Lake County & Forest Preserve News 

 

Ann Maine

County Board District 21

Forest Preserve President 

 

 April 19, 2013 

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In This Issue:
Stormwater Workshop
Construction Updates
Health Dept.
Forest Preserves News
I encourage you to  to others who may be interested in Lake County news.  Persons who wish to automatically receive these free updates should send their email address to me at [email protected] or click "join our mailing list" above.
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A Note from Ann 

Dear Neighbors,

Instead of waiting until May to send my monthly newsletter, I wanted to give you an update on a few important issues.  Hopefully the weather and rivers will subside and I can return to a monthly email to you.

Lake County distributed over 250,000 sandbags to municipalities and townships during this flooding event.  I know many of you are still drying out your basement or waiting until you can get back into your home.

If you live in a area that experienced flooding and you have a well, please read about the Health Department's free water testing.

There are a number of road projects that have been rescheduled, and in conjunction with the flooded roads, traffic will continue to be difficult.

Detention basins throughout the county are at capacity and can be dangerous. Do not attempt to clear inlets or outlets, and stay away from the water. Call your municipality or township if you are having a flooding issue due to an overtopped basin.

All Des Plaines River Trail underpasses are closed. There are additional closures.  Find out which Forest Preserves and trails are closed.

In addition, the flooding has created other health hazards.  Get more safety tips and please read below for details and share this information with others.   As always, feel free to contact me with questions or concerns on any issues. 

 


Sincerely,

Ann

  

Ann B. Maine
President, Lake County Forest Preserve District
Lake County Board  District 21
[email protected] 
847-857-1732  note new number
Free Workshop for Homeowners Associations (HOA) and Property Owners
 
For HOAs and property owners responsible maintaining subdivision stormwater management detention ponds, drainage swales, wetlands and natural areas. Topics include typical maintenance activities, budgeting for maintenance, legal responsibilities, and an HOA case study. New this year: Vendor exhibit of companies who design, install, and maintain stormwater management systems.
Wednesday, April 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Vendor exhibit starts at 6 p.m.
Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville
Workshop details
To RSVP

Transportation & Construction Updates
 

Lake County Passage is especially helpful to keeping up with the Passage latest in road closures.  As the waters recede, these will be reopening.  Roads currently closed (Friday April 19) include:  Oak Spring west of St. Mary's (Libertyville), delays on Rt. 60 east of Rt. 21.  There is also road work on Lake Cook Rd.  

 

Get the download for your android or iphone.

Deerfield Road Closure Extended 
The rains prevented the completion of the culvert work on Deerfield Rd by the Des Plaines River.  The contractor cannot safely continue until water levels go down. Once dates are known they will be made available with another update.
The signed detour route for this closure will continue to be Illinois Route 21/Milwaukee Avenue to Lake Cook Road to Saunders Road, Lake County Route W-24.The road will remain closed for an extended time.


Wilmot Road, Deerfield Closure  
Has been delayed until Monday April 22.  Wilmot Road will be closed at Lake Eleanor.  You can view the detour map. 

  

Hoffman Rd, Deerfield 

 Will be closed starting the morning of Monday, April 22, 2013 at  7:00 A.M. and is scheduled to reopen to traffic in the early evening of Friday, April 26, 2013 .

 

You can check the status of all 2013 road projects in Lake County.

 

Health Department --Free Water Testing 
 

The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is urging Lake County residents to take precautions to minimize health hazards during and after the floods.  The Health Department is urging people who are not part of the cleanup effort to stay clear of the flood waters to avoid contamination, especially in areas where homes are served by individual septic systems.  Septic systems are a cause for concern because they can release sewage into the floodwater when they are submerged.  

The Health Department is offering free water testing to residents whose wells are affected by flood waters. You can pick up sterile bottles to be filled and returned for analysis, and obtain information about disinfecting wells at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, or at selected Township and Village offices in the County (check with yours).  The Department is urging residents on private wells to have their water tested after the flood waters have receded.  Here are some additional recommendations:

*    Anyone who has been exposed to the flood waters and has not had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years, or can't remember when they last had a tetanus shot, should obtain one from their health care provider.

*    Prevent children and pets from playing in or drinking contaminated flood waters left in puddles or flooded areas. This may result in illness.  Be extremely careful about possible dislodged manhole covers, and the whirlpool or suction effect if water is draining.

*    Although disease outbreaks are rare after flooding, flood water can contain organisms that may cause disease.  If you are in a flood area and become ill, report to your family physician. Symptoms to watch for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches and fevers.

*    Wash hands and scrub fingernails thoroughly with soap and safe water after working in flooded areas.  This is especially true before eating or drinking.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions if you have any doubts about the safety of any food, water or conditions around your home.  Call Environmental Health Services of the Lake County Health Department at: (847) 377-8020.  Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm.  
Forest Preserves News 

Flooding has closed a number of trails, preserves and underpasses.  Find out which preserves are closed.  

Earth Week April 20-26

A week of free nature programs in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Celebrate spring, learn about ecology, join a nature walk or lend a hand to help save the planet by joining a special volunteer workday. All programs are FREE. All ages. No registration required. Visit our website at www.LCFPD.org    
 
Summer Camp Registration has opened! 
It's not too early to think about summer camp.  The Forest Preserves
canoers
offer a number of interesting, reasonably priced camps for many ages.  You can read the entire brochure.  
 
 
Community Resources
Bannockburn                  
 

If your village, township, library district or school is having an event that is open to the public, let me know and if space allows I'll include it in the newsletters.