[Communications] October 2024 FLOW - 49th edition

[Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago]

Monthly news summary from the MWRD Issue 49 October 2024 For the Love Of Water (FLOW) is a monthly summary of news from the  Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Read on website October Events 3 MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting 10:30 a.m. 10 Latinx Opportunity Reception 8 a.m. 11 M&R Seminar (rescheduled) Elizabeth Keddy, P.E., LEED 1:30 p.m. 15 Virtual Tour 10:30 a.m. 17 MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting 10:30 a.m. 19 Latinx Stewardship Day 10 a.m. 25 M&R Seminar Rudy Maltos, Ph.D., P.E. 10:30 a.m. 29 12th Annual Sustainability Summit 10 a.m. MWRD Board of Commissioners October meetings Thursday, October 3 and 17 10:30 a.m. The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 3 and Thursday, October 17. Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period.  Visit mwrd.org to watch the meeting online. An "In Progress" link under the Video Column will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available. Click to watch Board Meeting MWRD and Hire360 to host Latinx Opportunity Reception on October 10   In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, the MWRD will co-host an opportunity reception with HIRE360 on Thursday, October 10, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the HIRE360 Training facility, 2540 S. State, Chicago, IL. Led by MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia and MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda, this event will include a tour of HIRE360’s new state-of-the-art training facility, discussion on workforce development, hear from HIRE360 trainers and trainees regarding their various programs, and conclude with a networking hour. We invite vendors, contractors, union organizations, and potential candidates to this unique opportunity to network and build their professional relationships.  Click to register for Latinx Opportunity Reception Monitoring and Research Seminar On Friday, October 11 at 1:30 p.m., Elizabeth W. Keddy, PE, LEED AP, Senior Associate, Hazen and Sawyer, Tampa, Florida, will present “Roadmap for Achieving Energy Management Vision and Goals: South Platte Renew Improves Energy Efficiency While Addressing Regulatory Challenges and Aging Infrastructure in Colorado.” Registration information: In person: Stickney WRP. R.S.V.P. by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH at mwrd.org or calling (708) 588-4264.  Virtual: Visit here on October 11 for the seminar link. Professional Development Credits/CEUs available.  Tuesday, October 15 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 the MWRD as a forward-thinking utility of the future. Make this an afternoon of exploration, innovation and environmental wonders. Register for the virtual tour Latinx Stewardship Day, October 19 at 10 a.m. Join the MWRD for our 4th Annual Latinx Stewardship Day at Possom Hollow Woods The fourth annual Latinx Stewardship Day, a joint initiative by the MWRD and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Possum Hollow Woods in La Grange Park. Volunteers will participate in a series of activities that include the identification and mitigation of invasive species threatening the local ecosystem. Participants will gain valuable insight into sustainable gardening practices aimed at creating a healthier environment. They will also be removing invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle for a prescribed burn. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate together in nature. Click to register for Latinx Stewardship Day Monitoring and Research Seminar On Friday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m., Rudy Maltos, Ph.D., P.E., Staff Engineer, Technology and Innovation Division, Metro Water Recovery, Denver, CO, will present “Sludge Densification Full-Scale Study at Metro Water Recovery in Denver, CO." Register: In person: Stickney WRP, 6001 W. Pershing, Cicero. R.S.V.P. by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH at mwrd.org or calling (708) 588-4264.  Virtual: Visit this link on October 25 for the seminar link. Professional Development Credits/CEUs available.  Sign up for the MWRD's 12th Annual Sustainablity Summit October 29 at the Stickney WRP The MWRD’s 12th Annual Sustainability Summit is set for Tuesday, October 29 at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant from 10 a.m. to noon and is open to the public. Presenters will provide information about green infrastructure and sustainable landscaping techniques to mitigate flooding and enhance water quality. Members of the new Stickney WRP Community Partnership Council, which consists of local residents dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Stickney/Cicero area, will be introduced, and awards that highlight the best examples of innovations in green infrastructure and sustainable landscaping practices will be presented. Click to register for Sustainability Summit Save the date! MWRD, City of Calumet City to celebrate completion of green alleys on November 14 The MWRD and City of Calumet City will celebrate the completion of four new green alleys that were funded through the District’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program. The ribbon cutting will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024. More details will be posted on mwrd.org in the coming days. Latest News MWRD President Kari K. Steele addresses City Club of Chicago MWRD President Kari K. Steele addressed the City Club of Chicago on September 12 to highlight the MWRD's ongoing initiatives in water management, flood mitigation, and environmental sustainability. She emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements, partnerships with local governments, and community engagement in addressing the region's stormwater challenges. President Steele also explained MWRD's role in promoting environmental justice, enhancing water quality in the Chicago River, and supporting sustainability efforts across Cook County. Her remarks reflected MWRD's commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment for future generations. Watch the presentation here and read more here. MWRD hosts Diverse Business Summit to strengthen business partnerships The MWRD reinforced its commitment to educating businesses on how to work with the MWRD by hosting its annual Diverse Business Summit at Malcolm X College in Chicago on September 6. This free event highlighted the vital collaboration needed to safeguard our water resources, bringing together diverse businesses and industry leaders to foster partnerships and innovation. MWRD leadership and staff emphasized the importance of working collectively with the business community to ensure the sustainability of the region's water systems, showcasing opportunities for diverse businesses to play a pivotal role in this critical mission. Promoting inclusion, representation and opportunity, this event encouraged entrepreneurs, professionals, industry experts and area leaders to learn more about contract and certification opportunities with the MWRD.  Read more here. In the photo: MWRD Board President Kari K. Steele welcomes a vendor. The Diverse Business Summit featured panel discussions, workshops and matchmaking sessions to allow subcontractors to network and meet with prime contractors, MWRD leadership and other local agencies. Dozens of MWRD staff and commissioners were in attendance to meet with potential contractors and guide them through the process of participating in MWRD contracts and business opportunities. U.S. EPA, Senator Duckworth staff tour Calumet WRP, Space to Grow schoolyard at O’Keefe School, Thornton Reservoir  MWRD President Kari K. Steele and staff welcomed high-level officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office for a tour of critical water reclamation facilities and stormwater management projects. The visit showcased the MWRD’s essential work in protecting regional water quality and mitigating flooding throughout Cook County.   Attendees included (L-R): Thomas “Nate" Mosley, Office of Sen. Tammy Duckworth; Tera Fong, EPA Region V Director of Water Division; Kevin Fitzpatrick, MWRD Assistant Director of Engineering; MWRD President Kari K. Steele; Mia O’Connell, federal lobbyist; Dr. Andrew Sawyers, Director, EPA Office of Wastewater Management; Brian Perkovich, MWRD Executive Director, and Dr. Catherine O'Connor, MWRD Director of Engineering at the Thornton Composite Reservoir. Read more here. Applications now being accepted for MWRD stormwater management partnership projects  Community leaders with projects in mind that can enhance public spaces and improve stormwater management infrastructure are urged to apply to the MWRD. Applications are being accepted through early 2025 for a range of stormwater management projects that includes green infrastructure installations, flood-prone property acquisitions, and larger stormwater management projects that are both conceptual and shovel ready. More information can be found at mwrd.org/stormwater/partnerships.   The MWRD partnerships cover a variety of stormwater management strategies and technical assistance opportunities through the following programs:   ·        Stormwater Partnership Program helps fund the construction of traditional engineering solutions to flooding such as detention basins, storm sewer improvements, and stream channel improvements.   ·        Green Infrastructure Partnership Program helps fund the construction of green alleys, rain gardens, permeable paving, and other natural, permeable systems that manage rainwater where it falls.   ·        Conceptual Project Partnerships are available to local government organizations requiring assistance developing stormwater solutions, coordinating stormwater mitigation efforts, and identifying state and federal grant opportunities.   ·        Voluntary Flood-Prone Property Acquisition Program provides funding to help municipalities acquire properties in the flood plain and give homeowners the opportunity for a fresh start.   In the last decade, since receiving authority to partner on local projects, the MWRD has approximately 250 active or completed stormwater management projects throughout Cook County working to protect nearly 19,000 homes, businesses and other structures. These partnership projects range from huge flood mitigation reservoirs to smaller scale neighborhood green infrastructure projects. These projects represent an investment of more than $533 million from the MWRD. Read more here. MWRD’s Climate Action Plan receives international acclaim The International Water Association Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme honored the MWRD for its Climate Action Plan (CAP), placing it among the top three finalists under the Achiever category out of a field of more than 90 water utilities that applied from around the globe. Formally adopted in 2023, the CAP serves as a guide toward meeting greenhouse gas emission reductions and highlights the MWRD’s ongoing work to adapt to the effects of climate change, increased rainfall and challenges in managing wastewater and stormwater. View the plan.  The 2024 recognition program raises awareness for the innovative steps that water and wastewater utilities are taking to respond to climate change. These utilities are leading the way in lowering carbon emissions and embracing the shift needed to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Read more. Field day addresses nutrient stewardship via collaboration with Smits Farm in Chicago Heights  Cook County is not known for a glut of farms, and neither is the MWRD famous for producing crops, but together this unlikely pairing is collaborating to improve water quality locally and as far away as the Gulf of Mexico.   Farmers and soil scientists with the MWRD joined the Illinois Farm Bureau, Cook County Farm Bureau and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) for a Nutrient Stewardship Field Day at Smits Farm in Chicago Heights on Aug. 28. Instead of holding this annual summer field day at the usual location in downstate Fulton County, organizers of the event decided this year to turn their attention toward local farmers in Cook County, where like across the state, new nutrient reduction strategies are being implemented. Read more here. In the photo: Host Carl Smits lead a tour of his Chicago Heights farm for participants of the Nutrient Stewardship Field Day. Resources Sign up for Overflow Action Day Alert text messages   Sign up to receive Overflow Action Day Alert text messages at the link below. When we announce an Overflow Action Day 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. Sign up for text alerts   Join Our Team!  Are you seeking a new job?   If so, visit our online employment center at the link below 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. These videos can be found on the MWRD YouTube page. Employment Center Purchase MWRD Rain Barrels The MWRD offers eco-friendly, low-cost rain barrels available in four colors. These 55-gallon barrels are repurposed, adding an extra layer of green to your home. Don't miss out on this opportunity to conserve water and reduce runoff. Order yours here and watch an installation video. 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 urban areas, impacting our travel when roads are flooded and damaging our homes and businesses.   While there are many ways to be a Green Neighbor—some actions can be as simple as not over-fertilizing your lawn and garden 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. Download Guide What is the key to pollution prevention when it comes to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (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 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 key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS. The MWRD is closely following and proceeding based on the developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. The MWRD is also 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. More PFAS Information Household Hazardous Waste Collection Opportunity Nov. 2 Cook County residents are invited to safely dispose of household chemicals and hazardous products at 14700 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park on Sat., November 2 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Register here. Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Tuesdays, 7 a.m. - Noon Thursdays, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. The first Saturday of every month 8 a.m. - 3 p.m   Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers. The public may drop off HHW 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. See accepted items 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 MWRD’s construction program and professional service contracts in excess of $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 at this link. Sign up to receive a weekly email listing of new contract announcements by emailing forea at mwrd.org. Get started 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 Learn more Tour an MWRD facility   Each year, our seven water reclamation plants process approximately 450 billion gallons of wastewater. With a daily treatment capacity exceeding 2 billion gallons, the MWRD plays a critical role in protecting our region’s water quality. To learn more about our work, visit our YouTube channel, watch a virtual tour, or schedule a group tour to see it firsthand. Schedule a tour Schedule a speaker MWRD staff are eager to share information about our work and to provide residents of all ages with information and resources they can use to help reduce flooding and improve water quality. We offer in-person and virtual presentations about our work and areas of responsibility. Our presentations include subjects such as: Overview of the MWRD Careers in water History of water in the Chicago region, including reversing the Chicago River How sewers work The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also known as the Deep Tunnel How wastewater treatment works Recovering resources from wastewater Stormwater management flood control  Green infrastructure What you can do to protect water quality and reduce flooding Contact us to request a speaker for your group or class. Please submit requests at least three weeks in advance.  Schedule a speaker Request a community event representative The MWRD actively engages with communities across Cook County throughout the year, participating in events such as back-to-school fairs, environmental expos, farmers markets, municipal gatherings, career days, and STEM-related activities. Our representatives provide engaging materials and interactive activities designed for all ages, offering insights into our work, areas of responsibility, and practical tips on how to enhance local water quality. Request community event participation Historical Photo: Excavation for construction of the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant on September 27, 1923, in Skokie. Originally known as North Side, the facility began operation in 1928 and currently serves more than 1.3 million people residing in a 143-square-mile area.     October 2024 Calendar   About the photo: A praying mantis waits for a meal on an aster, which is a flowery native plant that can soak up stormwater and provide a variety of colors for your garden in the fall. Its flowers attract a variety of bees to collect pollen, medium-sized butterflies and skippers. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago | 100 E. Erie Street | Chicago, IL 60611 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice
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