Arlington Heights to Study Sewer System Hoping to Find Solutions

Arlington Heights wants to find out how its sewer system works and find solutions to flooding and sewer backups that have caused headaches for residents - for decades.

The village board gave an informal nod to hiring consulting firm, CDM Smith, at a cost of $285,000 for a study, as well as the creation of a model of Arlington Heights’ entire sewer system.

“This is the big daddy, if you will,” of studies, Public Works Director Scott Shirley said. “It’s a very comprehensive study.”

Objectives of the study:

• Examine how the system works.
• Determine the existing level of service.
• Explain the cause of sewer backups in problematic areas.
• Evaluate possible solutions.

Arlington Heights has no funding available for any large-scale improvements, officials said. The study will help the village decide what long-term projects, over 15 to 20 years, should be undertaken to solve the problems.

Flooding and sewer backups has long been an issue in the village but severe flooding and sewer backups in July 2011 brought those problems into the spotlight. Last month, the village received more complaints of sewer backups in basements after a short, intense rainfall.

“We have a very efficient system. It is complex. It does work very well in a majority of events, but I think taking a fresh look at it is a god idea,” Shirley said.

CDM Smith did not have the lowest pricing, but the firm’s experience with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago was a major factor in the selection, Massarelli said. It was not a competitive bid process.

It is the first time the village will look at its combined sewer system to make sure it is functioning properly. “I think it’s going to be really helpful to look at the whole area,” Massarelli said.

Trustee Carol Blackwood supports the idea of a study to figure out where the village’s service stands and where it will need to make improvements in the future, but she wondered what could be done for the people who are having problems today.

“We don’t have any solutions…until we understand how the system works,” Shirley said.

The only solution for homeowners currently dealing with sewer backups is installing an overhead sewer system.

Arlington Heights does offer a cost-sharing program, and will provide 50 percent of the cost of installing an overhead sewer system, with an maximum of no more than $7,500. 

Blackwood asked why the village could not put the approximately $300,000 it will spend on the study toward paying for overhead sewer systems in the homes - to help properties that have been impacted the most.

Village Manager Bill Dixon said it was a good idea, however, homeowners have to agree to installing the system. Additionally, trustees pointed out it would help just a small portion of the village.

Massarelli anticipates holding a public hearing in six months where the village will discuss the study’s results with the community.

Editor's Note: The amount of funds reimbursable to residents who choose to install an overhead sewer system have been changed to reflect the accurate amount. Arlington Heights Patch regrets the error.