The Village of Algonquin, IL

Project Overview

The Village of Algonquin is moving forward with Phase 1 of the High Hill Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project, an important infrastructure improvement located along Ratt Creek between Kirkland Drive and Hanson Road, within and adjacent to High Hill Park Nature Preserve.

This project involves replacing an aging sanitary sewer with a new, larger sewer that will be relocated out of environmentally sensitive wetlands. The improvements will increase system reliability, reduce maintenance challenges, protect the environment, and provide capacity for future growth.

Why This Project Is Needed

The existing sanitary sewer presents several challenges:

• Much of the current sewer runs through wetlands and alongside Ratt Creek. Manholes are frequently underwater, making routine maintenance and emergency repairs very difficult.
• Excess groundwater and stormwater enter the sewer system through cracks and joints, a condition known as inflow and infiltration. This increases unnecessary flows to the wastewater treatment plant.
• Engineering analysis shows the existing sewer is at or near capacity and must be upsized to accommodate future development.
• This sewer relocation must be completed prior to future creek restoration work planned along this section of Ratt Creek.

Relocating and upsizing the sewer now helps avoid future disruptions and supports long-term environmental and infrastructure goals.

Scope of Work

Phase 1 of the project includes:

• Construction of approximately 2,500 linear feet of new 18-inch sanitary sewer
• Replacement of the existing 12-inch sanitary sewer, which will be abandoned or removed
• Installation along a multi-use path, near Ratt Creek, and along the edge of the wetlands within High Hill Park Nature Preserve
• Temporary bypass pumping to maintain sewer service during construction
• Tree removal, pavement patching, sidewalk replacement, and multi-use path restoration as necessary
• Erosion control measures to protect wetlands and nearby residential properties

All disturbed areas will be restored following construction.

Anticipated Construction Timeline

• Late-February to April 2026: Mobilization, erosion control installation, and tree removal
• April 2026: Sanitary sewer installation begins, weather permitting
• Spring through Summer 2026: Sewer construction, bypass pumping, and surface restoration
• September through October 2026: Completion of Phase 1 construction, including final punch list and landscape restoration as necessary.

Impacts During Construction

Residents and park users may experience temporary trail closures, construction equipment in the area, and short-term noise during normal working hours. The Village and its contractors will work to minimize disruptions and protect natural resources throughout the project.

Project Contact

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Brooke Snow, Engineer II
Village of Algonquin
brookesnow@algonquin.org 

Project contact will transition to Raz Calin once construction begins.