MWRD FLOW - July 2024
For the Love of Water (FLOW) is the MWRD monthly news summary.
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
MWRD Board of Commissioners July meeting
Thursday, July 11 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 11.
Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period.
An "In Progress" link under the Video Column will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available.
MWRD, North Riverside to hold ribbon-cutting at Village Commons on July 15
The Village of North Riverside and the MWRD will celebrate the completion of one of the MWRD's largest Green Infrastructure Partnership Program projects to date when it cuts the ribbon on the green parking lots at the Village Commons on July 15 at 11 a.m. at 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside.
Six asphalt parking lots were converted into permeable pavement. The pavement is designed to capture up to 539,000 gallons of water, diverting it from combined local sewers to mitigate flooding, basement backups and improve area water quality. One of 10 projects the MWRD selected in 2022 through our Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, the MWRD contributed $1.28 million toward the $1.53 million in improvements. The 71,000 square feet of parking spaces accounts for roughly 17 percent of the Village Commons area.
Monthly Virtual Tour set for Wednesday, July 17 at 2 p.m.
Embark on a captivating virtual tour with the MWRD.
Immerse yourself in the depths of the world's largest water reclamation facility, venture through the intricate Deep Tunnel system, encounter the enchanting dancing water bear, and witness the fascinating process of electrofishing in action. Delve into the rich history that defines us and discover the compelling stories that position us as a forward-thinking utility for the future. Make this an afternoon of exploration, innovation and environmental wonders.
Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for Friday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m.
"Pilot-Scale Comparison of Synthetic Biotrickling Filter Media: Implications for Design of Full-Scale Odor Control Facilities"
On Friday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m., Warner Song, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Engineer, Los Angeles County Sanitation District Wastewater Research Section, will present "Pilot-Scale Comparison of Synthetic Biotrickling Filter Media: Implications for Design of Full-Scale Odor Control Facilities."
In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH@mwrd.org or call (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
Virtual: Go to Seminars and Presentations on July 26 for the link to access the seminar.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Heng Zhang, Assistant Director of Monitoring and Research, at (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.
Save the date: MWRD's Diverse Business Summit set for September 6
Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL
Talented entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and veterans will have the unique opportunity to network with established firms and government agencies at the MWRD's Diverse Business Summit set for Friday, September 6 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. This event offers potential vendors a valuable opportunity to learn about the MWRD, its contracts, and certification benefits. Attendees will also have the chance to meet with other contractors and government partner agencies.
Panel Discussions: Engage with industry experts and learn about current trends and opportunities in the water reclamation and stormwater management sectors.
One-on-One Meetings: MWRD department heads will be available for personalized meetings to discuss potential business opportunities.
Match-Making Session: Connect with MWRD personnel and key contractors to explore partnership possibilities.
More information will be available shortly.
Latest News
Funding announcement held with Cook County government
The MWRD Board of Commissioners and Cook County government announced the funding of 26 stormwater management projects on Monday, June 24 in front of the Main Office Building Annex, 111 E. Erie Street, Chicago.
These projects include 16 MWRD-managed projects, thanks to $20 million in funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.
MWRD Commissioners, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Department of Transportation and Highways Superintendent Jennifer “Sis” Killen, Crestwood Mayor Ken Klein, Maine Township Supervisor Karen Dimond, Schiller Park Mayor Nick Caiafa and other municipal leaders announced the investment.
MWRD celebrates Pride with flag-raising celebration and "Pride is Power" event
On June 6, the MWRD proudly raised the Pride flag at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago and at all MWRD water reclamation plants, marking the fifth consecutive year of this celebratory event.
Commissioners and staff celebrated the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirmed MWRD’s dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace.
The MWRD continued the celebration of Pride month by hosting a "Pride is Power" celebration at the Main Office Building in Chicago on June 20.
This event encapsulated the creativity, strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.
MWRD celebrates Juneteenth with flag raising and parade
Declaring its commitment to freedom, achievement and equality, the MWRD commemorated Juneteenth with a flag raising ceremony and parade participation.
Commissioners and staff paused on June 14 to reflect on the holiday and raise the Juneteenth flag at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building and at all seven water reclamation plants.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end to slavery in the United States. Deriving its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth," it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslaved persons of African descent in Texas. This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth has since been observed annually throughout the United States, growing in recognition in the Chicago area. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, creating a federal holiday. Although the federal government did not observe Juneteenth as a national holiday until 2021, two years prior, the MWRD offered the day as a paid optional holiday, the first in Cook County to do so.
Lockport Powerhouse Open House
Thanks to everyone who visited the Lockport Powerhouse on Saturday during Old Canal Days in Lockport on June 8! MWRD Commissioners and staff were thrilled to welcome nearly 800 visitors and educate admirers about this historic facility that protects our water environment and generates clean energy.
Resources
Sign up for Overflow Action Alert text messages
Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alert text messages year round. When we announce an Overflow Action Alert, you will be reminded to reduce your use of water before, during and after a storm to help prevent excess water from entering local sewers.
Join Our Team!
Are you seeking a new career or looking for a new job?
If so, please visit our online employment center to register, apply and learn more about jobs and the selection process at the MWRD. We also participate in job fairs throughout the county so stop by our table if you are in attendance! Staff in a variety of job classifications were interviewed to discuss their background and work that they do. The videos can be found on the MWRD YouTube page.
Purchase MWRD Rain Barrels
Free oak saplings available
Complimentary red, pin, bur, black or swamp white oak saplings are available at our water reclamation plants on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon through October.
If more than 50 potted saplings are desired, delivery is available, or park districts, residents and municipalities can schedule pick ups. The saplings come in one gallon pots or can be requested as bare roots in bags of 100. These must be planted within a matter of days for premium viability.
Read our “Green Neighbor Guide”
Water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet. We require clean and fresh water for drinking, cleaning, recreation and other activities. However, too much of it can become a nuisance when it causes flooding in waterways and urban areas, impacting our travel when roads are flooded and even damaging our homes and businesses.
While there are myriad ways to be a Green Neighbor—some actions can be as simple as not over-fertilizing your lawn and garden, washing and maintaining your vehicles properly, or planting a native tree—our Green Neighbor Guide focuses on stormwater management projects that you can build or install on your property.
The guide provides detailed instructions for disconnecting downspouts; installing rain barrels or cisterns to capture stormwater for reuse; installing dry wells and rain gardens to allow stormwater to filter into the ground; and replacing asphalt and concrete surfaces with permeable paving to reduce stormwater runoff.
What is the key to pollution prevention when it comes to are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that are designed to be stable and have been in commercial use since the 1940s. The stability of the chemicals makes them difficult to degrade which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are in countless commercial, consumer, and industrial products and are acknowledged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be widely present in the environment.
Like other water utilities across the U.S., the MWRD is addressing how best to manage PFAS in the water environment. The MWRD’s seven water reclamation plants (WRPs) do not produce nor use PFAS but are passive receivers of these chemicals discharged to local sewers.
Wastewater can contain trace amounts of these chemicals from industrial, commercial and household sources. The MWRD’s WRPs were not designed to remove these chemicals during the treatment process. The use of nonstick cookware, cosmetics and sunscreens, washing clothes, and putting out fires with certain foams can all introduce PFAS into the environment.
The MWRD is closely following and proceeding based on the developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS. The MWRD is working to identify and reduce industrial discharges of PFAS, learning how the discharge from these sources can be reduced and encouraging federal and state regulators to focus on stopping these chemicals at the source. The MWRD’s pretreatment program regulates industrial discharges to protect the treatment process and valuable resources the MWRD recovers.
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.
The public may drop them off at the City of Chicago's permanent Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street).
Household chemicals and computers often contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can contaminate our air, soil, and water. Through proper disposal methods or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally-responsible manner.
The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts a range of items, including household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers, and related equipment, to name a few. It does not accept business/commercial sector wastes, explosives, fireworks or latex paint.
During business hours, an attendant will help unload your vehicle and accept your materials. Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended. Scheduled business hours are:
- Tuesdays 7 am - Noon
- Thursdays 2 pm - 7 pm
- The first Saturday of every month 8 am - 3 pm
Doing Business with the MWRD
The MWRD procures materials and services required for operations in compliance with the Purchasing Act. The mission of the Diversity Section is to ensure that minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE), small (SBE), and veteran-owned (VBE) business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in the performance of the MWRD’s construction program and professional service contracts over $100,000.
Our procurement process is designed to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, so we encourage you to register to become a vendor. Sign up for a weekly email listing new contract announcements by emailing forea@mwrd.org.
Please report waterway blockages, illegal or suspicious dumping to waterways or sewers, or odors.
Call 800-332-DUMP (3867) or in Spanish 855-323-4801
Tour an MWRD facility
If you live within our service area, the water that goes down your toilet, sinks and drains eventually comes to us to be cleaned. Nearly 500 billion gallons of wastewater is treated by our seven water reclamation plants every year. The MWRD's total wastewater treatment capacity is over 2.0 billion gallons per day. Learn more about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel or schedule a group tour and/or visit us virtually.
Extras
Historical Photo of the Month
The Western Ave bridge on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal opened for passing boat traffic on August 23, 1916.
July 2024 Calendar
A black swallowtail butterfly stops at a purple coneflower in the native prairie landscaping at the MWRD's Egan Water Reclamation Plant in Schaumburg. The MWRD has converted more than 50 acres at various facility grounds into native prairies to absorb stormwater, improve water quality, attract pollinators and provide wildlife habitat.
