The First Division Sewer Separation Project was designed to provide a separate storm sewer system to convey clear water to its historical outfall – the Des Plaines River – rather than the MWRD wastewater treatment plant. The dedicated storm sewer will provide additional capacity in the MWRD interceptor sewer, resulting in less sewer surcharging both upstream and downstream of the project area. The direct benefit to area residents includes a reduced risk of flooding and basement sewer backups, while also reducing the frequency of combined sewer overflows into the river. The project includes approximately 9,535 linear feet of new storm sewer, 820 linear feet of new sanitary sewer and four storm sewer outfalls to the Des Plaines River.