Flood - Questions, Meetings and Recent Action

It's been a rather exciting two weeks. First the flood, then the immediate aftermath, and now the questions are being asked "What can be done to solve this problem or, reduce the consequences of these "2%" and "1%" rainfall events?"

This will be a fairly long post. I began work on it last week. It will include a "Question and Answer" format, because I think that's a reasonable approach to providing information. Those in the vicinity, including south of Glen-Ellyn's COD Pond #7 had a lot of water, or a close call.

As I stated during a presentation to neighbors who live to the south of the College of DuPage and Lake #4 the problem is multi-jurisdictional and involves the City of Wheaton, the Village of Glen Ellyn, the College of DuPage and the County of DuPage. I went on to state that "We can do anything; all that is required is time and money." That, in a nutshell is the problem; it takes money to solve problems of this type. So whose problem is it? The water comes from Glen Ellyn, the College of DuPage and further north in Wheaton. In fact, a neighbor to the south of COD's Pond #7 confirmed that it was the first to overflow into the swale separating the neighbors from the flood. As the levels of Pond #7 and Lake #4 increased, that overflow expanded. According to the earlier study by the City of Wheaton, this overflow, or "overtop" in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton is about 200 to 400 feet wide (300 feet is the length of a football field).

Eventually all of the water from the upstream area, which is part of the "Willoway Basin" or "Willoway Watershed" will finds it's way to Lake #4 and COD's Pond #7. From there it continues into South Wheaton and Unincorporated Glen Ellyn. (Note 1).

I think it will take the involvement of residents of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and the unincorporated areas south of the College of DuPage and Wheaton's "retention Lake #4" to solve this.

The description of the "Pond #7 nature study area"  in the next paragraph is from the 1996 Stormwater report prepared for the City of Wheaton. This pond and its "Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary" are now considered to be a part of the official "service area" of the College. One item of note is that the weir always overflows into Lake #4 (except when the pond is frozen); the level of water on Pond #7 is such that the level of the water in Pond #7 is always at the top of the weir and slightly above Lake #4. So it does not currently function as described in the Stormwater Report of 1997. I have documented this with photographs taken during different periods, including during the drought of 2012. So has the drainage on the college campus changed? Here's a description from the March 1997 Stormwater Report prepared for the City of Wheaton:

"A large depressional area located adjacent to Lake No. 4 on the College of DuPage property is used by the College as a lake study area [Pond #7]. Both Briarcliffe Lake No. 4 and the College of DuPage lake study area are mapped wetlands as shown in Exhibit 3. The lake study area is drained by a concrete overflow weir directly into Briarcliffe Lake No. 4. When the water level exceeds the top of the weir (El.739.19) during moderate storm events, both Lake No. 4 and the lake study area on the College of DuPage property become connected, as the overflow weir becomes submerged. Both Lake No. 4 and the College of DuPage’s lake study area account for approximately 87 acre-feet of combined storage at a maximum water surface elevation of 745.3.................The size of the total area draining to Lake No. 4 is estimated to be approximately 951 acres, or 1.48 square miles (DuPage County, 1985)." (Note 1, 3).

In other words, a pond and a lake of about 87 acres receive drainage from an upstream area of about 1.5 square miles! [Comment: the current US National Wetlands Inventory indicates Pond 7 and Lake 4 are 13.74 acres]. That area includes portions of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and the 273 acres of the College of DuPage.  The College contributes about 28.8% of the rainfall runoff for this area. (Note 9).

There is some question if the current capacity of Pond #7 is what it was in 1996. The City of Wheaton did increase the capacity of Lake #4 after the 1996 flood. To my knowledge the Village of Glen Ellyn and the College of DuPage did nothing to increase Pond #7. The College has abandoned the former "Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary" and now calls it a "Service Area." (Note 5). This is contrary to the College of DuPage Facilities Master Plan Objectives 2003 (Note 6). Some of the old timers can tell you that at one time the "Wildlife Sanctuary" was maintained by the College including benches and viewing areas! No longer!

One pond was added in 2012. Pond #9 supposedly adds retention, but based on actual observation on April 18 it and the surrounding area of the College also redirects water westward onto private property in Wheaton!

It is unclear if "Pond #9" is adequate to compensate for the removal of lower elevation fields which were replaced by adding higher elevation parking, storm sewers and the CMC building on the Campus. These reduce retention and increase runoff. We have no idea of what was done to alleviate the addition of the "Homeland Security" building, the "Early Childhood Center" and the "Technical Education Center" or modifications to the ponds in that portion of the campus.

We do know that the College has so little water retention that it is drilling a well to provide water for the lawns, plantings and waterfalls. The College wanted a second well and a large water tower and pumping station adjacent to the "wildlife area" but that was not approved by the County during the 2012 "Zoning Appeals Hearings."

Last week there were two meetings with officials and one with a neighbors group. I attended all of them. One meeting was with Wheaton's Director of Engineering. One was with a neighborhood group, and the third was at Saturday's "Coffee with Council" in Wheaton. Additional meetings included on site impromptu discussions at Lake #4.

I made a 20 minute presentation to the Neighbor's Group at Brian Glen School. This post draws upon the material presented. I didn't run the videos; to my knowledge everyone has seen those. I did provide a large scale visual presentation of the information contained in the diagram (Note 7) , and overviews of the COD campus including Pond #7, as well as Wheaton's Lakes #3 and #4.

So what actually happened on April 18?
That's a question which will require a few minutes to answer. Here is a list of questions and answers which provide some information.

Where did the water come from, and how much was there??
"The drainage area upstream for the Briarcliffe system ranges from the Lambert Farms area of Glen Ellyn to the northeast, and to Blanchard Street and Roosevelt Road to the northwest." (Note 1, 3).

There was a large rainfall on the night of April 17th and early the morning of the 18th. There is some question about exactly how much rainfall was received. DuPage County is investigating this. The College of DuPage has taken the position, via V3 its engineer that "“The flooding that was experienced south of the College was the result of very large storm in excess of a 100-year event” (Note 2). 

Another question is what was the rate of the downpour. A 6.91" rainfall over a 24 hour period has more time to be disbursed via the flood control system than a 6.91" rainfall that occurs in a 12 hour period.

COD Pond #7 and Lake #4 have become the focal point in this drama. Lake #4 is the fourth in a string of retention ponds. It is part of a special "Flood Control Project" in Wheaton. Water flows from Lake #1 to Lake #2, then on to Lake #3 which is shown in the diagram (Note 7), and then into Lake #4. However, these lakes gain additional "inflow" at various intermediate points. The flow from COD into Lakes #3 and #4 is an example.

Lake #4 is slightly below the normal elevation of Pond #7, so when there is a rainfall, water can flow easily from East (COD Pond #7) to West (Wheaton Lake #4), or from West to East. Normally, water flows from COD's "Pond #7" over a weir and into Wheaton's Lake #4.

Lakes #3 and #4 are entirely within Wheaton. However, Lake #4 receives water from upstream Lake #3 and also from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. This is a multi-jurisdictional problem. It seems that Glen Ellyn has been largely aloof of the problem for decades, even though the COD campus has always resided within Glen Ellyn. And why should the Village get involved? Better to let someone else pay to solve this problem! In the end, this really is all about money and vested interests. I'd like to be proven incorrect. but I suspect there has been no real, substantive action on the part of the Village of Glen Ellyn to address this problem.

Lakes #3 and #4, and COD's Pond #7 are hydraulically connected. What does that mean? Hydraulically connected: A condition where two or more aquifers are in communication with each other. This condition can be recognized when the static water levels are nearly the same.

Here's a definition of "water level":  water level, water level depth: (1) In an inactive water well, the depth from the ground surface to the surface of the static column of water inside the cased or uncased well bore when the pressure of the water column or hydrostatic head counterbalances the formation-water pressure or pore pressure at the drilled face of the aquifer. (2) In an active water well, the depth from the ground surface to the surface of the column of water inside the cased well bore under dynamic or producing conditions.  (Note 8). 

Should Glen Ellyn be included in determining a solution?
I have been encouraging people to assemble with neighbors from the unincorporated areas south of Glen Ellyn and the COD campus to attend a Village of Glen Ellyn meeting. That includes the Foxcroft association and the Neighbors Group which met at Briar Glen School on  May 3. According to the Village Website, "Regular Meetings 2nd & 4th Mondays - 8:00p.m."

After all, COD is within the village boundaries, and the source of water into Pond #7 and Lake #4 is sourced in part by Glen Ellyn. (Note 1, 3).

Is the College of DuPage a part of the problem?
Yes, it is. The College contributes about 28.8% of the rainfall runoff for the area feeding into Pond #7 and Lakes #3 and #4.

As to how to deal with the College, I'm encouraging people to write to the College, copy the County, the Village of Glen Ellyn and the City of Glen Ellyn. I'll be posting some names and addresses which I suggest. As for relying upon any letters or calls or correspondence to the College, I am of the opinion that is pointless and a waste of one's time. I base that upon my experience over the past several years.

As noted in the 1997 Stormwater Study "Any future work involving the berm would require cooperation with the College of DuPage." This refers to the berms on the South of Lake #4 and COD Pond #7.

In fact, dealing with this problem in any and all aspects will require the cooperation of the College. That will require the involvement of the County of DuPage. Our "bad neighbor" College has made it very clear what their agenda and interests are.

Also, a substantial portion of the acreage which feeds into Lakes #3 and 4 is either immediately upstream of Lake #4 and COD's Pond #7 which then overflow into the neighborhood immediately south of the college.

According to the published "College of DuPage Facilities Master Plan Objectives" (Note 6):

• Item 7. No land expansion at Glen Ellyn main campus
• Item 8. Preserve nature areas

Did Lake #3 overflow its berms?
Yes, it did, threatening 336 residents who live immediately to the west of the flood path between Lakes #3 and #4.

Was there damage at Lake #3?
Yes, there was shoreline damage on the east side of the lake, which borders the College of DuPage.  That did not cause or contribute to any flooding. It will require repair. Such repair is currently paid for by 336 homeowners who live to the southwest of this retention lake in Briarcliffe Lakes Manor Homes, and the apartments to the north, northwest of the lake. No tax dollars are used for this.

Was the flooding in the vicinity of Lake #3 similar to that of previous floods?
From the perspective of the association in which I live, the flooding was worse than in 1996. That year is used as the benchmark by the association which is immediate west of COD and south of Lake #3.  My opinion is based upon observations of those who continue to live in the vicinity of the southwest corner of the campus and have had a clear view of the situation and the campus, and have patios within 50 feet of the property line.

The association reported that in 1996 Lake #3 overflowed its banks.   This was confirmed by Mr. Paul Redman of the City of Wheaton.   In 1996 water flow occurred from Lake #3 and continued to the south in the direction of Lake #4, and to the southeast. According to the association there was no flow observed from the east of CODs campus onto the association property in 1996, or in other recent floods. However, such flow from the COD campus was observed on April 18th.

While these floods have been a concern in the past, there was no discussion of sandbagging preparation in the association. However, on April 18th the water levels in the area immediately south of Lake #3 were higher and water did flow from east on the COD campus and onto association property. That is the first time that the homes on the western property line (shore) of COD were threatened by flooding and runoff. In the past, any stream was lower and flow naturally occurred onto the soccer fields on the COD campus. Those fields have been replaced by a "retention pond" and a berm on the COD property which now runs from Lake #3 to Pond #7. This berm was installed by the College to "shield" the association from the "service area" and mud pit which it describes as "Pond #9."

Why was the flooding in the vicinity of Lake #3 more serious on April 18th?
There have been changes on the College property to the west of Lambert Road. These include parking, the addition of several buildings, alteration to an existing pond, the addition of a new pond (pond #9) and the construction of a berm running a substantial distance from Lake #3 to the wetlands and Pond #7. To accomplish this, lower lying grassy practice fields were removed.

These may have changed the topography of the campus resulting in more water being directed to the far west boundary of the campus. The College has built a discharge from it's maintenance area (Building M) into Lake #3. It is not known if that existed in 1996.

Here is an aerial photo circa 2010 of the southwest corner of the campus, and some of the neighborhood. The southerly tip of Lake #3 is clearly visible as are the association Briarcliffe Lakes Manor Homes (BLMH), the M building of the college, Lake #4, the wooded "wildlife" area and COD Pond #7. The soccer practice fields to the east of the BLMH association was at a lower elevation than the association; yet something has changed because water flowed from east to west on April 18th!

Here's the same area, in 2012 but before the completion of Pond #9, the addition of the berm running along the western property of the campus and the CMC building which is currently under construction in the southwest corner of the campus in what is now the newly defined "service area" of the College:

Has the College of DuPage altered the situation?

Yes, it has.  The topography has changed, and the College has added a large berm on the western boundary of its campus adjacent to Briarcliffe Lakes Manor Homes Association ("the association"). It has also added substantial parking with a network of storm sewers and a new maintenance building. The new CMC building was constructed after the above aerial photo was taken. It is immediately to the east of newly constructed "retention" Pond #9, which is the muddy area to the North of Pond #7 in the photo.

According to V3, the COD engineer:

"In addition to the rainfall event being extremely large, the downstream flooding appears to mainly be the result of by-pass flows. The area to the north of Fawell Blvd. drains to the south during large storm events. The areas to t eh [the]west of the campus (Briarcliff) also drain to the ponds to the south of campus. You may have noticed on the video that there was a stream of water flowing down the west property line of the campus. This is by design. Since during large storm event the College receives flow from the areas to the north, we have designed (to match the existing conditions) a large drainage swale to channel this flow across along COD’s property, to the downstream wetlands and ponds. This is the natural drainage pattern and by law we are not allowed to change the natural pattern of drainage. " (Note 4).

So, this raises the question, if the college is not allowed to alter the natural pattern of drainage, then how can it legally send water to the west and onto the property of the association to the west of the campus?

Is the retention of the College adequate?
We don't know.  The College contributes about 28.8% of the rainfall runoff for the 1.48 square mile area that drains into the area of Pond #7 and Lakes #3 and #4. Recent changes at the College has altered the flow so that it now flows from East to West. Additional runoff occurs from the northwest area of the College into Lake #3.

Here's a question. Does the College retain the 28.8% of the rainfall in the area and does the area west of Lambert retain its proportional share of rainfall during 1% (100 year) flood events?
.
Who pays to maintain the shoreline of Lakes #3 and #4?
The apartment complex on Lake #3 and the homeowners association on Lake #3 and on Lake #4 pay to maintain the shorelines. Homeowners on the south shore of Lake #4 do not contribute in any way for the maintenance of any of the shorelines or these lakes.

Did Lake #4 and COD Pond #7 overflow ("overtop") the berms?
Yes they did, flooding the neighborhood immediately to the south and south-east. Flooding included portions of Wheaton and a portion on unincorporated Glen Ellyn.

"....the potential length of overtopping is on the order of 200-400 feet," (Note 1, 3).

Were the berms breached?
The berm on the south-east corner of Lake #4 was overtopped. It did not fail. So too for the berms to the south of COD pond #7. The berms on Pond #7 are lower, and allowed water to flow into the neighborhood before Lake #4 overtopped.

According to Paul Redman, the Director of Engineering for Wheaton "There is no discernible difference in the berms" on Lake #4 when comparing surveys in 1996 with one conducted after April 18, 2013.

Did the berms fail?
The berm on the southeast corner of Lake #4 and to the east of Pond #7 were "overtopped." In other words, the height of the water contained within the lake and pond exceeded the height of the berms. There was also a leak discovered at the southerly berm of Lake #4 which caused a great deal of concern. It caused no damage, and all seepage was diverted into a storm sewer within 5 feet of the seepage.

The concern about the leak was that it might have been indicative of imminent failure of the berm, something called a "sand boil." Instead, it was discovered that an abandoned and capped pipe was allowing flow from the lake to the storm sewer.

Who discovered the leakage at the South Berm of Lake #4?
That was discovered by an alert homeowner who resides in the association to the north. It was confirmed by a maintenance worker and then the City of Wheaton was notified. The first question that was asked was "Is there a water main in that location?" There were two possibilities, a failed water main or seepage. The City responded that it was not a water main. Assistance was requested; specifically to inspect the seepage. The first sand bags were carried from Briarcliffe Blvd and dropped into the exit point of the seepage by those in the association to the north. The City of Wheaton subsequently provided a front end loader with additional sandbags. Shortly thereafter the City made the decision to mobilize personnel and alert homeowners to the south of Lake #4 and Pond #7. Additional sand bags were then placed at the point of seepage.

Has this happened before?
In 1996 there was a similar flood, and Lake #4 and Pond #7 were "overtopped."

However, this flood seems to have been broader in scope, threatening homes to the west of the campus. One owner who lives to the south of Lake #4 and Pond #7 attended the Wheaton "Coffee with the Council" meeting on Saturday, May 4 and stated "I have lived in this location for 43 years, and I've never had water before."

Owners north of Lake #4 and immediately west of the COD campus were threatened by a fast running and high stream, trapped and directed by COD's newly installed berm.

What happened after the 1996 flood?
I'm not aware of any action on the part of Glen Ellyn or the College of DuPage about that event. The City of Wheaton commissioned a study which was released in March 1997. That study made several recommendations. Some owners stated after the April 18 flood that the City took no action. That information has been proven to be incorrect.

The City of Wheaton, at taxpayer expense, made three of four recommended changes, which included an increase to the capacity of Lake #4 and correction of a problem with a check valve.

What did the various governmental bodies and the College of Dupage do after April 18 flood?
The City of Wheaton commissioned a survey of Lake #4 after the April 18th flood. That survey was compared to an earlier survey in 1996-1997. According to Wheaton's Director of Engineering, the berms on Lake #4 today show "no discernible difference" than they did in 1996. In other words, they are maintained, are of the same height, and did not cause the flood on April 18.

Pond #7 and its berms are on the property of the College of DuPage and are in Glen Ellyn. The City of Wheaton bears no responsibility in that area. It's up to the College and Glen Ellyn to maintain those berms. There has been no information provided by the College or the Village about this.

What about COD Pond #7?
We don't know anything about the condition of Pond #7 and its berms. However, we do know that owners south of Pond #7 have increased the height of the berm at their own expense, and with sandbag materials provided by the City of Wheaton. There has been no assistance or interest on the part of the College. These are the property of the College of DuPage and are in the Village of Glen Ellyn. Due to disagreements between the Village and the College, the County of DuPage has assumed some responsibility, while the Village apparently maintains its distance.

Who is responsible for this interconnected system?
Lakes #1, 2, 3 and 4 are part of Wheaton's special "Flood Control Project," or "District" and that project is maintained by the City of Wheaton.  Pond #7 and Pond #9 are on College of DuPage property and are within the Village of Glen Ellyn. However, when this system floods, homes and residents in Wheaton and Unincorporated Glen Ellyn are affected. The College of DuPage is in Glen Ellyn and certain aspects, including flood control measures and the ponds, are under the supervision of the County of DuPage. Pond #7 is also classified a "wetland" and so it may be treated differently. However, much of the land surrounding Pond #7 is not a wetland, as can be evidenced by the satellite and Radio Tower installed to the east, and the expanded parking and roadways northeast of Pond #7.

As near as I can determine, dealing with this has been, in the past, a problem handed to Wheaton with little or no effectiveness or assistance by the Village of Glen Ellyn and the College that exists within the Village limits. The College has been oblivious and it seems the Village of Glen Ellyn has been largely aloof and uninvolved.

That's may be the way it is when a spoiled "pride and joy" (COD) becomes a "rebellious teenager" which has exceeded the authority of the parent, and is provided political and financial support from the County.

Who coordinates these different systems?
That has been the source of most of the frustration of owners in this part of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn. The College has it's own perspective and has chosen to operate in a manner oblivious to the problems in its neighborhood. As most of the water naturally flows into Lake #4 and the remainder flows from Pond #7 south-eastward, homes downstream of the College are periodically flooded.

This has been an acceptable situation for the College.

There are four entities involved here. Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, College of DuPage, and County of DuPage. It seems that coordination and cooperation have been insufficient. The County of DuPage is the only entity which can bring all of the parties to the table and sort this out.

Changes in 2012 have removed Glen Ellyn from it's ineffective role and it has been replaced by the County of DuPage. It remains to be seen if this is an improvement.

Why hasn't this been effectively coordinated?
That's a very good question.

The ordinances in DuPage County have changed over the years, and have become more stringent. Lakes #3 and #4 were built decades ago and were, I understand, built to "50 year" or "2%" rainfall event criteria.

The College of DuPage has expanded on it's campus in recent years, replacing green space and lower lying fields to the West of Lambert Road with buildings and parking.

There have been no significant retention changes made to COD's Pond #7 and the surrounding area. However, a retention pond #9 was built in the place of lower elevation soccer fields, and a large North-South berm was constructed to shield property to the west from COD's recently declared "service area" and parking lots which replaced the soccer fields.

COD has been in a running dispute with the Village of Glen Ellyn, in which is resides. It has been a difficult relationship. Today, COD would rather pay the Village of Lisle for fire protection which was provided for free by the Village of Glen Ellyn. That simple fact summarizes the problem and the position of the College. The College has its priorities and is unfettered and can choose how to spend the tax money and student fees it collects and the money for bonds (loans) which will be repaid by the taxpayers of DuPage County.

Is there a water retention problem on the College of DuPage campus?
That remains to be determined. The college has decided to allow the area of Pond #7 to degrade; according to neighbors, it once included park benches and was really a nature study area. Some in the nearby community committed substantial funds as donations to the College for that purpose.

This was once called the "Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary."  Today, it's a "Service Area" for the College, and a neglected backwater.


When combined, Lakes 3, 4 and the College of DuPage’s lake study area store over 135 acre-feet of water. (Note 1, 3).

What's the official position of the College of DuPage?
Here is an example, from an April 26 email from Dr. Breuder to me. According to Dr. Breuder at the College of DuPage:

"It is very clear COD’s “Retention” area [Pond #9] was not the problem. If anything, the fact that we expanded the “Retention” area far beyond current code requirements helped mitigate an even more serious condition. As further information becomes available to me, I will share with you. It goes without saying that if ever COD causes a valid problem for its neighbors, we will address the same quickly and responsibly."

In other words, our problems are not a valid problem from the perspective of the College.

When does flooding occur?
There is a lot of water flowing downhill and it all eventually makes it into Lake #4. Some of that water is from the upstream lakes, some is from the College of DuPage, and some is from other areas of Glen Ellyn, as the area that naturally drains into Lakes #4 is to the North, East and West. To the North is Wheaton, and to the East is Glen Ellyn and the College of DuPage.

Under certain conditions, the capacity of Lake #4 (Wheaton) and Pond #7 and to the east are exceeded. When that occurs water flows to the south. The condition is called overtopping. Lake #4 was built to what is called "50 year" or "2%" conditions. Ir was improved in 1996 by the City of Wheaton.

When water levels rise in Pond #7 it immediately flows over a weir build on College property and into Lake #4. As the level increases, Pond #7 and Lake #4 become one body of water.

Newly build Pond #9 at College of DuPage receives water from parking to the North and East, and may also receive overflow from the Pond adjacent to the Early Childhood Center.

As the level of Pond #9 receives water, it releases some of it via an underground connection to Pond #7. As the level of newly installed Pond #9 on the COD campus continues to rise, it will exceed the height of its berm on the south side and excess water will flow unimpeded into Pond #7. Additional water will flow from the campus into Lake #3 and onto BLMH property.

Lake #3 is connected to Lake #4 via underground. As Lake #3 level rises, it continuously discharges into Lake #4 but if it rises sufficiently it will then overrun its bank on the southeast side and flow above ground and joining runoff from COD will flow into Lake #3.

Lake #4 discharges at a controlled rate into an existing underground pipe on it's West side.

However, the combination of above ground flow from Lake #3, underground flow from Lake #3, runoff from COD into Lake #3, flow from COD and Pond #9 into Pond 7 and overflow of Pond #9 into Lake #4 will under certain conditions, exceed the capacity of Lake #4 to contain water.

At that point, Lake #4 will "breach" the top of berms in the southeast corner. This is called "overtopping." However, according to witnesses in unincorporated Glen Ellyn, the berms to the south of Pond #7 breach earlier.

When the berms overtop, flooding occurs in the neighborhoods to the south of Lake #4 and the COD campus.

Notes:

1. Stormwater Report prepared for the City of Wheaton (and at Wheaton taxpayer expense) dated March 1997. "The size of the total area draining to Lake No. 4 is estimated to be approximately 951 acres, or 1.48 square miles (DuPage County, 1985)....." The drainage area upstream for the Briarcliffe system ranges from the Lambert Farms area of Glen Ellyn to the northeast, and to Blanchard Street and Roosevelt Road to the northwest."  In other words, the drainage area upstream includes portions of Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and the College of Dupage. 
2. According to V3 Companies of Illinois as relayed by Dr. Breuder's April 26th email from the College of DuPage "The flooding that was experienced south of the College was the result of very large storm in excess of a 100-year event. Please note that although we refer to storms based on the a number of years, the reality is that these large storms have a 1% chance of occurring in any year. The storm that occurred last week had rainfall in excess of the a 1% storm which is beyond the amount that stormwater and detention system are designed to accommodate."
3. Stormwater Report,  Briarcilife Lake No. 4 (Willoway Brook Drainage Basin), March 1997 as paid for by the taxpayer of Wheaton and prepared by Engineering Resource Associates, Inc.  
4. Email dated April 25 from George J. Schober, P.E. V3 Companies of Illinois Ltd. to Dr. Robert Breuder, President, College of DuPage and as copied to N. Retzke on April 26.
5. The designation "Service Area" was used by the Legal Representative of the College of DuPage during the DuPage County Zoning Commission Hearings of 2012 and affirmed by Dr. Breuder, the College President. 
6. College of DuPage Facilities Master Plan Objectives 2003 and as currently on the COD website:     "Gavin Tun, director of Facilities Planning and Construction for the college, led a major effort to examine the plan originally created in 2001. The plan was modified through the Master Plan Verification Task Force and meetings with college employees, students and community members, as well as a Facilities Master Plan Advisory Committee. The modified plan better reflects the short-term and long-term goals of the college.           In verifying the plan, the college met the criteria contained in the plan’s 15 objectives, many of which were established at the beginning of the process. These include increasing classroom and student space, linking east and west campus, replacing temporary buildings on the west side of campus, preserving the nature areas, minimizing the higher density/congestion on the east side of campus, and planning for future development."     Here are the objectives of that plan:            1. Increase classroom and student space 2. Minimize higher density/congestion on east campus 3. Plan buildings to showcase their programs   4. Incorporate the philosophy and strategic importance of Regional Centers and off-campus locations, and plan accordingly 5. Ensure plan is program driven 6. Plan for future development 7. No land expansion at Glen Ellyn main campus 8. Preserve nature areas 9. Link east and west campuses 10. Replace temporary buildings on west campus; develop west campus now for current academic needs/future potential partnerships 11. Remodel the Berg Instructional Center (BIC) sooner 12. Clarify the college’s front door 13. Investigate the need for an internal ring road 14. Internal pedestrian street 15. Investigate the need for parking garages and provide appropriately.  http://www.cod.edu/facilities_plan/advisory/objectives.htm
7. Diagram which summarizes the water flow described during the May 4 meeting with neighbors and the videos sent to the College, the Village of Glen Ellyn, the City of Wheaton and the County of DuPage. This was in an earlier post:

8. Water level and "hydraulically connected" definitions:
http://interpretivegroundwaterglossary.com/index.html

9. The contribution of the college is based solely upon the area of the College of DuPage, as compared to the total area feeding Lake #4 and Pond #7. That is 273 acres of the total.