The system known as Deep Tunnel has never filled much more than halfway, but the cumulative effect of recent rains is putting suburban communities at risk of flooding.
A massive system of underground drainage tunnels and reservoirs in Chicago is nearly full for the first time in its history after a weekend of heavy rains, reports Brett Chase in the Chicago Sun-Times.
According to Chase, "Built over more than a half-century, Deep Tunnel sends floodwaters from Chicago and nearby suburbs through more than 100 miles of tunnels into three reservoirs located just outside of the city. It was designed to help protect the river as well as Lake Michigan."
The Thornton reservoir, which has never been more than 55% full, was at 94% capacity on Monday morning. Another reservoir was at 98% capacity, putting 11 suburban communities at risk of flooding. Sewer overflows into the Chicago River are also possible in the city, where sewers combine stormwater and wastewater in one system.
According to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford, "We have inundated soils and nearly full reservoirs, meaning that the region-wide flood risk is higher, even from rain that is not particularly heavy."
Read the full story: Deep Tunnel has never reached its limit. After a weekend of heavy rains, it’s almost full
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