MWRD FLOW - November 2024
In this edition:
Upcoming Events
MWRD Board of Commissioners November meetings
Thursday, November 7 and 21, 10:30 a.m.
The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 7 and Thursday, November 21.
Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period.
An "In Progress" link under the Video Column will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available.
Monthly Virtual Tour set for Tuesday, November 12 at 2 p.m.
Embark on a captivating virtual tour with the MWRD.
Immerse yourself in the depths of the world's largest water reclamation facility, venture through the intricate Deep Tunnel system, encounter the enchanting dancing water bear, and witness the fascinating process of electrofishing in action. Delve into the rich history that defines us and discover the compelling stories that position the MWRD as a forward-thinking utility for the future.
MWRD, City of Calumet City to celebrate completion of green alleys on November 14
The MWRD and City of Calumet City will celebrate the completion of four new green alleys that were funded through the MWRD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, at 664 Hirsch Ave., Calumet City, IL.
Monitoring and Research Monthly Seminar set for Friday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m.
"Environmental Justice in Action at the MWRD"
On Friday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m., Ed Coleman, MWRD Human Resources Manager, and Lolita Thompson, P.E., Principal Civil Engineer, will present "Environmental Justice in Action at the MWRD" at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, 6001 W. Pershing Road, Cicero, IL.
Their discussion will focus on how the MWRD is addressing environmental justice issues through equitable policies, sustainable practices, community engagement initiatives, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. They will highlight efforts to improve diversity in the workplace and explain how DEI is connected to Environmental Justice.
In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH@mwrd.org or call (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
Virtual: Go to Seminars and Presentations on November 22 for the link to access the seminar.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Heng Zhang, Assistant Director of Monitoring and Research, at (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.
The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.
Latest News
Village leaders, Sen. Dick Durbin, IL Gov. Pritzker, Cook County partners join MWRD to mark completion of first phase of work on critical flood relief
On October 31, the MWRD and Village of Robbins celebrated the completion of the first phase of the Robbins Heritage Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project and kicked-off the second and final phase of work to help address overbank flooding through a new stormwater park and pond, along with improvements to Midlothian Creek. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, IL Governor JB Pritzker, Robbins Mayor Darren E. Bryant, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Acting IL EPA Director James Jennings joined MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Theresa Flynn, and Commissioners Yumeka Brown, Precious Brady-Davis, Eira Corral Sepúlveda and Dan Pogorzelski.
The $30 million project removes approximately 140 acres from the flood plain, protects 92 structures and removes more than 1,300 parcels from the 100-year flood plain. The special event marked the milestone of a recently completed overflow channel and trail space that connects Robbins to the Cal-Sag Channel and mitigates flooding. The second phase of work will include critical improvements to the existing Midlothian Creek, while also connecting the new diversion channel to the stormwater pond south of 135th Street east of Kedzie Avenue. To the west of Kedzie, between 137th and 139th streets, the MWRD will construct rain gardens and vegetated swales to absorb more stormwater. The project aims to significantly increase the capacity of the drainage system in Robbins.
MWRD hosts 12th Annual Sustainability Summit at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant
The MWRD brought together environmental leaders and innovators for its 12th Annual Sustainability Summit on October 29 at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) Auditorium.
Placing a special emphasis on managing the effects of climate change, the event this year brought together key industry experts, including hydrologists, engineers, planners and sustainability leaders, sharing valuable insights on building resilient, eco-friendly communities for the future. In addition to the presentations, this event recognized communities and individuals for their exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability through innovative green infrastructure, impactful capital investments, and dynamic public education efforts.
In addition to MWRD President Kari K. Steele, Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn, Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda, and Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski, keynote speakers included:
- W. Scott Lincoln, Senior Service Hydrologist and Hydrology Program Leader, National Weather Service in Chicago
- Herman Lopez and Stephanie Nash, MWRD Associate Civil Engineers, who presented updates on the MWRD’s Stormwater Management Programs
- Brian Daly, Program Manager, Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability
- Phillip Mason, Planning and Preparedness Manager, Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security
- Meg Kelly, Director, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program
Awards recognizing organizations and individuals that excel in incorporating green infrastructure or educating the public to benefit the community and environment included:
- Village of River Forest, Excellence in Promoting Green Infrastructure
- Village of Glenview, Excellence in Installing Green Infrastructure
- Village of Riverside, Excellence in Maintaining Green Infrastructure
- Principal Afua Agyeman-Badu, Aldridge Elementary School, Public Education Award
- Network 49, Public Education Award
Members of the new Stickney WRP Community Partnership Council comprised of local residents dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Stickney/Cicero area, were also introduced.
Business Opportunity Reception, Latinx Stewardship Day held to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month
On October 10, MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia, co-hosted a Latinx Business Opportunity Reception in collaboration with HIRE360 and featured MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn; Hire360 Executive Director Jay Rowell; AnaMaria Montes de Oca-Rojas, HIRE360 Director of Workforce Development; Marcus Jordan, DEIA Director of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 and MWRD staff. Participants learned about new opportunities and potential for growth. Thank you to HIRE360 for their hospitality, for giving a tour of their beautiful new facility and for their partnership and commitment to fostering a vibrant business ecosystem.
On Oct. 19, the MWRD, in partnership with Raquel Garcia-Alvarez, Policy Manager, Forest Preserves of Cook County, hosted the fourth annual stewardship day which included the identification and mitigation of invasive species threatening the local ecosystem. MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda and Chairman Garcia educated residents and students from the University of Illinois Chicago Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) about sustainable gardening practices aimed at creating a healthier environment. They also removed invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle.
Calumet Community Partnership Council honored with Resolution from Board
We commend our Calumet Community Partnership Council (CPC) on two years of commitment to collaboration, environmental justice and engagement to the community that our Calumet Water Reclamation Plant serves. Commissioners presented a resolution to the CPC and staff at the October 3 Board meeting.
Members of the Calumet Community Partnership Council include:
- Brandi Kishner
- Brendon Troutman
- Carmen Holmes
- Damon Nelson
- Deloris Lucas
- Donald McGrew
- Kate Whalen
- Marcelina Pedraza
- Micheal Fraider
- Sara Brown
- Saul Arambula
- Stephen Bell
- Thomas Shepherd
They attended presentations and participated in and organized a variety of activities during their two-year tenure, including the construction of a rain garden at a Chicago Public School (CPS), an Earth Day clean-up at another CPS school, meeting with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Calumet Park beach and a visit to the Pullman Monument and State Historic Site.
Global Water Research Coalition convenes at Stickney Water Reclamation Plant
Water leaders and experts from throughout the world descended on the Stickney WRP to share ideas and strategize about the many issues and trends facing the water industry.
Members of the Global Water Research Coalition held its Board of Directors meetings from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, bringing water officials from five continents to discuss ongoing research and share knowledge in international efforts to protect the world’s water environment.
Participants toured the Stickney WRP and listened to presentations on several topics that addressed managing emerging contaminants in water. District staff presented alongside researchers from universities, water utilities and leading engineering firms.
Delegation from Kyiv, Ukraine tours water infrastructure
MWRD Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia recently led a tour of key MWRD facilities with a special delegation from Kyiv, Ukraine. The group, which included MWRD Executive Director Brian Perkovich, Deputy Director of Maintenance and Operations Adam Gronski, and Engineer of Treatment Plant Operations Joe Cummings, visited the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan McCook Reservoir, and the Mainstream Pumping Station where they discussed water reclamation efforts and explored shared goals in sustainability and infrastructure.
The distinguished guests included Vera Eliashevsky, Chicago Sister Cities International Chair of the Kyiv Committee; Andria Volodymyr Yermak, Deputy Mayor of the Kyiv City State Administration; Roman Kashpur, a Ukrainian soldier and athlete; and Andrew Eliashevsky, who received a warm welcome back to the MWRD family. He is a retired civil engineer whose first job was with the MWRD.
MWRD showcases expertise in water protection at 97th Annual WEFTEC Conference, earns awards
The MWRD displayed its talents and knowledge for protecting the region’s water environment on a global stage in October during the 97th annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition Conference (WEFTEC).
The conference, held in New Orleans, featured over 21,000 members, 1,000 exhibitors, technical sessions, workshops, and the two-day Operations Challenge with 59 teams competing across four divisions.
Representing the Illinois Water Environment Association, MWRD’s Second City Sewer Crew delivered an impressive showing, securing top honors in the highly competitive Operations Challenge which tested the teams’ proficiency in a variety of events, including Process Control, Collections, Laboratory, and Safety. The team and coaches (pictured above) brought home a triple crown victory in Division II competition, placing 2nd overall, 1st in the Process Control Event, and 3rd in the Safety Event.
Applications being accepted for MWRD stormwater management partnership projects
Community leaders with projects that can enhance public spaces and improve stormwater management infrastructure are urged to apply to the MWRD. Applications are being accepted through early 2025 for a range of stormwater management projects that includes green infrastructure installations, flood-prone property acquisitions, and larger stormwater management projects that are both conceptual and shovel ready.
The MWRD partnerships cover a variety of stormwater management strategies and technical assistance opportunities through the following programs:
Stormwater Partnership Program helps fund the construction of traditional engineering solutions to flooding such as detention basins, storm sewer improvements, and stream channel improvements.
Green Infrastructure Partnership Program helps fund the construction of green alleys, rain gardens, permeable paving, and other natural, permeable systems that manage rainwater where it falls.
Conceptual Project Partnerships are available to local government organizations requiring assistance developing stormwater solutions, coordinating stormwater mitigation efforts, and identifying state and federal grant opportunities.
Voluntary Flood-Prone Property Acquisition Program provides funding to help municipalities acquire properties in the flood plain and give homeowners the opportunity for a fresh start.
Since receiving authority to partner on local projects over the last decade, the MWRD has approximately 250 active or completed stormwater management projects throughout Cook County working to protect nearly 19,000 homes, businesses and other structures. These partnership projects range from huge flood mitigation reservoirs to smaller scale neighborhood green infrastructure projects. These projects represent an MWRD investment of more than $533 million.
ASCE Illinois honors MWRD engineering at Addison Creek Reservoir
An MWRD project designed to protect six west suburbs from flooding near Addison Creek received a crowning engineering achievement.
The American Society of Civil Engineering-Illinois Section (ASCE IL) recognized the MWRD’s Addison Creek Reservoir with the Outstanding Engineering Achievement for projects ranging in cost from $25 million to $100 million. The MWRD and design consultant engineers from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., were honored on Oct. 10 at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.
The 600-acre-foot reservoir, designed to capture 195 million gallons of storage capacity, was completed in 2023. The reservoir connects with the Addison Creek Channel, where three miles of ongoing improvements will combine with the reservoir to protect thousands of homes, businesses and other structures in communities along Addison Creek, including Bellwood, Broadview, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Westchester.
Surveying the fish population: 50 years of MWRD data demonstrates resurgence, revitalization in area waterways
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the MWRD’s fish monitoring program in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), and as water quality has improved over that time, the MWRD has noted a significant rise in fish populations.
When the MWRD first began studying fish in 1974, they documented only 10 fish species in the CAWS. Today, the total number of fish species has risen to 77.
Resources
Sign up for Overflow Action Alert text messages
Sign up to receive Overflow Action Alert text messages year round. When we announce an Overflow Action Alert, you will be reminded to reduce your use of water before, during and after a storm to help prevent excess water from entering local sewers.
Join Our Team!
Are you seeking a new job?
If so, visit our online employment center to register, apply and learn more about jobs and the selection process at the MWRD. We also participate in job fairs throughout the county so stop by our table if you are in attendance! Staff in a variety of job classifications were interviewed to discuss their background and work that they do. The videos can be found on the MWRD YouTube page.
Read our “Green Neighbor Guide”
Water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet. We require clean and fresh water for drinking, cleaning, recreation and other activities. However, too much of it can become a nuisance when it causes flooding in and urban areas, impacting our travel when roads are flooded and damaging our homes and businesses.
While there are myriad ways to be a Green Neighbor—some actions can be as simple as not over-fertilizing your lawn and garden or planting a native tree—our Green Neighbor Guide focuses on stormwater management projects that you can build or install on your property.
The guide provides detailed instructions for disconnecting downspouts; installing rain barrels or cisterns to capture stormwater for reuse; installing dry wells and rain gardens to allow stormwater to filter into the ground; and replacing asphalt and concrete surfaces with permeable paving to reduce stormwater runoff.
What is the key to pollution prevention when it comes to are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that are designed to be stable and have been in commercial use since the 1940s. The stability of the chemicals makes them difficult to degrade which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS are in countless commercial, consumer, and industrial products and are acknowledged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be widely present in the environment.
Like other water utilities across the U.S., the MWRD is addressing how best to manage PFAS in the water environment. The MWRD’s seven water reclamation plants (WRPs) do not produce nor use PFAS but are passive receivers of these chemicals discharged to local sewers.
Wastewater can contain trace amounts of these chemicals from industrial, commercial and household sources. The MWRD’s WRPs were not designed to remove these chemicals during the treatment process. The use of nonstick cookware, cosmetics and sunscreens, washing clothes, and putting out fires with certain foams can all introduce PFAS into the environment.
The key to pollution prevention is addressing the source of PFAS.
The MWRD is closely following and proceeding based on the developing science on the potential impacts of PFAS. The MWRD is also working to identify and reduce industrial discharges of PFAS, learning how the discharge from these sources can be reduced and encouraging federal and state regulators to focus on stopping these chemicals at the source. The MWRD’s pretreatment program regulates industrial discharges to protect the treatment process and valuable resources the MWRD recovers.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Opportunity on November 2
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Dispose of your household chemicals responsibly and recycle your old computers.
The public may drop them off at the City of Chicago's permanent Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division Street).
Household chemicals and computers often contain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which can contaminate our air, soil, and water. Through proper disposal methods or recycling, these hazardous substances are reprocessed and reused in an environmentally-responsible manner.
The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts a range of items, including household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers, and related equipment, to name a few. It does not accept business/commercial sector wastes, explosives, fireworks or latex paint.
During business hours, an attendant will help unload your vehicle and accept your materials. Materials should not be left outside the facility unattended. Scheduled business hours are:
- Tuesdays 7 am - Noon
- Thursdays 2 pm - 7 pm
- The first Saturday of every month 8 am - 3 pm
Doing Business with the MWRD
The MWRD procures materials and services required for operations in compliance with the Purchasing Act. The mission of the Diversity Section is to ensure that minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE), small (SBE), and veteran-owned (VBE) business enterprises are given equal opportunities to participate in the performance of the MWRD’s construction program and professional service contracts over $100,000.
Our procurement process is designed to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars, so we encourage you to register to become a vendor. Sign up for a weekly email listing new contract announcements by emailing forea@mwrd.org.
Please report waterway blockages, illegal or suspicious dumping to waterways or sewers, or odors.
Call 800-332-DUMP (3867) or in Spanish 855-323-4801
Tour an MWRD facility
Each year, our seven water reclamation plants process approximately 450 billion gallons of wastewater. With a daily treatment capacity exceeding 2 billion gallons, the MWRD plays a critical role in protecting our region’s water quality. Learn more about the work of the MWRD on our YouTube channel, watch a virtual tour, or schedule a group tour.
Schedule a speaker
MWRD staff are eager to share information about our work and to provide residents of all ages with information and resources they can use to help reduce flooding and improve water quality.
We offer in-person and virtual presentations about our work and areas of responsibility. Our presentations include subjects such as:
- Overview of the MWRD
- Careers in water
- History of water in the Chicago region, including reversing the Chicago River
- How sewers work
- The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, also known as the Deep Tunnel
- How wastewater treatment works
- Recovering resources from wastewater
- Stormwater management flood control
- Green infrastructure
- What you can do to protect water quality and reduce flooding
Contact us to schedule a speaker for your group or class. Please submit requests at least three weeks in advance.
Request a community event representative
The MWRD actively engages with communities across Cook County throughout the year, participating in events such as back-to-school fairs, environmental expos, farmers markets, municipal gatherings, career days, and STEM-related activities. Our representatives provide engaging materials and interactive activities designed for all ages, offering insights into our work, areas of responsibility, and practical tips on how to enhance local water quality.
Extras
Historical Photo of the Month
Workers assist a diver entering the waters of the North Shore Channel for an inspection of the pump tunnel flap gates at the Wilmette Pumping Station on October 26, 1926.
