Section 70 ILCS 610/1 - Additional powersWhenever any drainage district subject to the provisions of the Illinois Drainage Code finds that the district drainage system through long, continued and common usage, collects and conveys from within or without the district, sewage and other wastes, which cause or are likely to cause water pollution as defined in the "Environmental Protection Act", enacted by the 76th General Assembly, and it will conduce to the preservation of public health, convenience, and welfare, or whenever such a drainage district is directed by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an order issued by the Pollution Control Board to abate the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastes collected by or received into the sewers under the jurisdiction of the district, and when existing statutes do not provide applicable, reasonable, and economic means of complying with requirements of laws, court directives, or orders of administrative agencies relating to pollution abatement and control, the district shall have the following additional powers:
a.Under these circumstances the commissioners of any drainage district shall have power to provide for the collection and disposal of sewage. For that purpose they may improve or construct sewage works including facilities for treatment of sewage and other wastes as defined in the Act above. The commissioners may cooperate with and enter into contracts with any sanitary district, municipal corporation, or public utility for the joint collection and disposal of sewage and drainage, as provided for in Article 11, Division 147, of the Illinois Municipal Code.b.The commissioners may levy and collect assessments on the lands and property benefited to pay the cost and expenses incident to the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the sewage works and may borrow money in an amount not exceeding 90% of assessments, unpaid at the time of borrowing in accordance with Section 6-6 of the Illinois Drainage Code, or in excess of 90% as provided for in Section 6-7 of such Code.c.Issue revenue bonds and carry out duties and exercise powers as provided in "An Act authorizing sanitary districts having a population of less than 500,000 and certain drainage districts to construct or acquire, improve and extend a sewerage system, impose and collect charges and rates for the use thereof, issue revenue bonds payable solely from the revenue derived from the operation of such system or improvement or extension in payment thereof, to provide for the operation of sewage systems, and contract in relation thereto", approved August 15, 1941, as heretofore or hereafter amended.