Chicago's approach to handling storm runoff includes three above-ground reservoirs capable of eventually holding 17.5 billion gallons. Despite improvements, such as reduced pollution levels, the system still struggles under severe storms, highlighting the challenge posed by climate change. Experts suggest that while tunnels are a feasible solution, Chicago's extensive open space and larger storage capacity play significant roles. San Francisco's potential solutions are complicated by its limited space and the financial implications of constructing infrastructure akin to Chicago's.
"It is working, but there is always going to be some storm that will create problems," said Marcelo Garcia, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
"The pollution load has drastically decreased," said Kevin Fitzpatrick, assistant director of engineering for Chicago's reclamation district. But storms are testing the system, he added.
Collection
[
|
...
]