Environmental/Community Development

• Made McHenry a State Leader in Groundwater Protection

·        A groundwater study showing future depletion of groundwater in the area was completed.   A Water Resource Manager position was created to protect the quality and quantity of the county’s groundwater.

·        An intergovernmental Groundwater Protection Program was created.  The program is responsible for the creation of model policies to govern the protection and conservation of the groundwater supply.

·        As part of the groundwater protection effort, the Illinois State Geological Survey and the Illinois State Water Survey are performing scientific studies to monitor the aquifers. The data will be used to provide baseline information and to drive future decisions. 

• Stormwater program was completed

This program addresses runoff and recharge issues in the county.

• Oversaw the Creation of a Balanced 2030 Land Use Plan

This plan includes chapters on open space, preservation and groundwater protection.  It is complete and will soon be available for public review and comment.