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DuPage County staff report sinkhole near quarry pumping pipes; county clarifies it does not regulate aquatic invasive species
Summary
Staff told the DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee they discovered a sinkhole near quarry pumping infrastructure and are investigating possible pipe collapse; they also said the county does not regulate aquatic invasive species but does regulate state-designated noxious weeds on county property.
DuPage County stormwater staff reported a sinkhole near pumping infrastructure at a county quarry and said early analysis points to possible pipe separation or collapse that may have caused soil loss. Staff said the field crew is clearing the area so contractors and consultants can evaluate the site and that emergency procurement may be used if immediate repairs are required.
During the committee meeting Member Dussard asked about aquatic invasive species reported recently in parts of DuPage County. A county staff member replied that the county does not have a program to eradicate aquatic invasive species and generally does not regulate them; the county does regulate state-designated noxious weeds on county property. The staff member said they believe there are seven species listed as noxious and "well over two dozen" invasive species, language offered by staff during the discussion.
On the sinkhole, staff described an initial assessment that the most likely repair would be to line the affected pipe; the next option would be pipe replacement if lining is insufficient. Staff said they will stabilize the excavation after addressing the pipe, using stone and other materials as needed, and will pursue emergency procurement if the repair is urgent. The staff member said contractors and consultants are being contacted for evaluation; if an emergency procurement does not go to committee, staff will email the committee and bring the item to the County Board as appropriate.
A committee member made light of the situation by suggesting the newest board member be designated the "sinkhole specialist," but the recorded discussion otherwise focused on technical steps: field crew investigation, possible pipe lining or replacement, and site stabilization. The transcript contains no specific timetable, contract estimates for repair, or vote authorizing emergency procurement; staff said only that they are talking to multiple parties and will pursue procurement if needed.
The county's distinction between aquatic invasive species and state-designated noxious weeds was emphasized: staff said the state, not the county, designates plants as noxious and that the county enforces noxious weed regulations on county property. The meeting transcript did not include citations to the specific state listing or statute.
