Homewood selects consultant for Prairie Lake water-quality study, plans three sampling rounds

The Homewood Village Board on May 13 selected FairGraham, a Midwest engineering and environmental firm, as the preferred consultant to conduct a comprehensive water-quality and sediment-monitoring study of the Prairie Lakes basin.

Village staff and partners from the Isaac Walton Preserve told trustees the village issued a request for qualifications on March 7, 2025, and received two responses. Staff recommended FairGraham based on its stated understanding of the scope, depth of expertise and proximity to Homewood. "We have experience with water-quality testing, sediment sampling and MS4 permitting throughout the region," said Matthew Dvik, project manager with FairGraham.

The study will include three sampling rounds: a spring ‘first flush’ sampling timed to capture runoff from heavy rains, a summer sampling to reflect lower-flow conditions, and a winter sampling to capture base-flow and winter impacts such as road salt. FairGraham told the board it will provide a progress report mid-study (expected in August) and a final report after laboratory analysis in December.

Village staff said the study’s goal is to support the long-term environmental health of the Prairie Lakes basin and to inform permitting and remediation recommendations. "This will help us understand current pollutant loads and potential next steps for remediation and permitting," Terrence Aqua, assistant village manager, told the board.

No cost figure for FairGraham’s contract was presented at the meeting; staff said final terms are subject to the village attorney’s review.

The board approved the consent agenda that included the consultant selection; trustees did not raise substantive objections and praised the village’s movement on water-quality testing.

The village will use the study’s findings to guide management of stormwater outfalls, sediment, and potential permitting needs under relevant discharge regulations.