Pilot study recommended for Bay water infiltration

Whitefish Bay - Based on the results obtained from flow monitors and other information developed over the last year, Donohue and Associates will recommend Whitefish Bay undertake a pilot private property infill and infiltration program aimed at keeping clear water out of the sanitary sewer system. I and I is considered a major contributor to the flooding that took place in the village in the summer of 2010.

Steve Sticklen of Donohue and Associates said a triangular area in the southeast section of the village could provide data for a village-wide PPII program.

"The concept of a pilot program is to demonstrate the effectiveness of such a program," Sticklen said. "In my opinion, the evidence is overwhelming that private property is producing I and I."

Sticklen presented information gathered from flow monitors that were located in most, though not all of, the village in the summer of 2011.

Three bright red splotches on a map of the village indicated the wettest areas, one at the northern side of the village, another in the area of Fairmount Avenue and a third south of Hampton Avenue.

That information, combined with the results of other studies, indicates clear water is likely coming from private property. All of the sanitary sewers in the village have been viewed with cameras and 25 percent of them have been fixed.

Disconnecting downspouts

Earlier studies have indicated that many houses in the village continue to have downspouts that are directly connected to the sanitary sewers, which would be a major contributing factor in backing up sanitary sewers during heavy rainfall.

Trustee Kevin Buckley asked if the village should consider developing an inspection program for all single family homes to determine if the downspouts are illegally connected to the sewers.

"If we are not going to do any big construction this year and have this be the design year, then let's do this," Buckley said.

Sticklen said the program would help remove clear water infiltration if the village decides to take that action.

The PPII Committee will consider the pilot program for the southeast corner of the village as well as Buckley's suggestion at its Feb. 1 meeting.

The Village Board also voted to pay Donohue an additional $13,784 for additional work done beyond the scope of the original contract, mainly for work on the Aug. 22 presentation of its storm and sanitary sewer report.