TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 7, 2016
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authorization to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Park District to share the cost of an experimental test conducted by Parjana Distribution, LLC at Mount Greenwood Park in Chicago, Illinois (As Revised)
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Chicago Park District (CPD) to share the cost of an experimental test conducted by Parjana Distribution, LLC (Parjana) at Mount Greenwood Park in Chicago, Illinois.
The CPD is proposing to hire Parjana to perform an experiment in enhanced stormwater infiltration, subject to an agreement with the District to equally share the expense. Parjana is the sole distributor of a product that supposedly aids in water infiltration into the soil. The product consists of systems of five (5) tubes bunched together in a cross pattern. Each tube has a slot running the entire length. According to Parjana, the design allows the water to move away from soil with high levels of saturation to layers of soil with low saturation. This means that water will move horizontally away from the saturated area, reducing flooding, while recharging the water table.
A unique opportunity exists to test the Parjana system at Mount Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th Street, Chicago, Illinois, at ten baseball fields in the park. The park and surrounding area have a history of flooding. The CPD will manage the project, as well as pay for half of the test, and share data with the District. In order to evaluate performance, two fields will be maintained as a control, while the other eight will have the Parjana installation. Flow metering may be instituted in the project if deemed necessary. The District will analyze the results in order to determine the suitability of using the Parjana technology in future projects.
The estimated total project cost is $80,000.00.
Based on the foregoing, it is respectfully requested that the Board of Commissioners grant authority to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Park District. Once the parties agree in principle, authority to enter into an intergovernmental agreement will be sought from the Board of Commissioners.
Requested, Catherine A. O’Connor, Director of Engineering, WSS:JJY
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Respectfully Submitted, Michael A. Alvarez, Chairman Committee on Stormwater Management
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for July 7, 2016