We are excited to announce that Clark Dietz has been selected to lead the design of a new sanitary wastewater system for Starved Rock State Park, one of Illinois’ most visited and cherished natural landmarks.

About the Project
Starved Rock State Park, established in 1923, is a sprawling 90-building facility that attracts millions of visitors annually. However, its 50-year-old sewage treatment system is no longer able to meet modern environmental standards, particularly in discharging acceptable effluent into the Illinois River.

To address this critical need, Clark Dietz will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to explore and recommend solutions. Options under consideration include transporting raw sewage to a nearby treatment facility or constructing a new treatment facility on higher ground within the park. The project will also involve extensive environmental investigations, including archaeological, wetland, and endangered species studies, as well as consultations with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure compliance with historical preservation guidelines.

Key Design Challenges
The complexity of this project stems from balancing functionality, environmental protection, and visitor experience. The selected solution must:

  • Operate outside floodplains and avoid archaeological sites.
  • Minimize impact on the park’s lodge, campground, and other heavily utilized amenities.
  • Meet stringent environmental regulations while being cost-effective.
  • Incorporate backup power systems, lift stations, and other infrastructure upgrades if off-site treatment is selected.

If an on-site treatment facility is chosen, its design will need to account for advanced pre-treatment systems, land application of sludge, and mitigation of any potential nuisance issues.

Our Commitment to Excellence
At Clark Dietz, we are proud to apply our expertise in sustainable and resilient infrastructure to projects that improve quality of life. Our team’s focus will be on delivering a solution that not only meets the park’s current needs but also ensures the long-term sustainability of this iconic state treasure.

We look forward to collaborating with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to modernize the wastewater system and protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Starved Rock State Park for future generations.

Project Manager: Andrea Bretl, PE