Friends of the Chicago River
Chicago River Kayaking

Red FoxRiver Summit

Friends’ 4th annual Chicago River Summit brought together policy leaders and decision-makers from across the region.

Held on October 20, 2006, at the Merchandise Mart conference center, this year’s theme was “Controlling Stormwater.” Over 100 opinion leaders representing 45 organizations attended and heard policy presentations.

Presentation List

Ann Alexander - Environmental Council, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan
Alexander presented an informative overview of the disinfection issue, including its history on the Chicago River, the legal requirements for disinfection under the Clean Water Act, and policy implications. Her presentation is available as a PDF download. (377K PDF)

Julia Kennedy - Engineer, Center for Green Technology
Kennedy unveiled the Green Infrastructure calculator tool that was developed by the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Her presentation is available as a PDF download. (865K PDF)

Todd Main - Policy and Planning Director, Friends of the Chicago River
Main presented findings of our year long research effort to develop long term strategic solutions to problems that impair and the aquatic health of the river.

Pete Mulvaney - Chicago Department of Water Management
Mulvaney discussed the draft stormwater ordinance that is being developed by the City of Chicago.

Marta Nelson - Project Manager Planning, Research, and Public Access, Friends of the Chicago River
Nelson presented the preliminary findings of our charrette series which involved over 50 subject matter experts in a process to inform how Friends and other agencies develop policies for the Chicago River now and far into the future.

Bill Sheriff - Civil Engineer, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Sheriff discussed the draft Cook County Stormwater Ordinance that is under development by the Metropolitan water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. His presentation is available as a PDF download. (72K PDF)

Mike Warner - Executive Director, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
Sean Weidel - Watershed Planner, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
Warner and Weidel gave a 10 year perspective on managing stormwater based on their experience using green infrastructure in Lake County.

Thank you to our sponsoring partners including: