Waukegan River (Illinois)

Project Status: modeling is ongoing

River Basin Characteristics
The Waukegan River, located in Lake County, Illinois, is a tributary to Lake Michigan with a watershed area of 12 square miles. It has two major sub-tributaries, the North and South Branches of the river. A federal navigation channel and harbor are located approximately 1,000 feet north of the mouth of the Waukegan River. This watershed is a main focus of the Waukegan lakefront redevelopment plan.

The Waukegan River watershed is highly urbanized, containing only 13% undisturbed land. Bank erosion in this area is a direct cause of sedimentation into Lake Michigan and has also led to the failure of several hydraulic structures along the river. In addition, the lack of a natural floodplain area has limited the expansion of flow in the Waukegan River causing erosion to occur in the channel itself. Erosion in the channel brings urban contaminants and discharges, which affect the quality of the water and its sediments. Currently, few storm water detention basins exist.

		Waukegan River and its South Branch are listed on the Illinois 303(d) list for impaired waterways due to impacts on aquatic life High degree of bank erosion in urban areas leading to the failure of several hydraulic structures Sediment contaminants include Aldrin, DDT, PCBs, hexachlorobenzene and metals Additional water quality problems stem from sediment contamination and stormwater/combined sewer overflows

Modeling Approach
In assessing the Waukegan River watershed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selected the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) v5.0 for the Waukegan River modeling project based on the model's ability to analyze long-term simulations, analyze flow from urban sewer systems, track sediment delivery and movement, monitor pollutant loadings and account for snow accumulations and melting. This model will also be able to monitor BMPs and address the flashiness of urban flow. SWMM v5.0 is already being used in many urban settings and in many Chicago area projects.

Pending the availability of additional cross section data, the Corps of Engineers plans to develop a separate, but complementary system to model river hydraulics and conduct channel flow analyses. The Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) v4.0 was selected for its integrated sediment transport, moveable bed hydraulics, and water quality functionality for expanded use.

Upon completion of the SWMM model (approximately Fall 2009), a hands-on training workshop will be held to teach interested users how to utilize the tool during the technology transfer phase of the project and to obtain valuable user feedback on the model and how it might be further refined. A second training workshop will be held upon completion of the HEC-RAS model (approximately Fall 2010) where both tools will be presented to interested users.

Use and Applications
This model will allow state and local planning agencies to better assess options for non-point source pollution prevention. This model also serves to advise these agencies on dredging and disposal needs, Redemial Action Plans (RAPs), and Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs). This information is intended to help restore the watershed and reduce sedimentation to Lake Michigan. In the future this model will be used to apply a watershed approach to sediment management, support measures reducing sediments and pollutants to tributaries and reduce costs of navigation maintenance, thereby reducing the need for sediment remediation.

Project Partners

Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group (CAG)

City of Waukegan

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region V

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois State Water Survey

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission

Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District

Lake County Health Department

For more information contact:

David F. Bucaro, P.E.
Chief, Economics & Plan Formulation Section

US Army Corps of Engineers - Chicago District
111 North Canal Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606-7206
Phone: (312) 846-5583
david.f.bucaro@usace.army.mil