Declining aquifer capacity that currently supplies the existing wells in Joliet and surrounding communities created an urgent need for a sustainable water supply. To secure safe, reliable drinking water by 2030, six municipalities formed the Grand Prairie Water Commission (GPWC) and launched a regional program to deliver treated Lake Michigan water purchased from the City of Chicago. This ambitious effort includes 65 miles of transmission pipelines, major river, utility, railroad and tollway crossings, pumping stations, storage facilities, and advanced monitoring systems.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:

Managing Utility Coordination
We lead the design-phase utility program, coordinating JULIE design locates to build a GIS-based utility map and creating detailed utility reports. The tracking system manages coordination, relocation costs, permitting, and review status for every utility. We also developed project-wide utility standards and specifications.

Driving Utility Relocation & Reimbursement
We assist with utility relocation analysis and reimbursement program management. Our team oversees subsurface utility engineering, including field management of potholing and sonde services.

Implementing Soil Management
We designed a soil management program for transmission and regional mains, screening construction areas for contamination and sampling soils for proper disposal. This includes defining soil management zones and certifying materials for clean construction debris or non-hazardous waste disposal.

Providing Environmental Due Diligence
We completed Phase I environmental site assessments and due diligence services to support land acquisition for GPWC properties.

Leading Public Outreach & Education
We partnered with City staff and community stakeholders to lead a water conservation group, identifying initiatives and educational opportunities.

Building the GPWC Brand
We assisted in the creation of the branding for the GPWC, including newsletters, toolkits, and presentations to communicate project goals and progress.

Supporting Construction Management
We remain an active member of the construction management team, ensuring seamless execution as the project advances toward completion.