Take Bubbly Creek water in at RAPS for treatment at Stickney

This measure was implemented during a two-year demonstration project by MWRDGC that concluded although water quality showed marked

WRP

improvements this method cannot be used as a long term solution due to increased wet-weather capacity requirements at the WRP and significant

not retained

......

_.-

----

-- --

additional operating costs.

Pumping water from the South Branch to the upstream end of

The possibility

.----

of pumping water from the South Branch and discharging it at the upstream end of Bubbly Creek to restore low-flow conditions

Bubbly Creek near RAPS to restore low-flow conditions

exists.

retain

A pump station at the lake and a tunnel along 39th street was constructed in the early 1900's and this measure was utilized for many years to flush raw

Pumping water from Lake Michigan to the upstream end of Bubbly

sewage out of Bubbly Creek. This method was abandoned by the introduction of sewage treatment practices and the construction of RAPS to convey

not retained

Creek near RAPS to restore low-flow conditions

sewage to WRP. According to Section 1109(b)(4) of WRDA 1986 as amended, any Federal agency is prohibited from undertaking any studies that

would involve the transfer of Great Lakes water for any purpose for use outside the Great Lakes basin, therefore this measure was not retained.

- Measures to reduce

impacts of

combined

sewer overflows

Separating sewers within the RAPS sewershed

During the comprehensive feasibility study that justified the Chicago Underflow Plan this measure was found too costly and infeasible.

---

---

not retained

Diverting stormwater within the RAPS sewershed to another

--

During the comprehensive feasibility study that justified the Chicago Underflow Plan this measure was found too costly and infeasible.

not retained

sewershed

Local sewer separation and elimination of CSOs in areas adjacent to

As stated above, due to the small size of adjacent sewersheds, the possibility of sewer separation exists. In addition, CSO outfalls along the channel

Bubbly Creek

could possibly be bulkheaded or removed.

retain

This measure was recommended and approved under the Chicago Underflow Plan. The McCook reservoir, currently under construction, along with

Creation of detention storage for the RAPS sewershed

the completed TARP tunnel system has created detention storage for large areas of the Chicago area including the RAPS sewershed. Additional

not retained

storage in the RAPS sewershed is not feasible.

Creation of detention storage for areas adjacent to Bubbly Creek

As stated above, due to the small size of adjacent sewersheds, the possibility of creating additional detention storage exists

.

retain

Water treatment/disinfectant of CSOs from RAPS

This measure would involve treatment of CSO discharges by such means as chlorination/dechlorination, filtration, ultraviolet disinfection, or other

not retained

means. Due to the large volume of CSOs experienced at RAPS this measure is not feasible.

Water treatment/disinfectant of CSOs from

areas

adjacent to Bubbly

As stated above, this measure would involve treatment of CSO discharges by a variety of means. Since CSO discharges from areas adjacent to

Creek

Bubbly Creek are minimal in comparison to RAPS the possibility of treating the CSOs prior to contact with Bubbly creek exists.

retain

Bypass discharge directly to South Branch

The possibility of diverting CSO discharge from RAPS directly to the South Branch via diversion pipes exists. The large costs to implement this

retain

measure must be weighed against the ecological benefits from the elimination of CSOs from RAPS.

- Measures to manage contamination

from bottom sediments

Remove contaminated sediments

The possibility of removing contaminated bottom sediments through dredging and disposal of Bubbly Creek exists.

-----

-

--

- -----

-- - -- ----

----

retain

Cap existing sediments

The possibility of capping bottom sediments Bubbly Creek exists. The City of Chicago is currently pursuing a demonstration project to test the

retain

feasibility of capping sediments along Bubbly Creek.

Table

1:

Measures considered

for further

evaluation

US. Arnry

Crops

of Engineers

-16-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section

905(b) Analysis

---

- Measures

to improve

water quality

(in addition to other Measures that also address objective)

The possibility of creating in-stream aeration to improve the water quality of Bubbly Creek exists.

MWRDGC has constructed several sidestream

In-stream aeration

elevated pool aeration (SEPA) stations along the Chicago Waterway System to improve water quality by lifting canal water and allowing it to drop

retain

over a series of weirs to create a waterfall and add oxygen to the waterway.

Implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The possibility of implementing BMPs such as bioswales, bio-infiltration basins, and wetponds to divert clean stormwater into Bubbly Creek exists.

retain

The City of Chicago has established a 60-foot stormwater setback to allow implementation of stormwater BMPs along the channel.

- Measures to restore aquatic and terrestrial habitats

Reconfigure channel cross-sectional form

The possibility of reconfiguring the channel geometry to create flow diversity exists. Special attention in regards to sediment disturbance, handling,

retain

and disposal must be carefully considered with this measure.

Streambank recontouring, native plantings, and restoration

The possibility of streambank restoration through recontouring and establishment of native plant communities exist

.

retain

In-channel wetland restoration

The possibility of restoring wetlands within the channel exists. Current high flow conditions caused by CSOs from RAPS constrain the restoration of

retain

in-channel wetlands.

Substrate introduction and streambed restoration

The possibility of restoring the natural substrate diversity exists. This measure could be incorporated with sediment removal or capping measures

retain

stated above.

Placement of snags and large woody debris

The possibility of restoring natural structure diversity in the form of snags or large woody debris exists.

retain

Riparian native plant restoration

The possibility of restoring natural plant communities along the riparian areas of Bubbly Creek exists.

retain

- Measures

to improve

river corridor aesthetics

(in addition to other Measures that also address objective)

Screen floatable debris from channel

The possibility of screening and removing floatable debris introduced by CSO discharges into Bubbly Creek exists.

retain

Due to the ecosystem restoration authority of this project, repair or replacement of existing deteriorated bank treatments such as

steel

sheet pile and

Repair or replace deteriorated bank treatments

concrete

walls is

not considered appropriate.

Measures to restore streambanks through recontouring and native plant restoration as stated above are

not retained

recommended.

- Measures

to provide additional recreational opportunities

Small boat and canoe launch

The possibility of providing compatible water access points to Bubbly Creek in the form of a small boat and canoe launch exists.

-.----

retain

River access walking trail

The possibility of providing compatible recreational opportunities through walking trails along the banks of Bubbly Creek exists.

retain

Interpretive silmage

The possibility of providing compatible recreational opportunities by constructing interpretive displays featuring the rich history of Bubbly Creek and

retain

surrounding areas and the urban restoration initiatives currently underway.

Table 1:

Measures considered for further evaluation (continued)

U.S. Army Corps gfEngineers

-17-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 905(b) Analysis

---

i) Preliminary Plans for further consideration:

Preliminary plans are formulated by combining the various retained measures that meet

the objectives of the study. During the feasibility study these plans will be evaluated and

the most cost effective and best-buy plans will be developed in further detail.

Preliminary plans include:

No action.

The Corps is required to consider the option of "No Action" as one of the

alternatives. No Action assumes that no project would be implemented by the Federal

Government (Corps of Engineers) to achieve the planning objectives. No Action, which

is synonymous with the "Without Project Condition", forms the basis from which all

other alternative plans are measured.

Low-Flow Restoration.

This plan would consider measures to restore low flows to

Bubbly Creek during normal and dry weather periods. The restoration of low flows

could be accomplished by pumping water from the South Branch and introducing that

flow to the upstream end of Bubbly Creek near RAPS. The introduction of low flows

would improve water quality, a limiting factor in the restoration of the Bubbly Creek

ecosystem, as shown by the demonstration projects performed by MWRDGC. Without

addressing the other limiting factors, few opportunities for aquatic habitat restoration

would exist due to contamination by CSO and bottom sediments. Major aesthetic

improvements can be achieved by reducing the amount of floatable debris that collects

within the channel and by reducing foul odors that stagnant waters now produce.

Low-Flow Restoration and Sediment Remediation with Ecosystem Restoration.

This plan

would consider measures to restore low flows to Bubbly Creek during normal periods

and reduce contamination from bottom sediments along with the restoration of aquatic

and associated habitats. Low flow restoration would be accomplished in the same

manner as the plan above. Sediment remediation measures for consideration include

removal and capping. Since anaerobic decomposition of the bottom sediments produce

large amounts of gas and high velocities occur in the channel during overflows,

challenges exist with sediment capping at this site. Field demonstrations are

recommended to assist or provide valuable information in the selection of capping

materials, placement methods, and gas collection and treatment systems. Alterations to

channel cross sections could be configured to allow for areas of low velocities that could

sustain aquatic vegetation necessary for ecosystem restoration.

Major alterations to the

channel could include reconfiguring the channel to mimic natural streams where deeper

portions of the channel provide the main flow conveyance, while shallow edges and

floodplain areas provide calmer waters for fish spawning, rearing, and feeding. Stream

bank alterations including riparian habitat restoration along with river access points,

trails, and other recreational features could be part of the channel alterations. A rendering

of Bubbly Creek restored following this plan is shown in

Figure

S below.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-18-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

ection 05

(Y) Ana ysis -

---

Figure S:

Low

-Flow Restoration and Sediment Remediation with Ecosystem Restoration

Preliminary Plan (figure provided

by Chicago

Department of Planning and Development)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-19-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 9-OW na

---

Low-Flow Restoration. Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination, and Sediment

Remediation with Ecosystem Restoration.

This plan would consider measures to restore

low flows to Bubbly Creek during normal periods, eliminate combined sewer overflow

discharges and reduce contamination from bottom sediments along with the restoration of

aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This ambitious plan would allow for complete restoration

of Bubbly Creek to mimic a natural meandering stream with associate wetland margins.

Low flow restoration would be accomplished in the same manner as the plans above, but

to less of a scale since this plan involves significantly reducing the size of the stream

channel. The amount of flow needed to maintain water quality would be less when

channel size is reduced. Elimination of CSO discharge could be accomplished by

diverting overflows directly to the South Branch via large pipes. An inlet manifold

would be necessary at RAPS in order to direct flow into the diversion pipes. Other

connections between adjacent CSOs along the channel, if not eliminated, and the

diversion pipe may be required. At the downstream end, where discharges are

reintroduced to the South Branch, an energy dissipating plunge pool would be necessary

to control erosion. The diversion pipes could be placed in the existing channel in order to

reduce excavation and land acquisition costs. Once CSOs are diverted from Bubbly

Creek, complete ecosystem restoration would be possible. Since maintaining channel

overflow conveyance capacity would be unnecessary, the cross-sectional area of the

channel can be drastically reduced and reconfigured. The existing channel could be

replaced with several wetland areas connected by a small meandered stream containing a

series of riffle and pool complexes. The riparian area would also be drastically increased

by reducing the width of the channel. Diverse aquatic and riparian habitats can be

restored by this plan. Sediment remediation would be accomplished by capping and

filling.

Since bottom sediments can be capped with a thicker layer and substrate

materials due to the removal of channel conveyance limitations and high channel

velocities, sediment remediation under this plan is considered less complicated. A sketch

of Bubbly Creek restored following this plan is shown in

Figure

6 below.

j) Conclusions from Preliminary Screening:

At this time, limited information is available at the reconnaissance level to screen

alternatives.

More in-depth conclusions for the preliminary screening will be drawn in

the feasibility phase when more information is available for further analysis and

alternatives have been reformulated and screened out. Due to funding and time

constraints of the reconnaissance phase, only limited and informal coordination has been

conducted with other agencies.

The preliminary screening indicates the plan that provides low flow restoration and

sediment remediation with ecosystem restoration has the greatest potential for

implementation. The low-flow restoration plan does not address other limiting factors

caused by contamination from CSOs and bottom sediments leaving few opportunities for

aquatic habitat restoration. Inclusion of a separate means of conveyance for CSOs to

bypass Bubbly Creek as included in the low-flow restoration, combined sewer overflow

elimination, and sediment remediation with ecosystem restoration is expected to be cost

prohibitive.

Benefits to ecosystem restoration would include increased habitat quantity

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-20-

Bubbly Creek

Chicag^istrict

-Section 905(b) Analysis

---

Diversion Pipes

Placed Along

Channel Bed

Meandered Channel &

Wetland Restoration

Figure 6:

Low-

Flow Restoration

,

Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination, and Sediment

Remediation with Ecosystem Restoration Preliminary Plan

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-21-

Bubbly Creek

Chicao District

Section 905(b) Anal

---

and improved habitat quality of a significant area of metropolitan Chicago which would

benefit millions of local area residents. Ecosystem restoration benefits would likely be

quantified in terms of increases in the quantity and quality of lotic stream, riparian, and

wetland habitats. The restoration of Bubbly Creek would provide a source for aquatic

plants and animals and benefit an area several miles upstream and downstream of the

project area. Currently, very few locations for native aquatic species to reproduce exist,

thus severely impairing the abundance within the Chicago River System. Because the

entire area that would be considered for restoration is currently highly degraded and has

extremely low habitat value, improvements in habitat quality due to restoration could be

very high. A preliminary table of potential ecological outputs as related to quality and

function of with and without project habitats is shown in

Table

2 below. These numbers

are based solely on professional judgment and should only be used as a relative guide in

displaying restoration potential for Bubbly Creek. Actual restoration outputs will be

determined during the feasibility study based on measured data and sound scientific

methodology.

Habitat

Area of

Quality of

Function of

Ecological

Type

Habitat

Habitat

Habitat

Output

(acres)

(1-5)

(0-10)

(HUs)

Lotic'

25

1

1

25

Without

Riparian2

21

1

3

63

Project

/

Wetland

0

0

0

0

No Action

Total

46

88

Net Improvement:

0

Lotic

25

2

3

150

Riparian

21

1

3

63

Low-Flow

Wetland

0

0

0

0

Restoration

Total

46

213

Net

Improvement:

125

Low-Flow

,

Lotic

20

3

6

360

Sediment

Riparian

21

4

8

672

Remediation

,

Wetland

15

3

6

270

Ecosystem

Total

56

1,302

Restoration

Net Improvement:

1,214

Low-Flow

Lotic

10

4

8

320

Rest.

,

CSO

Riparian

21

4

8

672

Elimination

,

Wetland

25

4

8

800

Sed. Remed

.,

Total

56

1,792

Eco. Rest.

Net

Improvement:

1,704

'

Lotic stream length of 6,600 linear feet and an average channel width of 165-feet was used to

calculate habitat footprint area

2

Riparian length of 15,000 linear feet and a setback width of 60-feet used to calculate habitat

footprint area

Table 2:

Estimated Ecological Outputs of Preliminary Restoration Plans

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-22-

Bubbly Creek

Chic ago District _

- -

-- -

_-

- -

- - _--

-

---

- -Section 90^(b^Anaysis

---

Preliminary implementation costs have been developed based on other ecosystem

restoration projects in the area and professional judgment. Since the causes of

degradation facing Bubbly Creek are quite unique, complex solutions are necessary for

restoration.

Many unit cost values from other projects were not available for use because

some technologies proposed for Bubbly Creek are new and have not been implemented

elsewhere. For example, sediment capping costs can vary greatly depending on the

materials used and thickness required for this application. The preliminary

implementation costs as shown in

Table 3

below are meant to provide a relative basis for

comparison only. A detailed and more reliable cost estimate will be developed during the

feasibility phase.

Cost

Plan

Construction

Activity

(x $1,000)

Low Flow Restoration

2,500

0 0

(Pump, Conveyance Pipe, and Inlet/Outlet Structures)

w l

Sub-Total

2,500

3 °

Contingency (25%)

625

o

Estimated Total Construction

3,125

Low Flow Restoration

2,500

0

(Pump, Conveyance Pipe, and Inlet/Outlet Structures)

0 0 d

Sediment Capping

15,000

0

o

Limited Sediment Dredging and Disposal

k

2,000

Riparian Site Prep and Earthwor

1 ,500

Riparian and Wetland Vegetation

3,000

G°

Sub-Total

24,000

3 b j

Contingency (25%)

6,000

Estimated Total Construction

30,000

Low Flow Restoration

1,500

0

(Pump, Conveyance Pipe, and Inlet/Outlet Structures)

0

.

y0

CSO Diversion Structures

84,000

2

(Channel Diversion Pipes and Inlet/Outlet Structures)

Sediment Capping and Meander Channel Construction

10,000

Riparian Site Prep and Earthwork

1,500

o w

Riparian and Wetland Vegetation

3,000

w O^ F o

U4

Sub-Total

100,000

o

U

^

Contingency (25%)

25,000

Estimated Total Construction

125,000

Table 3:

Estimated Construction Costs of Preliminary Restoration Plans

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-23-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

ection 9a^(b Analysis

---

k) Project Significance:

Statements of significance provide qualitative information and help decision makers

evaluate whether the value of the resources restored are worth the costs necessary to

restore them. The Bubbly Creek ecosystem restoration project will provide substantial

benefits of local, regional, and national significance. The significance of restoration

outputs are recognized in terms of institutional, public, and/or technical importance as

discussed below.

Institutional Recognition - The Bubbly Creek ecosystem restoration project is significant

based on institutional recognition meaning that the importance of the environmental

resource is acknowledged in the laws, adopted plans, and other policy statements of

public agencies, tribes, or private groups as listed below:

•

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1958, as amended -

All Federal

departments and agencies to the extent practicable and consistent with the

agencies authorities should conserve and promote conservation of non-game fish

and wildlife. The Bubbly Creek project will help conserve Chicago River

ecosystems including the non-game fish and wildlife within the existing

authorities of the Corps of Engineers.

•

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended-

It is national policy to

promote efforts, which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment. The

Bubbly Creek project will restore damaged aquatic habitat and enhance the public

use of the natural resource.

•

North American Wetlands Conservation

Act of 1968,

as amended

-

Provides for

implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the

Tripartite Agreement on wetlands between Canada, U.S

.

and Mexico. The

Chicago River and Bubbly Creek are along the Illinois River segment of the

Mississippi River migratory bird flyway

.

Over 300 species of birds migrate

through these river valleys in spring and fall and is used by more than 40 percent

of the migratory waterfowl traversing the United States and 60 percent of all bird

species in North America. The proposed project will increase and restore wetland

and riparian habitats that are used by migratory birds along the flyway.

•

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended -

Preservation of

significant historical features (buildings, objects and sites) through grants and

establishment of the National Register of Historic Places. Two historic landmarks

are located within the project area. The Old Stone Gate of Chicago Union

Stockyards, which is the last remaining feature of the Union Stockyards, is listed

on the National Register and the Canal Origins Park located at the mouth of

Bubbly Creek is the site where the I&M Canal began and is designated as a

Chicago landmark. The Bubbly Creek project would help to restore areas

adjacent to historic landmarks, thus aiding in cultural heritage of the area.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-24-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 903

Analysis

---

• Illinois and

Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Act of 1984,

as amended

- Creation

of the

nation

'

s first national heritage area, the I&M National Heritage

Corridor

has goals of preservation

,

conservation

,

recreation

,

and economic

development

.

The Bubbly

Creek project falls within the corridor and would help

to restore and preserve the area in concert with national heritage goals.

•

Executive Order 11514: Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality -

Federal policy aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of the Nation's

environment. The Bubbly Creek project will restore a polluted and stagnant

section of the Chicago River System.

•

Executive Order 11593: Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural

Environment -

Federal policy aimed at preserving, restoring and maintaining the

historic and cultural environment of the Nation. The Bubbly Creek project will

help restore an area rich in historic and cultural significance. As stated above, the

project area is the site of the Union Stockyards, origin of the I&M canal, and falls

within the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor.

•

Executive Order 12962: Recreational Fisheries

-

Federal policy aimed to

conserve, restore, and enhance aquatic ecosystems to provide for increased

recreational fishing opportunities nationwide. The Bubbly Creek project will

enhance the local fisheries by providing spawning and foraging habitat for yellow

perch, large mouth bass, sunfishes and other various non-game species.

•

Memorandum of Understanding: Urban Rivers Restoration Initiative

-

The

purpose of the URRI is meant to facilitate collaborative efforts between

government agencies, states and stakeholders to improve water quality and habitat

of degraded urban rivers. The agreement was signed between the USEPA and

USACE. The Chicago Area Rivers Restoration Initiative (CARRI) was

nominated for national pilot status. Bubbly Creek and the Chicago River Corridor

Development plan are specifically mentioned in CARRI.

•

City of Chicago: Chicago River Corridor Development Plan

-

The Chicago River

Corridor Development Plan is the result of a collaborative effort among

government agencies, private sector developers, and non-profit organizations to

create a blueprint for the future of the Chicago River. Approved by the Chicago

Plan Commission in 1998, the plan sets forth a shared vision for the river and

outlines specific recommendations to be completed over the next 10 years. The

Bubbly Creek project supports the goals of the plan to enhance the river's

attractiveness as a natural and recreational resource.

•

Friends of

the Chicago River: Clean Water Campaign

-

The Clean Water

Campaign has the goal of developing a strategy for how to improve the water

quality of the Chicago River to the highest possible standard

.

Improving water

quality has the biggest impact on the overall health of the Chicago River. Without

clean water, the establishment of healthy wildlife populations and the potential of

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-25-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 905(b)-Awa7yszs

---

the Chicago River for recreation will not be realized. The Bubbly Creek project

supports the Clean Water Campaign by improving water quality and restoring

natural aquatic and related habitats.

•

City of Chicago: Bubbly Creek Vision Plan

-

The Bubbly Creek Vision Plan,

which is currently being developed by the City of Chicago and the Bridgeport

neighborhood, aims at creating a development and restoration plan for the

neighborhood surrounding and including Bubbly Creek. The Bubbly Creek

project is the cornerstone of this plan.

Public Recognition - The Bubbly Creek ecosystem restoration project is significant based

on public recognition meaning a segment of the general public recognizes the importance

of an environmental resource, as evidenced by people engaged in activities that reflect an

interest or concern for that particular resource as listed below:

•

The Bubbly Creek project is locally significant for its ecological value to the City

of Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods. Bubbly Creek is located within a

heavily populated area of metropolitan Chicago. Based on 2000 U.S. Census

data, over 104 thousand people live within 1 mile of the project area that would

directly benefit from the proposed project. Additionally, over 1.4 million people

live within 5 miles of Bubbly Creek that would benefit from additional natural

space, which is severely lacking in this area.

•

The Friends of the Chicago River (FCR) is the only organization solely dedicated

to the Chicago River. Since 1979, FCR has been working to improve the health

of the Chicago River for the benefit of people and wildlife and by doing so, has

laid the foundation for the river to be a beautiful, continuous, easily accessible

corridor of open space in Metropolitan Chicago. FCR has conducted numerous

river rescue days and other activities that benefit the Chicago River. FCR are

solely funded by private donations and have been actively involved in the Bubbly

Creek project and will continue to provide support during the feasibility study.

• The Chicago River Rowing and Paddling Club (CRRPC) is the oldest boat club

on the Chicago River. Founded in 1979, CRRPC has pioneered recreational use

of the Chicago River by demonstrating and promoting the potential of the river

for canoeing, rowing and kayaking. CRRPC currently maintains a canoe launch

at the mouth of Bubbly Creek and supports the Bubbly Creek project and will be

involved in formulating compatible water access and recreational opportunities.

Technical Recognition - The Bubbly Creek ecosystem restoration project is significant

based on technical recognition. This means the resource qualifies as significant based on

its "technical" merits, which are based on scientific knowledge or judgment of critical

resource characteristics as listed below:

U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers

-26-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

SecTion05-(b7 Antes

---

•

Scarcity - The Bubbly Creek project would restore in-stream habitat, side stream

wetlands, and naturalized hydraulic regimes, which are extremely rare within the

Chicago River system.

•

Representation - The Bubbly Creek project aims to restore stream and wetland

features that are representative of what was present nearly 200 years ago. The

project area was once comprised of a series of sluggishly flowing channels and

connected wetlands.

•

Connectivity - The restoration of Bubbly Creek would begin the process of

reconnecting sustainable habitats within the Chicago River. Habitats restored

with this project would connect with other ecosystem restoration projects

currently being developed within the Chicago River system.

• Status and Trends - Bubbly Creek has been severely altered by human

intervention, which has caused serious degradation to the ecosystem.

Without

intervention, the project area will remain in an imperiled state. The Bubbly Creek

project has the ability to recover and restore this unique and important resource.

•

Limiting Habitat - Bubbly Creek is currently devoid of any natural habitat. This

project would restore in-stream habitat, side stream wetlands, and native riparian

plant communities, which are currently extirpated from the project area.

•

Biodiversity - The Bubbly Creek restoration project would significantly increase

the biodiversity of flora and fauna within the project area. The project will

increase the biodiversity of macroinvertebrate, fish, and bird species. Restoration

of Bubbly Creek would provide a natural area to allow for fish species to spawn

and disperse throughout the Chicago River system, which is currently devoid of

quality spawning habitat. This project will also increase the biodiversity and

abundance of fish outside the project area within the Chicago River system.

In summary, the proposed Bubbly Creek ecosystem restoration project is significant in

terms of institutional, public, and technical recognition. The significance and high value

of the resources to be restored lay the foundation for Federal interest in conducting a

feasibility study.

1)

Establishment of a Plan Formulation Rationale:

The Corps is required to consider the option of "No Action" as one of the alternatives in

order to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA). No Action assumes that no project would be implemented by the Federal

Government (Corps of Engineers) to achieve the planning objectives. No Action, which

is synonymous with the "Without Project Condition", forms the basis from which all

other alternative plans are measured.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-27-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

ec^l0

Analysis

---

The conclusions from the preliminary screening form the basis for the next iteration of

the planning steps that will be conducted in the feasibility phase. The likely array of

alternatives that will be considered in the next iteration includes: no action; pumping

from South Branch to provide low-flow restoration; low-flow restoration along with

sediment capping with channel, wetland, and riparian restoration; low-flow restoration

along with combined sewer overflow diversion, sediment remediation by capping and

filling with channel remeandering, wetland, and riparian restoration; and locally-

developed plans. Future screening and reformulation will be based on the following

factors: priorities of the non-Federal sponsor regarding project purposes; input from

stakeholders including landowners, interest groups and other government agencies,

during the public scoping process for the feasibility phase; and the results of detailed

investigations conducted during the feasibility phase.

6. FEDERAL INTEREST:

Since ecosystem restoration is a high priority budget output and the primary outputs of

the alternatives are ecosystem restoration, there is strong Federal interest in conducting a

feasibility study.

Based on preliminary information, there are potential project

alternatives that would be consistent with current Corps policies regarding costs, benefits,

and environmental impacts. There are opportunities within the study area to develop a

cost effective environmentally justified project that would achieve well-integrated

ecosystem restoration within a complicated system and provide limited compatible

recreation to the extent possible within an area that could directly benefit millions of local

area residents.

7. PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL ANALYSIS:

As the potential non-Federal sponsor, the City of Chicago Department of Environment

(DOE) would be required to provide 50 percent of the cost of the feasibility phase. DOE

is also aware of the cost sharing requirements for potential project implementation. A

letter of intent from DOE stating a willingness to pursue the feasibility study and to share

in its costs is included as Enclosure A.

8. SUMMARY OF FEASIBILITY STUDY ASSUMPTIONS:

a) Feasibility Phase Assumptions:

•

The without-project conditions serve as the baseline for estimating and evaluating

the beneficial and adverse effects of a potential water resource project. Since the

Bubbly Creek watershed is fully developed and the future without project

condition can be reasonably predicted with confidence, the planning period for the

environmental analysis will be over a 50-year period.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-28-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

ection 903(b) A-naIysrs

---

•

The feasibility study will address a project that is complete in itself and does not

rely on and dependent upon other projects for justification. Other ecosystem

restoration projects within the area will provide additional environmental outputs.

•

An MCACES cost estimate will be performed on the selected plan providing and

analysis suitable for a feasibility level study.

•

The feasibility study will contain ecosystem restoration outputs as the basis for

justification and will not contained a detailed economic analysis. Incidental

economic benefits maybe included.

•

Additional and expanded assumptions may be identified during development of

the project management plan (PMP). Any critical assumptions and sensitive

policy areas will be coordinated with Corps vertical team.

b) Policy Exceptions and Streamlining Initiatives:

The study will be conducted in accordance with the Principles and Guidelines and Corps

of Engineers regulations. No exceptions to established guidance have been identified at

this time.

c) Other Approvals Required:

The non-Federal Sponsor will need to have the necessary funding and authority to

participate in the feasibility phase.

9. FEASIBILITY PHASE MILESTONES:

The feasibility phase schedule will be developed in detail during the preparation of the

Project Management Plan (PMP

)

and the Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement

(FCSA).

The feasibility study is expected to be conducted over a 36-month period

.

A preliminary

schedule of the major feasibility study milestones has been provided in

Table 4.

Milestone

Description

Duration

(mo

Cumulative

(mo

Milestone Fl

Initiate Stud

0

0

Milestone F2

Public Workshop and NEPA Sco in

2

2

Milestone F3

Feasibility Sco in

Meeting

11

13

Milestone F4

Alternative Formulation Briefing

14

27

Milestone F5

Draft Feasibility Report and EA or EIS

3

30

Milestone F6

Final Public Meeting

1

31

Milestone F7

Feasibility Review Conference

1

32

Milestone F8

Final Report to LRD

3

35

Milestone F9

DE's Public Notice

1

36

-

Chief's Report

4

40

-

Project Authorization

4

44

Table 4:

Preliminary Feasibility Phase Milestones

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-29-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

-Sec9D5(b)- na ysis

---

10. FEASIBILITY PHASE COST ESTIMATE:

The following feasibility phase cost estimate, as shown in

Table 5,

is preliminary pending

negotiation of a detailed scope of work for the feasibility study with the local sponsor. A

revised cost estimate will be presented in the Project Management Plan.

Feasibili

ty

Stud

Task Descri

p

tion

Cost

Surve

y

s and Ma

pp

in

g

exce

p

t

Real Estate

$

100,000

H

y

drolo

gy

and H

y

draulics Studies

/

Re ort

$100,000

Geotechnical Studies/Re ort

$150,000

En

g

ineerin

g

and Desi

g

n Anal

y

sis Re

p

ort

$250,000

Socioeconomics Studies

$25,000

Real Estate Anal

y

sis/Re

p

ort

$50,000

Environmental Studies

/

Re ort

(

Exce

pt USF

&WL

$200,000

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Re

p

ort

$50,000

HTRW Studies/Re ort

$

100,000

Cultural Resources Studies

/

Re ort

$50,000

Cost Estimates

$

75,000

Public Involvement Documents

$

75,000

Plan Formulation and Evaluation

$

250,000

Final Re

p

ort Documentation

$

50,000

Technical Review Documents

$100,000

Washin

g

ton Level Re

p

ort A

pp

roval

Review Su

pp

ort

)

Mana

g

ement and Bud

g

et Documents

$

200,000

Contin

g

encies

$

500,000

Project Mana

g

ement Plan PMP

)

$

50,000

PED Cost Sharin

g

A

g

reement

$50,000

TOTAL

:

$2,500,000

Table 5:

Preliminary Feasibility Phase Cost Estimate

11. VIEWS

OF OTHER RESOURCE

AGENCIES:

This project contributes to a multi-agency regional watershed plan. The Urban River

Restoration Initiative is a partnership between Federal, State, and local agencies in a

collaborative effort to improve water quality, manage contaminated sediment, and restore

habitat in the Chicago Area Rivers. The partnership is working to achieve common goals

of protecting public health, restoring habitat and revitalizing economic development. In

addition, this Bubbly Creek study is a high priority for the City of Chicago and the

Mayor's Office, and supports the Friends of the Chicago River biodiversity recovery plan.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-30-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section 903

na ysis

---

12. POTENTIAL ISSUES AFFECTING INITIATION OF

FEASIBILITY PHASE:

Continuation of this study into the cost-shared feasibility phase is contingent upon an

executed Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA). Issues that could impact the

initiation of the feasibility phase include the lack of funds by the Federal government.

The City of Chicago Department of Environment provided a letter dated August 1, 2006,

as attached, noting their intention to be a local sponsor and willingness to enter into a

feasibility cost sharing agreement.

The tentative schedule for signing the

FCSA

is July 2007

.

Based on the schedule of

milestones laid out in Section 9 above; completion of the feasibility report would be in

August 2010

,

with a potential Congressional Authorization in WRDA 2012.

13. PROJECT AREA MAP:

A map of the study area is provided as Figure 1.

14. RECOMMENDATIONS:

It is recommended that this 905(b) Preliminary Analysis report be approved as a basis for

developing the Project Management Plan (PMP) for the Bubbly Creek feasibility study,

finalizing the Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement (FCSA) with the non-Federal sponsor,

and proceeding with more detailed planning and engineering study to determine an

appropriate, coordinated, implementable solution to the identified water resources

problems and opportunities.

Z5

Date

A"

D. Drolet

el,

Corps of Engineers

District Engineer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

-31-

Bubbly Creek

Chicago District

Section-905 - Ana ysis

---

August 1, 2006

City of Chicago

Richard M

.

Daley, Mayor

Department of Environment

Sadhu A.

Johnston

Commissioner

Twenty-fifth Floor

30 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602-2575

(312) 744-7606 (Voice)

(312) 744.6451 (FAX)

(312) 744-3586 (TTY)

htip://www.cilyofchicago.org

John D. Drolet

Colonel, U.S. Army

District Commander

11 I N. Canal Street, Suite 600

Chicago, IL 60606-7206

SUBJECT:

Bubbly Creek Feasibility

Study -

Letter of Intent

Dear Colonel Drolet:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District is currently conducting a

reconnaissance study of the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago

River. The primary focus of the study is ecosystem restoration.

We have met

several times with representatives of the Chicago District to discuss this study.

Overall, water quality in the Chicago River has been improving and land along

the river is currently being redeveloped. Several activities are"currently

underway

or planned

to improve the water quality. However, additional work is

needed to improve nuisance conditions caused by sewer overflows, to restore

habitat, and to continue to improve general appearance and water quality which

is jeopardized by a century of slaughter house pollution resting on the creek

bottom. Ecosystem

restoration

will improve water quality, protect public health,

restore habitat and revitalize economic development.

We understand that participation by the Corps of Engineers to conduct a more

detailed feasibility study of the SFSB of the Chicago River requires a local

sponsor capable and willing to enter into a feasibility cost sharing agreement.

Our understanding is that tinder current regulations

,

cost sharing of the study is

50% federal and 50% local

.

By this letter, the

City of

Chicago intends to be a

local sponsor for this ecosystem restoration feasibility study project.

We look forward to working with the

Army Corps

on this important project. If

you have any questions

,

please call Renante Marante at

312 742-0123.

Sincerely,

Sadhu A. Johnston

Commissioner

Chicago Department of Environment

cc:

Cathy

.

Hudzik (M.O.)

Kirston Buczak

(

A.C.O.E.)

David Bucaro

(A.C.O.E.)

---

A

tt

ac

hm

e

nt

3

---

Metropoff n Wafer

Reclamation Dtstrtct of Greater Chicago

RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT

REPORT NO. 07-25

CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN MONITORING

IN THE DEEP-DRAFT CHICAGO WATERWAY SYSTEM

DURING 2006

May 2007

---

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

100 East Erie Street Chicago

,

Illinois 60611-2803 312-751-5600

CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN MONITORING

IN THE DEEP-DRAFT CHICAGO WATERWAY SYSTEM

DURING 2006

By

Thomas A. Minarik, Jr.

Biologist I

Jennifer

L. Wasik

Biologist II

Michael Sopcak

Biologist III

Samuel G. Dennison

Biologist IV

Research and Development Department

Louis

Kollias,

Director

May 2007

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

LIST OF TABLES

ii

LIST OF FIGURES

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

vi

DISCLAIMER

vi

INTRODUCTION

1

MONITORING STATIONS

2

Locations and Descriptions

2

Designated Uses

2

Water Quality Standards

2

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3

Water Quality Monitor

3

Data Management and Review

3

Verification of Representative Data

4

RESULTS

5

DO Fluctuations

5

REFERENCES

35

APPENDIX:

A

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at all Deep-Draft Monitoring Stations

A-1

During 2006

i

---

LIST OF TABLES

Table

No.

Page

1

Deep-Draft Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring Stations

6

2

Minimum, Maximum, and Mean Hourly Dissolved Oxygen Concentra-

tions

10

3

Number and Percent of Dissolved Oxygen Values Not Meeting Accep-

tance Criteria

4

Number and Percent of Dissolved Oxygen Values Measured Above the

Illinois Pollution Control Board's Water Quality Standard

12

5

Percent of Dissolved Oxygen Values in Selected Ranges

13

A-1

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Main Street on the North Shore Chan-

nel During 2006

A-1

A-2

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Foster Avenue on the North Shore

Channel During 2006

A-3

A-3

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Addison Street on the North Branch of

the Chicago River During 2006

A-5

A-4

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Fullerton Avenue on the North Branch

of the Chicago River During 2006

A-7

A-5

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Kinzie Street on the North Branch of

the Chicago River During 2006

A-9

A-6

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Clark Street on the Chicago River

During 2006

A-11

A-7

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Loomis Street on the South Branch of

the Chicago River During 2006

A-13

A-8

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at 36th Street on Bubbly Creek During

A-15

2006

A-9

Weekly DO Summary Statistics at Interstate Highway 55 on Bubbly

Creek During 2006

A-17

11

---

LIST OF TABLES (

Continued)

Table

No.

Page

A-10

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Cicero Avenue on the Chicago Sani-

tary and Ship Canal During 2006

A-19

A-11

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at B&O Central Railroad on the

Chicago

Sanitary and Ship Canal During 2006

A-21

A-12

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Route 83 on the Chicago Sanitary

and

Ship Canal During 2006

A-23

A-13

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at the Lockport Powerhouse on the

Chi-

cago Sanitary and Ship Canal During 2006

A-25

A-14

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Jefferson Street on the Des Plaines

River During 2006

A-27

A-15

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Torrence Avenue on the Grand

Calu-

met River During 2006

A-29

A-16

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at C&W Indiana Railroad on the

Little

Calumet River During 2006

A-31

A-17

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Halsted Street on the

Little Calumet

River During 2006

A-33

A-18

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Cicero Avenue on the Calumet

-Sag

Channel During 2006

A-35

A-19

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at 104th Avenue on the Calumet

-Sag

Channel During 2006

A-37

A-20

Weekly

DO Summary Statistics at Route 83 on the Calumet

-

Sag Channel

During 2006

A-39

in

---

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure

No.

Page

1

Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring and Ambient Water Quality

14

Monitoring Sample Stations

2

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Main Street on the

15

North Shore Channel From January 2006 Through December 2006

3

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Foster Avenue on

16

the North Shore Channel From January 2006 Through December 2006

4

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Addison Street on

17

the North Branch Chicago River From January 2006 Through December

2006

5

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Fullerton Avenue

18

on the North Branch Chicago River From January 2006 Through Decem-

ber 2006

6

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Kinzie Street on

19

the North Branch Chicago River From January 2006 Through December

2006

7

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Clark Street on the

20

Chicago River From January 2006 Through December 2006

8

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Loomis Street on

21

the South Branch Chicago River From January 2006 Through December

2006

9

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at 36th Street on

22

Bubbly Creek From January 2006 Through December 2006

10

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at

Interstate

Highway

23

55 on Bubbly Creek From January 2006 Through December 2006

11

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Cicero Avenue on

24

the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal From January 2006 Through De-

cember 2006

IV

---

LIST OF FIGURES (

Continued)

Figure

No.

Page

12

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at B&O Central

25

Railroad on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal From January 2006

Through December 2006

13

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Route 83 on the

26

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal From January 2006 Through De-

cember 2006

14

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Lockport Pow-

27

erhouse on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal From January 2006

Through December 2006

15

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Jefferson Street

28

on the Des Plaines River From January 2006 Through December 2006

16

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Torrence Ave-

29

nue on the Grand Calumet River From January 2006 Through Decem-

ber 2006

17

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at C&W Indiana

30

Railroad on the Little Calumet River From January 2006 Through De-

cember 2006

18

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Halsted Street

31

on the Little Calumet River From January 2006 Through December

2006

19

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Cicero Avenue

32

on the Calumet-Sag Channel From January 2006 Through December

2006

20

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at 104th Avenue

33

on the Calumet-Sag Channel From January 2006 Through December

2006

21

Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measured Hourly at Route 83 on the

34

Calumet-Sag Channel From January 2006 Through December 2006

v

---

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Thanks are extended to staff from the Industrial Waste Division who deployed and re-

trieved the water quality monitors weekly during the study. Special thanks to Richard Schackart,

Justin

Vick,

Dustin Gallagher

,

Donald Rohe, Angel Whitington

,

Panu Lansiri

,

and Colleen Joyce

for downloading and servicing the monitors.

Thanks are also extended to Dr. Thomas Granato, Assistant Director of Research and

Development, Environmental

Monitoring and Research Division, for his helpful review

comments.

We thank Robert Larson, Illinois State Water Survey, for designing the Access° database

program, and Roger Smith, Senior Program Analyst, Information Technology Department for

modifying the database program. Their help with the Access® program is greatly appreciated.

We thank Dr. Zainul Abedin, Biostatistician, for modifying the database program and for

performing the calculations for the data summaries used in this report.

Particular thanks are due to Joan Scrima for reviewing, formatting, and typing the report.

DISCLAIMER

Mention of proprietary equipment and chemicals in this report does not constitute

endorsement by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

vi

---

INTRODUCTION

The Chicago Waterway System (CWS) consists of 78 miles of canals, which serve the

Chicago area for two principal purposes, the drainage of urban storm water runoff and treated

municipal wastewater effluent and the support of commercial navigation. Approximately 75 per-

cent of the length is composed of man-made canals where no waterway existed previously, and

the remainder is composed of natural streams that have been deepened, straightened and/or wid-

ened to such an extent that reversion to the natural state is not possible. The flow of water in the

CWS is artificially controlled by hydraulic structures. The CWS has two river systems, the

Calumet River System and the Chicago River System (Lanyon, 2002).

Over the years, increased pollutant loading from urbanization throughout the Chicago

metropolitan area and low stream velocities in Chicago area deep-draft waterways have caused

dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations to fall below DO standards established by the Illinois Pol-

lution Control Board (IPCB). More than 30 years ago, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation Dis-

trict of Greater Chicago (District) determined that applicable IPCB DO standards for Chicago

area waterways could not be met exclusively by advanced wastewater treatment at its three major

regional water reclamation plants (WRPs), Calumet, North Side, and Stickney, and by the cap-

ture and treatment of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). In order to increase the DO concentra-

tion in the Chicago and Calumet River Systems, the District designed and constructed artificial

aeration systems (instream diffuser and sidestream elevated pool aeration [SEPA] stations) dur-

ing the late 1970s and early 1990s, respectively.

From October 1994 through May 1996, the Research and Development Department

(R&D) conducted weekly DO surveys in the Chicago River System. Water samples were col-

lected manually, chemically fixed in the field, and returned to the laboratory for titration. The

results from these surveys showed that DO concentrations in selected waterway reaches were

less than IPCB DO standards applicable to these reaches.

In August 1996, R&D began developing a comprehensive field-monitoring program in

order to locate and identify reaches in the Chicago River System where the DO concentration is

less than the applicable IPCB DO standard. Initially, the program was to focus on the Chicago

River System for a two-year period and has since been extended. Subsequently, the scope of the

monitoring program was first expanded to include the Calumet River System, and then later the

Chicago area wadeable streams. The resulting data have been used for the calibration and verifi-

cation of a water quality model for the CWS.

Data in this report are from the 20 deep-draft continuous DO monitoring stations of the

District's Continuous Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring (CDOM) Program. This report covers the

monitoring results for the period January 2006 through December 2006 for the deep-draft

waterways of the Chicago River System, Des Plaines River System, and Calumet River System.

1

---

MONITORING STATIONS

Locations and Descriptions

The CDOM Program and the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring (AWQM) Program

supply the District with water quality data throughout the year for both the wadeable and deep-

draft waterways within its jurisdiction.

All stations for both programs are shown in Figure 1.

Descriptions of the locations for the deep-draft monitoring stations are listed in Table 1.

Designated Uses

The IPCB has assigned water uses for specific water bodies within the state of Illinois.

All waters in Illinois are designated for General Use, except those selected as Secondary Contact

and Indigenous Aquatic Life Waters (Secondary Contact)

In the Chicago and Calumet River Systems, General Use Waters include the North Shore

Channel from Lake Michigan to the North Side WRP, and the Chicago and Calumet Rivers.

Secondary Contact Waters include the North Shore Channel from the North Side WRP to

the North Branch of the Chicago River, the North Branch of the Chicago River from the North

Shore Channel to the Chicago River, the South Branch of the Chicago River, Bubbly Creek, the

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the Grand Calumet River, the deep-draft portion of the Little

Calumet River, the Calumet-Sag Channel, and the Des Plaines River from its confluence with the

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to the Interstate Highway 55 bridge southwest of Joliet.

Water Quality

Standards

The IPCB has established water quality standards for DO in both General Use and Sec-

ondary Contact Waters. In General Use Waters, the DO shall not be less than 6.0 mg/L during 16

hours of any 24-hour period, nor less than 5.0 mg/L at any time. In Secondary Contact Waters,

the DO shall not be less than 4.0 mg/L at any time, except in the Calumet-Sag Channel where the

DO shall not be less than 3.0 mg/L at any time. For this report, we have selected the 5.0 mg/L

DO standard when calculating percent compliance for General Use Waters.

2

---

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Water Quality

Monitor

The continuous water quality monitors (monitor) used to collect this data were manufac-

tured by YSI Incorporated (YSI) of Yellow Springs, Ohio. DO was measured hourly using the

YSI Model 6920 or Model 6600 monitor. In order to protect and safeguard the monitors from

marine navigation and vandalism, the monitors were deployed in the field in stainless steel pipes.

Two different installation designs were employed: (1) a 3-foot stainless steel pipe was positioned

on the bottom of the waterway and oriented downstream such that the water passed through the

pipe, and (2) a fixed length of pipe, with multiple 2-inch circular openings, was vertically

mounted on the side of a bridge abutment.

Servicing the monitors followed a weekly schedule. Industrial Waste Division personnel

retrieved each monitor from the field following seven days of continuous monitoring. Prior to

retrieval, a water sample for DO analysis was collected next to the protective housing. An addi-

tional

monitor, that had been previously calibrated and serviced in the laboratory, was then de-

ployed to replace the retrieved monitor. The retrieved monitors were returned to the laboratory

for data downloading, exterior cleaning, servicing, and calibration of the DO sensors. The moni-

tors

were temporarily stored in holding tanks containing tap water for subsequent deployment

during the following week.

Data Management and Review

Hourly DO data were directly exported electronically from individual monitors to a spe-

cially designed Access ° database for data processing and storage. Following data downloading,

the weekly DO data were carefully reviewed for accuracy.

The review process included the following:

1.

Comparing a grab sample DO concentration measured in the field with a DO

concentration recorded by a retrieved monitor (DO rejection criteria = differ-

ence greater than 2.0 mg/L).

2.

Comparing the last hourly DO concentration measured by a retrieved monitor

with the first hourly DO concentration recorded by a deployed monitor (DO

rejection criteria = difference greater than 2.0 mg/L).

3.

Comparing a DO concentration measured in a laboratory holding tank and a

DO concentration recorded by a retrieved monitor (DO rejection criteria = dif-

ference greater than 1.0 mg/L).

Criterion 3 would entail rejection of all hourly readings; criteria 1 and 2 may or may not

reject all readings.

3

---

After

careful review of the DO data, weekly summary statistics

(

mean, minimum, maxi-

mum, and percent observations above DO standard

)

and individual line drawings for each moni-

toring station showing hourly DO concentrations were prepared.

Verification of Representative Data

During the spring, summer, and fall of 2006, cross-sectional DO surveys were conducted

in the CWS to determine if a fixed continuous monitoring location represented the DO concentra-

tion across the waterway. Verification was achieved by comparing the DO concentrations meas-

ured in grab samples at multiple fixed locations and depths across the waterway with the fixed

monitor measurements. The results from the cross-sectional surveys clearly showed that the dif-

ferences across the waterway were minimal and equivalent to the DO concentration measured by

the monitor at the fixed locations.

4

---

RESULTS

The annual minimum, maximum, and mean DO concentrations measured at all 20 sta-

tions during 2006 are shown in Table 2.

The number and percent of measured DO concentrations rejected and removed from the

Access@ database following review during 2006 are summarized in Table 3.

The number and percent of DO concentrations above the applicable IPCB DO standard

for each waterway during 2006 are presented in Table 4. The DO data shown in Table 4 do not

include the DO concentrations rejected during the data review.

Table 5 shows the percent distribution of DO concentrations from <1.0 mg/L to >5.0

mg/L at the 20 monitoring stations during 2006. The current national one-day minimum DO cri-

terion for adult life stages of fish is 3.0 mg/L (Chapman, 1986).

Individual line drawings showing hourly DO concentrations at each monitoring station

are indicated in Figures 2 through 21.

Weekly DO summary

statistics

during 2006

are presented for each monitoring station in

Appendix A, Tables A-1 through A-20.

DO Fluctuations

DO concentrations fluctuate seasonally and daily in the aquatic environment. Cold water

holds more DO than warm water, a trend that can typically be seen in annual DO graphs where

the colder months have higher mean DO concentrations than the warmer months. Daily fluctua-

tions in DO can be caused by photosynthesis during daylight hours causing a surplus of DO, and,

conversely, respiration by aquatic plants and algae during the night, resulting in a deficiency of

DO. Other deficiencies of DO can occur when oxygen demanding materials are introduced into

a waterway or by thermal discharges. Oxygen demanding materials enter the CWS most often

through wastewater treatment effluents, stormwater run-off, and CSOs.

Wastewater treatment

effluents and CSOs contain organic materials that are decomposed by microorganisms which

consume DO in the process. Stormwater run-off also can flush organic materials into the water-

way either directly from the land adjacent to the CWS, or indirectly through the combined sewer

system.

This is most evident during heavy rain storms that result in CSO events containing un-

treated waste and stormwater. The District Web site (mwrd.org) has information regarding CSO

events which can be found in the Public Interest Section under the titles "CSO Event Synopsis

Report" and "Combined Sewer Overflow." Most low DO excursions reported for the deep-draft

sections of the CWS in this report are associated with the occurrence of a CSO event during

2006.

5

---

TABLE 1: DEEP-DRAFT CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN

MONITORING STATIONS

Monitoring

Description of

Station

Waterway

Chicago River System

Monitoring Station

Main Street

North Shore Channel

3.5

miles below

Wilmette Pumping

Station,

0.8

mile above North Side

WRP outfall, water quality monitor

under

Main Street bridge, center of

channel, 6 inches above bottom.

Foster Avenue

North Shore Channel

3.2 miles below North Side WRP out-

fall,

1.5

miles below Devon Aeration

Station, 0.1

mile above junction with

North Branch Chicago River, water

quality monitor on northwest side Fos-

ter

Avenue bridge, 3 feet below water

surface.

Addison Street

North Branch Chicago River

5.2 miles below North Side WRP out-

fall,

water quality monitor on northwest

side Addison Street bridge, 3 feet be-

low water surface.

Fullerton Avenue

North Branch Chicago River

7.2 miles below North Side WRP out-

fall, 0.4

mile above Webster Aeration

Station,

water

quality

monitor

on

northwest

side

Fullerton

Avenue

bridge, 3 feet below water surface.

Kinzie Street

North Branch Chicago River

9.9 miles below North Side WRP out-

fall, 3.1

miles below Webster Aeration

Station, 0.2 mile above junction with

Chicago River, water quality monitor

on northeast side Kinzie Street bridge,

3 feet below water surface.

6

---

TABLE 1 (Continued): DEEP-DRAFT CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN

MONITORING STATIONS

Monitoring

Description of

Station

Waterway

Chicago River System (Continued)

Monitoring Station

Loomis Street

South Branch Chicago River

3.6 miles below junction with Chicago

River, water quality monitor on north-

east side Loomis Street bridge, 3 feet

below water surface.

360' Street

Bubbly Creek

0.2 mile below Racine Avenue Pump-

ing Station, 1.2 miles above junction

with South Branch of the Chicago

River, water quality monitor attached to

concrete wall on west side of river, 3

feet below water surface.

Interstate Highway 55

Bubbly Creek

1.0

mile

below Racine Avenue Pump-

ing Station

,

0.4

mile above

junction

with South

Branch

of the Chicago

River, water quality

monitor on north-

east side

I-55 bridge, 3 feet below wa-

ter surface.

Cicero Avenue

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

1.5

miles above Stickney WRP outfall,

1.1

miles below Crawford Generating

Station cooling water discharge, water

quality

monitor

on

northeast

side

Cicero

Avenue bridge, 3 feet below

water surface.

B&O Central Railroad Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

3.6 miles below Stickney WRP outfall,

water quality monitor in center of ca-

nal, east side B&O Central RR bridge,

3 feet below water surface.

Route 83

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

1.2 miles above junction with Calumet-

Sag Channel, 1.1 miles above Canal

Junction SEPA Station, water quality

monitor 0.6

mile above Route 83

bridge, center of canal, 6 inches above

bottom.

7

---

TABLE 1 (Continued): DEEP-DRAFT CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN

MONITORING STATIONS

Monitoring

Description of

Station

Waterway

Chicago River System (Continued)

Monitoring Station

Lockport Powerhouse

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

0.1

mile above Lockport Powerhouse,

1.1

miles above junction with Des

Plaines River, water quality monitor on

north side of canal, in forebay area on

fender wall, 3 feet below water surface.

Des Plaines River System

Jefferson Street

Des Plaines River

3.0

miles below Lockport

Lock, 2.1

miles

below junction with Chicago

Sanitary and Ship Canal, water quality

monitor on southeast side Jefferson

Street

bridge,

3

feet

below

water

surface.

Calumet River System

Torrence Avenue

Grand Calumet River

150 feet above junction with Calumet

River, 100 feet below Torrence Avenue

bridge,

water quality monitor attached

to bridge abutment on southeast side of

river, 2 feet below water surface.

C&W Indiana Railroad Little Calumet River

5.2

miles below SEPA 1, 1.5 miles

above SEPA 2, 3.6 miles below Tho-

mas J. O'Brien Lock and Dam, 1.3

miles above Calumet

WRP outfall,

water quality monitor attached to north-

east side C&W Indiana RR bridge, 3

feet below water surface.

Halsted Street

Little Calumet River

7.7 miles below SEPA 1, 1.0 mile be-

low SEPA 2, 1.2 miles below Calumet

WRP, 0.5 mile above junction with

Calumet-Sag Channel, water quality

monitor attached to southeast side Hal-

sted Street bridge, 3 feet below water

surface.

8

---

TABLE 1 (Continued): DEEP-DRAFT CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN

MONITORING STATIONS

Monitoring

Station

Waterway

Calumet River System (Continued)

Cicero Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

104`h Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

Route 83

Calumet-Sag Channel

Description of

Monitoring Station

3.1

miles below SEPA 3, 3.3 miles

above SEPA 4, water quality monitor

attached to northwest side Cicero Ave-

nue bridge, 3 feet below water surface.

4.6

miles below SEPA 4, 3.2 miles

above Canal Junction SEPA Station,

water quality

monitor in center of

channel, 6 inches above bottom.

0.4

mile above junction with Chicago

Sanitary and Ship Canal, 0.3 mile above

Canal Junction SEPA Station, water

quality

monitor on southwest side Illi-

nois

Central-Gulf RR bridge, 3 feet

below water surface.

9

---

TABLE 2: MINIMUM, MAXIMUM, AND MEAN HOURLY

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS'

Monitoring

Station

Waterway

DO Concentration (mg/L)

Minimum Maximum

Mean

Chicago River System

Main Street

North Shore Channel

0.0

33.4

9.7

Foster Avenue

North Shore Channel

4.0

11.2

7.7

Addison Street

North Branch Chicago River

0.0

12.0

7.8

Fullerton Avenue

North Branch Chicago River

0.0

11.0

7.1

Kinzie Street

North Branch Chicago River

0.8

11.7

7.0

Clark Street

Chicago River

5.8

12.8

9.0

Loomis Street

South Branch Chicago River

2.2

12.5

7.6

36th Street

Bubbly Creek

0.0

15.6

3.2

Interstate Highway 55

Bubbly Creek

0.0

12.0

5.4

Cicero Avenue

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

0.0

10.8

6.3

B&O Central Railroad

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

1.3

10.1

6.8

Route 83

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

0.0

9.0

5.6

Lockport Powerhouse

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

Des Plaines River System

0.3

9.0

5.6

Jefferson Street

Des Plaines River

Calumet River System

2.4

12.8

7.3

Torrence Avenue

Grand Calumet River

0.0

30.2

8.2

C&W Indiana Railroad

Little Calumet River

1.9

21.9

9.5

Halsted Street

Little Calumet River

3.5

12.9

6.9

Cicero Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

3.2

13.1

7.0

104th Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

2.9

13.0

7.0

Route 83

Calumet-Sag Channel

2.7

13.9

6.8

Dissolved oxygen was measured hourly using a YSI Model 6920 or Model 6600 continuous water

quality monitor.

---

TABLE 3: NUMBER AND PERCENT OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES

NOT MEETING ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA'

Monitoring

Number of

DO Values

Percent of

DO Values

Station

Waterway

Rejected

Rejected

Chicago River System

Main Street

North Shore Channel

627

7

Foster Avenue

North Shore Channel

336

4

Addison Street

North Branch Chicago River

165

2

Fullerton Avenue

North Branch Chicago River

338

4

Kinzie Street

North Branch Chicago River

2

0

Clark Street

Chicago River

361

4

Loomis Street

South Branch Chicago River

2

0

36th Street

Bubbly Creek

352

4

Interstate Highway 55

Bubbly Creek

547

6

Cicero Avenue

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

169

2

B&O Central Railroad

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

4

0

Route 83

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

1,861

21

Lockport Powerhouse

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

344

4

Des Plaines River System

Jefferson Street

Des Plaines River

171

2

Calumet River System

Torrence Avenue

Grand Calumet River

485

6

C&W Indiana Railroad

Little Calumet River

174

2

Halsted Street

Little Calumet River

343

4

Cicero Avenue

Calumet

-

Sag Channel

173

2

104th Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

1,575

18

Route 83

Calumet-Sag Channel

4

0

'Dissolved oxygen was measured hourly using a YSI Model 6920 or Model 6600 continuous wa-

ter quality monitor. DO values were rejected based on quality control check and/or operational

problems with monitor.

11

---

TABLE 4: NUMBER AND PERCENT OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES

MEASURED ABOVE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD'S

WATER QUALITY STANDARD'

Monitoring

Station

IPCB

Number

Number

Percent

DO

of DO

Above

Above

Waterway

Standard

Values

Standard

Standard

Chicago River System

Main Street

North Shore Channel

5

8,133

7,362

91

Foster Avenue

North Shore Channel

4

8,424

8,423

100

Addison Street

North Branch Chicago River

4

8,595

8,587

>99

Fullerton Avenue

North Branch Chicago River

4

8,422

8,362

>99

Kinzie Street

North Branch Chicago River

4

8,758

8,645

99

Clark Street

Chicago River

5

8,399

8,399

100

Loomis Street

South Branch Chicago River

4

8,758

8,732

>99

36'' Street

Bubbly Creek

4

8,408

2,338

28

Interstate Highway 55

Bubbly Creek

4

8,213

6,281

77

Cicero Avenue

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

4

8,591

8,223

96

B&O Central Railroad

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

4

8,756

8,612

98

Route 83

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

4

6,899

5,874

85

Lockport Powerhouse

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

4

8,416

6,766

80

Des Plaines River System

Jefferson Street

Des Plaines River

4

8,589

8,148

95

Calumet River System

Torrence Avenue

Grand Calumet River

4

8,275

6,197

75

C&W Indiana Railroad

Little Calumet River

4

8,586

8,448

98

Halsted Street

Little Calumet River

4

8,417

8,412

>99

Cicero Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

3

8,587

8,587

100

104"' Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

3

7,185

7,182

100

Route 83

Calumet-Sag Channel

3

8,756

8,729

>99

Dissolved oxygen was measured hourly using a YSI Model 6920 or Model 6600 continuous water quality

monitor.

---

TABLE 5: PERCENT OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES IN SELECTED RANGES

Monitoring

Percent of DO Values in Range (mg/L)

Station

Waterway

0-<1

1-<2

2-<3

3-<4

4-<5

>5

Chicago River System

Main Street

North Shore Channel

1

<1

<1

2

6

91

Foster Avenue

North Shore Channel

0

0

0

0

<1

>99

Addison Street

North Branch Chicago River

0

0

0

0

<1

>99

Fullerton Avenue

North Branch Chicago River

0

0

<1

<1

5

94

Kinzie Street

North Branch Chicago River

0

<1

<1

<1

6

93

Clark Street

Chicago River

0

0

00

0

100

Loomis Street

South Branch Chicago River

0

0

<1

<1

1

99

36'h Street

Bubbly Creek

33

18

13

7

4

24

Interstate Highway 55

Bubbly Creek

6

4

5

9

16

61

Cicero Avenue

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

<1

<1

<1

3

18

78

B&O Central Railroad

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

0

<1

<1

1

6

92

Route 83

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

<1

<1

2

11

23

62

Lockport Powerhouse

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal

<1

1

4

15

16

65

Des Plaines River System

Jefferson Street

Des Plaines River

0

0

<1

5

12

83

Calumet River System

Torrence Avenue

Grand Calumet River

4

4

7

9

8

67

C&W Indiana Railroad

Little Calumet River

0

0

<1

1

5

93

Halsted Street

Little Calumet River

0

0

0

<1

1

99

Cicero Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

0

0

0

<1

7

92

104"' Avenue

Calumet-Sag Channel

0

0

0

1

10

89

Route 83

Calumet-Sag Channel

0

0

<1

2

15

83

13

---

FIGURE 1: CONTINUOUS DISSOLVED OXYGEN MONITORING AND

AMBIENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING SAMPLE STATIONS

HANOM PAY]

T110

LEG ENC):

n

Minor WRP inflow

0 Major

WRP Inflow

General Use Waters

Secondary Contact Waters

AWQM Sample Stations

tusse Woods

ouch Daln

WRP r

Lockport

Powerhouse

efferson Street

Joliet

Route R3

(Cnl-Sak)

Devon

Avenue

Central Park

Avenue

Cicero

[venue

Foster

{venue

Addison

Street

o

oluls

Street

I

R

^

I

fd°

,'.,is

/y•Y

I

1

^'

c^ly uT^l°

T

"f

4' Avenue

^°^ee^

`

^`cG^^ _j

L-1

Cicero

Avenue

land Avenu

Clark Street

rrenc

Avenue

._Clty

C&Wl Railroad

Hohlnan Avenue

Indiana

cmA

Wentworth Avenue

1-

---

FIGURE 2: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT MAIN STREET

ON THE NORTH SHORE CHANNEL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

40

IPCB General Use DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (--- ) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 5.0 mg/L

ND = No Data

32

E 24

Q

1

n

ti

N

N

ti

o

I

Y

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 3: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT FOSTER AVENUE

ON THE NORTH SHORE CHANNEL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

Q

15

12

3

0

Jan

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND - No Data

!^N

N

-------------------------------------------------------------

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 4: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT ADDISON STREET

ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

15

12

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (--- ) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ti

ND = No Data

0 -4-

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 5: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT FULLERTON AVENUE

ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

Q

15

12

3

0

-

J n

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND = No Data

A^

A

ND

------------------------

-- - -

- ------ ----- -----------------

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

IJul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 6: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT KINZIE STREET

ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

15

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

12

I

I

11

I

I

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 7: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT CLARK STREET

ON THE CHICAGO RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

16

12

8

4

0

IPCB General Use DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 5.0 mg/L

ND = No Data

ND

ND

-------------------------------------------------------------

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 8: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT LOOMIS STREET

ON THE SOUTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

16

12

Abu

u

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

t

Vry

V^

o

I

N

A

d

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 9: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT 36TH STREET

ON BUBBLY CREEK FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

16

12

8

4

0

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND = No Data

--------

--------- - --- --

N

ND

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 10: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 55

ON BUBBLY CREEK FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

15

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

ND = No Data

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

12

V

ND

0

N

0 -' -

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

I

III

I

^^^^ ^ ^

^^ ^ ^

^

N

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 11: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT CICERO AVENUE

ON THE CHICAGO SANITARY AND SHIP CANAL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

15

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (--- ) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

12

I

h

r

4

f

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

ND = No Data

u.

---

FIGURE 12: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT B&O CENTRAL RAILROAD

ON THE CHICAGO SANITARY AND SHIP CANAL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

15

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed

(- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

12

11

I

ti

d

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 13: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT ROUTE 83

ON THE CHICAGO SANITARY AND SHIP CANAL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

15

12

9

6

3

0

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND - No Data

ND

ND

ND

N

N

ND

ND

loll

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 14: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT LOCKPORT POWERHOUSE

ON THE CHICAGO SANITARY AND SHIP CANAL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

Q

15

12

3

0

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND - No Data

ND

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 15: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT JEFFERSON STREET

ON THE DES PLAINES RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed

(- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

16

12

I

S

i

1

4-I----------------------I--4

ND = No Data

I

N

^.

U

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 16: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT TORRENCE AVENUE

ON THE GRAND CALUMET RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

35

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

28

21

ND

14

ND

0

ND = No Data

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 17: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT C&W INDIANA RAILROAD

ON THE LITTLE CALUMET RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

25

20

15

10

5

0

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND - No Data

ND

-- -----------------

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 18: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT HALSTED STREET

ON THE LITTLE CALUMET RIVER FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

16

12

8

4

0

Jan

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 4.0 mg/L

ND = No Data

N

ND

--------------------------------------------------------------

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 19: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT CICERO AVENUE

ON THE CALUMET-SAG CHANNEL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

16

12

8

4

0

Jan

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 3.0 mg/L

ND - No Data

N

-------------------------------------------------------------

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 20: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT 104TH AVENUE

ON THE CALUMET-SAG CHANNEL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

W

W

20

16

12

8

4

0

Jan

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 3.0 mg/L

ND - No Data

ND

^

ND

ND

ND

ND

-------------------------

----------------------------------

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

FIGURE 21: DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION MEASURED HOURLY AT ROUTE 83

ON THE CALUMET-SAG CHANNEL FROM JANUARY 2006 THROUGH DECEMBER 2006

20

IPCB Secondary Contact DO Standard

is shown as a dashed (- - -) line

DO Shall Not Be Less Than 3.0 mg/L

16

12

W

4

A

V

Y

0

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

---

REFERENCES

Chapman, G., "Water Quality Criteria for Dissolved Oxygen," EPA 440/5-86-003, United States

Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Washington, D.C.,

1986.

Lanyon, R., "Description of the Chicago Waterway System," Use Attainability Analysis Study

Conducted by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in Cooperation with Metropolitan Water

Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Illinois, May 2002.

---

APPENDIX A

WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT ALL DEEP-DRAFT

MONITORING STATIONS DURING 2006

---

TABLE A-1: WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT MAIN STREET

ON THE NORTH SHORE CHANNEL DURING 2006

Number of

DO Concentration (mg/L)

Percent DO

Values Above

Monitoring Dates

DO Values

Minimum

Maximum

Mean

IPCB Standard

01/01/06 - 01/01/06

24

6.1

6.8

6.4

100

01/02/06 -

01/08/06

168

4.8

7.9

6.2

98

01/09/06

- 01/15/06

168

6.0

8.8

7.5

100

01/16/06

- 01/22/06

168

7.0

9.6

8.5

100

01/23/06

- 01/29/06

168

6.4

11.9

9.4

100

01/30/06

- 02/05/06

167

8.8

25.0

15.3

100

02/06/06

- 02/12/06

168

21.2

33.4

29.0

100

02/13/06

- 02/19/06

168

13.6

31.4

22.7

100

02/20/06 -

02/26/06

168

15.2

23.7

19.5

100

02/27/06

-

03/05/06

168

16.3

31.6

26.7

100

03/06/06

- 03/12/06

168

7.4

21.0

13.3

100

03/13/06 -

03/19/06

168

7.9

15.4

12.7

100

03/20/06

- 03/26/06

168

13.3

21.1

16.1

100

03/27/06

- 04/02/06

167

5.5

13.1

9.1

100

04/03/06 -

04/09/06

167

2.9

7.1

5.4

64

04/10/06 -

04/16/06

168

5.9

14.3

8.0

100

04/17/06

-

04/23/06

168

4.4

11.0

6.7

94

04/24/06 -

04/30/06

168

4.9

11.6

8.2

99

05/01/06 -

05/07/06

168

5.0

9.3

7.5

100

05/08/06

-

05/14/06

167

7.6

10.6

9.1

100

05/15/06 -

05/21/06

168

7.9

10.3

9.4

100

05/22/06

- 05/28/06

168

7.3

11.2

9.6

100

05/29/06

- 06/04/06

168

7.0

11.7

9.7

100

06/05/06 -

06/11/06

168

3.5

10.1

8.2

88

06/12/06

-

06/18/06

168

5.2

8.6

7.6

100

06/19/06

-

06/25/06

169

4.5

8.8

7.6

99

06/26/06 -

07/02/06

168

5.0

8.3

6.7

100

07/03/06

- 07/09/06

168

5.4

9.1

7.2

100

07/10/06

- 07/16/06

168

5.4

9.8

7.3

100

07/17/06

-

07/23/06

37

6.6

7.7

7.3

100

07/24/06 -

07/30/06

131

4.9

9.9

7.4

99

07/31/06

- 08/06/06

37

6.7

10.4

8.9

100

08/07/06

- 08/13/06

130

7.3

9.1

8.1

100

---

TABLE A-1 (

Continued

): WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT

MAIN STREET ON THE NORTH SHORE CHANNEL DURING 2006

Number of

DO Concentration

(

mg/L)

Percent DO

Values Above

Monitoring Dates

DO Values

Minimum

Maximum

Mean

IPCB Standard

08/14

/

06 - 08

/

20/06

168

4.8

8.4

7.1

98

08/21/06 - 08/27/06

168

4.4

7.8

6.4

93

08/28/06 - 09

/

03/06

168

5.1

8.1

6.9

100

09/04/06 - 09/10/06

168

5.3

8.2

7.0

100

09/11/06 - 09/17/06

168

0.4

7.0

5.2

58

09/18/06 - 09/24/06

168

4.6

9.1

6.6

97

09/25/06- 10/01/06

85

0.2

8.9

6.6

75

10/02/06 - 10/08/06

NO DATA

10/09

/

06 - 10/15/06

131

5.5

9.0

6.9

100

10/16/06 - 10/22/06

168

2.8

6.1

4.4

21

10/23/06 - 10/29/06

168

4.0

6.7

4.9

39

10/30/06 - 11/05/06

169

4.6

14.4

8.9

93

11/06/06 - 11

/

12/06

168

8.3

19.8

13.9

100

11/13/06 - 11/19/06

168

7.0

19.8

14.5

100

11/20/06 - 11/26/06

168

14.0

20.1

17.2

100

11/27/06- 12/03/06

168

0.0

18.4

7.4

59

12/04/06 - 12/10/06

168

0.0

6.2

2.1

5

12/11/06- 12/17/06

168

3.7

8.7

6.7

91

12/18/06- 12/24/06

168

4.7

11.3

8.2

98

12/25/06 - 12/31/06

168

4.1

7.1

5.3

58

---

TABLE A-2: WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT FOSTER AVENUE

ON THE

NORTH SHORE

CHANNEL DURING 2006

Number of

DO Concentration (mg/L)

Percent DO

Values Above

Monitoring Dates

DO Values

Minimum

Maximum

Mean

IPCB Standard

01/01/06

- 01/01/06

24

8.2

9.5

8.6

100

01/02/06 -

01/08/06

168

7.2

9.6

8.4

100

01/09/06 -

01/15/06

168

6.4

9.6

8.4

100

01/16/06

-

01/22/06

168

7.0

9.6

8.5

100

01/23/06 -

01/29/06

168

6.3

9.8

8.7

100

01/30/06

-

02/05/06

168

6.6

9.4

8.5

100

02/06/06 - 02/12/06

168

7.6

9.9

8.8

100

02/13/06

-

02/19/06

168

6.7

11.2

9.0

100

02/20/06 - 02/26/06

168

8.1

11.1

8.9

100

02/27/

06 -

03

/

05/06

38

8.3

8.9

8.5

100

03/06/06 - 03/12/06

131

6.7

9.6

8.3

100

03/13/06 - 03/19/06

168

6.2

9.4

8.4

100

03/20/06 -

03/26/06

168

7.3

10.5

8.2

100

03/27/06 - 04/02/06

167

6.0

9.3

8.1

100

04/03/06

-

04/09/06

167

6.8

9.6

8.3

100

04/10/06

-

04/16/06

168

6.4

8.7

7.8

100

04/17/06 - 04/23/06

168

5.6

9.7

7.9

100

04/24/06

- 04/30/06

168

5.9

9.5

7.4

100

05/01/06 -

05/07/06

168

5.3

8.8

7.5

100

05/08

/

06

- 05/14/06

168

6.5

8.9

7.7

100

05/15/06 - 05/21/06

168

6.7

9.6

8.0

100

05/22/06 - 05/28/06

168

4.5

8.5

7.3

100

05/29/06

-

06/04/06

168

4.0

9.1

7.4

99

06/05

/

06 - 06

/

11/06

168

5.2

8.4

7.5

100

06/12/06

-

06/18/06

168

5.7

8.5

7.5

100

06/19/06

- 06/25/06

168

6.0

8.2

7.3

100

06/26/06 - 07/02/06

168

6.1

8.0

7.1

100

07/03/06

- 07/09/06

168

5.7

8.2

7.4

100

07/10/06

- 07/16/06

168

5.8

8.1

7.4

100

07/17/06

-

07

/23/06

168

6.5

7.9

7.1

100

07/24/06 - 07/30/06

168

6.0

7.9

7.2

100

07/31/06

- 08/06/06

168

5.7

8.3

7.3

100

08/07/06

- 08/13/06

168

5.9

8.3

7.3

100

A_3_

---

TABLE A-2 (Continued): WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT

FOSTER AVENUE ON THE NORTH SHORE CHANNEL DURING 2006

Number of

DO Concentration (mg/L)

Percent DO

Values Above

Monitoring Dates

DO Values

Minimum

Maximum

Mean

IPCB Standard

08/14/06 - 08/20/06

168

5.4

8.0

7.1

100

08/21/06 - 08/27/06

168

5.6

8.2

7.3

100

08/28/06 - 09/03/06

168

5.3

8.1

7.1

100

09/04/06 - 09/10/06

167

5.0

8.3

7.1

100

09/11/06 - 09/17/06

168

5.6

8.0

6.9

100

09/18/06 - 09/24/06

168

5.0

7.6

7.0

100

09/25/06 - 10/01/06

168

4.5

8.5

7.0

100

10/02/06 - 10/08/06

168

4.7

7.5

6.4

100

10/09/06- 10/15/06

168

5.5

7.8

6.9

100

10/16/06 - 10/22/06

168

5.3

7.7

6.7

100

10/23/06 - 10/29/06

168

5.9

8.8

7.2

100

10/30/06- 11/05/06

169

6.5

8.6

7.4

100

11/06/06 - 11/12/06

168

5.9

8.5

7.5

100

11/13/06 - 11/19/06

168

6.9

8.6

7.6

100

11/20/06 - 11/26/06

168

7.2

9.1

7.9

100

11/27/06- 12/03/06

168

5.6

9.1

7.8

100

12/04/06- 12/10/06

37

7.5

8.7

8.1

100

12/11/06 - 12/17/06

132

7.4

8.8

8.1

100

12/18/06 - 12/24/06

168

6.9

9.3

8.4

100

12/25/06 - 12/31/06

168

6.6

9.3

8.2

100

---

TABLE A-3: WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT ADDISON STREET

ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER DURING 2006

Number of

DO Concentration (mg/L)

Percent DO

Values Above

Monitoring Dates

DO Values

Minimum

Maximum

Mean

IPCB Standard

01/01/06 -

01/01/06

24

8.7

9.7

9.1

100

01/02/06

-

01/08/06

168

7.7

10.0

9.0

100

01/09/06

-

01/15/06

168

6.4

10.0

8.5

100

01/16/06 -

01/22/06

168

7.2

9.8

8.7

100

01/23/06

-

01/29/06

168

7.3

9.7

9.0

100

01/30/06

-

02/05/06

168

7.5

10.3

9.4

100

02/06/06 - 02/12/06

168

8.3

10.1

9.2

100

02/13/06 - 02/19/06

168

8.0

12.0

9.8

100

02/20/06

-

02/26/06

167

8.8

11.1

9.6

100

02/27/06

- 03/05/06

168

8.0

9.3

8.6

100

03/06/06 - 03/12/06

168

6.7

10.3

8.8

100

03/13/06

- 03/19/06

168

7.5

10.6

9.7

100

03/20/06 - 03/26/06

168

8.5

11.0

9.4

100

03/27/06 - 04/02/06

168

7.4

9.5

8.4

100

04/03/06 - 04/09/06

168

7.1

10.0

9.0

100

04/10/06

- 04/16/06

168

6.1

9.0

8.0

100

04/17/06 - 04/23/06

168

6.2

9.1

7.7

100

04/24/06

-

04/30/06

167

5.6

8.7

6.9

100

05/01/06

- 05/07/06

168

6.4

8.4

7.4

100

05/08/06 - 05/14/06

168

6.2

8.6

7.3

100

05/15/06 - 05/21/06

168

6.1

8.9

7.5

100

05/22/06

-

05/28/06

36

6.4

7.5

7.0

100

05/29/06 - 06/04/06

133

2.9

7.6

6.3

97

06/05/06

-

06/11/06

168

5.4

7.6

6.7

100

06/12/06 - 06/18/06

168

5.0

7.6

6.6

100

06/19/06 - 06/25/06

168

5.2

7.3

6.3

100

06/26/06

-

07/02/06

169

2.9

7.5

6.3

99

07/03/06 - 07/09/06

168

4.7

7.6

6.6

100

07/10/06

-

07/16/06

168

5.1

7.4

6.5

100

07/17/06

- 07/23/06

168

4.3

7.1

6.2

100

07/24/06 -

07/30/06

168

5.1

7.0

6.4

100

07/31/06

-

08/06/06

169

0.0

7.4

6.2

98

08/07/06

-

08/13/06

168

4.8

7.6

6.4

100

-A=S

---

TABLE A-3 (Continued): WEEKLY DO SUMMARY STATISTICS AT

ADDISON STREET ON THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER DURING 2006

Number of

DO Concentration

(