[Communications] September 2024 FLOW - 48th edition

[Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago]

Monthly news summary from the MWRD Issue 47 September 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 September Events 5 MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting 10:30 a.m. 6 Diverse Business Summit 8 a.m. 19 MWRD Board of Commissioners Meeting 10:30 a.m. 17 Virtual Tour 2 p.m. 27 M&R Seminar 1:30 p.m. MWRD Board of Commissioners September meetings Thursday, September 5 and 19 10:30 a.m. The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 5 and Thursday, September 19. 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. Click to watch Board Meeting MWRD's Diverse Business Summit set for Sept. 6 Date: Friday, September 6, 2024   Time: 8 a.m. – 3 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 8 a.m. - 3 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. Register here. Tuesday, September 17 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 positions 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 Monitoring and Research Seminar On Friday, September 27 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.” 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 this link on September 27 for the seminar link. Professional Development Credits/CEUs available.  Save the date: MWRD and Hire360 to host a LatinX Business Reception on October 10   In celebration of LatinX Heritage Month, the MWRD will co-host a reception with HIRE360 on Thursday, October 10, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the HIRE360 Training facility, 2540 S. State, Chicago. Our shared commitment to training, supporting, and developing a diverse and skilled workforce will be demonstrated, addressing the growing career opportunities in the water sector. This event will also include a tour of HIRE360’s new state-of-the-art training facility, discussion on workforce development, insight from HIRE360 trainers and trainees, and conclude with a networking hour with MWRD partner agencies, vendors, and union organizations. Click to register for Latinx Reception Save the Date: 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 Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 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 out in nature. Space is limited. Click to register for Latinx Stewardship Day Save the date: 12th Annual Sustainablity Summit set for October 29 at 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. The event will also introduce the members of the Stickney WRP Community Partnership Council, which consists of local residents dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Stickney/Cicero area. The MWRD will also recognize projects from across Cook County that speak to the MWRD’s mission in flood control and water quality improvements. The awards also spotlight the best examples of innovations in green infrastructure and sustainable landscaping practices. Click to register for Sustainability Summit MWRD seeks applicants for Sustainable Landscaping awards; Applications due September 30   The MWRD is accepting applications from Cook County individuals and organizations for its 2024 Sustainable Landscaping Awards until September 30. The awards recognize the activities and innovations from entities such as cities and villages, schools, houses of worship, businesses and others. Qualifications for the Sustainable Landscaping award may be demonstrated through the innovative use of green infrastructure, capital investment (private and public), and public education.   Green infrastructure (GI) includes: Rainwater Harvesting, i.e., through rain barrels Rain Gardens Native Landscaping Stormwater Trees Porous Pavement Bioswales Green Roofs Greenways Wetlands Green Alleys, Streets, and Parking Lots Award categories include: Excellence in promoting Green Infrastructure to local residents   Excellence in Green Infrastructure Partnership Program maintenance  Excellence in new Green Infrastructure installation   Awards will be presented at the MWRD’s 12th annual Sustainability Summit to be held at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant Auditorium, 6001 W. Pershing Ave., Cicero, IL, on October 29 from 10 a.m. – noon. Register for the Summit here.  Clilck to apply for an award Latest News Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain reopens to public After completing extensive renovations, MWRD commissioners were joined by city leaders to reopen the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain on Aug. 16 to again captivate onlookers to the fountain and its cannon spraying an arc across the main stem of the Chicago River. Watch the ceremony here. Built in 1989, the fountain commemorates the 100th anniversary of the MWRD and symbolizes a century of dedication and progress. In addition to members of the MWRD Board of Commissioners, President Kari K. Steele welcomed 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins, 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett, Jr., 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly, Chicago Department of Water Management Commissioner Randy Conner, Elizabeth Melas, the daughter of former MWRD Board president for whom the fountain is named, and architect Dirk Lohan. During summer months, a canon sends an 80-foot water arc across the river. The pandemic and supply chain issues complicated the refurbishment of the fountain, but it has now been restored to its former glory. Read more here. MWRD welcomes delegation from Dubai Municipality to Stickney Water Reclamation Plant On August 9, President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Theresa Flynn, and Commissioner Dan Pogorzelski welcomed a delegation from Dubai to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase our cutting-edge water management practices. Much like Chicago, Dubai is facing the challenges of climate change, with more intense rainfall increasing the risk of flooding. Together, we're exploring solutions for a more resilient future. Read more here. Resources Sign up for Overflow Action Day Alert text messages   Sign up to receive Overflow Action Day Alert text messages year round 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 alerts   Join Our Team!  Are you seeking a new career?   If so, please 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. The 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 waterways and urban areas, impacting our travel when roads are flooded and even 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, 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. 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 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 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. See accepted items Doing Business with the MWRD   The MWRD procures materials and services required for operations in compliance with the Purchasing Act. The MWRD's Diversity Section strives to ensure that minority owned (MBE), women owned (WBE), small (SBE), and veteran owned (VBE) business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in our construction program and professional service contracts in excess of $100,000.   The 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 as a vendor 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   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 billion gallons per day. Learn more about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel or schedule a group tour. 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: View looking west towards the Monroe Street Bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River on April 25, 1919.     September 2024 Calendar   About the photo: The colorful and strong-scented solidago, also known as goldenrod, is native to North America. Its flowers attract a variety of insects for pollen and the whole plant can grow to as tall as 6 feet to support the MWRD's stormwater management initiatives. 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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