Lake County Gazette

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) has announced the commencement of construction on the Bangs Lake Outfall Improvements Project. The project was marked by a ceremonial groundbreaking with the Lake County Board and the village of Wauconda.

According to a press release, the Bangs Lake Outfall Improvements Project aims to reduce flooding for over 70 properties and eight roads by upgrading 6,450 feet of storm sewer and channels stretching from Phil’s Beach to Illinois Route 176. The current manual system for controlling Bangs Lake’s water levels will be replaced with a remote monitoring and management system to improve response to heavy rainfall and prevent frequent road closures and residential flooding.

The project improvements include nearly 4,000 feet of stream restoration, a new lake outfall structure, a retaining wall, box culverts, and other drainage enhancements. Shoreline and streambank stabilization efforts will reduce erosion and sedimentation, while native plantings will be added to enhance local water quality and support long-term ecological health. These environmental efforts aim to restore natural balance to the lake and downstream waterways affected by aging infrastructure and intensified storm events in recent years.

The $2.5 million initiative is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) along with a contribution of $266,387 from the Village of Wauconda. It is one of 16 projects supported through the second round of $30 million in DCEO funds from a $122 million countywide stormwater appropriation. From 2022 to 2024, SMC completed 13 other flood mitigation projects using earlier funds. Future projects are planned in Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, North Chicago, Round Lake Beach, and Zion to strengthen infrastructure in flood-prone areas.

According to Lake County, the SMC was established in 1990 by state law to coordinate stormwater efforts across more than 80 local jurisdictions. Its mission focuses on improving water quality, reducing flood damage, and restoring natural drainage systems throughout the county. The commission manages floodplains and watersheds by enforcing countywide floodplain and stormwater standards, supporting flood hazard mitigation projects, implementing watershed plans, and using best management practices. It also works to protect and restore natural resources through partnerships and various funding sources.