Off Site Tours

TWO OFF-SITE TOURS OFFERED!

REGISTER FOR OFFSITE TOURS DURING EXPO REGISTRATION

SIGN UP NOW! MAXIMUM OF 50 ATTENDEES PER TOUR.

Offsite Tour Information:

• Register during Expo registration
• The tour admission includes shuttle bus transport between the Expo and facility
• Arrive at the Lake County Fairgrounds by 7:45 AM and go to Registration
• Departure from Lake County Fairgrounds at 8:00 AM sharp
• Attendees must travel on the bus to participate on the tour
• The commute will take about 30 minutes each way and the tour will last approximately 1 hour
• Return to the Expo by 10:00 AM
• We will have volunteers at the Fairgrounds and on the tour, but you can direct any questions about the tour to Mike Warner at mwarner@gha-engineers.com

Stratton Lock and Dam – Wednesday, May 20th 

30 minute bus ride from Expo

2910 State Park Rd, McHenry, IL 60050

The Stratton Lock and Dam has undergone a major modernization to improve boater capacity and strengthen water‑level control on the Fox River and Chain O’Lakes. The original lock, built in 1960, was too small for today’s larger boats and could only pass four at a time, causing long delays. The upgraded lock is now twice as long and can move eight large boats through in a single cycle, making navigation faster and more efficient.

Visitors will also see a completely new water-control structure and potentially the lock in operation. The old sluice gates have been replaced with three modern hinged crest gates, giving operators much more precise control over upstream water levels. A supplemental filling port with a diffuser keeps the lock chamber calm during filling, improving boater safety. A dedicated bypass pipe ensures a steady flow of 320 cubic feet per second to downstream communities, even when gates are closed.

These upgrades were driven by aging infrastructure, increased boating demand, and the need for more reliable water‑level management. The improvements enhance safety, reduce congestion, and provide better protection for the river system and surrounding communities.

The project has been recognized with multiple awards, including honors from the American Public Works Association, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

NSWRD Gurnee Water Reclamation Facility – Thursday, May 21st 

20 minute bus ride from Expo

14940 W. William Koepsel Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031

The Gurnee WRF has undergone a major modernization program to improve performance, reliability, and environmental protection. Visitors will see several significant upgrades, including enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems, a fully modernized aeration system with high-efficiency blowers and fine-bubble diffusers, and rehabilitated primary and secondary clarifiers that improve solids settling and hydraulic capacity. The plant’s disinfection process has been upgraded to safer, more effective technology, and pump stations, motors, and conveyance piping have been rebuilt for greater reliability. Electrical systems, backup power, and SCADA controls have been modernized to strengthen automation and operational resilience. Biosolids handling has also been improved through upgraded thickening, digestion, or dewatering systems, and extensive structural rehabilitation has extended the life of tanks and buildings.

These improvements were driven by stricter water-quality regulations, aging infrastructure approaching the end of its service life, the need for better performance during heavy rain events, rising energy-efficiency goals, and the district’s commitment to protecting local waterways. The facility has been recognized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for its Gold and Platinum Peak Performance Awards, reflecting consistent, high‑quality treatment performance.