Kane County will say goodbye at the end of June to a man who has done groundbreaking work in groundwater management.

Paul M. Schuch will retire on June 30, 2014, after a career with the Kane County Development Department that has spanned more than 25 years.

Hired in 1989 as a director/civil engineer VI to manage and implement the Kane County Stormwater Management Program and to review engineering plans for new development and other duties related to the comprehension of water resources, Schuch will retire as the director of the Kane County Division of Water Resources. In that capacity, he is responsible for all of the division’s functions related to stormwater management and water resources.

Schuch’s impact on water supply and water quality — arguably among the most vital services of local government — is significant.

Schuch has overseen the administration and enforcement of the Kane County Stormwater Management Ordinance since its adoption. During his long career, he participated in the review of land use plans and engineering plans for many of the subdivisions within unincorporated Kane County.

A special proclamation in honor of Schuch’s retirement is expected to be part of Tuesday’s Kane County Board agenda.

Schuch established Kane County as a regional leader in water supply planning through the Kane County Water Supply Planning Program. Another benchmark under his leadership was the completion of the Kane County Groundwater study by the Illinois State Water Survey.

Ken Anderson, director of the Kane County Division of Environmental and Water Resources, underlined that water supply planning might sound dry to the average resident, but few jobs are more important to  the quality of life in Kane County — and throughout Northern Illinois.

“(Paul’s) groundbreaking work has been a resource for other collar counties embarking on water supply planning,” Anderson said.

Schuch has won many state and national project awards, and most recently was the recipient of the 2014 Groundwater Public Information/Education Award from the Illinois Groundwater Association.

“Paul’s attention to detail and ability to build consensus are second to none. These talents and others will be greatly missed,” Anderson said. “Best wishes to Paul for a relaxing, enjoyable, and equally rewarding retirement.”

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• Stormwater Permitting and Ordinance Enforcement
  • Kane County Water Resources Division is responsible for administering and enforcing the Kane County Stormwater Management Ordinance
• Floodplain Maps and Resources
• Engineering Review
• Local Drainage Assistance
• Water Supply Planning
• NPDES Phase 2
• Watershed Planning and Special Projects

ABOUT THE WATER RESOURCES DIVISION

The Water Resources Division of the Kane County Development & Resource Management Department is responsible for several water resource programs including the following:

• Stormwater Management
  Enforces the stormwater ordinance and issuance of permits in unincorporated Kane County and non-certified communities.
• Engineering Support & Reviews
  Provides engineering support to other County Divisions and Departments as well as reviews engineering documents.
• Local Drainage
  Provides technical assistance to the citizens of Kane County to solve drainage problems and administers the Cost-Share Drainage Program.
• Water Supply Planning
  Coordinates the scientific studies and the planning efforts to ensure a safe and sustainable water supply for the citizens of Kane County
• Special Projects
  Works with various agencies and communities on projects beyond the scope of the daily tasks that require specialized civil engineering and technical knowledge.

The Water Resources Division mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the water resources of Kane County through enforcement of County ordinances and through orderly planning, development and management of water related resources and infrastructure in harmony with nature.

Editor’s Note

One of the good things we can do at Kane County Connects is to put a human face on county government and connect Kane County’s 515,000 residents with the people who serve them. 

KC Connects received an email a few weeks ago from Esmeralda Mora, who works in the Water Resources Department, asking if we could post a quick story on Paul, who (as you just read) is retiring as director of the Water Resources Department as of June 30 after 25 years with the county.

Special thanks to Esmeralda and to Ken for sharing his story, and best wishes to Paul on his retirement.