“Arlington Hts., Mt. Prospect seek dog park input,” Daily Herald
Summary: Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect park districts rent park land from the MWRD and will cooperatively develop a canine area at Melas Park, 1400 W. Central Road.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140101/news/701019949/

“Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect to Pitch in on Dog Park Idea,” Trib Local (Arlington Heights)
Summary: The Arlington Heights Park District is pitching in to help plan for a dog park just over the border in Mount Prospect. The future dog park, expected to be open in June, will be a joint project between the park districts in Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. The estimated $171,050 in construction costs and any ongoing maintenance will be evenly split between the two agencies. Melas Park is part of a larger sports complex, with the 70-acre property being owned by the MWRD.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/arlington_heights/ct-dog-park-arlington-heights-tl-nw-20140108,0,3366781.story

“Judge Approves Flood Plan,” Daily Whale
Summary: Northern District Court of Illinois Judge Marovich approved an agreement between the MWRD and federal and state officials, effectively giving the go-ahead for MWRD to proceed with its plan to prevent flooding and water contamination throughout the MWRD’s 883-square-mile jurisdiction. Under the agreement, MWRD can continue with its timeline of completing the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan by 2029, and continue building reservoirs to store stormwater and sewage overflow.
http://www.dailywhale.com/content-preview/eb2628e2081c3a62a1757bba96f68ef7/

“Mount Prospect Officials Unveil Plans for New Dog Park,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: Mount Prospect park officials presented details of a dog park project, which will be undertaken jointly with the Village of Arlington Heights, at a public meeting at Central Community Center in Mount Prospect on Jan. 9. Melas Park, located at 1500 W. Central Road in Mount Prospect, is owned by the MWRD.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-01-10/news/ct-dog-park-arlington-heights-mount-prospect-tl-20140110_1_dog-park-arlington-heights-park-district-additional-dog

“Schaumburg Sport Center Seeks MWRD Approval,” Daily Herald
Summary: The Sport Center of Schaumburg Park District is planning additional spaces for its parking lot and will request approval for the $425,000 project from the park district, the Village of Schaumburg and the MWRD, in that order. The MWRD has an intergovernmental agreement to co-lease the property. Construction is slated to begin in summer of 2014.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140108/news/701089772/

“Agreement Sets Timetable for Completing TARP,” Crain’s Chicago Business
Summary: In a consent decree mediated by Judge George Marovich, the MWRD has agreed to complete its Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) within a set time frame. TARP is a network of tunnels and underground reservoirs designed to hold surges of rainwater and sewage after large storm events.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140113/NEWS02/140119934/fed-settlement-deep-tunnel-to-be-done-by-2029#

“Federal Judge Enters Consent Decree between Dept. of Justice and MWRD,” WaterWorld Magazine (VA)
Summary: On January 6, 2014, Judge George Marovich entered a consent decree between the Dept. of Justice and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), clearing the way for MWRD to move forward with efforts on the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). In his decree the judge pointed out the complex nature of a project like TARP which can take several years to complete. At issue as well was the amount of green infrastructure projects included in MWRD’s upcoming plans. Under the agreement, MWRD will also be able to implement a number of green infrastructure initiatives that had been on hold during the process of reaching an agreement.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/01/federal-judge-enters-consent-decree-between-mwrd-dept-of-justice.html

“Project Clears Legal Hurdle,” Marina City Online
Summary: The MWRD achieved an important aspect of its upcoming plans when Judge George Marovich formalized an agreement between the MWRD and two groups of intervenors. The agreement known as a consent decree set an enforceable timetable for completion of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP); the project’s construction schedule had been an element of opposition by the intervenors. However, the judge called the project and its schedule “impressive, not unreasonable.” Work on the project will continue until at least 2029.
http://www.marinacityonline.com/news/flood0113.htm

“Commissioner Spyropoulos to address Senior Club,” My Suburban Life
Summary: Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos, Chairman of Finance, will address the Willow Springs Senior Club on Jan. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Willow Springs Community Center, 8156 S. Archer Ave. The Commissioner will be speaking about Green Infrastructure.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/01/09/commissioner-spyropoulos-to-address-senior-club/akdimwa/

“Congressman Supports Funding for Lockport Powerhouse,” Southtown Star
Summary: U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski has announced that $11.4 million is targeted for the Lockport Powerhouse as part of the $1.1 trillion appropriations bill now before Congress. The allocation is for completion of the design and awarding of a construction contract at the facility, operated by the MWRD.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/24968127-418/quick-news.html

“After Decades, Deep Tunnel Work Gets a Deadline,” Chicago Sun Times blog
Summary: U.S. Judge George M. Marovich approved a two-year-old consent decree that, among other things, sets the deadline for finishing the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan at 2029.
http://voices.suntimes.com/early-and-often/backtalk/after-decades-deep-tunnel-work-gets-a-deadline/

“Quick News: Lipinski supports funding for Lockport Powerhouse,” Daily Southtown
Summary: U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski announced Wednesday that $11.4 million for the Lockport Powerhouse is included in the $1.1 trillion government spending bill under consideration in both the House and Senate. The funding would facilitate the completion of the design and the awarding of a construction contract for repairs at the facility operated by the MWRD.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/24968127-418/quick-news.html

“Open House Held for Expansion of Lake Co. Forest Preserve Site,” Patch (Grayslake)
Summary: The MWRD and Lake County Forest Preserves are developing engineering design plans to expand MWRD’s existing Buffalo Creek Reservoir and improve public access at the preserve. The joint project involves expanding floodwater storage at the reservoir, conducting habitat restoration work and improving public access throughout the preserve. Public access improvements include adding and relocating trails and bridges to expand recreational opportunities at the preserve.
http://grayslake.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/open-house-held-for-expansion-of-lake-co-forest-preserve-site-grayslake

“Cities Tackle Sewer Overflows to Reduce Phosphorus,” Circle of Blue
Summary: Many of the recent efforts cities are using to comply with the Clean Water Act have focused on eliminating combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The MWRD is working with its municipal partners—including the City of Chicago, which recently pledged to spend $US 50 million on green infrastructure over the next five years—to use green infrastructure to manage storm water and further reduce CSOs.
http://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2014/world/cities-tackle-sewer-overflows-reduce-phosphorus/

“Oak Park returns another $692,000 as part of TIF settlement,” Oak Leaves
Summary: The Village of Oak Park must distribute surpluses to local taxing bodies, including the MWRD, as part of a $48.8 million settlement of a dispute over downtown tax increment financing district.
http://oakpark.suntimes.com/news/government/surplus2-OAK-01302014:article

“How Well Do Chicago-Area Governments’ Capital Improvement Plans Follow Best Practices?” Civic Federation
Summary: The Civic Federation’s recent report “Civic Planning Overview,” used budget analyses to compare best practices among six Chicago-area governments, including the City of Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the Cook County Forest Preserves District, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). Of 14 Capital Improvement Plans’ best practices followed by six Chicago-area governments reviewed, the MWRD had the best record, adhering to 12 of 14 best practices.
http://www.civicfed.org/civic-federation/blog/how-well-do-chicago-area-local-government-capital-improvement-plans-follow-bes

“Representative Visits Stickney Plant,” Office of U.S. Rep. Quigley (Washington, DC)
Summary: U.S. Representative Mike Quigley worked as a treatment plant operator during a visit January 24, 2014 to one of the facilities of the MWRD. The visit is part of his “Undercover Congressman” series which the congressman uses to increase his understanding of constituents’ needs by spending time at workplaces and actively engaging in people’s jobs. “Thankfully, the folks at MWRD are working hard ‘behind-the-pipes’ treating our water to meet the highest standards possible,” Rep. Quigley said. At the request of the MWRD, the congressman—a member of the House Appropriations Committee—helped to secure $25.5 million in the FY14 Omnibus Bill for completion of the McCook and Thornton Reservoirs. The reservoirs are among key projects that will ease flooding in Cook County and will also spur creation of infrastructure jobs in the process.
http://quigley.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1202

“Commissioner to Speak at Rotary Club,” Journal-Topics
Summary: Commissioner Debra Shore of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will speak at the Rotary Club of Chicago O’Hare on January 30, 2014. The event will be held at noon at The Great Escape in Schiller Park, IL.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_6c8f3e40-8935-11e3-a97a-0017a43b2370.html

“Chicago River Bacteria,” WTTW
Summary: The MWRD’s partnership with the Argonne National Laboratory to research the microbial content in Chicago-area waterways will be featured on WTTW this evening. For the MWRD-sponsored project, Argonne scientists will analyze samples taken monthly from the Chicago River during the recreational season, between March and November.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/02/04/chicago-river-bacteria

“Science Channel Airs Program on Thornton and TARP,” Science Channel
Summary: The MWRD’s Thornton Reservoir and TARP will be featured on a Science Channel episode of Strip the City airing February 5, 2014 on the Science Channel. The crew toured some of the MWRD’s facilities during the summer of 2013. The episode uses animation to augment what was recorded on the tour.
http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/strip-the-city-tv-schedule.htm

“Studying the Bacteria in the Chicago River,” WTTW
Summary: An episode on February 4, 2014 of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight highlighted a seven-year study that Argonne National Laboratory and the MWRD are undertaking together to identify the location and types of bacteria found in the Chicago River. While testing samples taken from the Chicago River and other area waterways has long been part of the MWRD’s mission of protecting the water on behalf of the public, researchers in this study are using a supercomputer at Argonne and genome technology. Mapping the bacteria, identifying it and tracing hot spots of virulence will allow scientists and others at the MWRD’s facilities such as the Stickney WRP to effectively apply intervention strategies.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/02/04/chicago-river-bacteria

“New Farm Bill Spurs Partnership between Agriculture, Clean Water Agencies,” Water World
Summary: The National Association of Clean Water Agencies praised the Senate’s passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (H.R. 2642) following passage by the House last week. This landmark five-year legislation includes key provisions to strengthen the links between the nation’s working agricultural lands and its quality of waters. Utility leaders across the country joined in praising the conservation provisions included in the Farm Bill, specifically the newly-established Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP encourages partnerships between agricultural producers and municipal entities like wastewater utilities to help farmers manage nutrients more effectively, provides stable five-year funding for nutrient management practices, prioritizes nutrient management activities in critical watersheds, and prioritizes conservation investments that result in overall water quality gains. The MWRD’s Executive Director was quoted.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/02/nacwa-utility-leaders-praise-passage-of-farm-bill.html

“Strip the City Features Chicago,” Voices/Sun-Times Blog
Summary: “Heatwave City: Chicago,” an episode of Strip the City on the Science Channel, showed how various aspects of the city’s infrastructure handled a hot day in summer 2013. Included in the episode was a discussion of TARP and a tour of Thornton Reservoir. The episode aired February 5, 2014.
http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/chicago-bares-all-in-wednesday-episode-of-strip-the-city-on-science-channel/

“IL Gov. marks $2B for statewide clean water, stormwater management projects,” Water World Magazine
Summary: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is addressing critical infrastructure throughout the state by doubling the investment in clean water projects through the Illinois Clean Water Initiative (ICWI). Further, he has earmarked $2 billion for projects such as replacing ancient water mains, upgrading sewers and building wastewater treatment plants statewide.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/02/mwrd-applauds-gov-quinn-s-commitment-to-clean-water-flood-protection.html

“Water Agencies Applaud Farm Bill,” Water Technology
Summary: The National Association of Clean Water Agencies lauded the U.S. Senate’s recent passage of the Clean Water Act of 2014 (HR 2642), also known as the Farm Bill. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Bill on January 29, 2014. A newly established Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) joined in the praise; the RCPP encourages partnerships between agricultural producers and municipal wastewater utilities, urging farmers to engage in effective management of nutrients and suggesting ways to stabilize funding for nutrient management and prioritize investment in conservation practices. The MWRD’s executive director St. Pierre noted, “Encouraging partnerships through enabling legislation that provides financial fuel to address nutrient issues in our waterways is a big step in the right direction.”
http://www.watertechonline.com/articles/167686-nacwa-issues-praise-for-passage-of-farm-bill

“Deadline Approaches for Reserving Space at Event,” ASCE IL Section
Summary: The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) IL Section in conjunction with the Environmental Water & Resources Institute (EWRI) Training & Development I and Urban Planning and Development will host a dinner and seminar February 26, 2014 at the Erie Café in Chicago. MWRD Senior civil engineers Jason Meyer and Daniel Feltes will give an overview of the MWRD’s Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO), enacted October 3, 2013. The deadline for RSVP is February 19. The Erie Café will provide complimentary valet parking. https://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=NmxzZHI3dmNvcjhoazk2ZmhiZ2w4cGdlaDQgZWV3ci5pbGFzY2VAbQ&ctz=America/Chicago

“Bungalow Association Workshops Feature MWRD Experts,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA) will host a series of workshops on various topics such as masonry repair and flood control. David St. Pierre, executive director of the MWRD, and Tom LaPorte, assistant commissioner of the Chicago Dept. of Water Management, are among the featured speakers. They will give presentations at: 6:30 p.m., March 3, 2014 (Sulzer Regional Library); 6 p.m., March 11 (Mt. Greenwood Public Library); 6:30 p.m., March 18 (Woodson Regional Library); and 6 p.m., March 25 (Jefferson Park Public Library). The presentations will focus on how Chicago’s sewer systems operate during storm events and how homeowners can prevent sewer backups. Space is limited; the HCBA requires reservations to attend workshops: www.chicagobungalow.org.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/ct-home-0214-diy-workshops-20140214,0,2986926.story

“Horner Park Project to Begin this Month,” River Reporter
Summary: A project partnering the Horner Park Advisory Council and Friends of the Chicago River will get under way in February 2014. The project received a permit from the IL Dept. of Natural Resources in January 2014, clearing the way to activate plans. The project focuses on ecological restoration of the Chicago River’s North Branch adjacent to the Horner Park housing community. The two groups have been in discussion about the project since 2000; erosion and inaccessibility to the riverbank are among the key concerns. The project’s tasks include: improving the river and park’s hydrology, constructing a landing for canoes and kayaks, and creating a nature trail. The MWRD will lease an additional 2 acres of riverbank for the project. The Chicago Park District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are funding the project through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
http://www.chicagoriver.org/get-involved/take-action/work-on-horner-park-should-begin-in-february

“Centennial Network for Chi-Cal Rivers Fund,” River Reporter
Summary: Three organizations and an agency recently announced the formation of Centennial Network, a new initiative involving volunteers who will focus on efforts to improve and restore lands adjacent to the Chicago River. The Forest Preserves of Cook County, Audubon Chicago Region, Friends of the Chicago River, and Friends of the Forest Preserves are establishing Centennial Network with a $271,313 grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund. From the new disinfection technologies going online at two of the MWRD’s water reclamation plants in 2015 to restoration activities and fish habitat additions through the Chi-Cal fund, the Centennial Network is one of many important initiatives that will strengthen the Chicago River system.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/chicagoriver/rich/rich_files/rich_files/764/original/newsletter-20winter-202014-20web.pdf

“Argonne-MWRD Microbes Study,” River Reporter
Summary: “Riffles and Currents” in the Winter 2014 issue of River Reporter includes news of a seven-year study of microbes in the Chicago River. Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the MWRD will measure and log changes in microbial communities as the MWRD works on disinfecting effluent at the Calumet and O’Brien (Northside) WRPs. The study also occurs when the Thornton reservoir and first phase of the McCook reservoir come on line, in 2015 and 2017, respectively. The microbes study is an important method of identifying bacterial load changes during seasons, storm events, sewer overflows and other factors that affect bacterial count and variety, which can help scientists at the MWRD determine how to adjust disinfection measures and ensure water quality for people, aquatic life and area wildlife.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/chicagoriver/rich/rich_files/rich_files/764/original/newsletter-20winter-202014-20web.pdf

“Sewer Work May Snuff Out Odor,” Journal & Topics Newspapers
Summary: The MWRD has begun working to address an odor that is permeating the immediate area surrounding Weller Creek and Mt. Prospect and Golf Roads in Des Plaines, IL. The project will focus on a new sewer lining beneath Mt. Prospect Road and reconstructing a deteriorating drop shaft in the Deep Tunnel that was allowing sludge to accumulate near Mt. Prospect and Golf Roads. The deterioration was causing much of the odd smell. The project’s estimated end point is spring 2014. As a preventive measure the MWRD also plans to put a notch in a weir, which is like a small dam upstream from the location in Des Plaines. The notch and the weir can stem the velocity and ease the flow of water and as it proceeds through the area; the preventive measure’s time frame has yet to become specified.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_c1748f14-9b14-11e3-a393-0017a43b2370.html

“Infiltration and Inflow Control Meetings,” SSMMA Newsletter
Summary: The MWRD has been hosting public meetings that focus on the IEPA’s permit requirements for its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The IEPA issued a special condition in the NPDES permits for the MWRD’s facilities which requires that local tributary sewer sanitary agencies within the MWRD’s jurisdiction implement additional measures if excessive inflow and infiltration (I/I) causes or contributes to sanitary sewage overflows or basement backup. At the meetings, MWRD staff explains the parameters of its new I/I Control Program and facilitates public dialogue. There have been three I/I meetings. The fourth meeting is March 13, 2014 at the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association in East Hazel Crest, IL. All of the meetings occur at 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
http://ssmma.org/infiltration-and-inflow-control-program-public-meetings/

“Snow melts, flood policy floats to surface,” Columbia Chronicle
Summary: Columbia College editorial applauds MWRD’s Stormwater Management Ordinance.
http://www.columbiachronicle.com/opinion/article_a773dafa-a0d9-11e3-9044-0017a43b2370.html

“MWRD Exec. Director to Speak at City Club of Chicago,” City Club of Chicago
Summary: MWRD Exec. Director David St. Pierre is the keynote speaker at the City Club of Chicago on June 24, 2014.
http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=ff17e1cc4cf84eca3f6d337fb&id=f749fa6cd1&e=aba78de180

“How Much Road Salt Ends up in Lake Michigan?” WBEZ
Summary: An episode of the Curious City podcast addresses a topic on the public’s mind as winter continues into March 2014: road salt. The episode focuses on winter salt runoff (sodium chloride) getting treated via networks of pipes to the MWRD’s facilities which greatly reduces its effect on Lake Michigan and our drinking water; the effect of sodium chloride on freshwater fish, and the overall impact of salt runoff on water quality in the Chicago metropolitan area. The MWRD, which handles and treats the region’s combined runoff and sewer water, has improved its filtration methods and adopted best practices suggested by the DuPage/Salt Creek Work Group for managing their roadways and facilities.
http://www.wbez.org/series/curious-city/how-much-road-salt-ends-lake-michigan-109814

“Albany Park Stormwater Diversion Tunnel Gets $1.7 Million,” DNA Info
Summary: The Chicago City Council agreed on March 5, 2014 to allocate $1.7 million for a stormwater diversion tunnel in the Albany Park neighborhood. The funding matches an allocation from the MWRD. The Albany Park Stormwater Diversion Tunnel aims to prevent flooding during storm events in the community surrounding the North Branch of the Chicago River. The total $3.4 million will fund the project’s design phase, due to begin at the end of March 2014 and continue until fall of 2014. Construction is expected to start not long afterward; plans are for the tunnel to become operational by mid-2016.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140306/albany-park/albany-park-stormwater-diversion-tunnel-gets-17m-from-city-council

“Water District Sees Money in Its Waste,” Daily Whale (Subscription only)
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is eying a plan to turn waste from its water treatment plants into biogas energy and revenue for the agency. Agency Executive Director David St. Pierre noted at a MWRD Board meeting on Thursday that the agency is on the verge of getting state permission to convert recycled waste into renewable resources, and then sell its product on the open market.

Illinois SB 3056, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston), has unanimously passed state House and Senate committees—and, according to MWRD state government liaison Kevin Fitzpatrick, is likely to pass the General Assembly this spring. Technological advancements now allow for biodegradable material from wastewater treatment plants to be converted into renewable resources including biogas, thermal energy and nutrients used as fertilizer, a practice that has proved to be controversial. State government mainly, but not entirely, dictates MWRD powers, and the legislation gives the agency authority to sell recovered or renewable energy resources.

Assuming the state bill becomes law, Fitzpatrick says that MWRD will first initiate a project at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, the oldest of the agency’s seven wastewater treatment facilities. Fitzpatrick estimates that recycled waste from the Calumet plant “can generate about three megawatts of power, which is $2 million to $3 million per year.” Asked who would be interested in buying biogas, Fitzpatrick mentioned companies with government requirements or tax incentives to purchase renewable energy, offering multinational energy giant BP plc as an example. “BP is under federal direction to invest in renewable resources,” Fitzpatrick says. “Our biogas could be economically attractive to them because of the energy credit.” The renewable resource legislation has advanced while another state bill, HB 1551, which expands the agency’s bond and grant-making authority, languishes in the state House Rules Committee.

MWRD officials voiced concern Thursday over their bonding powers after Moody’s lowered the city of Chicago’s credit rating one notch on Tuesday. Water District Treasurer Mary Ann Boyle said that if the city’s credit rating “deteriorates any further, that will most likely affect the district’s credit rating.” MWRD plans a bond sale in the upcoming months for their decades-long tunnel and reservoir construction plan, and is expected to issue around $100 million in debt. The agency is cautiously optimistic that the city’s rating woes will not hurt this specific commercial paper sale. “We believe bond market participants are aware of the pension funding challenges in the region and recognize the reform efforts that have been accomplished so far,” agency spokeswoman Allison Fore said on Friday.

“MWRD to Add 4^th Collection Site to Bi-Annual Unwanted Medicine Collection,” Village of Norridge News
Summary: The MWRD recently announced there will be a fourth collection site among the MWRD’s facilities where the public can bring expired or unwanted medicine on the national “Take-Back” initiative on Saturday, April 26, 2014, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The MWRD recently added the collection site, Egan WRP (550 S. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL) to better accommodate residents in the northern part of Cook County. The MWRD’s other collection sites are: Stickney WRP (6001 W. Pershing Road, Cicero, IL); O’Brien WRP (3500 Howard Street, Skokie, IL); and Calumet WRP (400 E. 130th Street, Chicago). The national initiative aims to prevent or reduce accidental contamination of streams, rivers and lakes by expired or unwanted medicine. The MWRD’s facilities are not designed to remove such products poured down drains or into toilets which can work their way into lakes and other waterways. The MWRD has participated in every “Take-Back” initiative and has helped to prevent thousands of pounds of pharmaceutical products from entering the waste stream.
http://www.villageofnorridge.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=405&

“Flood projects inch forward in Park Ridge,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: Work on three major flood control projects in Park Ridge inched forward recently at a weekend meeting packed with residents demanding relief. Aldermen gave unanimous preliminary approval to begin drafting an inter-governmental agreement with the MWRD to join its sewer construction project slated for 2015 that would provide for drainage of stormwater from the Mayfield Estates neighborhood into the district's regional sewer under Dempster Street.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/ct-park-ridge-flood-reduction-tl-20140316,0,6875522.story

“Soil in the City Conference,” IWEA News
Summary: The Illinois Water Environment Association is sponsoring a conference on soil management June 29 – July 2, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chicago. The conference will focus on three themes: urban gardening, green infrastructures, and greening brownfields. Engineers, landscape designers, biosolids managers, researchers, and educators are among those the IWEA encourages to attend. Registration fees increase after April 15. Attendees can earn up to 15 professional development credits. The MWRD’s Dr. Lakhwinder Hundal is one of the primary organizers, and the agenda includes an optional tour of the Stickney Wastewater Treatment Plant.
http://www.iweasite.org/Conferences/SoilCity.html

“Park Ridge Aldermen Take First Action in Flood Control,” Sun-Times
Summary: The Park Ridge City Council agreed on March 19, 2014 to ask city staff to prepare an agreement with the MWRD to allow connection with a planned sewer which would then enable construction of a relief sewer and a lift station in two neighborhoods in Park Ridge, IL. An estimated $18.9 million is the project’s cost; the Park Ridge City Council has yet to determine funding.
http://parkridge.suntimes.com/news/floodprojects-PRA-03272014:article

“Earth Awareness Day Coming to South Suburban College,” Park Forest News
Summary: Earth Awareness Day is coming to South Suburban College on April 9, 2014, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and Dr. Lakhwinder Hundal, supervising environmental soil scientist, will be discussing “Converting Biosolid Waste to Fertilizer–Where it comes from, how it’s treated for safe and beneficial uses, and examples of various applications.” The event happens at the college’s main campus in South Holland, IL and is free and open to the public. Featured activities include a prescription drug take-back opportunity and an e-waste collection of used electronics and computers.
http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/school-news/51229-earth-awareness-day-coming-south-suburban-college-april-9th.html

“Flood Projects Inch Forward in Park Ridge,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: As the Park Ridge City Council discusses a flood control project for two neighborhoods in Park Ridge, IL, an alderman questions whether one of the communities is legally annexed. The municipality had agreed unanimously to draft an intergovernmental agreement with the MWRD. The agreement focuses on allowing the MWRD to join with the suburb in a sewer system connection project due to begin in 2015. However, one of Park Ridge’s aldermen has questioned whether Mayfield Estates was legally annexed in 1967 and has indicated a desire to make sure all legal documents are accurate before the multi-million dollar project proceeds further.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/ct-park-ridge-flood-projects-tl-20140324,0,2601892.story

“Glenview Stormwater Project to Begin This Summer,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The Village of Glenview, IL expects to start its $8.17 million stormwater project in June of 2014. At an informational meeting on March 20, officials highlighted details of the project, including installation of a stormwater pipe, backflow prevention devices and pumping stations. The village entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the MWRD, which will provide $6 million; Glenview will allocate about $2.17 million. The project has a five-month time frame for completion and aims to reduce flooding in about 1,150 homes in an area that was originally developed without stormwater confinement.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/glenview/ct-glenview-stormwater-project-tl-20140325,0,4712631.story

“Soil in the City Conference,” IWEA News
Summary: The Illinois Water Environment Association (IWEA), MWRD and US Department of Agriculture are sponsoring “Soil in the City: Enhancing Urban Soils for Living Landscapes and Sustainable Design,” June 29 – July 2, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chicago. The conference will focus on three themes: urban gardening, green infrastructures and greening brownfields. Attendees, including biosolids manager/leaders, builders, city planners, arborists, urban gardeners, educators, and others will be eligible to earn up to 15 professional development units. The deadline for abstract submissions for poster sessions is March 31. Engineers from the MWRD are among the conference sessions’ moderators; the Executive Director will provide opening remarks. Attendees will also get to tour the Stickney WRP during the conference.
http://www.iweasite.org/Conferences/SoilCity.html

“Village of Lemont still weeks away from sports complex update,” Suburban Life
Summary: Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves said the village is in discussions with the MWRD about a proposed sports complex. The MWRD owns the land where the village wants to build.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/03/25/village-of-lemont-still-weeks-away-from-sports-complex-update/apvw7n/

“New Turf Fields Open as Wheeling’s Heritage Park Project Continues,” Daily Herald
Summary: A two-year, $38 million phase of a project to renovate Heritage Park in Wheeling, IL has culminated with the opening of a new athletic complex. The Wheeling Park District focused on a number of features for the complex, such as two new day- and nighttime ball fields with artificial turf and a two-story concession facility. The complex is part of Heritage Park’s renovation project of nearly 100 acres; upcoming phases will include construction of a band shell, walking paths and additional parking. The MWRD is funding the construction of storage basins to provide flood relief for communities along the Des Plaines River.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140327/news/140328659/

“High-Ranking Female Cops Honored by Topinka,” Daily Herald
Summary: IL Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka honored several female law enforcement leaders on March 24, 2014 as part of Women’s History Month. Among the honorees attending the ceremony at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago was the MWRD’s Chief of Police, Kaye Heidenreich.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140325/news/140328953/

“Green Acres: Glenview Park District Wins State Turf Award,” Sun-Times
Summary: The IL Sports Turf Managers Association recently awarded the Glenview Park District its 2013 Field of the Year Award for excellence and individual efforts shown toward preparation and maintenance of the park district’s nine baseball fields and eight soccer fields. At a test site at Community Park, the park district spread biosolids on soccer fields in fall 2013. Jim Warnstadt, Glenview Park District’s superintendent of parks and facility services, explained that “Biosolids are slow release and high in nitrogen. This is a test, but we expect to see a good green-up in spring,” he said, adding the organic fertilizer was free. “If it works well, we could utilize it on other athletic fields in the park district.”
http://glenview.suntimes.com/news/tur_f-GLA-04032014:article

“Prepare for Spring Weather,” Village of Wilmette News
Summary: The Village of Wilmette, IL is offering several tips to help people get ready for an environmentally-friendly springtime. The village recommends that the public purchase a rain barrel from the MWRD to collect and store rainwater from a building’s roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and be diverted to storm drains and sewers. The cost of the rain barrel and other details are found at the MWRD website.
http://www.wilmette.com/departments/engineering/stormwatermanagement.aspx

“Chicago’s River at Work and at Play,” Chicago Tonight-WTTW
Summary: A recent episode of the TV program Chicago Tonight featured the book Chicago’s River at Work and at Play. Author Neal Samors and photographer Steven Dahlman talked about the significance of the Chicago River throughout the city’s history, both in terms of industry and employment and in terms of recreational activities and tourism. The interview included a discussion of the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), also known as “Deep Tunnel.”
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/03/24/chicago-s-river-work-and-play

“Soil in the City Conference,” CASA (CA)
Summary: The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) joins other organizations in announcing the upcoming “Soil in the City” conference in Chicago, June 29 through July 2, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The conference’s sponsor, The W2170 Research Group is comprised of faculty at universities, regulators and others in North America conducting research on biosolids and other organic residuals. The conference’s final day includes a tour of sustainable streetscapes in Chicago and a tour of the MWRD’s Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Registration fees increase after April 15.
http://www.casaweb.org/events/2014-soil-city-conference-chicago

“The MWRD Adds UV Light Disinfection System,” WE&T (VA)
Summary: The MWRD has selected an ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system for installation at its O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) in Skokie, IL. The plant is a water resource recovery facility. The O’Brien plant is an activated sludge, single-stage nitrification facility that currently discharges effluent into the North Shore Channel of the Chicago River, part of the Chicago Area Waterway System which is designated for primary contact recreational use. Recent regulations require that an WRRF add a disinfection process to further improve effluent water quality. The UV light disinfection system’s flow capacity of 450 mgd makes the WRP in Skokie among the 10 largest in the U.S. The O’Brien plant is the first among the 30 largest WRRFs to use UV technology.
WE&T_March 2014.pdf

“‘Chicagoisms’ Exhibition at Art Institute,” Canadian Architect (Canada)
Summary: The Art Institute of Chicago has opened “Chicagoisms,” an exhibition focusing on five local iconic structures or projects that have contributed substantially to the development of the modern city. The exhibition recognizes the Ferris wheel from the Columbian Exposition of 1893, the Circle Interchange of highways, and the reversal of the Chicago River as among the exhibition’s “Chicagoisms.” Nine architects have created models and written descriptions for the exhibition. The MWRD—called the Chicago Sanitary District at that time—completed the reversal of the Chicago River in 1900.
http://www.canadianarchitect.com/news/chicagoisms-exhibition-at-the-art-institute-of-chicago/1002987807/?&er=NA

“Watershed Management Ordinance Trainings at SSMMA,” SSMMA (IL)
Summary: The MWRD will conduct training sessions for municipal staff, municipal engineers and consulting engineers on the Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO). The WMO becomes effective May 1 and establishes uniform, minimum regulations on stormwater management throughout Cook County. The training will focus on topics such as drainage and detention, floodplain management, soil erosion, and wetlands protection. The MWRD will conduct 10 sessions on the WMO during April, May and June.
http://ssmma.org/program-areas/stormwater-management/

“Illinois’ EPA Schedules HHW Collection Sites Across the State,” WIFR (IL)
Summary: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled household hazardous waste collections throughout the state; the MWRD is co-hosting the event in Palos Heights on May 3.
http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/Illinois--253889971.html

“Clean Water Caucus Hosts Utility of the Future Hearing,” Digital Journal (VA)
Summary: During the inaugural briefing of the Congressional Clean Water Caucus, Co-Chairs Rep. John Duncan and Rep. Timothy Bishop joined leaders of water agencies from GA, CA, IL, OH, and NY as they addressed innovative technologies and management approaches under way and highlighted their economic benefits. MWRD’s executive director was one of the speakers. “It is vital that we examine potential sources of renewable energy, find ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and recover valuable raw materials as we work toward the common goal of improving our water environment,” David St. Pierre said in his remarks at the hearing. The briefing is part of Water Week 2014, sponsored by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1838928

“South Suburban College Earth Awareness Expo,” Cook County IL Blog (IL)
Summary: South Suburban College and Cook County Dept. of Environmental Control are sponsoring an Earth Awareness Expo featuring collection of unwanted or expired pharmaceutical medications and electronics recycling. The collection will take place at the college’s campus in South Holland, IL, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Experts from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), the MWRD, the Rebuilding Exchange, and others will give presentations on sustainability.
http://blog.cookcountyil.gov/sustainability/2014/03/25/south-suburban-college-earth-awareness-expo-featuring-pharmaceutical-take-back-and-electronics-recycling-april-9th/

“Taking on Flooding,” Journal and Topics (IL)
Summary: State/federal legislators and the MWRD are working to secure more funding and protections for flood and disaster relief. State Rep. Elaine Nekritz said a small change in state law would allow the MWRD to fund smaller and more localized flood control projects rather than just projects of regional significance.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_5f24bf62-c00a-11e3-9457-001a4bcf6878.html

“Park Ridge Park District Wins State Grant,” Trib Local (Park Ridge) (IL)
Summary: The Park Ridge (IL) Park District won a $750,000 state grant to help pay for buying a former Youth Campus. The Park District will apply for construction permits from the city and the MWRD, which approves all stormwater management programs and construction. Permit applications will be submitted to Park Ridge this week, and once those are in hand, the Park District can apply to the MWRD. Construction may begin in late summer or early fall and take about a year to complete.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/park_ridge_niles/ct-park-ridge-park-district-grant-tl-2-20140409,0,4181777.story

“D. 167 Settles on Site Plan for New School,” Northwest Indiana Times (IN)
Summary: The Brookwood School District 167 Board in Glenwood, IL approved a tentative site plan for the middle school at Tuesday’s meeting. The district chose the third of four options presented by architectural firm STR Partners LLC for the building, which is scheduled to open in 2016. The plan features bus lanes in front of the building off of Glenwood Lansing Rd. with drop-off areas for parents in the rear. The plan will be submitted to the Glenwood village board Thursday to be considered at its meeting next Tuesday. It will then be submitted to the MWRD before a May 1 deadline. Meeting the MWRD’s deadline would allow the plan to be grandfathered into current regulations, saving up to $500,000. If that cutoff is not met, the site would have to contain all rainwater within itself.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/glenwood/d-settles-on-site-plan-for-new-school/article_109cfdf5-afd3-5a1e-8b06-83fe68a2a5ab.html

“Spyropoulos Part of Career Day,” Beverly Review (IL)

Summary: Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos, chairman of the MWRD’s finance committee visited McAuley High School during the school’s recent career day. Alumnae are invited to speak to the students during the career day. The commissioner returned to her alma mater to talk about her experience as an attorney and an elected official. She stressed the importance of education and urged the students to follow their career aspirations
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/school_news/article_af4b661c-bf51-11e3-9de3-0017a43b2370.html

“Water Week 2014: Congressional Briefing Held by Clean Water Caucus,” Water World (VA)
Summary: The MWRD’s executive director was among leaders of public agencies speaking to Congressional representative at the inaugural briefing of a clean water caucus in Washington, DC on April 9. Congressional Clean Water Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. John Duncan and Rep. Timothy Bishop hosted the briefing “Utilities of the Future. . . Engaging Communities, Embracing New Challenges & Ensuring Economic Prosperity” and featured water agency leadership from CA, IL, GA, NY, and OH. More than four decades after the passage of the Clean Water Act, these leaders noted the transformation: wastewater treatment plants are embarking on full resource recovery. “The work utilities are performing has evolved since the CWA was passed. We can no longer look at sewage as a waste product, but instead, as a collection of resources to be recovered and reused,” noted David St. Pierre in his remarks at the briefing. The meeting was part of Water Week 2014, sponsored by the Water Environment Research Foundation, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and the Water Environment Federation.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/04/water-week-2014-clean-water-caucus-hosts-utility-of-the-future-congressional-briefing.html

“Earth Day Celebration at North Park,” Chicago Sun-Times
Summary: The Franklin Park (IL) Park District is hosting a family-friendly Earth Day celebration at North Park, April 26, noon – 2:00 p.m. The free event will feature live music, tree planting, games, a recycled art contest, and informational and interactive booths from the MWRD, Triton College, the Forest Preserve of Cook County, and others. This is also an opportunity to donate used electronics, household items, clothing, eyeglasses, cell phones, flags, and Christmas lights for recycling.
http://franklinpark.suntimes.com/submit-content/save_the_date_earth_day_celebration_at_north_park-FPH-04092014:article

“MWRD to Fix Creek Erosionng>,” Journal and Topics (IL)
Summary: Des Plaines city officials entered into an agreement last Monday with the MWRD to stabilize 400 feet of stream bank along Higgins Creek at the northwest corner of Elmhurst Road and the Jane Addams Tollway (I-90). The work will help prevent further erosion and restore the natural flow of the creek.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_9973293c-c01a-11e3-878f-0017a43b2370.html

“Higgins Recognizes Water Week on House Floor,” Niagara Publications (NY)
Summary: Congressman Brian Higgins spoke on the House Floor on April 10 in support of Water Week and H.R. 600, the Great Lakes Nutrient Removal Assistance Act. Congressman Higgins is a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force. Water Week, April 7 – 10, brought agency leaders and others from across the U.S. to Washington, DC to develop strategies to keep waterways healthy and ensure access to clean water for all Americans. The MWRD’s executive director David St. Pierre was among those in attendance at Water Week.
http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2014/04/10/115695/higgins-recognizes-water-week-on-house-floor

“̔Chicagoisms’ at the Art Institute: A Small Gallery Stuffed with Big Ideas,” Chicago Tribune (IL)
Summary: In a gallery near the Chicago Art Institute’s Modern Wing is a collection of achievements that have impacted the development of the city. Included in the exhibit is “Ambition Overcomes Nature,” featuring the reversal of the Chicago River. The Chicago Sanitary District—the former name of the MWRD—undertook the reversal as a way to improve sanitation and protect the quality of Lake Michigan.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-04-09/entertainment/chi-chicagoisms-art-institute-review-20140409_1_chicago-river-chicago-history-museum-adviser

“Responsible Drug Collection/Disposal Programs in Skokie,” Chicago Tribune (IL)
Summary: The MWRD will participate in National Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The one-day event will allow people to properly dispose of their unwanted, expired medications by bringing them to a secure location. The O’Brien (Northside) Water Reclamation Plant, 3500 Howard St. in Skokie, IL is one of four facilities of the MWRD taking part in the event on April 26. The other sites for the day are: the Stickney WRP, 6001 W. Pershing Rd., the Calumet WRP, 400 E. 130th St., and the Egan WRP, 550 S. Meacham Rd, Schaumburg.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/evanston_skokie_morton_grove/community/chi-ugc-article-responsible-drug-collectiondisposal-programs-2014-04-17,0,7281503.story

“Palos Heights overlay district means to revitalize Harlem Avenue,” Regional News
Summary: Palos Heights Aldermen encouraged the public to participate in the MWRD’s household hazardous waste collection set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.
http://www.theregionalnews.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/33333-palos-heights-overlay-district-means-to-revitalize-harlem-avenue

“Commissioner Spyropoulos Speaks to Students at Earth Day Events,” The Greek Star (IL)
Summary: Commissioner Maryiana Spyropoulos attended events marking Earth Day at the Truman College and Harold Washington College campuses on April 22. She spoke to approximately 200 students on the importance of protecting our drinking water and how the MWRD invests in sustainability. “At the MWRD, every single day is Earth Day. We are continually looking for ways to protect the environment, and be good stewards of our natural resources,” Commissioner Spyropoulos said.
http://thegreekstar.com/index.php/news/item/2250-commissioner-spyropoulos-speaks-to-students-at-earth-day-events

“Brookfield Historical Society to Host Speaker on Water Issues,” My Suburban Life (IL)
Summary: The Brookfield (IL) Historical Society will host a speaker from the MWRD at its meeting on April 23, 7:30 p.m., Grossdale Station. Community Outreach Specialist Mary Carroll will speak about the MWRD’s history, its mission of protecting Lake Michigan’s water and enhancing its use by residents, businesses and municipalities in Cook County, and how residents and businesses can undertake prevention from flooding.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/04/18/brookfield-historical-society-to-host-speaker-on-water-issues-wednesday/aoce75q/

“Police and Fire Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,” Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch (IL)
Summary: The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, April 26, aims to provide a safe, convenient way for people to dispose of unwanted, unused, expired medication. The MWRD provided the Calumet, Stickney, Egan, and O’Brien facilities as disposal sites. Fifteen area police and Cook County sheriff’s stations served as additional locations.
http://beverly-mtgreenwood.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/prescription-drug-takeback-day-is-april-26_3ec068d2

“Commissioner Spyropoulos Speaks to Students at Earth Day Events,” Hellenic News of America (IL)
Summary: Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos of the MWRD spoke to approximately 200 students at the Harold Washington College and Truman College as part of the Chicago City Colleges’ Earth Day celebrations. “It was refreshing to see so many students engaged in Earth Day activities and genuinely wanting to make a difference. At the MWRD, every single day is Earth Day. We are continually looking for ways to protect the environment,” the commissioner said.
http://www.hellenicnews.com/index.php/culture/item/723-commissioner-spyropoulos-speaks-to-students-at-earth-day-events

“MWRD Employs New Online Incident Reporting App,” WaterWorld Magazine
Summary: The MWRD recently announced a new application that the public can use to report incidents related to odors, stream blockages and other issues of air or water pollution.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/04/mwrd-implements-new-online-incident-reporting-app.html

“MWRD to Host Waste Disposal,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: President Kathleen Therese Meany announced a household hazardous waste collection, Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy., in Palos Hills, IL. While people typically use these products to clean, garden, and maintain vehicles, household hazardous waste poses an environmental threat. Product labels such as those warning of danger or caution indicate the product needs a special disposal method. Participants should enter the Moraine Valley College’s parking lot from 88th Avenue and should drop off their items while in a car (no walk-ins please).
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_95241064-cfb8-11e3-9be7-001a4bcf6878.html

“Household Hazardous Waste Collection May 3,” Palos Patch (IL)
Summary: The MWRD will be co-sponsoring a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, May 3 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
http://palos.patch.com/groups/events/p/household-hazardous-waste-collection_19b0d0d0

“Rock Blasting Begins at Lemont Water Reclamation Plant,” Lemont Patch (IL)
Summary: Rock blasting operations have started at the Lemont WRP as part of a $30 million Wet Weather Treatment Facility project to improve stormwater management. Blasting and subsequent hauling operations will continue until the end of June 2014; after the rock excavations, the project will proceed with rock anchor and rebar work.
http://lemont.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/rock-blasting-begins-at-lemont-water-reclamation-plant

“National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Helps Preserve Water Resources, Environment,” WaterWorld Magazine
Summary: On April 26, staff at the MWRD’s Egan, O’Brien, Calumet and Stickney plants collected 161 pounds of expired or unwanted medications during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The event gives people a safe way to dispose of substances which they might otherwise pour down drains. Wastewater treatment plants do not have methods for filtering out minute concentrations of pharmaceuticals so the chemicals could end up in waterways. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an opportunity to dispose of medications in an environmentally responsible way, while educating people about the importance of protecting our water resources and public health. The MWRD has participated in the annual event since its inception in 2010.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/04/mwrd-collects-161-pounds-of-drugs-during-national-take-back-day.html

“Deep Thinking,” Professional Surveyor Magazine
Summary: Upgrades for the vertical wet shafts and bar screens at the MWRD’s Calumet Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago required innovative efforts by the District’s mechanical engineers and others involved in the project. In addition to the tight quarters and more than 350 feet of depth required to tackle the upgrades, the project was so innovative there was only technology to gauge success—as-built information didn’t exist yet.
http://www.profsurv.com/magazine/article.aspx?i=71519

“Rock Blasting Under Way at Lemont Water Reclamation Plant,” My Suburban Life (IL)
Summary: A construction company has announced its schedule of rock blasting at the MWRD’s Lemont plant. Blasting started on April 16 and will continue for the next six to eight weeks, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The excavations are part of construction of the Wet Weather Treatment Facility at the Lemont plant, which will store excess water during storm events until the water can be treated. Weather-related delays have caused an accelerated schedule for the blasting so the project can meet its mid-2015 deadline for completion.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/04/30/rock-blasting-under-way-in-lemont/a97lmq0/

“Editorial: Watershed Management Ordinance Marks Good Week for Those Sick of Flooded Basements,” Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
People worried about basement flooding, closed beaches and tainted drinking water got good news last week. On Thursday, the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance went into effect after 10 years of work, quietly but thankfully. The new rules will go a long way toward keeping flooding and waterway pollution in the region from getting worse. The new rules also mean it’s time to step up other efforts to fix the stormwater problems we already have.

Now, any new construction in Cook County will have to conform with regulations on drainage, detention, volume control, floodplain management, wetland and environment protection, soil erosion and sediment. Similar rules already were in place in the collar counties. That should keep new development from dumping more stormwater into sewers and waterways that can’t handle what we already have.

But we still have a legacy of older development that pipes stormwater directly into sewer systems, where it carries runoff into local waterways along with so much fertilizer and other pollutants that it actually contributes to the creation of a dead zone where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico. To address that, we need a combination of old-fashioned “gray” engineering — bigger pipes and bigger detention ponds — and “green” engineering — land uses such as forest preserves, floodplains and wetlands that absorb rainwater, as well as rain barrels, rain gardens, porous pavements, “green” roofs, tree boxes and anything else that capture rainwater instead of sending it into sewers.

The best-known gray engineering project is the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also called the Deep Tunnel, which began in 1972 and is supposed to be finished in 2029. TARP, which eventually will be able to store 20 billion gallons of water, will make a big difference, but it won’t be enough. In Chicago, green engineering got a boost last week when the city announced its $50 million Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategy. The strategy calls for the Department of Water Management help make green infrastructure part of capital projects. In 2014, the department will spend $6.1 million on 39 projects to keep water out of sewers.

Meanwhile, the MWRD plans to distribute 15,000 rain barrels over the next few years, pay for rain gardens at schools and implement other plans to let rainwater seep into the ground, where it can recharge aquifers instead of adding to flooding. On the federal level, Chicago recently received $1 million worth of Shoreline Cities grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for green infrastructure.

We’ve come a long way from where we were in the 1840s, when primitive handling of sewage caused thousands of deaths from cholera and diphtheria. But we have a long way to go. Last week was the best week for stormwater management the city has seen in a long time. We need more weeks like it.
http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/27194358-474/watershed-management-ordinance-marks-good-week-for-those-sick-of-flooded-basements.html

“Watershed Management Ordinance Marks Good Week for Those Sick of Flooded Basements,” Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Summary: As Cook County’s Watershed Management Ordinance took effect on May 1 and the week’s weather included lots of rainfall, an editorial notes the Chicago area’s effective methods of preventing flooding and waterway pollution. The editorial also urges a combination of “gray engineering”—such as the big pipes and detention ponds found in the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)—and “green engineering” land use such as wetlands and porous pavements. The MWRD’s near-term green engineering plans include distribution of 15,000 rain barrels and funding for rain gardens at schools.
http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/27194358-474/watershed-management-ordinance-marks-good-week-for-those-sick-of-flooded-basements.html

“Lockport Lock, Dam Getting Major Overhaul,” Southtown Star (IL)
Summary: A recent allocation of $12 million from the U.S. Congress will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its upgrades on the 80-year-old Lockport Lock and Dam. The allocation will go toward replacing 1,500 feet of a dam wall. The MWRD uses the lock and dam as part of its Lockport Powerhouse operations, regulating the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal’s outflow and restricting diversion of water from Lake Michigan into the Des Plaines River. The Lockport Lock and Dam began operations in 1933; the Lockport Powerhouse began operations in 1907.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/27137358-522/lockport-lock-dam-getting-major-overhaul.html

“Go Green Northbrook Group Proponent of New Bike, Walking Trail,” Sun-Times (IL)
Summary: A group of environmentalists is supporting a new trail on the North Shore. Go Green Northbrook, a group of about 110 environmental organizations, is proposing a 10-foot-wide bike and pedestrian pathway just east of the West Fork of the Chicago River’s North Branch. The proposed trail, controlled by the MWRD, has an easement. Commissioner Debra Shore said, “In general I think it’s a good idea. The trail would draw recreational users. The district needs to ensure that the property can perform its stormwater function as needed.”
http://northbrook.suntimes.com/news/trail-NBS-05082014:article

“NACWA, WEF, WERF Announce Recipients of Singapore International Water Week Scholarship,” Street Insider
Summary: MWRD Principal Civil Engineer Lou Storino is one of eight recipients of the new Singapore International Water Week Scholarship. The scholarship will fund participation in Singapore International Water Week scheduled for June 1 to June 5, 2014. More information is available at www.siww.com.sg.
http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/NACWA%2C+WEF%2C+WERF+Announce+Recipients+of+Singapore+International+Water+Week+Scholarship/9444171.html

“Chicago Defender & Women of Excellence 2014,” Insurance News Net (IL)
Summary: MWRD Commissioner Kari K. Steele is among the 45 Chicago-area women honored recently by the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Awards for 2014. The honorees are leaders in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, media, and law. Commissioner Steele was recognized for her work as a chemist, environmentalist and community-based leader. She is chair of the Board of Commissioners’ Budget and Employment Committee and the Information Technology Committee.
http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/2014/05/06/chicago-defender-women-of-excellence-2014-a-499798.html

“Recent Rain Inundated Sewer System; Plan under way to decrease combined sewer overflows,” NBC 5 Chicago
Summary: NBC Chicago toured the Thornton Reservoir in April to better understand combined sewer overflow (CSO) events and the work the MWRD is doing to reduce them. The area was built with a single sewer system that handles waste water and stormwater. During heavy storms the combined sewers can get overwhelmed, sending raw sewage into waterways. The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), commonly referred to as Deep Tunnel, is already providing benefits. The number of CSO events has been reduced by half since the TARP tunnels and Majewski Reservoir went online, preventing an estimated 85% of CSO pollution. The MWRD further expects CSOs to dramatically decrease when the Thornton Reservoir goes into service in 2015.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/Recent-Rain-Inundated-Local-Sewer-Systems-259450691.html

“Trustees OK Stormwater Planning Law,” Chicago Tribune (IL)
Summary: Lawmakers at the Village of Wilmette agreed to adopt the Cook County Watershed Management Plan (WMP) ordinance. The WMP aims to help control water pollution by managing emerging storm events. The MWRD created the countywide WMP ordinance to provide standards for stormwater management practices and protect against impacts on new developments such as increases in impervious areas. Officials in Wilmette said the ordinance will help them in discussions with residential and business developers. The village is about to undertake a $24 million upgrade in its stormwater system.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/ct-wilmette-stormwater-tl-20140519,0,5771961.story

“Soil in the City,” IWEA
Summary: The “Soil in the City” conference is coming June 29 – July 2 to the Allerton Hotel in downtown Chicago. The conference, co-sponsored by the MWRD and the Illinois Water Environment Association (IWEA), will focus on three themes: urban gardening, green infrastructures and greening brownfields. Engineers, landscape architects, biosolids management leaders, city planners, and researchers are among those who could benefit from the programs. Attendance includes free tours of the MWRD’s Stickney plant and the Cermak-Blue Island Streetscape Project. Conference attendees are eligible to earn up to 15 professional development credits.
http://iweasite.org/Conferences/SoilCity.html

“South Holland Hires Contractors for New Police Station,” Northwest Indiana Times
Summary: During its meeting, South Holland trustees approved a watershed management ordinance drafted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/south-holland/south-holland-hires-contractors-for-new-police-station/article_6e55df7b-86dc-5828-a1bd-32201a1e580d.html

“Treatment Plant Tour,” IWEA
Summary: The IWEA Plant Operations Committee is sponsoring a day of tours of two of the MWRD’s facilities on July 24: the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, IL and the Mainstream Pumping Station in Hodgkins, IL. Registration is limited to 32 attendees; deadline for registration is July 7. A fee is charged for meals.
http://iweasite.org/Conferences/PlntOprTour.html

“Trustees Adopt Stormwater Planning Law,” Chicago Tribune (IL)
Summary: The Village of Wilmette agreed to adopt the Cook County Watershed Management Plan ordinance. Village officials saw the ordinance as helping them to control water pollution by managing how business and residential developments take place. According to Cook County officials, the purpose of the stormwater ordinance is to help protect people and properties from destruction caused by flooding. Officials also say the ordinance will help prevent negative consequences on stormwater drainage from urbanization and will minimize the increase of runoff stormwater. The MWRD created the WMO for county-wide implementation.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/wilmette_kenilworth/ct-wilmette-stormwater-tl-20140519,0,362982.story

“Bill OK’d to give MWRD more flood control power,” Evanston Now (IL)
Summary: Legislation State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) sponsored to give the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District greater flexibility to address local flooding has cleared both chambers of the General Assembly. Current law allows the MWRD to use suburban Cook County’s stormwater management levy for regional stormwater facilities. Senate Bill 3912 would allow this revenue to be utilized for local stormwater projects, including voluntary buy-outs of properties whose flooding issues cannot be resolved except through returning the land to an open, permeable state. The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.
http://evanstonnow.com/story/government/bill-smith/2014-05-23/63637/bill-okd-to-give-mwrd-more-flood-control-power

“MWRD bill passes legislature, could fund home buyouts,” Journal & Topics Online (IL)
Summary: A bill that would allow the Metropolitan Water Reclamation Dist. (MWRD) of Greater Chicago to take on local flood mitigation projects, including individual voluntary home buyouts, passed out of the Illinois Senate on a unanimous 55-0 vote today (Friday). HR 3912, which also passed out of the Illinois House in early April, adds the words “and local” to MWRD’s regional mandate to oversee flood projects limited to those of regional significance allowing the agency to fund smaller projects. State Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-57th) introduced the bill in the House. Biss introduced it in the Senate.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_f5a90ef2-e2c4-11e3-ad37-001a4bcf6878.html

“Biss’ flood management bill moves to governor,” The Daily Northwestern (IL)
Summary: A bill sponsored by state Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) aiming to help communities deal with flooding passed the Illinois Senate on Friday and now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn (D) for approval. The bill amends and expands the abilities of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act, which deals with flooding in Cook County outside of Chicago. It passed both the House and Senate with no opposition. With the bill, the MWRD can now take on more localized projects.
http://dailynorthwestern.com/2014/05/28/city/biss-flood-management-bill-moves-to-governor/

“MWRD Celebrates Its 125th Anniversary,” WaterWorld Magazine
Summary: On Thursday, May 29, the MWRD celebrated 125 years of operation. Originally known as the Sanitary District and established in 1889 by the Illinois General Assembly, the MWRD has devoted a century and a quarter as the protector of Lake Michigan’s water. The MWRD’s leadership in wastewater treatment, stormwater management and resource reclamation marks the agency as foremost in water quality standards and sustainable, innovative treatment processes.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/05/mwrd-celebrates-125th-anniversary.html

“IWEA YP Cleanup at Rain Garden,” IWEA News (IL)
Summary: The Young Professionals of the Illinois Water Environment Association is inviting volunteers to assist with a final maintenance of a rain garden. The event will be held Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago. MWRD Senior Civil Engineer Fred Wu is leading the event.
http://iweasite.org/Conferences/yp_event.html

“New website alerts Chicagoans of when to avoid toxic river,” Northwestern Medill Reports
Summary: A new website created by the civic engagement group Open City lets Chicago residents know when sewage enters the Chicago River, which happens about 35 times a year. To prevent CSOs from occurring, the MWRD, which manages Chicago’s wastewater, has spent $3.5 billion on TARP, the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan. The project allows rainwater to collect in underground reservoirs until water treatment plants can process the wastewater. Before parts of TARP were operational, nearly 100 CSOs occurred each year. The project has reduced that figure to 35 each year, and the MWRD hopes to lower the number to five per year.
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=230882

“Channel Cats Stocked in Chicago River,” Heartland Outdoors (IL)
Summary: On June 10 the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River will stock rivers in the Chicago area with 30,000 one-year-old catfish. Eight locations will serve as nesting spots, including the Little Calumet River and the North Shore Channel. This is the first step in a habitat restoration project funded by the new Chi-Cal Rivers Fund. The MWRD is a partner of the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund and will be participating in the downtown stocking on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at 333 Lower Wacker.
http://www.heartlandoutdoors.com/heartland/story/channel_cats_stocked_in_chicago_river/

“Water Reclamation District Preps $200 million Overhaul of Treatment Facility,” Daily Whale
Full Article Text: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is moving forward on an almost $200 million project to build new treatment facilities at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the world’s largest wastewater treatment facility. At a meeting Thursday, the MWRD Board agreed to advertise a $198.6 million contract for the Stickney plant, which sits on 570 acres of land in Cicero and processes wastewater for 2.38 million Cook County residents, per an MWRD estimate. MWRD wants a contractor to build new tanks and processors for storage and conversion of wastewater at the plant. According to MWRD spokeswoman Allison Fore, “ The new facilities at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant will replace maintenance-intensive infrastructure which has been in service since 1928 with modern, efficient, nearly maintenance-free facilities.”

The contract specifically calls for building nine 160-foot diameter tanks accompanied by sludge and scum collection equipment. Additionally, the contractor must build six 132-foot long aeration tanks for removal of grit from water. MWRD is seeking other, smaller renovations at Stickney like new pump stations, vessels for odor control, airlift pumps for sludge, and dumpsters. Contract advertising is scheduled to officially begin July 9, and the agency expects four to six project bidders, Fore said. A contractor will be selected Oct. 16. MWRD would like contract work completed within 1,200 contract days, which pegs completion of the renovations for early 2018.

In other MWRD news: Commissioners authorized Thursday a 39-year agreement to lease a 9.9-acre parcel in Forest View to two companies. Main Channel Parcels and Tough Cut Concrete Services, Inc. will lease the parcels for $170,000. Board members and Executive Director David St. Pierre are currently reviewing the practice of leasing the parcel on a long-term basis. According to Fore, the board is developing a new land-use policy, but she added, “Until it is approved, the current policy will remain in place.”

Before wrapping up its spring legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 3056, which permits MWRD to convert recycled waste into renewable resources and then sell the product on the open market. According to an interview in March with MWRD state government liaison Kevin Fitzpatrick, the agency is eyeing an initial project to convert recycled waste at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant to biogas or thermal energy. Officials estimate the project could net the agency up to $3 million a year.

“New County Hazard Plan Could Lead Fed Grants to Buy Flood-Prone Houses,” Glenview Announcements
Summary: Glenview is one of the few suburbs that has a Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan which has helped bring millions of FEMA dollars into the village for flood prevention. Glenview is likely on the way to get millions more soon to buy up flood-prone houses and tear them down. If jurisdictions don’t have plans, they can’t receive FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program money. The MWRD was one of 115 jurisdictions assisting with mapping out the vulnerabilities and developing action plans to start fixing them. The Cook County plan can be found at the following website: http://www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org/hmp-draft-plan/.
http://glenview.suntimes.com/2014/06/06/new-county-hazard-plan-lead-fed-grants-buy-flood-prone-houses/

“Video: Northshore Sculpture Park Wins Artistic Excellence Award,” Skokie Review
Summary: The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park was named the 2014 winner of the Skokie award for artistic excellence. The MWRD provided the land and the village cleaned and landscaped the area, and created the parking lots, pathways and other amenities. The citizens who hatched the idea incorporated as a non-profit with a mission to select, install and maintain world-class sculpture exhibitions and to provide educational programming. Most of the sculptures today—about 65 of them along McCormick Boulevard between Dempster Street and Touhy Avenue—are on loan from the artists.
http://skokie.suntimes.com/2014/06/06/northshore-sculpture-park-skokie-wins-artistic-excellence-award/

“30,000 Catfish to be Released in Chicago River,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA)
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources plan to release 30,000 catfish into the Chicago River on Tuesday, June 10. The release is part of a habitat restoration project that received a $300,000 grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, of which the MWRD is a partner.
http://www.seattlepi.com/news/science/article/30-000-catfish-to-be-released-in-Chicago-River-5540620.php

“Groundbreaking Celebration for Cal-Sag Trail Project,” Southtown Star (IL)
Summary: Local leaders joined the group Friends of the Cal-Sag Trail at a groundbreaking ceremony for the trail in Alsip, IL. The $20 million project has taken several years to reach its start of construction; the part of the trail running west to Lemont is due for completion in fall 2014. The full trail will extend 26 miles from Route 83 to the Burnham Greenway near the IL-IN border. At the ceremony, officials from the IL Dept. of Natural Resources announced there will be $1.2 million in state funding to help communities complete their portions of the paved trail. Executive Director David St. Pierre attended the groundbreaking.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/27961173-418/groundbreaking-celebration-for-cal-sag-trail-project.html

“Hazardous waste collection set,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: A photo from the MWRD's Household Hazardous Waste collection on May 3 at Moraine Valley Community College is used to promote the next local collection day, Sat., June 28 at Eisenhower High School, 12700 Sacramento Ave., in Blue Island, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_262aaa8c-f093-11e3-98ca-001a4bcf6878.html

“Officials Release 30,000 Catfish into Chicago River,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The release of 30,000 young catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers on Tuesday indicates the improvement of Chicago’s waterways. Ten thousand catfish were placed in the Chicago River and 20,000 catfish were placed in the Little Calumet River as part of a habitat restoration project by the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River. Plans for additional releases include another 20,000 catfish this summer and another 70,000 catfish next summer. The MWRD’s Board of Commissioners President Kathleen Meany pointed out that the quality of Chicago-area waterways will continue to improve once the District completes its $21 million construction of the O’Brien and Calumet Water Reclamation Plants in December 2015. “When I came on the board 24 years ago, all the back doors of the buildings facing the river were not considered an amenity. Today, you look around, you see hotels, restaurants, walkways (along the river), making it a beautiful, world-class city, and it’s beautiful because of the improvements in the water.” The MWRD is a partner in the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund which provided a $300,000 grant for the habitat restoration project.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-catfish-release-chicago-river-met-20140611,0,4820919.story

“Habitat Restoration Project Puts 30,000 Catfish in Chicago, Little Calumet Rivers,” Chicago Sun-Times
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources placed 10,000 channel catfish in the Chicago River and 20,000 of the one-year-old fish in the Little Calumet River, on Tuesday. The latter event happened near Blue Island; the other release was adjacent to Lower Wacker Drive in Chicago. Both events are part of a habitat restoration project made possible by a grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, of which the MWRD is a partner. “Today is just a sign of the comeback of the Chicago waterway,” said MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore. “Now many fish can thrive here, where many years ago, none could.”
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/28001926-761/habitat-restoration-project-puts-30000-catfish-in-chicago-little-calumet-rivers.html

“State of Chicago Waterways,” Chicago Tonight-WTTW
Summary: The release of 30,000 catfish on June 10 begins a habitat restoration project for two waterways, the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers. The release of catfish is part of a $300,000 grant for the Friends of the Chicago River from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chi-Cal Rivers Fund. Over the next 18 months the project will release a total of 100,000 catfish into Chicago-area waterways. Catfish are a native species and popular with fishermen.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/06/10/state-chicago-waterways

“Chicago River stocked with Catfish,” NBC 5 Chicago
Summary: River restoration groups are restocking the Chicago River with catfish because it's cleaner than ever.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Chicago-River-Stocked-With-Catfish/262608671#ixzz34LKRIWvY

“30,000 Catfish being released into Chicago River,” CBS 2 Chicago
Summary: The 30,000 catfish that were released on June 10 begins a habitat restoration project for two waterways, the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/30000-catfish-being-released-into-chicago-river/

“30k catfish to be released in Chicago River,” ABC 7 Chicago
Summary: 30,000 catfish were released on June 10.
http://abc7chicago.com/science/30k-catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river-/106012/

“Amazing Views from Inside Thornton Quarry,” Orland Park Patch (IL)
Summary: More than 250 people toured the inside of Thornton Quarry on a recent Saturday, viewing the unusual, 300 million-year-old formations of limestone about 25 miles south of Chicago. Thornton Quarry is on the south side of I-294 and the Thornton Composite Reservoir, which will be part of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan system, is on the north side of I-294. Tours of Thornton Quarry are run by the Village of Thornton, IL.

“30,000 Catfish being Released into Chicago River,” WBBM Radio
Summary: An interview with the MWRD’s Board of Commissioners President Kathleen Meany centered on the release of thousands of catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers on Tuesday as part of a habitat restoration project. Years of pollution and development had caused a significant decline in the native species’ population. The restoration project and the health of Chicago-area waterways will help to overturn the decline. President Meany said, “In the 1970s we had roughly two species of fish and today we have over 70.” The restoration project may also help boost the populations of bass and bluegills. The MWRD is a partner with the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, which provided a $300,000 grant for the project.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/30000-catfish-being-released-into-chicago-river/

“Chicago, Calumet Rivers are being Stocked with Catfish,” Chicagoist
Summary: Yesterday’s release of thousands of young catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers is a sign of the rivers’ improved water quality. The IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River were responsible for the release, through a $300,000 habitat restoration project in which the fish will have nesting spots for breeding.
http://chicagoist.com/2014/06/10/chicago_calumet_rivers_are_being_st.php

“10,000 Catfish Released Tuesday into Chicago River,” Redeye Chicago
Summary: A joint effort between the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River resulted in the placement of 10,000 catfish in the Chicago River and twice as many catfish in the Little Calumet River. The effort is part of a spawning restoration project that will include the release of 70,000 additional catfish over the next 18 months.
http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/local/redeye-10000-catfish-released-into-chicago-river-tuesday-20140611,0,1905846.story

“Officials Release 30,000 Catfish into Chicago River,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The release of 30,000 young catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers on Tuesday shows Chicago’s waterways have improved. Ten thousand catfish were placed in the Chicago River and 20,000 catfish were placed in the Little Calumet River as part of a habitat restoration project by the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River. Plans for additional releases include another 20,000 catfish this summer and another 70,000 catfish next summer. The MWRD’s Board of Commissioners President Kathleen Meany pointed out that the quality of Chicago-area waterways will continue to improve once the District completes its $21 million construction of the O’Brien and Calumet Water Reclamation Plants in December 2015. “When I came on the board 24 years ago, all the back doors of the buildings facing the river were not considered an amenity. Today, you look around, you see hotels, restaurants, walkways (along the river), making it a beautiful, world-class city, and it’s beautiful because of the improvements in the water.” The MWRD is a partner in the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund which provided a $300,000 grant for the habitat restoration project.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-catfish-release-chicago-river-met-20140611,0,4820919.story

“Chicago River Gets 10,000 Catfish, But Don’t Fry Them up Yet,” DNA Info
Summary: The release of thousands of young catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers will take a while to benefit fishermen and consumers of the native species; still, their release indicates the improved health of the waterways.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140610/downtown/10000-catfish-be-released-into-chicago-river-from-lower-wacker-drive

“Habitat Restoration Project Puts 30,000 Catfish in Chicago, Little Calumet Rivers,” Chicago Sun-Times
Summary: A glimpse at the Chicago River yesterday afternoon might have featured the sight of thousands of young fish streaming from glass bowls. Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources placed 10,000 channel catfish in the Chicago River and 20,000 of the one-year-old fish in the Little Calumet River on Tuesday. Both events are part of a habitat restoration project made possible by a grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, of which the MWRD is a partner. “Today is just a sign of the comeback of the Chicago waterway,” said MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore. “Now many fish can thrive here, where many years ago, none could.”
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/28001926-761/habitat-restoration-project-puts-30000-catfish-in-chicago-little-calumet-rivers.html

“State of Chicago Waterways,” Chicago Tonight-WTTW
Summary: The release of 30,000 catfish on June 10 begins a habitat restoration project for two waterways, the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers. The release of catfish is part of a $300,000 grant for the Friends of the Chicago River from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chi-Cal Rivers Fund. Over the next 18 months the project will release a total of 100,000 catfish into Chicago-area waterways. Catfish are a native species and popular with fishermen.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/06/10/state-chicago-waterways

“Stocking of Channel Catfish Good News for the CAWS,” Chicago Sun-Times
Summary: The Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) will benefit from the release of 30,000 catfish into the Little Calumet and Chicago Rivers on Tuesday. Stocking the rivers, a habitat restoration project by the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River, helps resurrect a native species that had been widespread in the CAWS. The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund provided a grant for the project; the MWRD is a partner of the fund.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/outdoors/28000171-452/stocking-of-channel-catfish-good-news-for-the-caws.html

“Chicago River Stocked with Catfish,” NBC 5 Chicago
Summary: River restoration groups are restocking the Chicago River with catfish because it's cleaner than ever.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Chicago-River-Stocked-With-Catfish/262608671#ixzz34LKRIWvY

“30,000 Catfish being Released into Chicago River,” CBS 2 Chicago
Summary: The 30,000 catfish that were released on June 10 begins a habitat restoration project for two waterways, the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/30000-catfish-being-released-into-chicago-river/

“30k catfish to be Released in Chicago River,” ABC 7 Chicago
Summary: 30,000 catfish were released on June 10.
http://abc7chicago.com/science/30k-catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river-/106012/

“30,000 Catfish Released into Chicago River,” WGN-TV
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources are helping channel catfish make a comeback in Chicago-area waterways. The $300,000 restoration effort is made possible through a grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
http://wgntv.com/2014/06/11/30000-catfish-released-in-chicago-river/

“Release of Catfish in Chicago River,” WCIU-TV Chicago
Summary: Yesterday morning’s broadcasts included a feature on the stocking of the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers with channel catfish.
http://67.214.100.182:8080/portal/Player?ClipId=,S,201406,13C718D0-44F2-4AB4-8D54-53B488659D95&ReqServer=NDS5%5cNDS5&QueryName=Portal&Offset=996&rai=a8d5a995-a98e-41c6-a2eb-4fd0b35b19c0&ran=&roi=a8d5a995-a98e-41c6-a2eb-4fd0b35b19c0&ron=&run=PCI%20User1&rut

“30,000 Catfish to be Released into Chicago River,” Northwest Herald (IL)
Summary: A $300,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation allowed the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River to begin a habitat restoration project in which thousands of channel catfish were released into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers on Tuesday. The groups will release 70,000 more fish into the rivers for repopulation purposes.
http://www.nwherald.com/2014/06/10/30-000-catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river/aue47kw/

“30,000 Catfish to be Released into Chicago River,” DeKalb Chronicle (IL)
Summary: The 30,000 catfish released into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers are part of a $300,000 restoration project that will culminate in the placement of 100,000 catfish into 400 nesting cavities in different locations in the rivers. The rivers had been inhospitable waterways for catfish and other native species; improvements in water treatment increased the survival of the fish.
http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2014/06/10/30-000-catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river/aue47kw/

“State, Private Group Plan to Release 30,000 Channel Cats in Chicago River,” Trib Town (IN)
Summary: A habitat restoration project by the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River began with releases of 30,000 channel catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers yesterday and eventually will involve placement of 100,000 channel catfish.
http://www.tribtown.com/view/story/95feed73f04c4bfb9197975d4fb99fce/IL--Chicago-River-Catfish

“30,000 Catfish to be Released into Chicago River,” KWQC (IA)
Summary: The release of 30,000 catfish into the Little Calumet and Chicago Rivers allows the fish to restore their population in the waterways; their numbers had been limited there for years.
http://www.kwqc.com/story/25735271/30000-catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river

“30,000 Catfish to be Released into Chicago River,” St. Louis Today (MO)
Summary: The release of 30,000 channel catfish into the Little Calumet and Chicago Rivers on Tuesday will boost the fish population which had been limited for years.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river/article_ea405f92-8db1-5c1e-b0c7-b5a13cef4ef9.html

“30,000 Catfish to be Released into Chicago River,” Houston Chronicle (TX)
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources released 30,000 catfish into the Chicago River in downtown Chicago and in the Little Calumet River in Blue Island.
http://www.chron.com/news/science/article/30-000-catfish-to-be-released-in-Chicago-River-5540620.php

“30,000 Catfish to be Released into Chicago River,” Washington Times (Washington, DC)
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources placed 30,000 catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers on Tuesday to encourage repopulation of the native fish.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/10/30000-catfish-to-be-released-in-chicago-river/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

“Catfish Released into Chicago River,” News Tonight (Cape Town, South Africa)
Summary: A cooperative effort by the IL Dept. of Natural Resources and Friends of the Chicago River has led to the release of 30,000 catfish on June 10. The one-year-old catfish won’t be mature enough for fishermen’s catches for quite a while; their release is designed to help establish a spawning habitat and repopulate the waterway with a native species. The groups plan to release other species of fish during other phases of the restoration project.
http://newstonight.co.za/content/catfish-released-chicago-river

“Hazardous Waste Collection Set,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: The next household hazardous waste collection sponsored by the IEPA is Saturday, June 28 at Eisenhower High School, 127th and Sacramento in Blue Island, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. At a recent such event, the MWRD assisted in a collection; 1,200 households brought items for safe, appropriate disposal. Products to bring include: oil-based paint, weed killer, small electronics, and antifreeze.
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_262aaa8c-f093-11e3-98ca-001a4bcf6878.html

“Cal-Sag Trail Moving Forward,” The Regional News (IL)
Summary: Last Saturday’s groundbreaking of the western portion of the 26-mile Cal-Sag Trail featured local officials and the MWRD. The western portion will run along the south bank of the Cal-Sag Channel from Cicero Avenue to Route 83 near Lemont, IL. Construction of the paved trail is due to begin within days. Federal grants are funding 80% of the project’s $21 million cost. When completed, the trail will be the longest in the south suburbs, will offer a beneficial way for people to boost their health and will reduce carbon emissions of surrounding communities.
http://www.theregionalnews.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/33613-cal-sag-trail-moving-forward

“Quinn Signs Bill Allowing Local MWRD Buyouts, Flood Project Funding,” Journal & Topics (IL)
Summary: IL Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB 3912 yesterday, allowing the MWRD to move forward with flood control projects. The bill allows part of the MWRD’s mandate to change from working on projects with regional significance to working on projects with regional and local significance. The change will authorize the MWRD to pay for a greater range of projects. The IL House and Senate passed the legislation unanimously in April and May.
http://www.journal-topics.com/breaking/article_598fc090-f734-11e3-bd83-001a4bcf6878.html

“After Ten Years, Congrats to the Cal-Sag Trail Coalition,” NW IN Times (IN)
Summary: A guest commentary expresses approval of the Cal-Sag Trail and the coalition that worked together to make the trail happen, stating, “A new 3.7 million-square-foot all-natural health club started construction recently and promises free access to the 1.5 million people who live within 15 minutes of it.” Among the partners in the 26-mile project that will wind through 14 communities are the IL Dept. of Natural Resources, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Friends of the Cal-Sag Trail, and the MWRD.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/guest-commentary/editorial-advisory-board-after-years-congrats-to-cal-sag-trail/article_cd623552-aef7-5e4e-baec-356797c966f9.html

“Hegewisch School Unveils Plans for ‘Green’ Playground,” NW IN Times (IN)
Summary: Grissom Elementary School in Chicago’s Hegewisch neighborhood will get improvements in their playground, thanks to cooperative efforts and funding. Plans for the $1.5 million project include an outdoor classroom for science and art, an outdoor track and other sports fields, gardens, and green space. Construction on the new areas is due to begin later this year. The Chicago Dept. of Water Management, Chicago Public Schools, and the MWRD are the major funders.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/chicago/hegewisch-school-unveils-plan-for-green-playground/article_0ffb4236-2bfe-5947-b4a2-8d83c66e4613.html

“It’s That Time Again!” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The Arlington Heights Garden Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary this Sunday, June 22 with a Garden Walk & Unique Boutique. The fundraiser’s two concurrent events will feature a look at six residential gardens and a chance to buy special items sold at the Arlington Heights Historical Society that focus on gardens and gardening. Staff from the MWRD will be on hand, providing information on stormwater management and demonstrating the function of rain barrels.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/arlington_heights/community/chi-ugc-article-its-that-time-again-2014-06-18,0,6831281.story

“Friends and IDNR Release 30,000 Channel Cats,” Friends of the Chicago River News
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River and the IL Dept. of Natural Resources recently released 30,000 channel catfish into the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers as part of a habitat restoration project. The project is funded by a $300,000 grant from the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, of which the MWRD is a partner. Board of Commissioners President Kathleen Meany was on hand for the release and said, “The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is committed to our water environment and improving and protecting these precious resources. It is satisfying to see the many years of work culminate in wonderful possibilities in our waterways. We are proud to partner with Friends of the Chicago River who also share our vision.”
http://www.chicagoriver.org/news/2014/6/friends-and-idnr-release-30-000-channel-cats

“Quinn Signs Bill Allowing Local MWRD Home Buyouts, Flood Project Funding,” Journal & Topics (IL)
Summary: Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB 3912 yesterday, allowing the MWRD to expand its mandate to include local and regional municipalities and agencies in providing help with flood control projects. The IL House and Senate voted unanimously on the bill in April and May. With flood-prone areas experiencing increased storm events and flooding, HB 3912 paves the way for some project plans to move forward.
http://www.journal-topics.com/breaking/article_598fc090-f734-11e3-bd83-001a4bcf6878.html

“Lockport Calls Old Canal Days a Success,” My Suburban Life (IL)
Summary: Lockport’s Old Canal Days event garnered high approval. The annual festival involving food, entertainment, history, and other features was held June 13 through June 15. The MWRD’s participation on June 14 received high praise. http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/06/18/lockport-calls-old-canal-days-a-success/atjgu18/

“Melas Park’s Bark Park Now Open,” Daily Herald (IL)
Summary: A new dog park is open in Mount Prospect, a joint effort by the Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights Park Districts. The Canine Commons Dog Park, at 1500 Central Road, is on property owned by the MWRD and is leased to the Mount Prospect Park District. Memberships are required to access the gated park.
http://search.dailyherald.com/results/?Query=melas+park+bark+park

“Manes: Ex-Engineer Has a Symphonic Side,” Gary Post-Tribune (IN)
Summary: Jerome Fifer is the subject of a recent interview with the Gary Post-Tribune. He is a retiree whose 20-plus years at the MWRD culminated in his position as senior environmental engineer. An enthusiastic fisherman, he says the Chicago River “has been cleaned up considerably” and this is “one of the accomplishments of the sanitary district of Chicago” now called the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. He is also an accomplished oboist who plays with the Gary Civic Symphony.
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/manes/28113751-452/ex-engineer-has-a-symphonic-side.html

“Buffalo Creek Clean Water Watershed Management,” BCCWP News (IL)
Summary: The Buffalo Creek Clean Watershed Partnership has a new brochure to increase awareness about the watershed. The partnership includes the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the MWRD, the Lake County Dept. of Health, and eight municipalities in the Buffalo Creek Watershed. These partners and others are working to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion damage along the creek, which drains a 27-square-mile land area. A wetland mitigation project is under way at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine.
http://www.buffalocreekcleanwater.org/#!

“Dogs unleashed at new Canine Commons,” Trib Local (Mt. Prospect)
Summary: As "Who Let the Dogs Out" blared Saturday, about 100 excited canines stormed the new dog park at Melas Park in Mt. Prospect during its official "unleashing." The dog area is jointly run by the park districts of Mt. Prospect and Arlington Heights on land leased from the MWRD. Its membership is fully subscribed at 500 and there's a waiting list.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/mount_prospect_prospect_heights/ct-dog-park-mount-prospect-tl-nw-20140623,0,6222108.story

“MWRD Executive Director Speaks at City Club of Chicago,” City Club of Chicago News & Events
Summary: During his speech to 330 people at the City Club of Chicago on June 24, Executive Director David St. Pierre spoke about the District’s accomplishments over the past 125 years. He also discussed the District’s leading role in the wastewater treatment and resource reclamation industries. While the MWRD has numerous “firsts” in the industry in terms of equipment, processes and performance standards awards, the executive director also highlighted the importance of financial stability and improving the natural and public environment. He stated that the District has hard-working employees dedicated to assisting the municipalities and residents of Cook County. “This is an exciting time to be working in the wastewater industry,” Executive Director St. Pierre told the audience.
http://vimeo.com/99075299

“Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Announces New Trash Collection Boats,” Lawndale News
Summary: Commissioner Debra Shore, MWRD Chairman of the Public Information and Education Committee, announced that the District is adding two trash collection boats to its fleet in honor of its 125th Anniversary, and the public is invited to help name them.
http://www.lawndalenews.com/2014/06/metropolitan-water-reclamation-district-announces-new-trash-collection-boats/

“Head of Water District Talks Financial and Environmental Sustainability,” Daily Whale (IL)
Summary: At a speech June 24 at the City Club of Chicago, the MWRD’s Executive Director spoke about the MWRD’s recent accomplishments and plans for remaining at the “cutting edge” of wastewater treatment. A sold-out room heard St. Pierre discuss how the MWRD handled financial challenges in 2011 and emerged with a successfully stable operation. In addition, an overarching strategic plan and a capital improvement plan have allowed the MWRD to move forward with new projects such as disinfection systems and a phosphorus recovery system. These and other projects are helping the District focus on resource recovery as a complement to existing wastewater treatment processes. Achieving energy neutrality by 2023 is a goal.
http://www.dailywhale.com/content-preview/847c90dc9059b82b798535b92375f749/

“Winnetka Receives Grant for Flood Control Work,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The MWRD will contribute $2 million toward a $4 million stormwater management project designed to prevent flooding on the northwest side of Winnetka. Officials said they will put the project out to bid this month and expect to hire a construction company in September.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/winnetka_northfield_glencoe/ct-winnetka-stormwater-grant-tl-20140702,0,431221.story

“Task Force Offers Deep Tunnel Tour,” Southtown Star
Summary: The Southeast Environmental Task Force will offer an Eco-Tour of the MWRD’s Calumet Pumping Station and the Thornton Quarry on Saturday, July 12. A tour bus will depart from the Chicago Cultural Center at 10 a.m. and return to the same location at the trip’s end at 2 p.m. The Calumet Pumping Station and the Thornton Quarry are important components of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). This large civil engineering project will reduce flooding in the metropolitan Chicago area and lessen combined sewer overflows. http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/28418476-418/task-force-offers-deep-tunnel-quarry-tour.html

“Hazardous Waste Collection Set,” Beverly Review
Summary: As part of ongoing efforts to help the public properly dispose of household hazardous products and reduce their environmental side effects, the MWRD participated in a recent collection event in Palos Hills, IL. The IEPA sponsored the event held at Moraine Valley Community College, where people from 1,200 households brought oil-based paint, antifreeze, weed killers and other household hazardous products. The IEPA sponsors a number of such events around the state; the most recent collection event was Saturday, June 28 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.
14 0611_Beverly Review_HHW.pdf

“WEF & WBC Will Jointly Present Chicago Water Summit 2014,” Water Technology
Summary: The Water Environment Federation and World Business Chicago, with support from the MWRD, the City of Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International will jointly present Chicago Water Summit 2014: Global Lessons from Great Water Cities, July 21, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Mid-America Club in Chicago. The summit will feature a panel of distinguished national and international leaders sharing their experiences and perspectives about a new paradigm that will help communities of all sizes adapt to rapidly changing water management challenges. The MWRD’s Executive Director David St. Pierre will be among those on the panel.
http://www.watertechonline.com/articles/168409-wef-wbc-will-jointly-present-chicago-water-summit-2014

“07-09-14 Deep Tunnel and Thornton Quarry Tour,” The Shopper Source
Summary: The Southeast Environmental Task Force is hosting a tour of the Thornton Quarry, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Midwest,” and the MWRD’s “Deep Tunnel” site at the District’s Calumet WRP, Saturday, July 19. The tour’s attendees will board a bus at the Chicago Cultural Center for departure and return. Participants will learn about stormwater management and the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), a major civil engineering project that will reduce flooding in the Chicago area and lessen the harmful effects of flushing sewage and stormwater into waterways. Space is limited for the tour.
http://www.shoppersource.com/articles/2014/07/08/news/070914-deeptunnel.txt

“The Trials, Errors and Joys of Rain Ready Gardening,” HCBA - Inside the Belt (IL)
Summary: The MWRD and the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association recently visited a bungalow owner to see how the homeowners integrated a rain barrel, rain garden, rain chains, and a green roof to create sustainable, low maintenance water conservation methods. The article includes challenges, tips and benefits.
http://bit.ly/1xOiDXF

“The ‘Hole’ Story: Quarry Soon to Provide Flood Relief,” Southtown Star (IL)
Summary: Flooding issues that have plagued Chicago’s South Side and the area’s south suburbs will soon get substantial relief as construction of the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) continues to make progress. Visitors touring the MWRD’s Thornton Quarry as part of the Southeast Environmental Task Force’s special event learned about the importance of the quarry and witnessed its relevance for the area as a storm event occurred while they were at the quarry. The tour included a visit to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant where attendees boarded an elevator that descended more than 300 feet into a room carved from bedrock. Visitors viewed large pumps that move the water through the plant’s pumping station to treatment areas where sewage is removed from the water. Storms such as Saturday’s downpour make the need for the quarry, tunnels and reservoirs of the TARP extremely evident.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/28642032-418/the-hole-story-quarry-soon-to-provide-flood-relief.html

“Treatment Plant Tour,” IWEA News
Summary: The Illinois Water Environment Association (IWEA) is sponsoring a tour of the MWRD’s Stickney Water Reclamation Plant on Thursday, July 24, starting at 9 a.m. Lunch is included. Registration is limited; deadline for registration is July 7.
http://iweasite.org/Conferences/PlntOprTour.html

“Appeals Court Upholds Tossing of Asian Carp Lawsuit,” San Francisco Chronicle
Summary: The U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by five states that had sought the placement of barriers to prevent migration of silver and bighead carp into the Great Lakes. The lawsuit filed by Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin had claimed the Army Corps of Engineers and the MWRD were causing a public nuisance in failing to provide a physical separation between a network of rivers and canals and Lake Michigan. The appeals court ruled the states failed to make a claim from relief might have been granted. The states haven’t alleged facts, the appeals court continued, which indicate the MWRD or the Army Corps of Engineers have been operating the Chicago Area Waterways System in a manner making it likely to permit the carp to reach Lake Michigan.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Appeals-court-upholds-tossing-of-Asian-carp-suit-5621367.php?cmpid=email-mobile

“Appeals Court Upholds Tossing of Lawsuit by Michigan, 4 Other States,” Associated Press
Summary: The U.S. Appeals Court of Chicago upheld a lower court ruling, dismissing a lawsuit by five states seeking placement of barriers to prevent migration of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. The five states had claimed the MWRD and the Army Corps of Engineers were failing to physically separate a network of canals and rivers from Lake Michigan and therefore were causing a public nuisance. The appeals court tossed out the states’ claim, stating they hadn’t made a claim for which relief could be granted.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140714/METRO06/307140115/0/METRO/Appeals-court-upholds-tossing-Asian-carp-suit-filed-by-Mich-4-other-states

“Appeals Court Upholds Tossing of Asian Carp Lawsuit,” CBS Local
Summary: The U.S. Appeals Court in Chicago ruled Monday that a lower court ruling should stand, dismissing a lawsuit by five states on the handling of Asian carp by the Army Corps of Engineers and the MWRD. The five states were seeking placement of physical barriers to prevent migration of Asian carp; the appeals court ruled the lower court was correct to dismiss the states’ claim.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/15/appeals-court-upholds-tossing-of-asian-carp-lawsuit/

“Appeals Court Upholds Tossing of Asian Carp Suit,” WRAL (NC)
Summary: The U.S. Appeals Court in Chicago upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit by five states, claiming the MWRD and the Army Corps of Engineers mishandled prevention measures related to migration of Asian carp. The dismissal indicates the states failed to make a claim for which relief can be granted.
http://www.wral.com/appeals-court-upholds-tossing-of-asian-carp-suit/13811457/

“Region Dries out after Weekend Storms,” Southtown Star
Summary: The south and southwest suburbs were drying out Sunday after the second significant storm in the last two weeks soaked the region. While not packing the powerful winds of the June 30 double derecho that knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses, the weekend’s storms dumped almost as much rain in a few hours as the area is accustomed to seeing in an entire month. Tunnels comprising the MWRD’s “Deep Tunnel” flood control system were emptied in advance of the storm, and captured millions of gallons of rainwater. A huge new reservoir at the Thornton Quarry that will be part of Deep Tunnel is to be completed next year.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/28645955-418/region-dries-out-after-weekend-storms.html

“SETF to Hold Tour of Deep Tunnel,” Beverly Review
Summary: The Southeast Environmental Task Force held a tour of two of the MWRD’s facilities, the Thornton Quarry and the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant on Saturday, July 12. Attendees learned about the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), a major civil engineering project designed to protect the water quality of Lake Michigan and help to prevent flooding related to storm events.
14 0709_Beverly Review_Deep Tunnel tour.pdf

“Hill leads legal team at MWRD,” Chicago Law Bulletin
By Roy Strom
Chicago Law Bulletin staff writer

Tucked away on Erie Street, just west of bustling Michigan Avenue, sits a squat, concrete-and-glass building that since 1955 has housed the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s headquarters.

For close to 25 years, Ronald M. Hill has called the third-floor law department his professional home. And since 2011, the door to the department has listed his name and title: general counsel.

The MWRD, a government agency with a $1.2 billion budget this year, is perhaps best-known for reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. It has treated sewage since it was founded 125 years ago as the Sanitary District of Chicago.

For all the MWRD’s history, a slew of new responsibilities have drastically expanded its operations over the past decade.

In 2004, it was first tasked with controlling Chicago’s stormwater. In June, it was given authority to acquire flood-prone properties. And legislation that will allow it to sell its byproducts from wastewater treatment as renewable energy resources is awaiting Gov. Patrick J. Quinn’s signature.

To Hill, the place is changing faster than ever — and not just because heavy rains have become more common.

“Since I’ve taken over this job, there has been significant change just in the scope of the work we’re doing, and the pace of the work has accelerated dramatically,” said Hill, who grew up in Bridgeport and graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a criminal justice degree before earning his law degree there in 1982.

“It’s always been busy. But I think it’s become more intense, definitely, over the last few years.”

Hill was named acting general counsel on Jan. 1, 2011, shortly after both the then-general counsel and then-deputy general counsel retired.

The bulk of the MWRD’s expansion has come from the state legislature since the 2011 appointment of Executive Director David St. Pierre by the MWRD’s nine-member, elected board of commissioners.

St. Pierre called Hill a “perfect match” for his leadership style.

“I’m looking at possibilities,” St. Pierre said. “And Ron is an excellent counselor to me, in terms of making sure that (for all of) the things we’re doing, we’re checking off the legal boxes (and) we’re working within the parameters of our authority from a state level.”

Tom H. Luetkemeyer, a Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP partner who has handled labor and employment matters for the MWRD since the 1990s and attended law school with Hill, said the general counsel has the right disposition to manage a complex, changing legal department.

“He’s a very calm and measured individual,” Luetkemeyer said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him get angry. At the same time, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him overly passive. … And if there’s one thing that’s good to have in a manager, it’s a consistent and calm style.”

Hill refers to the 18-lawyer department as “a small law firm that has a very diverse practice.”

“I would stack them up against any” private firm of the same size, he said.

The department currently divides into four groups — environmental, real estate, employment (the MWRD has nearly 2,000 employees) and a contract and finance group.

With 9,500 acres of land in Cook County and another 14,000 acres in downstate Fulton County where they once shipped biosolids, the MWRD has long been among the largest local landowners. Among other things, MWRD real estate attorneys deal with the leasing of parcels of land, which is expected to generate about $15 million this year. The agency’s tax levy this year is $540.3 million.

While the number of employees and real estate are nothing new, Hill said the focus of the department has shifted as the scope of the MWRD’s authority has grown.

For instance, the environmental section — which is where Hill predominately practiced before becoming general counsel — is now one of the largest areas of focus.

Since it was granted regional authority for stormwater management in 2004, the MWRD has entered into many agreements with other government bodies to help relieve flooding, Hill said. That number will increase after the agency in June was granted authority to commence smaller-scale, local stormwater relief projects.

In addition, the MWRD is poised to sell some of the byproducts from its seven wastewater treatment plants. While some of that is still in the planning process, the byproducts could include natural gas, phosphorous and “biosolids” — the organic matter left over from treating sewage that is used as fertilizer.

“We’re turning into a publicly owned treatment works of the present and the future, in terms of getting into a lot of resource recovery of what we generate at the plants,” Hill said. “So what our lawyers are doing now compared to what they were doing a few years ago is a lot different.”

The MWRD is also involved in a lawsuit filed in 2009 by Michigan and four other states that are attempting to compel the MWRD and Army Corps of Engineers to do more to prevent Asian carp, an invasive species, from reaching Lake Michigan. The lawsuit is currently in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Some have advocated for reversing the flow of the Chicago River to sever the carp’s path to the lake, which Hill said would have “all kinds of ramifications.”

“The main goal, which is everybody’s main goal, is to stop the carp from getting into the lake,” said Hill, who argued a preliminary injunction hearing in the case in Chicago’s federal court. Despite all the changes at the agency, the largest project facing the MWRD is also its longest-running — the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, which broke ground in 1975.

Also known as Chicago’s Deep Tunnel, it is a plan designed to prevent sewage backups in basements by routing stormwater away from sewers and into underground pipes — some as wide as 33 feet in diameter — that will drain into three massive reservoirs.

The Deep Tunnel system has 109 miles of piping, completed in 2006. One of the reservoirs is scheduled to open at the quarry bordering Interstate 80 in Thornton in 2015, providing 7.9 billion gallons of storage. The final reservoir is scheduled to come online in 2029, bringing the system’s holding capacity to 17.5 billion gallons.

A timely Deep Tunnel completion has become more important as heavy rains have increased in recent years.

But St. Pierre said more needs to be done — he suggested a stormwater plan with Cook County — to prevent the damage that accompanies floods like the one in April 2013 that prompted the Federal Emergency Management Agency to approve more than $163 million in individual assistance and close to $19 million in public assistance to affected communities.

“Deep Tunnel certainly is a cornerstone to flood protection, and the benefits that the community receives even from what’s in the ground already is fairly tremendous,” St. Pierre said.

“But it’s not the do-all, end-all in these events. We’ve got to keep water out of the system in these events.”

Hill credited St. Pierre and MWRD’s board for driving much of the change at the agency, such as the renewable energy projects, by “looking beyond the traditional things the district has done.”

“It’s beneficial. It’s good for the environment. It’s good for taxpayers,” Hill said. “And the executive director along with the board have driven the process. It’s very exciting but very challenging.”

Ronald M. Hill
General Counsel, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Location: Chicago
Size: $1.2 billion budget; about 2,000 employees
Law department: 18 lawyers, six paralegals
Age: 57
Law school: Loyola University Chicago School of Law, 1982
Organizations: Member, Illinois State Bar Association
Interests: Reading early American history, spending time with his wife and three daughters, playing tennis and being a lifelong Cubs fan

“Spyropoulos Part of Conference,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: MWRD Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos spoke to a large group of German and U.S. water technology experts who held a meeting at Willis Tower recently. The Sustainable Water Technologies Business Conference & Delegation discussed sustainable solutions and cutting-edge technologies for the water sector and how the MWRD can work with various entities to meet today’s challenges. The one-day event was organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce.
14 0709_Beverly Review_Spyropoulos.pdf

“Flooding Victims Get Glimmer of Hope,” Glenview Tribune (IL)
Summary: Residents plagued by flooding in Northfield Township heard encouraging news while at a meeting at Oakton Community College on July 14. Joe Kratzer, MWRD Principal Civil Engineer, spoke about an engineering study on flooding along the Central Road corridor. The District will conduct the study, focusing on the portion of Central Road from east of Milwaukee Road to the Des Plaines River. Kratzer said the engineering study will probably take six months to a year, after which the design and construction phases might mean the project will have a two-year timeline. A recent change in stormwater management legislation has given the MWRD authority to study localized flooding issues. The District is partnering with the IL Dept. of Transportation on the Central Road corridor project.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/glenview/ct-northfield-township-stormwater-project-tl-20140715,0,1581295.story

“Appeals Court Upholds Tossing of Asian Carp Suit,” WLNS (MI)
Summary: A U.S. Appeals court ruled in favor of a lower court, dismissing a lawsuit brought by five states against the Army Corps of Engineers and the MWRD about the manner in which the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS) has been handling the migration of silver and bighead carp. The appeals court ruled the five states failed to make a claim for which relief could be granted.
http://www.wlns.com/story/26017339/appeals-court-upholds-tossing-of-asian-carp-suit

“Federal Government Action can be a Public Nuisance, Seventh Circuit Holds,” Washington Post (Washington, DC)
Summary: An excerpt of the U.S. Circuit Court’s recent ruling includes an overview of the migration of Asian carp into Midwestern waterways, a look at federal common law and a definition of “public nuisance” as it applies legally to a lawsuit by five states against the MWRD and the Army Corps of Engineers. The Seventh Circuit Court upheld a lower court’s dismissal of the states’ lawsuit.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014/07/15/federal-government-action-can-be-a-public-nuisance-seventh-circuit-holds/

“Court Upholds Dismissal of States’ Asian Carp Suit,” Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Summary: The Seventh U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago has upheld a lower court’s ruling, dismissing a lawsuit by five states which claimed the Army Corps of Engineers and the MWRD have been mishandling the migration of silver and bighead carp into Chicago-area waterways. The appeals court ruled the five states failed to make a claim for which relief might be granted.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/national_world/2014/07/16/court-upholds-dismissal-of-states-asian-carp-suit.html

“Getting over the Ick Factor,” Chicago Sun-Times
Summary: Under strict EPA guidelines the MWRD is converting waste into biosolids at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant as part of the District’s approach towards resource recovery. The Executive Director was interviewed by the Sun-Times about the value of biosolids; the reporter is touring the Stickney WRP next week as part of the story. Soil scientist Dr. Lakhwinder Hundal leads a team of researchers and engineers who have conducted over a million analyses on biosolids. The Maggie Daley Park has incorporated biosolids into its landscape, now under construction. In September the IEPA will begin revising its guidelines to allow the public to buy biosolids fertilizer made in Illinois; other states already have these guidelines in place.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/garcia/28713640-452/getting-over-the-ick-factor.html

“States Can’t Force Chicago River to Close to Keep out Carp, Court Rules,” Marina City Online
Summary: A three-judge panel upheld a lower court’s ruling that dismissed a lawsuit against the MWRD and the Army Corps of Engineers. Five states had sought an injunction that would have forced the locks on the Chicago River to close to prevent further migration of silver and bighead carp into Chicago-area waterways.
http://www.marinacityonline.com/news/carp0718.htm

“No More Microbeads,” Chicago Tonight
Summary: Monday’s airing of Chicago Tonight featured microbeads—their tiny size, significant impact on aquatic environments and the month-old legislation in IL that bans the manufacturing and sale of products containing microbeads by 2018 and 2019, respectively. Only 5 millimeters in size, these round blue plastic pieces are found in face cleansers, toothpastes and other consumer products. Because they are non-biodegradable, when people use these products the microbeads get flushed down drains and water treatment processes can’t filter them. The tiny beads eventually enter rivers, streams and other waterways and can harm aquatic life. The Exec. Director was interviewed, and the episode included use of the MWRD’s “Down the Drain” model to illustrate treatment processes and the connection between our sinks and toilets and the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS) that the MWRD protects. The impact of IL Senate Bill 2727 will spread as states such as California, New York and Ohio consider similar laws. Retailers will notice the shift as manufacturers begin phasing out inventory and introducing alternative products that contain biodegradable ingredients such as oatmeal, salt and apricot seeds.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/07/21/no-more-microbeads

“Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County Model of Cooperation,” Sun-Times
Summary: The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County in Glenview shows the benefits for 23 municipalities in cooperating on a large-scale endeavor such as solid waste disposal. The 40,000-square-foot joint municipal agency has been a transfer station since 1988 for residents, businesses and those accumulating lots of solid waste such as landscapers and remodeling and construction contractors. With landfills filling and villages paying increasingly larger fees for pickup services, joint operations became a cost-effective answer. Officials at the solid waste agency pointed out the existence of the MWRD as a model for how intergovernmental cooperation proves important to how individual municipalities can meet goals, be fiscally sound and fulfill environmental responsibilities when they work together.
http://glenview.suntimes.com/2014/07/21/solid-waste-agency-northern-cook-county-model-cooperating-villages/

“Attack of the Climate Change Maggots,” Washington Post
Summary: Aware of the serious nature of storm events and aging infrastructure, the MWRD is working to address concerns about basement and overland flooding with a number of projects. “Our weather has changed drastically over the last five years,” noted the MWRD’s Executive Director. In response, the MWRD’s underground network of tunnels and reservoirs can now hold 2.7 billion gallons of stormwater and sewage overflow. By next year the MWRD’s construction in progress will result in stormwater and sewage overflow storage of 7.5 billion gallons. By 2029, the stormwater and sewage overflow storage will be 17.5 billion gallons.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/07/23/attack-of-the-chicago-climate-change-maggots/

“Chicago’s Race to Outbuild the Rain,” Washington Post
Summary: The mostly flat terrain of Chicago makes the area vulnerable to the outcomes of frequent storm events and is a major factor influencing the need for stormwater management and flood mitigation projects, especially the MWRD’s Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). The increasing number and intensity of storms highlight the MWRD’s mission of recovering resources and protecting water quality throughout Cook County.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/07/22/chicagos-vulnerable-geography/

“7th Circuit Declines to Step into Carp Controversy,” Lexology
Summary: The Seventh Circuit, in the case of State of Michigan, et al. v. US Army Corps of Engineers and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, once again denied a request by five states bordering on Lake Michigan seeking an injunction against the Corps and the MWRD.
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=cd4df1a8-e373-4703-9c17-9f825d12057b

“MWRD Dedicates Garden to Kathleen Therese Meany,” Beverly Review
Summary: To commemorate the 125 years of service the MWRD has provided to the people of Cook County and to honor MWRD President Kathleen Therese Meany’s 27 years of service, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at a new garden at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant on June 20. A group of volunteers will maintain the Kathleen Therese Meany Garden.
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_b710fac2-11e2-11e4-a631-001a4bcf6878.html

“Join Us for the CEE Chicago River Boat Tour and Social Hour,” CEE News
Summary: The Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association of the University of Illinois is hosting a boat tour along the Chicago River, Friday, August 29, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Co-host is Dick Lanyon, CEE alumnus and retired executive director of the MWRD. The tour will feature a talk about the history of the riverfront’s architecture and the river’s importance as a resource for the region. Registration deadline is August 21.
http://cee.illinois.edu/boat-tour

“Hill Leads Legal Team at MWRD,” Chicago Law Bulletin
Summary: MWRD’s General Counsel is profiled.
14 0710_Chicago Law Bulletin_Ron Hill.pdf

“Governor Quinn Signs Legislation,” IL Government News Network
Summary: MWRD Pres. Kathleen Meany joined Governor Quinn in a press conference before the Gov. signed legislation that will help combat flooding and protect water quality across Illinois. Senate Bill 2780 expands the Clean Water Initiative which will allow the IEPA to provide financial assistance to Illinois communities for storm sewers and stormwater-related activities, including green infrastructure. The Illinois Clean Water Initiative also will create thousands of jobs, such as the 1,400 construction jobs made possible with the Oak Lawn project whose total cost is $171 million. The new law takes effect immediately. Also participating in the press conference were MWRD Vice Pres. Barbara McGowan, Commissioners Debra Shore and Patrick D. Thompson and Executive Director David St. Pierre.

http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=12437

“Quinn Signs Legislation to Combat Flooding,” Associated Press
Summary: Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation taking effect immediately which will expand the Clean Water Initiative, helping to tackle flooding around Illinois and protecting water quality. The legislation is expected to create 28,000 jobs, according to the IEPA.
http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Quinn-signs-legislation-to-combat-flooding--268320812.html

“Biss Talks Flooding At Town Hall Today,” Journal-Topics
Summary: State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-9th) is hosting a town hall meeting tonight (Wednesday) to discuss one of the region's most critical issues: flooding. Speaking at the meeting will be a panel of experts on local flooding issues, including: MWRD’s Executive Director; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Imad Samara; and Metropolitan Planning Council Project Manager Abby Crisostomo. The mandate for MWRD was recently changed, allowing the MWRD to go from addressing flooding projects of only regional significance, to addressing local and regional significance.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_a803eade-129c-11e4-9426-001a4bcf6878.html

“Agencies Team with Leland School to Launch Space to Grow & Recreate Campus,” Austin Voice (IL)
Summary: The MWRD, the Chicago Dept. of Water Management, the Healthy Schools Campaign, and Openlands are partnering with Chicago Public Schools for the Space to Grow program. Leland Elementary School is one of four schools participating in a pilot project that will feature physical education and recreational facilities, rain gardens and outdoor environmental classrooms. Green infrastructure will have an integral role in the creation of the athletic fields and gardens by collecting stormwater, helping to prevent stormwater runoff and reducing the occurrence of basement flooding during storm events. The Leland School is a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) school serving 680 students in the Austin neighborhood.
14 0709_Austin Voice_Space to Grow.pdf

“MWRD Receives Prestigious Excellence in Management Award,” Water World
Summary: The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recently gave the MWRD the Excellence in Management award as part of NACWA’s Excellence in Management Program. The program honors member agencies’ accomplishments in the water utilities management field. Platinum awards signify outstanding achievements over a consecutive three-year period in implementing and maintaining programs that address a range of challenges. The MWRD met or exceeded attributes of utility excellence, including: financial viability, product quality, customer satisfaction, pretreatment, stormwater management, and community sustainability.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/07/mwrd-receives-excellence-in-management-platinum-award.html

“Flooding Town Hall Follow up and Power Point Presentations,” Office of Senator Daniel Biss
Summary: IL Sen. Daniel Biss provided follow-up information about a panel he hosted on July 23 in Glenview about stormwater management in Cook County. The MWRD’s Executive Director participated in a panel about approaches to addressing flooding and gave a presentation on the District’s role in stormwater management. Sen. Biss was the sponsor of Public Act 98-0652 enacted into law on June 18, 2014. This law allows the District to move forward on new initiatives under its Phase II program including partnering with local communities and agencies to address local drainage problems and setting up a program for purchasing flood prone and flood damaged property on a voluntary basis.
http://senatorbiss.com/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/166-flooding-town-hall-follow-up-and-powerpoint-presentations

“Farm Talk: Skokie’s Urban Farm Sprouts to Life,” Sun-Times
Summary: The Talking Farm is open for growth and business near the border between Skokie and Evanston. Initial plans were to lease property owned by the MWRD; however, the farm is on acreage next to an early childhood learning center, which gives toddlers regular chances to participate and learn about sustainable agricultural practices. Local restaurants have begun purchasing produce from the farm and featuring it in their menus. The farm plans to expand its demonstration garden and continue their crop rotation and other methods of sustainability.
http://evanston.suntimes.com/2014/07/29/farm-talk-skokies-urban-farm-sprouts-life/

“Plastic problems pile up into problems for the Great Lakes,” WTTW
Media Interview: MWRD Executive Director was interviewed for a piece about microbeads and their impact on the Great Lakes.
interviewed by WTTW about the impact of microbeads on wastewater treatment facilities. Governor Pat Quinn recently signed legislation that bans the plastic microbeads found in household and personal care products. Microbeads are so tiny that treatment processes can’t filter them so the bead-like substances can end up in waterways and harm aquatic life. The new law bans the manufacture of microbeads by the end of 2018 and bans the sale of products containing microbeads by the end of 2019.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/tiny-plastic-microbeads-pile-problems-great-lakes/

“Tree Debris to be Used as Bulking Agent to Compost Biosolids from Wastewater in Chicago,” Water World
Summary: An Intergovernmental Agreement between the MWRD and the City of Chicago will result in the use of wood chips to compost biosolids generated by used water treatment. The wood chips come from recycling trees for reuse; when combined with biosolids—one outcome of used water treatment processing—the result is an organic material to establish or maintain turf grass in athletic fields, golf courses and public access areas throughout Cook County. As part of its regular maintenance operations, the city’s Dept. of Streets and Sanitation creates an ongoing inventory and will supply the MWRD with 150,000 yards of wood chips over the next three years.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/07/city-of-chicago-to-provide-wood-chips-to-mwrd-for-reuse-in-chicago-communities.html

“Quinn Signs Water-Safety Legislation into Law,” Chicago Tribune/Red Eye
Summary: Gov. Pat Quinn signed three pieces of legislation on Sunday to protect water quality and mitigate flooding. The Urban Flooding Awareness Act creates a working group of local, state and federal representatives who will recommend ways to control urban flooding. The governor also signed a law that requires community water suppliers to designate an operator with direct responsibility for each system’s supply and distribution; and a law that allows law enforcement agencies to collect unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals and other controlled substances for safe disposal. The MWRD’s President Kathleen Meany introduced the Governor, and Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos and Commissioner Kari Steele participated in the press conference which took place at the MWRD’s Centennial Fountain overlooking the Chicago River.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-quinn-signs-watersafety-legislation-into-law-20140803-story.html
http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/chi-quinn-signs-watersafety-legislation-into-law-20140803,0,7612550.story

“Quinn Signs Water-Related Laws,” NBC 5 Chicago
Summary: Gov. Pat Quinn signed laws on Sunday to protect water supplies. One law creates the Urban Flooding Awareness Act; a group of representatives will evaluate and research urban flooding policies and release a report in 2015. Another law lets law enforcement agencies collect medications and transport them for safe disposal at selected IEPA locations; unwanted or expired medications often get flushed down drains and can harm water quality.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Quinn-Signs-Water-Related-Laws-in-Chicago--269751121.html

“Quinn Signs Water-Related Laws,” Associated Press
Summary: Gov. Quinn signed laws on Sunday to protect water supplies. One law creates the Urban Flooding Awareness Act, in which a group of representatives will assess and research urban flooding policies and release a report in 2015. Another law lets law enforcement agencies collect controlled substances and medications and transport them for safe disposal at locations selected by the IEPA.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IL_WATER_LEGISLATION_QUINN_ILOL-?SITE=ILBLO&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

“2014 Water Leadership Summit,” U.S. Water Alliance
Summary: The U.S. Water Alliance is hosting the fifth annual Water Leadership Summit, “Two Rivers, Two Cities, Two States,” September 15-17, in Kansas City, MO. The MWRD’s Executive Director will be a panelist. The summit will include: panels with geographic diversity and a cross-disciplinary approach to sharing models of innovation about water management, green infrastructure and resource recovery; strategies on reaching the underserved; modern technology that can deliver precise conservation methods; and roundtable discussions of emerging opportunities and challenges.
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e996b44p011b7c86&llr=ueml5fdab

“Sewer Work Continues to Resolve Odor,” Journal-Topics (IL)
Summary: Work continues on the MWRD’s sewer-lining project which began in February and is expected be completed by the end of 2014.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_49c8e0e4-1992-11e4-97fc-0017a43b2370.html

Media Interview Held

• WTTW reporter Dan Andries interviewed Dr. Thomas Granato, Director of Monitoring & Research, and Dr. Lakhwinder Hundal, MWRD Supervising Environmental Soil Scientist, for a story on biosolids. It is expected to air this evening.

“Leaders Proffer Big Ideas at the Chicago Water Summit,” WEF News
Summary: The recent Chicago Water Summit took place July 21 and included a panel of experts from “great water cities” in the U.S. addressing lessons learned related to sustainability, innovation, investment in the future, and partnership with the private sector. Attending the summit was Tom Kunetz, the MWRD’s Assistant Director of Engineering and Board of Trustees member of the Water Environment Federation, a host of the summit. Participating in the panel was the MWRD’s Executive Director David St. Pierre.
http://www.wef.org/blogs/blog.aspx?id=12884904741&blogid=17296

“Transforming Waste into Organic Material,” Chicago Tonight WTTW (print version; story set to air Monday, August 11)
They’re called Class A and Class B biosolids and take weeks to years to make. They’re great for the ground, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago gives away tons of the material for free on a regular basis. The process is done on the property of the Stickney Plant, which is the world's largest water treatment facility, handling billions of gallons of water daily. …The Illinois EPA currently working with the Water Reclamation District to make recommendations to change state law to allow home use in 2015. If you want to know more about biosolids, contact the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District or ask a local park district superintendent if they’re using biosolids.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/08/07/transforming-waste-organic-material

“Flood Fix in Focus,” Journal and Topics
Summary: Several pieces of legislation were signed into law addressing flooding issues in the last month that will have a major impact on the ability of local towns to pay for flood mitigation projects. State Sen. Daniel Biss held a July town hall meeting with Metropolitan Water Reclamation Dist. (MWRD) Executive Director David St. Pierre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager Imad Samara and Metropolitan Planning Council Project Manager for Stormwater Mitigation Projects Abby Crisostomo to discuss plans for the area. At that meeting, the MWRD announced several projects would be on an agenda for a Board meeting in which local flood projects and property buyouts could be considered.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_c5dc2c16-1d90-11e4-8999-0017a43b2370.html

“Rubber Ducky Derby Kicks Off Thursday,” NBC 5 Chicago
Summary: Crews will release more than 60,000 rubber ducks into the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge in the ninth annual Rubber Ducky Derby. As in past years, the MWRD debris boat will assist in guiding the ducks throughout the short race course which will raise funds for over 21,000 athletes who participate in the Special Olympics.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Rubber-Ducky-Derby-Kicks-Off--270169881.html

“Annual Running of the Ducks Raises 300K for Special Olympics,” Marina City Online
Summary: Thousands of yellow rubber ducks raced along the Chicago River on Friday during the ninth annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby. The water cannon on the bow of one of the MWRD’s boats encouraged the river’s current and helped the rubber toys waddle downstream. Sponsors of the ducks provided more than $300,000 to support athletes in the Special Olympics.
http://www.marinacityonline.com/news/ducks0808.htm

“Transforming Waste into Organic Materials,” Chicago Tonight WTTW
Summary: Producing nutrient-rich, useful biosolids is part of the MWRD’s water resource recovery efforts and this process was shown in a program on Monday that featured a visit to the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero. If the EPA issues new guidelines regarding distribution of Class A biosolids in IL, homeowners can purchase fertilizers containing biosolids made at the MWRD and use them in their lawns and gardens. Parks, golf courses and athletic fields throughout Cook County are flourishing from the use of biosolids. The MWRD delivered large portions of biosolids to the upcoming Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago.
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/08/11/transforming-waste-organic-material

“Take Care of Our Water Supply to Avoid a Toledo-like Nightmare,” Sun Times
Summary: A letter to the editor by MWRD Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos recognizes the importance of protecting Lake Michigan as the region’s water supply source.
http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/29135204-474/take-care-of-our-water-supply-to-avoid-a-toledo-like-nightmare.html#.U-kelE2mdaQ

“Chicago’s Historic Pilsen Neighborhood Enters a New Era,” Chicago Now
Summary: Among the changes indicating progress in the Pilsen neighborhood are efforts to make the area a greener space. These efforts include an increase in community gardens and the creation of the mile and a half stretch of the Cermak/Blue Island Sustainable Streetscape, called “the Greenest street in America,” unveiled in 2012. The MWRD is monitoring the Streetscape for stormwater best management practices to analyze, design, ensure predicted performance, and determine maintenance practices.
http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-advocate/2014/08/chicagos-historic-pilsen-neighborhood-enters-a-new-era/

“Nutrient Removal and Recovery Workshop,” IWEA News
Summary: The MWRD’s Executive Director David St. Pierre will speak at the 2014 Nutrient Removal and Recovery Workshop, Tuesday, September 9. The workshop, 8:45 a.m. – 3:20 p.m. is at the Medinah Shriners, Addison, IL. Sponsors of the workshop are the Illinois Water Environment Association, the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies and the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators. There is a fee for attendance; attendees can earn up to five professional development hours’ credit.
http://iweasite.org/Conferences/Nutrients.html

“Sculpture Park Offers Different Ways to Learn,” Lincolnwood Review/Sun-Times
Summary: The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park offers numerous educational opportunities for visitors in various age groups. Ongoing programs include: Sculpture in the Classroom, a free offering for elementary, middle and high schools; informal and walking tours of the Sculpture Park led by trained volunteer docents; and group tours of the park. The park has more than 60 sculptures. Part of the park is located on property owned by the MWRD near the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie.
http://lincolnwood.suntimes.com/2014/08/20/sculpture-park-offers-different-ways-learn/

“MWRD Formally Awards Winnetka $2 Million Stormwater Grant,” Winnetka Talk
Summary: The Village of Winnetka received a $2 million grant from the MWRD for stormwater improvements, including increasing capacity of a pond in northwest Winnetka.
http://winnetka.suntimes.com/2014/08/21/mwrd-formally-awards-winnetka-2-million-stormwater-grant/

“Winnetka Council Receives First Look at NT Renovation Plan,” Glencoe News
Summary: With the proposed renovation of New Trier High School’s Winnetka campus in the hands of voters on Nov. 4, the Winnetka Village Council appeared favorable to the design of the project. New Trier officials requested an opportunity to present the project to the Village Council, and did so Aug. 19. New Trier officials have already held meetings with the village, the Winnetka Police Department, the Winnetka Fire Department and various utility companies to keep all parties up to date on the project. The plan also calls for some stormwater detention to be included on-site, something on which the school and the MWRD will work together to achieve.
http://glencoe.suntimes.com/2014/08/21/winnetka-council-receives-first-look-nt-renovation-plan/

“The Factors behind Your Water and Sewer Rates,” NW Indiana Times
Summary: An overview of the issues and reasons for a municipality’s water and sewer rates reveals the interconnected nature of the fees customers pay for receiving tap water and used water treatment services. In order to provide great quality service to municipalities in Cook County, the MWRD requires and complies with stringent conditions, inspection and monitoring processes voluntarily and through permits from federal, state and local agencies. While cost effectiveness and efficiency are ever present in operations and management of these services, increases in rates will help to keep used water treatment in force and high quality.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/the-factors-behind-your-water-and-sewer-rates/article_5cad5478-c53e-538b-9392-8d24aaf6a8f4.html]

“EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: South Suburbs are Becoming Greener,” NW Indiana Times
Summary: In a guest commentary by Ed Paesel, exec. director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), he describes a series of projects in stormwater prevention throughout Chicago’s south suburbs. The MWRD is helping the SSMMA to explore construction of green infrastructure that will provide additional flood mitigation to the area. Also on tap with funding support from the EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant and the Illinois Coastal Management Program are projects such as: a green jobs program; habitat restoration; rain gardens and bioswales that reduce stormwater runoff and prevent pollution of waterways; and use of GIS mapping support with help from Chicago Wilderness to identify and document green infrastructure assets and opportunities throughout the Millennium Reserve, a redevelopment program for the Calumet and southeast Chicago area. Calumet Park, Midlothian, South Suburban College in South Holland, Robbins, and Blue Island will experience benefits from some of the projects this year.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/guest-commentary/editorial-advisory-board-south-suburbs-are-becoming-greener/article_56f264ec-2fa7-5ba0-b3a2-0228a4dd1ae1.html

“One Solution to Flooded Basements? Foreclosed Properties,” Crain’s Chicago Business
Flash flooding has become commonplace in the Chicago area, and that means wet basements. Now, entire cities and communities are finding new and creative ways to plug the floods. One key? Foreclosed homes.… Properties with foreclosed homes aren't the only unused land being claimed for stormwater. Chicago officials are looking to use yards at public schools as fancy sponges. They broke ground in mid-July to make four schoolyard surfaces super-permeable using everything from rain gardens to permeable pavement. The project will cost $1.5 million per school, with primary funding coming from Chicago Public Schools, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and the city's Department of Water Management. Each is contributing about $500,000, says Jaime Zaplatosch, education director at Openlands, a Chicago conservation organization. CPS, with 730 acres of impermeable surfaces, is the best candidate for a project like this, she says. “Just one schoolyard in one community around the schoolyard should be able to significantly alleviate basement flooding,” she says. Her group expects to convert six Chicago schoolyards a year for the next six years.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140823/ISSUE03/308239993/one-solution-to-flooded-basements-foreclosed-properties#

“U.S. Water Alliance to Host 2014 One Water Leadership Summit,” U.S. Water Alliance
Summary: Shifting the paradigm to one water management, the U.S. Water Alliance will host the fifth annual One Water Leadership Summit, September 15-17, in Kansas City, MO. The MWRD’s Executive Director will be a panelist. The summit will include cross-agency, cross-department, community and business leaders whose geographic diversity and cross-disciplinary approach will offer comprehensive ideas as they share models of innovation about water management, green infrastructure and resource recovery; strategies on reaching the underserved; modern technology that can deliver precise conservation methods; and roundtable discussions of emerging opportunities and challenges.
http://www.estormwater.com/us-water-alliance-host-2014-one-water-leadership-summit

“MELA Launches Fall Event on October 23; Focuses on Stormwater Crisis Solutions,” MELA
Summary: Commissioner Debra Shore will be the keynote speaker at the Midwest Ecological Landscape Alliance fall road show on Oct. 23 at Lurvey Landscape Supply in Des Plaines.
http://mela.cmail2.com/t/ViewEmail/y/3B150AB691D54412/8FA42A13291E0AF62A1BF84ACBDD178B

“Flood Control Projects in Mount Prospect, Wheeling Nearly Done,” Daily Herald (IL)
Summary: The Heritage Park project is receiving funding support from the MWRD and focuses on stormwater storage in the form of two basins which will take in water from Buffalo Creek during storm events; the pumping station returns water to the creek when the overflow subsides. The creek is a tributary of the Des Plaines River.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140904/news/140909312/

“Resilient Chicago Climate Workshop,” Midwestern Regional Climate Center
Summary: The Midwestern Regional Climate Center is hosting the free “Resilient Chicago Climate Workshop,” September 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. downtown at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. This one-day workshop will include presentations and discussion on adapting to temperature, extreme precipitation (flood and drought), and ecosystem changes in northeastern Illinois. The workshop will also include an overview of historical climate trends and future projections based on the 2014 National Climate Assessment. Featured on the agenda is a keynote presentation from Joyce Coffee, managing director of the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN), and local guest speakers from Alliance for the Great Lakes, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago Wilderness, ComEd, The Field Museum, and the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health. The MWRD’s Managing Civil Engineer John Murray will speak on the stormwater ordinance. Registration closes September 16.
http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/events/ResilientChicago/index.html

“MWRD Unveils Free Rain Barrel Distribution Program,” SSMMA
Summary: To minimize basement backups, combined sewer overflow volume, and flooding, the MWRD is introducing a new rain barrel distribution program that will offer free rain barrels to Cook County residents and organizations that meet certain qualifications. The MWRD will deliver free rain barrels through three distribution networks: municipalities; campus-type facilities such as schools, churches, libraries, and police and fire stations; and non-government organizations, community groups and planning groups. Municipalities must sign intergovernmental agreements with the MWRD in order to participate; residents should contact their municipality to find out eligibility requirements and other details about obtaining the rain barrels. For those residents who do not qualify for the free barrels, the MWRD will continue to sell and deliver them for $58 each plus tax via www.mwrd.org.
http://ssmma.org/mwrd-unveils-free-rain-barrel-distribution-program/

“Singapore International Water Week Recap,” IWEA Clarifier
Summary: Lou Storino, Principal Civil Engineer at the MWRD and President-Elect of the Illinois Water Environment Association visited Singapore this summer to participate in Singapore International Water Week. The four-day conference was made possible by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). Storino also visited the Sembcorp NEWater Plant and the Changi Water Reclamation Plant.
2014_Summer_IWEA Clarifier_Storino.pdf

“$10 Million Earmarked for Melvina Ditch Reservoir Fix in Burbank,” Southtown Star
Summary: Over the weekend, Gov. Pat Quinn announced funding support targeted at resolving issues related to overflows in Burbank, IL. Also in attendance at the announcement were Pres. Kathleen Meany, Vice President Barbara McGowan, Commissioner Patrick D. Thompson, Exec. Director David St. Pierre, state senator Lisa Hernandez, Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett, county officials and Burbank’s Mayor Harry Klein. Gov. Quinn stated $134 million would be made available: $124 million will be used at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant for the world’s largest phosphorus recovery facility to curb water pollution; a portion of the funding will go toward facility improvements and to replace old equipment; $10 million would go toward improving the Melvina Ditch Reservoir. The MWRD’s Executive Director said flooding is the number one issue on our radar and that improving the reservoir likely will involve removing silt that has collected on the floor of the reservoir for more than 40 years and possibly purchasing homes near the reservoir if engineers deem that necessary. The Melvina Ditch Reservoir is on the north side of 87th Street west of Ridgeland Avenue; during a heavy storm event August 22, the stormwater crested and the overflow spilled onto nearby streets and into homes.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/29864598-522/10-million-earmarked-for-melvina-ditch-reservoir-fix.html
http://abc7chicago.com/politics/quinn-announces-2-water-related-projects-in-south-suburbs/307488/
http://www.enewspf.com/latest-news/latest-local/55452-governor-quinn-announces-clean-water-investments-in-stickney-and-burbank.html
http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=12623

“Wheeling Parks Target Spring Reopening at Heritage,” Journal-Topics (IL)
Summary: Over two years since breaking ground, an improvement project at Heritage Park in Wheeling, IL is close to completion. The expanded outdoor athletic facility at 333 W. Dundee Road will include: new sports fields, a band shell, a pavilion with a lake overlook, new parking lots, a bridge, a new entrance at Wolf Road, and walking paths throughout the park. The $33 million project was made possible by an intergovernmental agreement between the Wheeling Park District, the Village of Wheeling, and the MWRD. The park district transferred 14 acres of Heritage Park to the MWRD to provide for upstream compensatory stormwater storage for Levee 37 located south of Wheeling along the Des Plaines River. In return, drainage improvements and recreational enhancements were made to Heritage. Expansion of the park’s detention pond will add 11 acre-feet of stormwater storage. Six stormwater storage basins are also scattered throughout the park. Officials at Heritage Park have said the park will reopen next spring.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_4659a228-39e4-11e4-883a-0017a43b2370.html

“Climate on the Brain,” Chicago Wilderness
Summary: Dean Fischer, CEO, West Monroe Partners, David St. Pierre, Executive Director, MWRD, and author George Marshall will discuss how our actions can drive climate solutions for the region. This event takes place this evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL. Free but space is limited. Registration required.
http://www.chicagowilderness.org/index.php

“Area police departments to take back unwanted, expired medications,” Suburban Life
Summary: Area police departments and the MWRD will participate Sept. 27 in a national Drug Take Back Day in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration. The event, which is hosted several times a year at various locations, was created to give residents a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted or expired medication. During the last event in April, the DEA collected more than 390 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and 4,400 sites managed by local and state law enforcement partners. Expired, unused or unwanted drugs are welcome, but the agencies will not accept liquids, needles or sharps – only pills or patches.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/09/15/area-police-departments-to-take-back-unwanted-expired-medications/asemub7/

“Green Infrastructure Mimics Nature to Fight Stormwater,” Sustainable Chicago
Summary: The Midwest Ecological Landscape Alliance (MELA) is hosting an event in October with the goal of bringing professionals together for a discussion about green infrastructure and stormwater management. MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore will keynote this event. Commissioner Shore took office in 2006, and over the past eight years, she has seen the MWRD change, “shifting from a waste treatment to a resource recovery utility.” According to Commissioner Shore, “Green infrastructure can peel back the concrete skin created by developing our cities and provide more opportunities for land to absorb water and give our sewers a chance to work.”
http://www.sustainable-chicago.com/2014/09/18/green-infrastructure-mimics-nature-to-fight-stormwater/

“Editorial: Plan of Chicago: 12 Ways to Heal a City,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: An idea to offer MWRD’s treated water for local industry use and reduce the amount of fresh Lake Michigan water used is one of the top 12 ideas to improve Chicago in a Tribune editorial. “Create jobs and major economic development by leveraging Chicago's untapped freshwater assets. How? Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore outlined a smart plan on these pages on Dec. 26: Establish an industrial park surrounding the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Calumet treatment plant at 130th Street and Torrence Avenue, where industries could buy treated (but not pure) wastewater cheaper than potable water. The Calumet plant treats some 300 million gallons of wastewater daily, reusing virtually none, she writes. Why not harness that water power to create water-based industrial parks — then scale up the project to MWRD's five other regional plants, which collectively discharge well over a billion gallons of water daily. Martin Felsen, an architect with the design firm UrbanLab, is leading a group of Illinois Institute of Technology students who will develop a plan to lure "water-intensive" industries to areas near treatment plants. Consider: Could some of that water support large hydroponic farming operations in struggling neighborhoods — farms constructed on property that is now vacant or abandoned or foreclosed? Water experts say yes, easily, and so do we.”
http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/530/article/p2p-81391174/

“Recap: Administration and Public Works Committee,” Evanston Now
Summary: The Evanston City Council signed an IGA with the MWRD to share the cost for the Civic Center’s parking lot reconstruction. The MWRD will provide $750,000 and the City will contribute $500,000 from its parking fund.
http://evanstonnow.com/story/government/bill-smith/2014-09-22/66190/recap-administration-and-public-works-committee

“MWRD to Participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day,” Water World
Summary: On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the MWRD is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, an initiative by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Three of the MWRD’s treatment plants will serve as drop-off sites: the Calumet WRP, 400 E. 130th Street, Chicago (enter on Ellis Avenue); O’Brien WRP, 3500 Howard Street, Skokie; and the Stickney WRP, 6001 W. Pershing Road, Cicero. The annual event provides a safe way for people to dispose of expired or unwanted medication by bringing the products to places that also provide education about the importance of preventing and reducing accidental contamination of lakes, rivers and streams.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/09/mwrd-to-collect-unwanted-meds.html

“EPA Administrator to Spotlight Water Infrastructure for a Stronger, More Competitive America,” Water Online
Summary: The Water Environment Federation, WEFTEC and the Value of Water Coalition will present a special press event Water Works: Investing Together for a Stronger America, next Monday during WEFTEC’s annual conference in New Orleans. The event will immediately follow the conference’s opening session and will explore the idea of investing in water and wastewater infrastructure as an important way to provide jobs and grow a stronger, financially secure and competitive nation. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and the heads of three water utilities, including the MWRD’s Executive Director David St. Pierre, will present their experiences and outlook on water and wastewater treatment. A recent national report, “The Economic and Labor Impact of the Water Sector,” profiled 30 U.S. communities across the country—including Chicago, New Orleans and San Francisco—servicing 83 million people that will be investing $254 billion into water infrastructure projects over the next decade. This investment could result in $52 billion in annual economic output that will support 289,000 jobs nationwide.
http://www.wateronline.com/doc/u-s-epa-administrator-to-spotlight-water-infrastructure-for-a-stronger-more-competitive-america-0001

“Water Reclamation District Offer ‘Take Back’ Day for Prescription Meds,” WGN News
Summary: The MWRD is hosting an unwanted/expired medication collection tomorrow, Sept. 27, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three treatment plants: Stickney, Calumet and O’Brien. The event is held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Medications should not be poured down drains or flushed, as prescription medications work their way into lakes, rivers and streams contaminating the water. Treatment facilities aren’t designed to remove those chemicals from the water supply.
http://wgntv.com/2014/09/25/water-reclamation-district-offer-take-back-day-for-prescription-meds/

“Mt. Prospect Honors Public Works Employees,” Journal & Topics (IL)
Summary: Public Works employees who have given many years of service received honors from the Village of Mt. Prospect. One of them is Andy Ramel, a former MWRD relief worker.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_8411ffba-4426-11e4-8172-001a4bcf6878.html

“Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Wraps Saturday,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the DEA and the MWRD was held Saturday. Three of the MWRD’s plants were collection sites: the Stickney WRP, the Calumet WRP and the O’Brien WRP. As of October 9, a federal regulation will allow people to take their unwanted, expired prescription medications to authorized collectors, including clinics with pharmacies, hospitals, police stations, and drug manufacturers. Since 2012, Chicago area residents have dropped off over 1,500 pounds of medications to MWRD facilities for incineration by the DEA and to prevent traces of the drugs from showing up in the drinking water supply. The DEA reports collection of over 2,100 tons of unwanted, expired prescription medications during these events since the program’s start in 2010.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-unwanted-meds-20140926-story.html

“Bring Outdated Unwanted Prescription Meds to Police Stations,” Regional News
Summary: Police stations in Palos Park, Palos Heights and Orland Park served as drop-off sites for a national prescription drug take-back event. The MWRD also participated. A statement by the MWRD pointed out its wastewater treatment facilities aren’t designed to remove pharmaceutical products if they are poured down a drain or flushed down a toilet. The chemicals can work their way into lakes or other waterways, so this special collection gives the community an environmentally-friendly opportunity to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications.
http://www.theregionalnews.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/34056-bring-outdated-unwanted-prescription-meds-to-police-stations

“Monday Press Event Explores Link between Water and Jobs, WEFTEC 2014” WEF
Summary: The MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre was interviewed for a “Water Works” advocacy video unveiled at WEFTEC’s annual conference in New Orleans, LA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRZG3fb_x0o

“MWRD Selects Anaergia for Negotiations for Design of New Organic Waste Process Facility,” Water World
Summary: The MWRD has selected Anaergia Inc., a clean energy company, to enter into negotiations for the design of an Organic Waste Receiving and Processing Facility, modification of two anaerobic digesters, and for the long-term supply of organic waste material to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant.
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/10/mwrd-selects-anaergia-for-negotiations-for-design-of-new-organic-waste-processing-facility.html

“Anaergia Busy in Biogas with Recent Start-Up and Other Ventures,” Biogas Magazine
Summary: Anaergia Inc. has demonstrated its active presence in the biogas field with three recent announcements. The company announced a successful start-up of their new Omnivore biogas production system at Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority in California. The second notice derived from their selection by the MWRD to enter into negotiations for the design of an organic waste receiving and processing facility, modification of two anaerobic digesters (AD), and a long-term supply of organic waste material to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. Anaergia also signed a contract with Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department in Arizona and its project partner Grannus Biogas LLC to design, build, finance, own and operate a large-scale biomethane upgrading facility.
http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/11025/anaergia-busy-in-biogas-with-recent-start-up-and-other-ventures/

“Sports Teams Could Score With City Sewer Lines,” New City (Seattle, WA)
Summary: Seattle, WA may construct the first sports arena in the country to be warmed by sewage. Proposed plans for the arena include a “sewerthermal” system that would save the team money while keeping fans warm in city’s chilly climate. King County, WA water officials are using the phrase “sewerthermal” to describe the warming system. This term was coined by MWRD’s Dan Wendt in May 2012 when the new heating and cooling system was dedicated at the Kirie WRP. The system takes advantage of relatively constant high temperatures of treated water and uses 20% or less power than what is needed for a traditional, direct heating system. Rather than extracting heat from the ground as is common for geothermal systems, the treated water holds a steady minimum temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
http://nextcity.org/daily/entry/seattle-basketball-team-new-arena-sewer-sewerthermal

“Street repairs lead Evanston’s list of goals in 2015,” Evanston Review
Summary: City officials provided updates on the Evanston City Council’s 2015 goals at a Rules Committee meeting Oct 6. The city’s list of goals for 2015 includes improving streets, bolstering existing businesses, continuing to replace aging water mains and sewers and establishing a central entry point for at-risk families seeking social services. The city is teaming up with the MWRD on a $1.2 million transformation of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center lot at 2100 Ridge Ave. It will be converted into a sustainable parking lot. The MWRD is contributing $750,000 toward the project. To prevent water runoff, the new lot will include rain gardens, bioswales, native plant species, and a combination of permeable asphalt and permeable concrete. More details are expected to be included when the City Manager releases his proposed budget later this week.
http://evanston.suntimes.com/2014/10/08/street-repairs-evanston/

“Hydro’s Role in Tunnel Development,” Water Power and Dam Construction
Summary: Hydropower projects and flood protection have influenced the worldwide growth of the tunneling industry. A number of professionals, such as architects, engineers, investors, heavy construction and specialist contractors, and utilities management, are involved in the planning, financing, design and construction of tunnels and underground spaces. A photo of MWRD’s TARP is included.
http://www.waterpowermagazine.com/features/featurehydros-role-in-tunnel-development-4398255/

“Morrill Elementary to Unveil New Basketball Court, Soccer Field and Garden,” DNA Info
Summary: After more than a year of community planning and several months of construction Morrill Elementary School will unveil its brand new schoolyard tomorrow; a community planting will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the ribbon cutting is set for 1 p.m. The new grounds are part of a pilot initiative, Space to Grow: Greening Chicago Schoolyards, funded by the MWRD, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Dept. of Water Management and co-managed by Chicago-based nonprofits Healthy Schools Campaign and Openlands. Morrill Elementary School is located at 6011 S. Rockwell St., Chicago, IL.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141010/chicago-lawn/morrill-elementary-unveil-new-basketball-court-soccer-field-garden

“Climate on the Brain,” Chicago Wilderness
Summary: MWRD’s Exec. Director was a featured speaker at Chicago Wilderness’s “Climate on the Brain” program, along with George Marshall, Dean Fischer, and Suzanne Malec-McKenna.
http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1d9ae98bf407acf02abdfdcd7&id=7446d6c424&e=1d240d354c

“Officials take questions, offer plans to help alleviate flooding issues in Berwyn,” Suburban Life
About 100 Berwyn residents attended a township meeting held at Heritage Middle School on Wednesday night to discuss flooding issues and listen to officials from the the city of Berwyn and MWRD. Mayor Robert Lovero, City Council members, department heads and staff attended the meeting, along with MWRD Board President Kathleen Meany and Executive Director David St. Pierre. Mayor Lovero opened the meeting by showing news clippings, some dating from the 1930s, reporting flooding and sewer issues, as a way to emphasize that flooding is not a new problem in Berwyn Township. He told attendees that the City Council has discussed refinancing bonds in an effort to put aside $1 million for the city's new Residential Flood Mitigation Shared Cost Program, which residents will be able to apply for at the end of November. Other money may be available to residents to fight flooding on the local level as well. Pres. Meany told attendees that a bill passed this summer in Springfield giving the MWRD authority to help local communities with problems unique to their area. “Certainly, with this kind of a problem, everyone needs to have skin in the game,” Pres. Meany said. Public Works Director Robert Schiller and City Plumbing Inspector John Tarullo fielded numerous questions regarding nuts and bolts plumbing issues and also explained other measures the city has taken to mitigate flooding problems in the community.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/articles/2014/10/16/adf8c19046794138874970cf6c00892a/index.xml

“Planting the seeds,” WEF News
Summary: The Soil Science Society of America in Madison, Wisc. recently listed three measures that can help reduce stormwater runoff, including sustainable gardening, properly managing green spaces, and creating a community. MWRD photos are featured.
http://news.wef.org/planting-the-seeds/

"Buyouts for Flood-Prone Glenview Homes," Journal Topics
Summary: Glenview village trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement at their Oct. 7 board meeting to fund the removal of 18 flood-prone homes in two neighborhoods and provide additional flood detention in the area. The agreement with the MWRD and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would provide for home buyouts in the Lower Pine and South Circle neighborhoods. The plan identifies 12 homes on Lower Pine Street near East Lake Avenue, directly adjacent to the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, five homes on Raleigh Road in the South Circles neighborhood, and one home on Long Valley Road, a village report said. Appraisals would begin in the target areas in November. Each specified property will be given two appraisals. Homeowners would then be given a one time offer which will be the average of the two amounts. FEMA is providing 75% of the first $4 million to purchase homes in the neighborhoods, with MWRD providing $6 to $8 million in federal matching and additional funding, Capital Projects Director Joe Kenney said. No village funds would be needed to pay directly for property acquisition costs but the village would oversee the project and have to pay appraisal fees, closing costs, home demolition and costs to return the areas to green space. Those costs are expected to amount to $550,000 if all 18 properties are sold, Kenney said. Village trustees said the area near Pine Street could eventually be made into a park. There are 200 homes in the flood plain affecting Pine Street and South Circles. Kenney said other projects by the village and involving MWRD are in the works to address many of those homes, including the East of Harms project.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_76d44fce-5498-11e4-beb4-001a4bcf6878.html

“Hegewisch school to complete work on new greenspace,” Northwest Indiana Times (IN)
Summary: The educational and recreational uses for the new school yard at Grissom Elementary School will benefit the surrounding community. The Grissom project was part of a four-school pilot program called the Healthy Schools Campaign that is meant to motivate additional green space in Chicago school yards. Cost of that program was split between the MWRD, Chicago Department of Water Management and the Chicago Public Schools.
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/chicago/hegewisch-school-to-complete-work-on-new-green-space/article_7dd9bdc1-ed06-5cb9-a33c-5e2cfd07cf5c.html

“Norridge promotes recycling spring cleaning in fall,” Norridge-Harwood Heights News (IL)
Summary: The Village of Norridge believes in spring-cleaning in the fall. Residents wanting to rid their households of recyclable goods, except for electronics, may do so from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Village Hall, 4000 Olcott Ave. Electronics may be dropped off, during those same hours, at the police garage at Montrose and Ottawa avenues. The program only is open to Norridge residents, and those participating must provide proof of residency. The program is sponsored by the village and coordinated through the three-year-old Green Team Committee. The purpose of the committee is to increase residents’ awareness of environmentally friendly practices, according to Avino, who serves as committee chairman. Last year the MWRD presented its sustainable landscaping award to the Green Team for its work to enhance recycling sustainability, water conservation and flood control practices. The Green Team serves as an informational resource for residents who may not be aware of all the options on environmentally friendly practices or for those who might not know how to go about implementing uch ideas.
http://norridge.suntimes.com/2014/10/21/norridge-promotes-recycling-spring-cleaning-fall/

“Buyouts For Flood-Prone Glenview Homes,” Journal & Topics (IL)
Summary: Glenview village trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement at their Oct. 7 board meeting to fund the removal of 18 flood-prone homes in two neighborhoods and provide additional flood detention in the area. The agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation Dist. (MWRD) of Greater Chicago and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would provide for home buyouts in the Lower Pine and South Circle neighborhoods.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_76d44fce-5498-11e4-beb4-001a4bcf6878.html

“Raise Willow Road? City turns to MWRD for flood relief,” Journal & Topics (IL)
Full article: Hopes are rising for flood relief in a low-lying area of Prospect Hts. City officials are learning more about plans to raise two-lane Willow Road where it takes a noticeable dip between the Willow Sloughs and Hillcrest Lake.

Interim City Administrator William Balling updated aldermen Oct. 13 on ideas swirling about the short, but flood-prone stretch of Willow between Elmhurst and Wheeling roads. Balling said the city is urging the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to take on the project of physically raising Willow Road, possibly as much as 2 to 3 feet in one spot, or “enough to get it out of the floodway.”

From the west, Willow makes a slow descent through a quiet, all-residential area. At its low-point, it crosses over the spot where the marshy sloughs connect with the larger lake. It then climbs back to Wheeling Road.

During periods of heavy rain, the bodies of water simply overtake the Willow Road surface making the road impassable. An early study of Willow Road is set to continue through next May, Balling said. Costs to raise the road would be covered mostly by the MWRD, which recently gained new power to fund smaller, local flood control projects like Willow. The city would like to see in designs new pedestrian, biking, fishing and parking access along the waterways, Balling told city officials. Construction work could start next summer, but no commitments have been made yet, he added.

Ald. Scott Williamson (3rd) offered some input. Williamson, in whose ward the road raising would be conducted, said he’d like to see a larger bridge structure built along Willow. The possibility of installing new benches around the lake, and maybe even a pier, was also mentioned during officials’ discussion. They agreed to talk more about the project at future city council meetings.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_46253070-5a2c-11e4-ba96-0017a43b2370.html

“Grant Gives South Austin Elementary School Play Area Green Makeover,” DNA Info (IL)
Summary: George Leland Elementary, 512 S. Lavergne Ave., is among four elementary schools in Chicago that each received $1.5 million dollars to improve the play areas as part of a program called Space to Grow. The new active play areas incorporate features that capture significant amount of rainfall, and allow the water to seep naturally back into the environment rather than causing flooding. The MWRD partnered on these four pilot schools and subsequently entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Chicago Public Schools to contribute to another 30 schools over the next 5 years.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141026/south-austin/grant-gives-south-austin-elementary-school-play-area-green-makeover

“Blue Island means Blue Water: Partnering for success on stormwater in one Illinois community,” Metropolitan Planning Council (IL)
Summary: Blue Island’s progress over the years provides a great case study of what can be brought to bear on stormwater with the right collaborations and attention. Blue Island was well poised to partner with the MWRD which chose to invest in green infrastructure in Blue Island as one of its early municipal stormwater infrastructure projects. The District will be planting seven parkway rain gardens and installing two permeable parking areas. Additionally, Blue Island’s new rain barrel program was created in partnership with MWRD. Rain barrels are available free to qualified property owners.
http://www.metroplanning.org/news/blog-post/7033

“99% Invisible: The Port of Dallas,” Public Radio KALW (TX)
Summary: MWRD historical photo from the reversal of the Chicago River referenced as important documentation of the reversal of the Chicago River, an enormous engineering project that was successful. An MWRD historical photo is posted each Wednesday on Facebook and Twitter. Sharing these important images is popular with the public.
http://kalw.org/post/99-invisible-port-dallas

“Portion of MWRD land to become a state park,” Fulton Democrat (IL)

Caption: MWRD Vice President Barbara McGowan and MWRD Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos joined Marc Miller, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, as he announces plans for an agreement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to manage some of the land it owns in Fulton County. The agreement has nothing to do with the county’s Camping and Recreation Area. However, the management area is expected to cover 1,000 acres or more and lead to the creation of a new state park, offering outdoor recreational opportunities for hunters, fishermen, hikers, nature lovers and others.

Full article text: Another mecca for nature lovers, hunters and fishermen beckons in Fulton County with a planned agreement to open at least 1,000 acres of property owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). The property will be used for public outdoor recreation, said Marc Miller, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Miller said IDNR is not taking over the Fulton County Camping and Recreation Area that the county leases from MWRD south of Illinois Route 100 about a mile from St. David. That property will stay with Fulton County as a partner with MWRD. That is a win-win situation for the community for economic development and recreational access, he said.

"We will expand recreational development in Fulton County. We already manage Rice Lake, Banner Marsh and Anderson Lake," said Miller. He said boating, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and watching wildlife have an annual $4.26 billion economic impact in Illinois.

He also noted 96 percent of outdoor recreational property is privately held. The agreement will allow IDNR to manage a portion of MWRD's 14,000-acre property -- land that had been strip mined and reclaimed to productive use -- and make it available for public recreational use. Miller said a fantastic job to reclaim the property was done. It is home to deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl, quail and more.

The property originally was purchased in 1970 when MWRD was named Metropolitan Sanitary District or MSD. A "prairie plan" was adopted for its protection, and the property garnered awards, said Barbara McGowan, vice president of the MRWD board.

Miller said IDNR biologists will work to identify parcels and walk the land to determine opportunities for fishing, wildlife and off-season activities. The property is self-sustaining through 5,000 acres that continue to be farmed.

The biologists will need to do a review to see what is available and best suited for parcels to sign an agreement on. They will look at what the land sustains and best uses for it. They will be looking for all possible opportunities for public recreation. Access points need to be determined. A lot of the roads are nice. Where parking lots will go will have to be figured out, Miller explained.

"It'll be well north of a thousand acres. Most state parks are 1,000 to 2,000 acres, so we'll be adding a new state park with an agreement with MWRD. It could be much more than that or right at that number" of 1,000 acres, Miller said.

He said standard limits on hunting and fishing are expected to apply. If some site-specific restrictions are determined, rules will be stated. All those determinations remain to be seen on hunting geese, squirrels, turkeys, deer, ducks, quail, pheasants and other wildlife.

McGowan said partnering with IDNR will help MWRD manage the land and serve the citizens of Illinois. She smiled and asked how a child looks when seeing a big space. The child's face lights up, viewing it as an open area to play and have fun, she said.

Eric Schenck, a biologist for Ducks Unlimited, said the opportunities for outdoor recreation "will be fantastic." He pointed out some giant Canada geese were brought from Rochester, Minn. to the property to be released a number of years ago amid concerns they might become extinct. Now they can be seen throughout the area. The MWRD property is still a rest area for those geese, he said.

Schenck said Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Illinois Audubon Society are all excited about this. Biologists and volunteers from those groups are willing to help IDNR review the property if their assistance is welcome. The groups' missions overlap, he said. For example, there are common concerns about wildlife habitat. Geese, hislow sparrows and other birds nest in the grasslands of the MWRD property, he said.

"There's something here for everybody," he said.

State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, said the property will be a "destination" in Fulton County. Just look around and see the lakes and beauty, he said at the MRWD offices area about a mile east of Cuba, off the Canton-Cuba blacktop road. "This will be a tourist draw," he said.

Koehler said he had discussed the proposed agreement with Dave St.Pierre, executive director of MRWD. He credited the work and leadership of Missy Towery, executive director of Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, and others who helped make that meeting and the pending agreement possible. They included Fulton County Board Chairman Bob Bucher, Fulton County Sheriff Jeff Standard, Fulton County Clerk Jim Nelson and Tony Rolando of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Towery said it seemed like the perfect community collaborative program. She said she, Koehler, Bucher, Nelson and two representatives of the Farnsworth Group engineering firm went to Chicago last spring to meet with St.Pierre. At first, their purpose was to discuss developing a solar field on less than five acres of MRWD property close to power hookups near St. David.

"St.Pierre said they were engaged with IDNR. We were excited. We've heard over and over and over about nature-based tourism and the need to bring people here. It's the perfect project for that," Towery said.

Dana Smith, tourism director for Spoon River Partnership and Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, said 2011 surveys by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Census Bureau found $3.8 billion was spent by residents and visitors to go to Illinois site for fishing, hunting and wildlife watching. This is an opportunity for the area to benefit economically by providing more outdoor recreation for residents and visitors, she said.
http://www.fultondemocrat.com/articles/2014/10/27/main_story/doc544ee95f66c08481793229.txt

“New outdoor recreational activities in store for Fulton County next year,” Peoria Journal Star, Canton Daily Ledger (IL)
Full article text: Fulton County residents may see new outdoor recreational activities in the area in as little as one year. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is entering into an agreement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to manage some of its land. The agreement would allow IDNR to manage a portion of the reclamation district’s 14,000-acre land for public recreation use, such as bird watching, fishing and hunting.

“It will expand our outdoor opportunities here in Fulton County, and it will become a destination for many outdoor enthusiasts,” IDNR Director Marc Miller said Monday at a news conference announcing the agreement.

Miller said he hopes the project will be completed next summer.

The project has been a collaboration of IDNR, the reclamation district, the Fulton County Board, other local officials and state Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria.

Missy Towery, executive director of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, said a community group approached the reclamation district last spring about the possibility of additional public recreational opportunities. The project then began to grow with meetings that included Gov. Pat Quinn, Koehler, Tony Rolando (senior account manager of the North Central Region Office of Regional Economic Development for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity), and County Board members.

Miller said IDNR and the reclamation district are working to identify parcels of land and recreational activities for the agreement. He added the partnership gives the public access to recreation at little cost to the state.

“This is really an effort of a lot of people,” Koehler said. “This is going to be a good thing for not only Canton, but Illinois.”

The reclamation district purchased 14,000 acres of strip-mined land in 1970 for restoration. Barbara McGowan and Mariyana Spyropoulos, commissioners of the reclamation district, also attended Monday’s news conference.

“While the district has been the guardian of 14,000 acres here in Fulton County for the past 40 years, we are delighted to open this ecologically diverse property up to the public,” Spyropoulos said.

Dana Smith, marketing and tourism coordinator for the Spoon River partnership, said the project will attract people from all over the state.

“The impact for tourism with this is enormous,” Smith said.

Miller said the project would not include the Fulton County campground area, and the campground will continue to be leased to the county
http://www.pjstar.com/article/20141027/News/141029204#ixzz3HRUgyoGs

“Oak Lawn to buy, raze two homes with chronic flooding,” Southtown Star (IL)
Summary: Two homes in Oak Lawn sit on slabs and flood easily because they’re at the low point of the neighborhood. After hearing about the area’s persistent flooding and getting input from public works employees, the village board’s public works committee on Tuesday night voted to proceed with a plan that would eventually have the village buy the two houses and demolish them. The costs would be covered 25 percent by the village and 75 percent by the MWRD according to village manager Larry Deetjen. There has yet to be a cost estimate, and there must be at least two appraisals per MWRD guidelines.
http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/30778603-418/oak-lawn-to-buy-raze-two-homes-with-chronic-flooding.html#.VFV-6JUtDmQ

“Hanover Park gets $500,000 state grant for sports complex,” Daily Herald (IL)
Summary: Hanover Park will receive a $500,000 state grant to make improvements at a youth sports complex on Barrington Road that has earned a reputation as an eyesore, village officials announced recently. The funding from the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will help make the aging complex into a destination for families and out-of-town visitors. The grant will complement revenue from video gambling earmarked for youth programming and a makeover at the site, leased by the village from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20141103/news/141109699/

“Bob Johnson’s (BS CE ’69) 25 years of Student Outreach,” IIT Alumni Corner (IL)
Summary: Bob Johnson, a co-founder of the Future City competition, was honored by the MWRD in 2011 with a resolution recognizing his important student outreach efforts.
http://engineering.iit.edu/caee/people/alumni-corner

“Reception and Program: Artist Lindsay Olson with ‘Manufactured River,’" Oak Park Public Library
Summary: Oak Park artist Lindsay Olson interviewed scientists, engineers and operators at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the world’s largest wastewater treatment facility, to learn the real story about water in a dense urban area. Her art exhibit, "Manufactured River," is a celebration of this life saving service often taken for granted. The reception and program will take place this evening, Nov. 5, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., at the Oak Park Public Library, and the exhibit continues in the Art Gallery through Nov. 29.
http://oppl.org/events/reception-and-program-artist-lindsay-olson-manufactured-river?ajax=1

"Westchester begins flood relief project," Suburban Life
WESTCHESTER – A flood reduction project in the village of Westchester is officially underway after a groundbreaking ceremony Oct. 28. During the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion project’s kickoff event, State Rep. Chris Welch, D-Westchester; Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman; Mayor Sam Pulia; village trustees; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago commissioners and other officials dug up ceremonial soil to announce the beginning of construction. Through the project, 33 acre-feet of storage and a 36-inch relief sewer will be built to better handle stormwater and provide flood reduction in the area. According to information provided by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the project will provide flood relief to 60 residential structures and will reduce the impact from storms for about 120 homeowners in Westchester. “This is a great day for homeowners in Westchester who have been impacted by flooding,” Rep. Welch said in a statement. “I’m proud to support this initiative, and I will continue to work with the village to bring resources to the community to fight urban flooding.” Construction on the project is expected to continue through 2015. The village of Westchester, which awarded the construction contract to Copenhaver Construction Co., has contributed about $465,000 to the project. Likewise, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will pay about $2 million for the project, which comes as a part of its Phase II Stormwater Management Program.

Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos addressed guests at the Oct .28 groundbreaking ceremony for the Mayfair Reservoir Expansion project. From left: Commissioner Kari Steele, Exec. Director David St. Pierre, Mayor Sam Pulia, Director of Engineering Catherine O’Connor and other officials.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/10/30/westchester-begins-flood-relief-project/a8x3gwj/

"Homeowners can get free rain barrels," Suburban Life
Rain barrels will soon be available to qualifying Berwyn homeowners free of charge through a flood mitigation program. Berwyn officials approved an agreement Oct. 28 with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to establish the rain barrel program, which will reduce the likelihood of basements flooding during heavy downpours, officials said. The program will provide a rain barrel for each downspout that is currently connected to a sewer line. Instead of flowing into the sewers, the rain will collect in the barrels, which can be used for watering plants or washing cars. Under the agreement, residents must disconnect their downspouts from the sewer system and reconnect it to a rain barrel. The program will only provide barrels where downspouts are connected. The barrels and connecting hardware are provided and delivered by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The program was discussed at the Oct.15 town meeting on flooding at Heritage Middle School where up to 300 people attended to express their exasperation with repeated flooding events the past four years to city officials and representatives of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. While the rain barrels are not expected to alleviate all flooding in basements, they are designed to capture water coming from rooftops and divert it from sewer systems. The barrels retain water for later use or can be used as a reservoir to redirect the water to another area of the property away from the house. Assistant City Administrator Evan Summers said applications should be available within the next three weeks and will be available on the city’s website at www.berwyn-il.us. Applications also will be available at the Clerk’s Office in City Hall. Residents who do not qualify for the free rain barrels may purchase them for $58 at www.mwrd.org. Once available the barrels will be offered in four colors, terra cotta, black, gray and blue.

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/10/28/homeowners-can-get-free-rain-barrels/alo3k5y/

“The economic case for a new Chicago area trail,” The Atlantic
Summary: After almost a decade of planning, the largest trails project in the Midwest is finally becoming a reality. At 26.06 miles long, the Cal-Sag Trail will eventually connect the Des Plaines River in Lemont to the Burnham Greenway on the Indiana border. Several separate construction contracts are currently underway; the full 26 miles won't be complete until 2017. Federal grants are providing 80 percent of the $21 million construction cost, with most of that coming from the Department of Transportation's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program. The project didn't require corralling dozens of landowners as the Cal-Sag is managed by MWRD which owns a 100-foot buffer zone along both sides of the channel. Since the late 1980s, MWRD has added six "waterfalls" to the channel's banks that aerate the water. As the water gets cleaner, fish, birds, and insects are returning. Kayakers are taking to the Cal-Sag, too, paddling alongside barges that ferry freight between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/11/the-economic-case-for-a-new-chicago-area-trail/382327/

“Artist partners with physics lab, water district, cop shop,” Chicago Tribune (IL)
Full article text: A book titled "Understanding the Universe: From Quarks to the Cosmos" was on the work table in artist Lindsay Olson's home studio. A chart headed "names and characteristics of various subatomic particles" was pinned to the wall.

They may be unusual art supplies. But Olson is an unusual artist. She has crafted a unique niche. In 2010 she arranged to be a visiting artist with the Oak Park Police Department, going on ride-alongs and talking to officers to create works that explored the experience of doing police work.

In June she finished a stint as a visiting artist at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Stickney plant, where she spent 18 months learning about municipal wastewater treatment and making textile artworks addressing everything from microbiology to plant hydrology. And last month she was made the first artist-in-residence at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the internationally known particle accelerator in Batavia. She has already begun her first project, a series of textiles based on the Standard Model of particle physics. She will spend the next year at Fermilab, meeting with scientists, attending lectures and making artworks. Olson's art will give physics research new exposure and invite new intellectual and cultural connections, said Georgia Schwender, curator of the Fermilab Art Gallery. In all these projects, Olson, who lives in Oak Park and teaches textiles at Columbia College Chicago, said she is using art to explore and explain processes, from police work to the creation of the cosmos, that are crucial to life but usually unseen by outsiders.

"In our culture, (we) live along the surface and do our everyday lives and aren't really conscious of all the science and technology behind it," she said. She chose fabrics and embroidery as her media for the wastewater and physics projects. The textiles' everyday familiarity, she thought, could help draw people into subjects that might be intimidating or off-putting. Schwender had for years hoped to start an artist-in-residence program at Fermilab. The gallery has occasionally hosted shows dealing with physics, like one this year of sculptures by Edward Tufte. But it has never hosted an artist expressly assigned to create works about research at Fermilab. And an artistic residency, Schwender said, would be a tribute to Fermilab's history.

"Our founding director, Robert Wilson, was a physicist but also an artist," she said. "Fermilab has always encouraged art and culture."

So after hearing Olson speak about her work at the Oak Park Police Department, Schwender invited her to start Fermilab's pilot artist-in-residence program. The project is supported with a small stipend from the Fermi Research Alliance, a partnership of Universities Research Association and the University of Chicago. Olson was somewhat intimidated by the physics.

"I'm an artist," she said. "I have spent a lifetime trying to avoid math and science."

But her project with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, where she peered through microscopes at bacteria and learned about wastewater treatment from engineers and microbiologists, had shown her that she could learn about science through her sketchbook and her art. And "I don't have to know everything in physics," she said. "I just have to know enough."

In fact, she has learned a great deal, said Don Lincoln, the Fermilab physicist who is her scientific adviser and the author of "Understanding the Universe."

"I was a little nervous that she could maybe not stick true to the science or not be able to convey it properly," said Lincoln, who was part of the teams of scientists that discovered the top quark and the Higgs boson.

"For some artists, the art trumps the reality. But as soon as I saw her first piece, I knew this was not the case."

In that piece, Olson embroidered letters representing the fundamental particles of physics. But a careful look reveals small H's in gray embroidery floss, just barely visible against the gray linen background.

"She had put in it a subtle representation of the recently discovered Higgs field," Lincoln said — the field that permeates the universe and that can be excited in a particle accelerator to yield the elusive Higgs boson. The H's were everywhere but hard to see, he said, just as the Higgs field is everywhere but hard to detect. "From then on, I was wowed," he said. "It was subtle. It was brilliant. I was totally floored."

Olson was equally admired at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. "She's a very eager learner. She picked up quickly on things," said Richard Lanyon, retired executive director of the district, who was her chief guide to the world of wastewater. She had become intrigued with wastewater treatment after spotting a Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration station — a kind of engineered waterfall — while she and her husband were canoeing in the Cal-Sag Channel. She had been painting impressionistic landscapes of Chicago's waterways. But she abandoned her romanticized view, began attending seminars on wastewater treatment and started looking into ways she could use her art to tell that story.

"She set up a meeting to ask if she could be the artist-in-residence," said David St. Pierre, executive director of the MWRD. "I have to tell you, it's one experience I never anticipated in the wastewater industry."

The district did not make her an official artist-in-residence but supported her work and allowed her to spend time at its Stickney Water Reclamation Plant in Cicero, observing and talking to engineers and microbiologists about their work. She was unpaid, but her work was supported in part by faculty grants from Columbia College. She produced a series of textiles with titles like "Crawling Ciliates Aspidisca" and "Filamentous Bacteria 0914," and won the affection of the engineers and microbiologists whose work she had turned into art.

"It really was a morale boost for our employees," St. Pierre said. "We're all engineers, and just to have somebody in our presence that uses that part of the brain" was energizing.

Olson will spend the next year at Fermilab meeting with scientists, attending lectures and making artworks. Her work will be exhibited in a show at the Fermilab Art Gallery during the fall of 2015 or winter of 2016. Some pieces will also be included in Art@CMS, an outreach initiative based at CERN in Switzerland that will be exhibited at Fermilab in February. The onetime science-avoider now speaks fluidly about quarks, leptons and bosons. She is working on how to represent neutrinos, experimenting with a filmy piece of black fabric on which she has sewn an ethereal fringe of silver, gold and bronze embroidery floss to represent the three different types of neutrinos. And on a piece she was working on the other day, a symbolic timeline of the discoveries of the fundamental particles of physics, the letters representing neutrinos were angled to the left.

"Neutrinos are left-spinning particles," she said. "But don't ask me to explain what a left-spinning particle is."

An exhibit of Olson's work at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Stickney plant, titled "Manufactured River," opened Nov. 2 at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park. The exhibit continues through Nov. 29.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-artist-fermilab-olson-met-20141108-story.html#page=1

“Hispanics in Engineering Work in Transformative Roles,” Diversity/Careers in Engineering & Information Technology Magazine
Summary: Assistant Civil Engineer Meagan Matias is featured. She is pictured at the construction site of the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant disinfection facility.
http://online.qmags.com/DC1114/default.aspx?pg=33&mode=2#pg33&mode2

“Canada’s best-kept secret: 14 cool and innovative clean-tech companies,” Financial Post (Canada)
Summary: Clean tech is Canada’s fastest-growing industry according to Ottawa-based Analytica Advisors. Clean tech currently consists of about 700 companies in Canada, employing 41,000 people and generating $11.3-billion annually. Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies is cited for working with the MWRD on the largest nutrient recovery facility in the world at Stickney WRP.
http://business.financialpost.com/2014/11/11/canadas-best-kept-secret-14-cool-and-innovative-clean-tech-companies/?__lsa=7894-9a84

“Society of Architectural Historians Announces 68th Annual International Conference in Chicago,”
Summary: Commissioner Debra Shore will participate on a panel at the 2015 Society of Architectural Historians Annual International Conference: Chicago at the Global Crossroads, April 15–19 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. The seminar, “Magnitudes of Change: Local Sites and Global Concerns in Chicago’s Built Environment,” is a half-day program that brings together conference attendees and local participants. Two panel discussions will address the history and future of Chicago waterways and issues of community and preservation in Chicago neighborhoods.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/11/prweb12332503.htm

“Cargo plane crashes into a home,” Chicagoist
Summary: A small cargo plane crashed into a home near Midway Airport shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff and crashed into a bungalow on the 6500 block of South Knox Avenue around 2:45 a.m. The pilot was killed while the elderly couple who lived in the home were unharmed. The plane crashed into the living room and basement of their home, while the tail rested on an adjacent home. The MWRD was on the scene to investigate a possible jet fuel spill that could enter the water system.
http://chicagoist.com/2014/11/18/a_cargo_plane_crashes_into_a_home_n.php

“Berwyn approves flood mitigation plan for residents,” Suburban Life
Summary: The Berwyn City Council approved the Flood Mitigation Shared Cost Pilot Program Nov. 12 which will provide financial assistance to Berwyn homeowners who install systems that prevent sewer backup during heavy rains when the city's sewers are at capacity. Owners of occupied single-family homes who experience sewer backup in a gravity sewer line are eligible for a one-time program to seek financial assistance for three separate options that would help in eliminating basement flooding. First, the overhead sewer systems program, the most expensive of all the options, calls for redirecting indoor waste plumbing to eliminate all gravity drainage below the basement floor. In a second option, residents can get assistance in installing back-flow prevention valves and a bypass pump in a vault outside of the home, located between the home and the city sewer line. The valves prevent water from running back toward the homeowner's basement when the city's system is overloaded. The vault collects water until a time when the system can accept it. The third option calls for the installation of a back-flow valve only, on a lateral sewer line to prevent water back up. Participants may qualify for the cost sharing programs of up to 50 percent of total costs up to $3,500 for one of the three options. Participants will be required to disconnect roof drainage/downspouts and footing drain sump pumps from sewer systems in order to be eligible. In the event of a hardship, an exemption can be granted. A preliminary inspection is required by the Engineering Department before any disconnects are completed if a property owner plans to disconnect, or is interested in the rain barrel program now offered through the MWRD. The flood mitigation plan comes as a result of numerous reports of flooding all over Berwyn following several, unusually heavy storms that dropped several inches of water virtually in minutes in recent years.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/11/12/berwyn-approves-flood-mitigation-plan-for-residents/ag0qe4t/

“Chi-Cal Rivers Fund announces $1.1 million in grants,” MarketWatch, WaterWorld, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Summary: Chi-Cal Rivers Fund partners announced five projects selected to receive $1.1 million in grant funding that will help improve and enhance waterways in the Chicago and Calumet region. With a focus on reducing stormwater runoff, enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, and improving public-use opportunities, this investment will support community-driven projects that benefit the people and wildlife of the region. Grant recipients will match the new grant funding with an additional $2.5 million, for a total on-the-ground impact of $3.6 million. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the MWRD is one of the partners The $1.1 million announced today marks the Fund’s second annual set of grants.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/chi-cal-rivers-fund-announces-11-million-in-grants-2014-11-18
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/11/public-private-partnership-funds-5-projects-to-improve-stormwater-management-habitat-and-green-space-in-chicago-calumet-region.html
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=db820d7fdbf8c51e145b1addd&id=21b1e5e764&e=eeeba07229

“A Major Step Forward for Lake Calumet and the public,” Millenneum Reserve Monthly
Summary: Once part of an expansive area of lush wetlands, Lake Calumet on Chicago’s southeast side has been changed in size, shape and character throughout its history, eventually becoming largely cut off from the public. Today Lake Calumet is on the verge of another transformation – an exciting one for the lake, its vegetation and wildlife and for lovers of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Commissioners Spyropoulos and Steele are pictured.

http://us9.campaign-archive1.com/?u=52c09c80aae494a01311c8614&id=a400b235b5&e=d46ccac95b

“Finally: Levee 37 Flood Wall Gap Closed,” Journal Topics (IL)
Summary: The 600-ft. gap in the Levee 37 Des Plaines River floodwall is complete as the final slab of concrete was poured Tuesday officially closing the wall's last missing piece -- a process started in June. The purpose of the wall, which extends from Willow Road to Euclid Avenue on the west side of the river, is to keep flood water from spilling into neighborhoods and damaging property. Two significant projects remain for contractor Fuel Tank Maintenance Co. LLC out of Tennessee, which are not crucial to flooding. The extension is being done as a backup to the wall along River Road. Once completed, the Army Corps will hand over ownership of the levee to IDNR who will, a short time later, turn over responsibilities to Mt. Prospect and Prospect Hts. Those two communities will become responsible for operation and maintenance of the wall going forward. In mid-April 2013, heavy rains drenched the area causing massive flooding along River Road and the Des Plaines River in Mt. Prospect and Prospect Hts. Officials from the two towns approved temporarily filling the levee gap claiming if they battled flooding from the center of River Road, nearby homes would endure an additional 3-ft. of water. IDNR ruled after the April 2013 storm, which saw the Des Plaines River crest at a record level of 10.92-ft., that filling the gap did not cause significant water to flow downstream into Des Plaines. Compensatory storage at Heritage Park in Wheeling to handle future flood events is complete and the MWRD recently gave their stamp of approval. The wall stands as high as 6 ft. in some places and can withstand a 100-year storm similar to what occurred in April 2013.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_5c3706ba-7195-11e4-81ba-076b828edd3e.html

“Flood-prone homes in Glenview may be demolished,” Chicago Tribune (IL)
Full article text: The Village of Glenview is moving forward with plans to purchase and demolish up to 18 homes located in the Chicago River flood plain. Officials hope homeowners will participate in the voluntary buyout program in order to avoid further flood damage along the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded a $3 million grant for the project. "The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property," FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo said in a release. "The acquisition and demolition of these structures permanently removes them from the flood plain and greatly reduces the financial impact on individuals and the community when future flooding occurs in this area."

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which levies taxes to address water quality and flooding issues, will contribute an estimated $5.8 million toward the cost of purchasing the homes. The FEMA grant will cover the rest.

"Approval of this grant is good news for these Glenview residents who have been devastated by flooding many times in the past," said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in a release. "The grant will enable them to move out of the flood plain and avoid future heartache and property losses."

The village will pay for administrative costs associated with appraising and closing on the properties, as well as demolition and returning the land to green space. Total cost depends on how many homeowners step up, but the village estimates it will cost about $500,000 if most take part, said Joe Kenney, community development director. Officials also will work with the Glenview Park District on potential grants to establish a park on the land. Twelve of the proposed homes are located on Pine Street just south of East Lake Avenue, and the other six are located along the river near the southern edge of the village. They were especially hard hit in September 2008.

"The MWRD and the village have been studying these areas since the big storms in 2008," Kenney said. "There's really no engineering project solution that can take these homes out of the flood plain, so buyouts is the most cost-beneficial project to reduce this flooding in the future."

Village officials plan to begin the appraisal process soon in order to make offers and see who's interested in early 2015, Kenney said. They hope to close on the homes, demolish them and restore the land between March and August 2015.

“MWRD issues permit to Olympia Fields for sanitary sewer lateral lining project in Graymoor Subdivision,” South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association “Ssmatterings”

Press release and photo from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago:

On Nov. 5, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos joined Olympia Fields mayor Debbie Meyers-Martin, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, State Senator Toi Hutchinson and other leaders to break ground on the construction of the Graymoor Subdivision sanitary sewer lateral lining project. This project is authorized under Section 219 of the U.S. Water Resources Development Act which allows the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to assist local governments in planning, designing, and constructing water-related projects. USACE is contributing 75 percent and the village is contributing 25 percent of the $563,000 construction cost. The total amount for the job is approximately $1.5 million. Performance Pipelining, Inc. was awarded the contract in September. “District staff worked quickly to issue the permit so work could begin in a timely manner,” said Commissioner Spyropoulos. “We are thrilled the city and Army Corps are working together on this project. The District would like for this partnership to serve as a model for all separate sewer communities to reduce sanitary sewer overflow and basement backups during major rain storms.” The Army Corps gave Olympia Fields a grant to repair lateral lines in the public right-of-way. The remaining laterals on private property will be paid for with Village Corporate funds.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/znSu4WzEXIvW5cuD4VADy6bovdA1YaPe?w=4

“Chi–Cal Rivers Fund Announces $1.1 Million in Grants,” South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association “Ssmatterings”
Summary: The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund partners announced five projects selected to receive $1.1 million in grant funding that will help improve and enhance waterways in the Chicago and Calumet region. With a focus on reducing stormwater runoff, enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, and improving public-use opportunities, this investment will support community-driven projects that benefit the people and wildlife of the region. Grant recipients will match the new grant funding with an additional $2.5 million, for a total on-the-ground impact of $3.6 million.

Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Fund is a partnership among ArcelorMittal, The Chicago Community Trust, Crown Family Philanthropies, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Joyce Foundation, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Wrigley Company Foundation. The partnership began in 2013, and the $1.1 million announced today marks the Fund’s second annual set of grants.
http://www.icontact-archive.com/znSu4WzEXIvW5cuD4VADy6bovdA1YaPe?w=4

“Hoffman Estates budgets for bike path patrols,” Daily Herald
Summary: A bike path patrol program for preventive maintenance and public safety was the last addition to Hoffman Estates’ 2015 budget, which was approved by the village board Monday night. Other important parts of the 2015 budget include a robust $5.2 million in road improvement projects and $1.5 million for a new storm sewer around the intersection of Jones Rd. and Highland Blvd. Hoffman Estates already has received $900,000 for the latter project from the MWRD, and the village will work with Schaumburg on road improvements around Salem and Bode Roads with the help of federal funding.
https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20141202/news/141209789/

“Introducing the 2014-2015 WEF Board of Trustees,” WEF News
Summary: Tom Kunetz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at the MWRD is a new member of the WEF Board of Trustees.
http://news.wef.org/introducing-the-2014-2015-wef-board-of-trustees/

“Fitch rates Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, IL GOs ‘AAA’; outlook stable,” Business Wire
Summary: Fitch Ratings has designated AAA ratings for four of the MWRD’s bonds totaling $300 million and stated the outlook is stable. The bonds will finance various sewage treatment and stormwater management related capital projects and refund the 2017-2022 maturities of the GO capital improvement bonds, limited tax series of July 2006 for present value savings. The bonds are expected to price the week of December 15.
http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/12/03/6588257_fitch-rates-metropolitan-water.html?sp=/100/773/385/&rh=1

“Ribbon cutting tomorrow (Thursday) on 2 large Niles flood detention projects,” Journal & Topics (IL)
Summary: Officials of the Village of Niles, IL will debut two important stormwater detention projects on Thursday. One project involves a large, 11.9-linear-foot stormwater detention area that will serve doubly as an outdoor amphitheatre for Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church. The other completed project is a 4.25-acre detention area at Maryhill Cemetery. Both detention areas will store thousands of gallons of stormwater that could otherwise find their way into Niles-area basements and streets. The village has funded $16 million for the projects through bonds, paid for through a 0.25% sales tax, and has received additional funding that includes $9 million from the MWRD.
http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_8c7293de-7b37-11e4-8087-c735b736321b.html

“Government Affairs Conference,” IWEA News
Summary: Staff from the MWRD will lead the presentation “Stickney WRP Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal: Start-Up, Transition, and Progress” at the Illinois Water Environment Association’s Government Affairs Conference. The day-long conference is Friday, January 23 at the Marriott Southwest in Burr Ridge. Attendees can receive three professional development hours.
http://iweasite.org/Conferences/GovAffairsCon.html

“Meany retires after 26 years of service,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: MWRD President Kathleen Therese Meany recently officiated at her final meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Her rich history with the MWRD includes three years as an aide to Commissioner Nancy Drew Sheehan, six years as MWRD Commissioner, and 16 years as Vice President. In 2013, she became the first woman elected president of the MWRD board in its 125-year history. During her 24 years as commissioner, Meany established the MWRD’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection program in 1993 which continues today. “We all will miss Kathy’s leadership, integrity, enthusiasm, patience, kind heart, bright smile, friendship, and above all, her commitment to the District’s mission and the people of Cook County,” said Acting President Barbara McGowan.
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_8f85d256-7fc0-11e4-ae22-170c9907b2e0.html

“Flood plan to resurface at Park Ridge City Council,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: An engineering company is due to appear before the Park Ridge City Council on January 12 to provide a review of work done since 2007 and a recap of flood control projects planned for the Mayfair Estates, Northwest Park and County Club neighborhoods. The Burke Engineering Company’s proposed scope of work includes a full topographic survey, hydraulic modeling, geotechnical engineering and soil testing, preliminary and final engineering, and restoration of a golf course after construction. In addition, the engineering firm must coordinate with the City of Park Ridge, the MWRD and four other government agencies, all of which must approve projects that involve sewer work and stormwater access to the Des Plaines River.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge-niles/ct-park-ridge-committee-of-whole-tl-1211-20141209-story.html

“Pumping of water from Edgewater Medical Center to resume,” DNA Info (IL)
Summary: Ald. Patrick O’Connor’s office announced the pumping of standing water from the garage at the Edgewater Medical Center will start this week. The new owners of the garage obtained the proper permits from the MWRD to resume the pumping operation. The owners plan to demolish the structure and build single-family homes on the site.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141209/edgewater/pumping-of-water-from-edgewater-medical-center-resume-alderman

“Meany retires after 26 years of service,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: MWRD President Kathleen Therese Meany recently officiated at her final meeting of the Board of Commissioners. Her rich history with the MWRD includes three years as an aide to Commissioner Nancy Drew Sheehan, six years as MWRD Commissioner, and 16 years as Vice President. In 2013, she became the first woman elected president of the MWRD board in its 125-year history. During her 24 years as commissioner, Meany established the MWRD’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection program in 1993 which continues today. “We all will miss Kathy’s leadership, integrity, enthusiasm, patience, kind heart, bright smile, friendship, and above all, her commitment to the District’s mission and the people of Cook County,” said Acting President Barbara McGowan.
http://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_8f85d256-7fc0-11e4-ae22-170c9907b2e0.html

“Flood plan to resurface at Park Ridge City Council,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: An engineering company is due to appear before the Park Ridge City Council on January 12 to provide a review of work done since 2007 and a recap of flood control projects planned for the Mayfair Estates, Northwest Park and County Club neighborhoods. The Burke Engineering Company’s proposed scope of work includes a full topographic survey, hydraulic modeling, geotechnical engineering and soil testing, preliminary and final engineering, and restoration of a golf course after construction. In addition, the engineering firm must coordinate with the City of Park Ridge, the MWRD and four other government agencies, all of which must approve projects that involve sewer work and stormwater access to the Des Plaines River.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/park-ridge-niles/ct-park-ridge-committee-of-whole-tl-1211-20141209-story.html

“Pumping of water from Edgewater Medical Center to resume,” DNA Info (IL)
Summary: Ald. Patrick O’Connor’s office announced the pumping of standing water from the garage at the Edgewater Medical Center will start this week. The new owners of the garage obtained the proper permits from the MWRD to resume the pumping operation. The owners plan to demolish the structure and build single-family homes on the site.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141209/edgewater/pumping-of-water-from-edgewater-medical-center-resume-alderman

“Santos announces help available on phosphorus,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: MWRD Commissioner Cynthia Santos, chairman of the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, announced there is help for commercial and industrial users in reducing levels of phosphorus in wastewater. To meet new limits on levels of phosphorus, the MWRD is assisting industrial users in reducing phosphorus from their waste streams while at the same time implementing plans to recover this non-renewable, sustainable resource. Commissioner Santos said, “MWRD can help organizations identify how they may be able to divert their high-strength waste phosphorus to a new recovery system that will be constructed at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant next year. The new facility will be the largest phosphorus recovery facility in the world. We believe that this new public-private partnership will ultimately result in lower phosphorus concentrations in the wastewater and in our aquatic environment.”
14 1126_Beverly Review_Santos_phosphorus reduction.pdf

“Life is good water: Renew for the future, Illinois WEA 36th annual conference and exposition,” IWEA News
Summary: The Illinois Water Environment Association’s 36th annual conference is February 23-25 in Champaign, IL. Topics in the technical program will include: green infrastructure, CSO reduction, nutrient removal and recovery, biosolids planning and resource recovery, and watershed opportunities. Staff from the MWRD will be among the presenters. Early registration prices are in effect until January 31.
http://www.iweasite.org/Conferences/AnnualConf2015.html

“Lemont says goodbye to departing police chief,” My Suburban Life (IL)
Summary: In its last regular meeting of the year, the Lemont Village Board approved an ordinance which annexes a 13.6-acre MWRD property known as the bow tie property. The property is entirely surrounded by village-owned land between the I&M and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canals and is adjacent to the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area. Village administrator George Schafer said the annexation will help streamline the permitting of the IMTT culvert infrastructure project. The board meeting also featured a salute to Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy; he retires January 2.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/12/09/lemont-says-goodbye-to-departing-police-chief/apdnbvt/

“Military officials tour MWRD pumping station,” Beverly Review (IL)
Summary: MWRD former President Kathleen Therese Meany recently accompanied newly appointed Brigadier General Richard Kaiser and Chicago District Commander Colonel Christopher Drew on a tour of the MWRD’s Mainstream Pumping Station in Hodgkins, IL.
14 1126_Beverly Review_Meany_Military tour.pdf

“MWRD of Greater Chicago Offering Up Green Bonds,” Bond Buyer Magazine
Full Article Text: CHICAGO — The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will bring as soon as Monday a $300 million deal that offers a mix of refunding securities and new-money designated as “green bonds” to fund projects including its mammoth “Deep Tunnel.”

The district is highlighting its triple-A general obligation ratings from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s. The district did not ask Moody’s Investors Service to rate the bonds. Moody’s in 2013 stripped the district of its top credit marks after revising its pension criteria. Moody’s cited the size of the district’s pension obligations and overlapping tax burden with Chicago and other related governments all struggling with high unfunded liabilities for the downgrade; it rates the district’s $2.6 billion of outstanding bonds Aa1 with a negative outlook. The district is one of the first of its type to offer designated green bonds. The sale includes four tranches of bonds including Series A for $100 million of unlimited tax capital improvement bonds maturing between 2039 and 2044.

“These top ratings and stable outlook will be a very strong selling tool in the bond market,” said Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos. “The Green Bonds will support projects that reduce our carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. The green bonds are a wonderful offering for financial institutions and individuals who want to invest in environmentally-beneficial opportunities.”

Proceeds will finance the district's massive “Deep Tunnel” reservoir and tunnel flood control project. It was launched in 1972 and the tunnel portion came online in 1985 with reservoirs still under construction.

District Executive Director David St. Pierre said in an investor presentation the ongoing project draws visits from wastewater officials from “across the world.”

The deal’s B series for $50 million offers unlimited tax, alternative revenue source bonds that mature between 2016 and 2044 and will finance storm water improvements. The deal’s C Series for $75 million of limited tax capital improvement bonds matures between 2015 and 2029 and will finance resource recovery and water reclamation bonds that will aid the district as it moves from simply treating water to resource recovery such as recycling water for reuse.

The district is hoping to raise new revenue through initiatives such as the sale of biosolids recovered from the treatment process. Flood control from storm water is a central issue facing the district and state legislation now allows it to borrow for projects aimed at helping communities deal with the issue. The new money supports projects that are part of the 125-year-old district’s ongoing $2.3 billion capital program. The district serves five million residents from 125 communities, treating 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily. Use of the proceeds are being segregated by project type for the benefit of investors given the series’ green designation.

A final D series for $75 million of limited tax bonds matures in 2022 and will refund 2006 bonds. Morgan Stanley is the senior manager and Loop Capital Markets LLC is co-senior manager. A.C. Advisory Inc. and Public Financial Management Inc. are advising the district. Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and Gonzalez, Saggio and Harlan LLC are co-bond counsel. Ahead of the sale, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s affirmed the district triple-A ratings and the Civic Federation of Chicago endorsed its budget proposal.

“The rating reflects our assessment of the district's participation in the deep and diverse Chicago metropolitan statistical area economy, strong financial performance with maintenance of high reserves, and moderate overall debt burden,” said Standard & Poor’s analyst Jennifer Boyd.

The Civic Federation recently endorsed the district’s proposed $1.3 billion fiscal 2015 budget but raised concerns over the district’s plans through 2019 to raise its property levy by the maximum amount allowed. The 2015 budget raises the levy by 3.7% to $560 million.

“The Civic Federation continues to view the MWRD as a model for long-term financial planning and we acknowledge that the District faces significant challenges in funding its pensions and other costs,” said federation president Laurence Msall. “However, we encourage the district to balance this need with expenditure controls and other revenue sources rather than relying on automatic annual property tax increases as projected.”

The district is highlighting with investors its strides in dealing with its retiree benefit liabilities. It persuaded state lawmakers in 2012 to pass legislation that increased employee and employer contributions. The district is proactively increasing its contributions beyond what’s required. Its funded ratio based on the most recent results rose to 56.5% from 50%. The board recently adopted a funding goal to contribute more than required to beat a 2050 target for full funding. Unlike other local governments in the region, MWRD is allowed to contribute more than the statutory requirement to its pension fund if the funds come from interest earned on other accounts. The district has also won praise for being among the first in the region to have established a trust to fund its retiree healthcare benefits. The district said it expects to hit the 50% funded goal this year, far ahead of the 2055 goal under the 2007 plan, and recently adopted a measure aimed at fully funding the trust in 12 years.

“MWRD to offer investors ‘Green Bonds’ for environmentally-friendly projects,” Water World
Summary: The MWRD announced it will become one of the first wastewater treatment agencies in the U.S. to offer a tax-exempt “green bond” offering to investors to fund environmentally-friendly infrastructure projects. The Green Bonds are part of a $297-million bond sale that begins December 15. The MWRD has defined four types of projects for its green bonds: the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), adopted in 1972 and designed to reduce flooding and combined sewer overflows for a 375-square-mile combined sewer area, one of the largest public works projects for pollution and flood control in the U.S.; stormwater management program projects such as streambank stabilization and other detailed watershed plans; resource recovery such as biosolids management and a phosphorus recovery facility; and water reclamation plant expansions and system improvements. Global ratings agencies Fitch Ratings and Standard and Poor’s have both assigned the MWRD AAA ratings. “These top ratings and stable outlook will be a very strong selling tool in the bond market,” said MWRD Chairman of Finance Mariyana Spyropoulos. “The Green Bonds will support projects that reduce our carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. The green bonds are a wonderful offering for financial institutions and individuals who want to invest in environmentally-beneficial opportunities.”
http://www.waterworld.com/articles/2014/12/mwrd-to-offer-green-bonds-to-investors-for-environmentally-friendly-projects.html

“Kids’ verdict on Maggie Daley Park: ‘So many fun things to do,’” DNA Info (IL)
Summary: The Maggie Daley Park officially opened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a lot of kids and adults on hand to enjoy the park’s features. The 20-acre, $60 million park east of Randolph and Columbus Drive includes a 3-acre play garden, rock climbing sculptures, and a winding, 20-foot-wide, quarter mile long skating path that features 27,500 square feet of ice. During the summer when the park was under construction, the MWRD delivered truckloads of biosolids to enhance the quality of the park’s soil.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141212/loop/maggie-daley-park-officially-open-with-mayor-emanuel-cutting-ribbon

“Green bonds sell big in 2014 as finance bids to help climate,” Reuters
Summary: A “green bond” market has taken hold this year, with municipalities, agencies and corporations issuing environmentally-focused bonds and money managers enthusiastically buying them. While green bonds are a relatively small portion of the $91 trillion global bond market, the new bonds reflect the complexities of using finance to address environmental issues. The MWRD came to market this week with a $300 million green bond.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/18/us-bonds-green-junk-insight-idUSKBN0JW0CP20141218

“Green bond sale triples to $35 billion worldwide in 2014 as finance bids to help climate,” Economic Times
Summary: A "green" bond market has taken root this year, with municipalities and corporations issuing new environmentally-focused bonds and money managers jumping in to buy them. The new bonds reflect the complexities of using finance to address issues like climate change. At $1.98 billion, green muni bonds themselves are just a fraction the "green" market, possibly because many muni issues have traditionally backed environmental projects and find investors even without the green label. "At the end of the day, a bond is still a bond whether it's dubbed as 'green' or not," Eva Rippeteau, associate director at Fitch Ratings, said in an emailed analysis sent after the MWRD came to market this week with a $300 million green bond, with a coupon ranging from 2 percent to 5 percent.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/bonds/green-bonds-sale-triples-to-35-billion-worldwide-in-2014-as-finance-bids-to-help-climate/articleshow/45558787.cms

“Palos Heights to give tax incentives for Boardwalk project,” Regional News (IL)
Summary: The Palos Heights City Council unanimously adopted a resolution that made clear the city’s intention to establish a business taxing district at a site known as the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk of Palos Heights is a planned mixture of restaurants, retail stores, a small hotel, and upscale condominiums at College Drive and Harlem Avenue. The property’s northern edge is to feature a view of the Cal-Sag Channel and the MWRD’s Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration (SEPA) Station 4 with its waterfall on the north bank. The MWRD must still agree to allow its land to be used as an access route linking the development with the Cal-Sag Trail.
http://www.theregionalnews.com/index.php/newsx/local-news/34177-palos-heights-to-give-tax-incentives-for-boardwalk-project

“In wet Chicago, the Topcon scanner comes to the rescue!” Point of Beginning
Summary: A laser scanner with stand-alone capability and other special functions is providing significant assistance with the excavation work in progress at the Wet Weather Treatment Facility being constructed at the MWRD Lemont WRP in Lemont, IL. The site is predominantly rock and the laser scanner helps contractors and crews collect data for monitoring operations that verify the wall surfaces haven’t shifted. This avoids safety concerns for workers who are constructing the reservoir structure in the deep pit. The new $30 million facility is part of the MWRD’s plan to help reduce destruction caused by future strong weather systems in the region while also improving stormwater management at the Lemont plant. The project is due for completion by summer of 2015.
http://www.pobonline.com/articles/97461-topcon-laser-scanner-to-the-rescue

“Year in review: Look back at the Berwyn area’s biggest stories,” My Suburban Life
Summary: Revisiting what made headlines in 2014 includes a look at issues of flooding in the Berwyn area. MWRD Executive Director David St. Pierre and former MWRD President Kathleen Meany attended a meeting in October in Berwyn to help city officials and residents address concerns and provide details about Berwyn’s Residential Flood Mitigation Shared Cost Program.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/12/15/year-in-review-look-back-at-the-berwyn-areas-biggest-stories/aix670r/

“Where to recycle your Christmas tree,” Chicago Tribune
Summary: Chicagoans can once again trade their Christmas trees for free mulch. Residents can drop off their evergreen trees at 23 parks in Chicago, Jan. 3-17. Those trees will be turned into mulch which will be available for free at six locations starting Jan. 6. Any remaining wood chips will go to the MWRD. The wood chips are composted into organic material and reused at parks, athletic fields and public sites throughout Cook County. The program helps prevent the Christmas trees from being dumped in landfills. All decorations must be removed from the trees before drop-off; wreaths are not accepted.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-christmas-tree-recycling-met-1229-20141229-story.html