Loyola University Chicago invests $10 million in stormwater system upgrades
(UI) – Loyola University Chicago is nearing completion of a $20.7 million portfolio of construction projects this summer to improve, modernize and beautify the Lake Shore Campus.
Among the most important projects is a $10 million effort to upgrade the stormwater drainage system through the campus. As part of a larger, multi-phased initiative to improve stormwater management, Loyola is working to reduce the likelihood of future flooding events throughout campus and divert stormwater runoff from city sewers, and from carrying pollutants into Lake Michigan.
In 2005, 95.6% of Loyola’s property on the Lake Shore Campus drained to city sewers. Through investment in building and landscape projects, green roofs, permeable pavers, and stormwater detention vaults, outfalls, and dedicated management projects, only 38.4% of Loyola’s property now drains to city sewers. The result of these initiatives, totaling $45 million over nearly two decades, is a 57.2% or–10,988,000 gallon–reduction in drainage to city sewers.
With a record number of Chicagoans reporting flooded basements in July, Loyola’s annual diversion of water from city sewers will support neighboring businesses and residents in the community surrounding Loyola’s campus with significantly increased capacity. When complete, the annual reduction of stormwater discharge would fill Cloud Gate more than 17 times–or connect Chicago to Houston via one-gallon water jugs.
Following a 2013 weather pattern that severely impacted the Health Sciences Campus and Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola commenced a stormwater mitigation system project that has eliminated any further flooding events in the ensuing years.
Kana Henning, Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities, hopes that the Lake Shore Campus project will deliver similar results. “As we continue to see new and challenging conditions resulting from climate change, it continues to be a top priority for Loyola to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff by maintaining the integrity of our campus facilities. Equally important to us is the ability to serve as a leader in our local communities by supporting our neighbors wherever possible.”
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