The Homewood Village Board agreed to hire Fehr Graham to conduct a water quality study for the Prairie Lakes Stormwater Detention Facility, a series of ponds on the west side of Izaak Walton Preserve.

The board’s action May 13 means a broader water quality study for Izaak Walton is now in the works following a 2024 controversy between local environmental activists and village officials. 

According to Terence Acquah, assistant village manager, the village and Izaak Walton Preserve both contributed to the preliminary water quality study conducted by Bryan Environmental Consultants, Inc. of Homewood in November 2023. The results of the study showed harmful hydrocarbons in the water, but the risk posed by the substances pose was up for debate.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, water quality should meet the following at minimum:

• Establish baseline quality levels for water.
• Identify appropriate sampling locations and sample at the same locations in the future.
• Visually monitor/assess any specific changes in surface water.
• Follow recommended sample collection and analytical procedures.

A 1977 racetrack fire is suspected to be the cause of fluoranthene being present, which is a common byproduct of burned materials. This will be evaluated in the analysis by Fehr Graham, Acquah said. 

Matt Dobrik, project manager for Fehr Graham of Aurora, presented an overview to the board of the study that will be conducted. 

The company’s work will include water quality testing, monitoring and analysis of pond water and a sediment depths survey. 

“Timetable is going to be three rounds of sampling, so (the last) will probably be in December because we want to capture winter flows with the stormwater detention facility as well,” Dobrik said. 

The company also wants to test spring flows with upcoming heavy rain expected within the next month or so, as well as summer and winter sampling, Dobrik said. 

The contract cost is anticipated to be $80,000. The board approved a budget amendment to provide funds for the project. Izaak Walton also has agreed to contribute $7,500 toward the final cost of the study, Acquah said. 

According to Dobrik, a progress report will be delivered to the village in August, followed by the final report at the end of December.

Related stories:

• Activists, village dispute meaning of Izaak Walton pond study (March 25).
• Homewood officials say Izaak Walton pond not toxic, post RFQ for assessing water quality (March 11, 2025).
• Homewood enlists state help after local environmentalists raise alarm over toxins in Izaak Walton pond (Oct. 23, 2025).