W. Dundee ponders what to do about eroding Fox River banks

West Dundee trustees are thankful this fall hasn't brought more rain, which could have caused the Fox River's level to rise, making the erosion problem worse.

It's bad already, and at the point where something has to be done to stop it, said Joseph Cavallaro, the village manager.

"We have $3.5 million in the river walk at stake," he said. Something needs to be done sooner rather than later, he added

For months the river has been down. Its low level has revealed years of damage caused by fluctuating levels. Tree roots are exposed and the earth leading to the brick river walk has been made smooth.

Before that walk was installed more than a decade ago, boulders were put in place to line the bank. Trees and shrubs were also planted to protect the soil.

But the water turned the dirt to mud and the rocks have slipped down the slope. The trees and shrubs continued to grow, but with a dwindling bank their roots could be damaged, and vulnerable to disease.

Or they could become unstable and loose, and fall into the river.

"We have to find a better way to keep the bank from eroding." Cavallaro said.

This year's rainy August didn't help. The river spilled over its banks and flooded the river walk for more than a week. The river's current increased and washed away more soil.

Trustees have talked about the problem and the threat to a popular waterfront attraction. A brick-paved plaza allows people to get close to the water and sit by its edge on open-air benches and ones under a gazebo.

When the river walk was being designed, village trustees agreed to allow Dundee Township residents to be a part of it by buying engraved bricks and putting them put in the path. Residents also may buy benches and trees and have them planted in memories of loved ones.

Trustees invested more than a million dollars in the project by purchasing a West Main Street building adjacent to the river and tearing it down, so a formal entrance and ramp can be installed.

Because of all of this river walk focus and investment, village board members have hired Applied Ecological Services, a West Dundee firm, to study the problem and find a solution.

Ideally, trustees would like to have that solution in their Christmas stocking so it can be implemented next year.

Before work can begin, it must be approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the Fox River.

Lining the bank with concrete tiles is one solution, but it would probably be a costly one, Cavallaro said. So would adding more boulders.

"We would have to find a way for them not to move when the ground gets soft." he said.

Until then, officials are hoping for a mild winter.