July 1, 2006
ERA selected for Naperville water improvement plan

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Engineering Resource Associates, Inc. (ERA) was selected by the City of Naperville to design a water quality improvement plan utilizing water quality best management practices (BMPs) for the City’s Lake Osborne Park. This popular recreational lake and flood control reservoir is experiencing water quality degradation due to shoreline erosion and overuse by Canadian Geese. ERA is designing a lake buffer planting plan to (1) protect the shoreline from erosion, (2) improve lake water quality by filtering overland urban runoff and discouraging goose utilization, and (3) provide a new aesthetically pleasing landscape addition as a passive recreational benefit to park users. In addition, areas of severe erosion will be protected from ice shear and wave action with a soil/rock/plant matrix. A short and long term maintenance plan will be prepared for the City to help ensure the success of the project by guiding City park maintenance staff on native plant care and maintenance. Using ERA’s experience and expertise, the City envisions a cost savings in park maintenance by converting large areas of labor intensive turf grass to a native landscape.

Engineering Resource Associates, Inc. (ERA) is a full-service consulting engineering, environmental science and surveying firm serving Midwestern clients since 1990. With offices in Warrenville, Geneva and Chicago, ERA offers broad experience on a wide variety of projects for public and private sector clients. For more information about ERA, call (630) 393-3060 or visit us online at www.eraconsultants.com.