[Communications] MWRD Commissioner Kimberly du Buclet's Month of July Newsletter

Fri Jul 8 09:12:45 CDT 2022

Join Us!!

Join us inside The Plant on Thurs. July 14 from 6:30-8:00 pm for a panel discussion on microplastics.

Microplastics are everywhere: our lungs, blood, and even the most desolate parts of Antarctica. How are plastics getting into our bodies, and why does it matter? Our panelists will walk us through the story of microplastics - what is happening, why we should be concerned, and, most importantly, what we can do about it. Join us for a lively discussion with experts on this issue and leave with an action plan to be part of the solutions.

Next Board Meeting will be held
on
Thursday, July 14th at 10:30 am
The Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting on Thursday, July 14th at 10:30 am, and public participation is encouraged. Visit mwrd.org to see the meeting agenda and live stream viewing instructions. I look forward to hearing from you at the next MWRD Board meeting!

Commissioner du Buclet's Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court

Decision on West Virginia V. EPA

51st Annual Pride Parade
After being canceled for two years because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 51st Annual Pride Parade was in full swing. Commissioner du Buclet had a great time participating in the Pride Parade.

Restore The Canopy
In response to significant losses in the tree population due to the emerald ash borer infestations and extreme weather, the MWRD launched RTC in 2016. Since that time, the MWRD has given away more than 100,000 free tree saplings.

WHO: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD)

WHAT: The MWRD will provide a variety of free potted oak saplings every Wednesday through its Restore the Canopy (RTC), Plant a Tree program.

WHERE: Visit MWRD water reclamation plants (WRPs) at the following locations:
Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, 400 E. 130th St., Chicago (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgmail.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db968358480b7ff4ced14b47c4%26id%3D6c4bb8abf5%26e%3D76253b1aa3&data=04%7C01%7C%7C79214156c76847aff7f608d929cd4dd6%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637586784086887464%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=gDjMxsKdT53Kurj9%2BlExzGYmdaCViXzfEj2z4ALdL5U%3D&reserved=0)
O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant, 3500 Howard Street, Skokie (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgmail.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db968358480b7ff4ced14b47c4%26id%3Db6f02cf126%26e%3D76253b1aa3&data=04%7C01%7C%7C79214156c76847aff7f608d929cd4dd6%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637586784086897461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=nfbmPnqEW6TibnL4dCJ3%2FN%2FhqQkLCW91z3%2FzueEsNE8%3D&reserved=0)
Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 W. Pershing Rd., Cicero (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgmail.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db968358480b7ff4ced14b47c4%26id%3D9d592a79da%26e%3D76253b1aa3&data=04%7C01%7C%7C79214156c76847aff7f608d929cd4dd6%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637586784086897461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=dknIMG9%2FJBVD%2B7jODCGZaNDYjhhxLZ1BX28H%2F%2Fio0B4%3D&reserved=0)
Egan Water Reclamation Plant, 550 South Meacham Rd, Schaumburg (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgmail.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db968358480b7ff4ced14b47c4%26id%3D9caf409c8c%26e%3D76253b1aa3&data=04%7C01%7C%7C79214156c76847aff7f608d929cd4dd6%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637586784086907456%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=yBci9bARGmVaRRVMrz2mKiCpvC0lH1ifVZGqPNgNXbY%3D&reserved=0)
Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant, 1220 Sycamore Ave., Hanover Park (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgmail.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db968358480b7ff4ced14b47c4%26id%3Db8fcbfc6f6%26e%3D76253b1aa3&data=04%7C01%7C%7C79214156c76847aff7f608d929cd4dd6%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637586784086907456%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=KUGtMmqDBmNSOrmfBVLleog4APMJTArU0WV7sBik04o%3D&reserved=0)
Kirie Water Reclamation Plant, 701 West Oakton St., Des Plaines (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgmail.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db968358480b7ff4ced14b47c4%26id%3D273bf2170a%26e%3D76253b1aa3&data=04%7C01%7C%7C79214156c76847aff7f608d929cd4dd6%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637586784086917446%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=mzpZ3s9kHWwWOBoZ%2BUudi0QKdqJWVKYynFfoa89CmkQ%3D&reserved=0)

WHEN: Every Wednesday in April through October, from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more information about MWRD's Restore the Canopy program please click on the following link: https://mwrd.org/treesrestore-canopy

MWRD Green Bonds

I had the opportunity to participate as a panelist at the National Association of Securities Professionals conference here in Chicago. I presented on MWRD'S Green Bonds efforts and how they are used to fund various sustainability-focused projects around Cook County.

The NASP Conference brings together more than 600 financial services professionals from across various sectors to learn about the latest concepts, trends, and solutions to pressing community issues.

============================================================
Juneteenth Celebration
MWRD recently hosted its inaugural Juneteenth celebration with community residents at our Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and planning for the future.
Argonne National Laboratory Tour

I recently toured Argonne National Laboratory to learn firsthand the ongoing research they are leading to support MWRD and other water-related initiatives in our sector. Argonne National Laboratory has been leading the effort to accelerate science and technology to ensure U.S. prosperity and security.

Environmental Justice and Land Use Policy Public Comment Period
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is in the process of amending it's Land-Use Policy and adoption of an Environmental Justice Policy relating to the district's Real Estate.

Additional information about the proposed polices can be found at ** https://mwrd.org/public-notices (https://mwrd.org/public-notices)
.

The deadline to make comments on the policy proposals is July 24, 2022.

MWRD Virtual Tour
JOIN US FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR EXPERIENCE!

Travel back in time to early Chicago to see how we reversed the Chicago River and developed wastewater treatment technology. Go behind the scenes and under water to see how we transform the water you use every day; descend 300 feet into the deep tunnel system, and watch our electrofishing crew at work sampling fish on the Chicago River.

Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2022

Time: 10:00AM  – 11:15AM

Location:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclce6tqD0tHd1YYtpXA14csXAcBQU9mCQ8
Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program

MWRD encourages and supports implementing green infrastructure (GI), which includes a range of engineered installations that store, infiltrate, and/or evaporate stormwater, thereby mimicking the natural water cycle. The MWRD recognizes that GI practices can be effective in reducing wet-weather flows to combined sewer systems, reducing combined sewer overflows to local waterways, and reducing runoff volumes and improving water quality in separate sewer service areas. The MWRD also recognizes the vital role of local government in addressing flooding concerns through the innovative use of GI.

In 2014, the MWRD established the Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program to increase the acceptance and investment of GI throughout Cook County. Since that time, the Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program has partnered with dozens of agencies to fund GI projects such as rain gardens, bioswales/bioretention areas, permeable pavement systems, and rain water harvesting systems.

Starting in 2017, MWRD has solicited applications from various governmental agencies within its jurisdiction for GI projects on an annual basis.  Since then we have partnered with municipalities, townships, school districts, park districts, and other governmental organizations for over 60 GI projects to help alleviate flooding. These projects will provide over 6.6 million gallons of storage for stormwater runoff for over 3,700 benefiting structures with the use of rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement in parking lots, alleys, and residential streets. MWRD is now currently reaching out to agencies within its boundaries to identify even more GI project opportunities, and we are excited to see what ideas will be proposed.

To learn more about our Green Infrastructure Partnership Opportunity Program, visit Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (mwrd.org)

MWRD Storybook & Animation for Children

Have you ever wondered what happens after you flush the toilet?

The new MWRD publication and animated video "Where does IT Go?" tells the story of three young water explorers who travel in a magical ship through MWRD pipes, sewers and tanks that are used to clean dirty water. Interspersed throughout the storybook are photos of actual equipment and processes described in the story.
Download a copy of this storybook by clicking on the following link  ** Where does IT Go (Storybook) (https://mwrd.org/sites/default/files/documents/WhereDoesItGo_200921.pdf)
and ** Where does IT Go (Animation) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed_kMwLK9q8)
.
Introducing our Summer Interns
My office is excited to host two summer interns.  Our summer interns are researching environmental policies and developing community relations strategies.

Sheila Flynn is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Environmental Sustainability and once she earns her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master's degree in Public Policy. Sheila is grateful for the opportunity to work at the MWRD because this internship has given her the ability to engage with surrounding communities and expand her knowledge on environmental justice, policy, stormwater management and water treatment processes.

Makaylah Neal is a recent graduate from Illinois State University with a degree in political science and a member of National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. Makaylah's plans for the future is to take the LSAT and attend law school. Makaylah has enjoyed working at MWRD because so far, she have learned a lot about our environment and what MWRD does to protect our drinking water, stormwater management, and our community outreach. In addition, Makaylah has learned a lot about what MWRD is doing to combat the climate crisis we are facing today, which she feels is very crucial in the mist of laws regarding our environment constantly being changed.

Employment Opportunities at MWRD
Current Positions

Laborer Foreman
Starting Salary $48.20 per hour

Senior Laboratory Technician
Starting Annual Salary $71,820.32

** Online Employment Center Link  (https://www.jobapscloud.com/mwrd/)
Upcoming Events
Click Link to see ** Community Events (https://mwrd.org/events)
Contact Information
Our mailing address is:

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
Commissioner Kimberly Du Buclet
100 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Phone Number
312-751-5086
** Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/Kim4Water )
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KIM4MWRD/)
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