The New Lenox Village Board approved a $47,500 contract Tuesday with Clark Dietz Inc. for a study of storm-water flow patterns in Aerohaven and surrounding areas.
Ron Franciskovich, village engineer, said the study will begin as early as this month and take about three to four months to complete.
The study will examine drainage in Aerohaven, the Wildwood subdivision to the east, the farm property to the west and two proposed subdivisions to the south and southwest in search of a long-term regional solution to Aerohaven’s flood woes.
The subdivision has a history of flood problems, most recently after July’s record rainfall, when some homes were deluged with storm water, sewer overflow or both.
While the consultants study the big picture, a few measures can be taken to improve drainage now, Trustee Dave Batson said.
Sewer-line breakups can be prevented by using a stronger material than the balloon-type substance usually used to block sewer pipes in construction areas, Batson said.
A berm and extra sewer inlets along Gear Drive, the road dividing Wildwood and Aerohaven, is expected to help, too, he said.
“What’s happening in that area is a lot of water is coming out of Wildwood. Keeping the water on the east side of Gear (Drive) is going to improve anything that’s happening there today,” said Batson, who promised to provide the board with details about the plan next week.
