On April 1, 2012, the Chicago District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will reissue or modify 13 Regional Permits. Regional Permits are applied to activities with minimal individual and cumulative impacts on the aquatic environment in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties. They provide a simplified way to review activities that meet specified conditions. Last issued in April of 2007, the Regional Permits are valid for a five-year period when they are reevaluated and are either reissued, modified or revoked.

None of the Regional Permits that could severely affect previously authorized projects are being revoked. Permitted activities that are either under construction or under contract to commence will remain authorized if the activity is completed within 12 months of the Regional Permit's expiration, modification or revocation.

Projects that have been authorized or permitted by a Regional Permit receive a verification letter from the Army Corps Chicago District, stating that the project is approved in accordance with the general terms and conditions of the Regional Permit Program.  Frequently referred to as "permits," verification letters are typically good for three years.  The proposed Permits state that "a verification letter will remain valid if the RPP authorization is reissued without modification or the activity complies with any subsequent modification of the RPP authorization."

V3's review of the revised Regional Permits indicates a likelihood that most previously authorized projects will not be adversely affected by the updated version of the reissued Regional Permits.
 
Please contact Tom Slowinski at (630) 729-6285 or  tslowinski@v3co.com for additional insight or guidance on your specific situation.

Spring seeding time will be here before you know it.  Because of favorable temperatures and planting conditions, this is one of the best times to seed native vegetation on a slope or detention basin.

Here are a couple of tips to prepare your site so you don't miss this opportunity to maximize the success of your seeding project: 

1) Treat unwanted vegetation with herbicide - Whether turf grass or invasive weeds, these species typically can be controlled in the beginning of April to prevent them from spreading into newly seeded natural areas. 

2) Don't cheat on the topsoil - If you're importing topsoil, a 12-inch layer will create the best planting medium.  Be sure to handle the topsoil when it's dry because handling wet topsoil will cause unwanted compaction.  Also, be sure to spread the topsoil using low-ground pressure equipment such as a wide-track dozer. 

3) Prepare the surface for planting - Ensurethat the soil surface is smooth and level and soil clod size is not greater than 2 inches in diameter. DO NOT pulverize topsoil - Pulverizing topsoil will eliminate desirable voids in the soil when wet creating a "crust" at the surface that inhibits good seed soil contact. 

Pursuing Pure Water in Haiti

V3 recently provided water supply services to Cite Soleil, Haiti, identified as the poorest community in the northern hemisphere. With a resident population of over 300,000, City Soleil has no regular clean water source and few means of sanitation. Pure Water for the World has taken on the challenge of providing clean water and hygiene educaiton for the community. Read more about the project and V3's involvement here.  

With the 2012 growing season approaching, plan ahead for wetland delineations and on-site field work. Click here to read full article.