Those visiting Harbor Island Park today may have noticed an unusual site amidst the boats and swans idling by: an orange-brown tint staining the area near the Harbor.
The substance in question is organic clay and crushed brick runoff from Sportime, said Village Manager Richard Slingerland, who said that since the material is used for public tennis courts, it is generally thought to be safe and organic.
"However, we do not find it acceptable that the clay has washed into the Harbor, and we will be taking immediate steps next week to correct this and stop it from washing into the storm drains," he said.
The likely cause of the runoff was heavy rain that washed the clay off the courts and onto the road, where it eventually ended up in the catch basins.
"We’re exploring the appropriate means to handle the stormwater and prevent this overflow from happening again," said Slingerland.
The village manager said the Village Parks, Public Works, Building and Engineering Departments have been notified and "will be following up on this matter to get to the cause of the problem and take appropriate steps to remedy it."
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