MWRD seeks applicants for Biosolids Beneficial Reuse and Sustainable Landscaping awards;
Applications due September 20, 2022

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is accepting applications from Cook County individuals and organizations for its 2022 Biosolids Beneficial Reuse and Sustainable Landscaping awards until September 20, 2022. The awards recognize the activities and innovations from entities such as park districts, villages, schools, golf courses, athletic clubs and businesses in the above two separate categories.

Exceptional Quality (EQ) biosolids and biosolids compost are a product of the MWRD’s water treatment process that are used as soil amendments and a sustainable alternative to other materials. The Biosolids Beneficial Reuse award may be demonstrated through any one or a combination of the following:

• Continuous commitment to maximize the use of EQ biosolids or compost to improve the cost-effectiveness of landscape management.
• Promotion such as, but not limited to, referrals and field demonstrations of EQ biosolids or compost.
• Educational efforts on the environmental/economic benefits of using EQ biosolids or compost.

Qualifications for the Sustainable Landscaping award may be demonstrated through the innovative use of green infrastructure, capital investment, and other sustainable practices in the environment that manages stormwater or educational efforts for promoting green landscaping to the community. For the purpose of the award, green infrastructure includes:

• Rainwater Harvesting, i.e. through rain barrels
• Rain Gardens
• Native Landscaping
• Stormwater Trees
• Porous Pavement
• Bioswales
• Green Roofs
• Greenways
• Wetlands
• Green Alleys, Streets, and Parking Lots

Activities completed after January 1, 2017 are eligible for an award, and an individual or organization is eligible once every five years. Submittals should include figures, illustrations, narrative, and photos to help further explain the efforts. The evaluation process may include a site visit.

This year’s awards applications will be accepted electronically.

If you have difficulty using the electronic form, please email TianG@mwrd.org to request a print version by email.

Submit application packages by September 20, 2022 to TianG@mwrd.org or mail to:

Guanglong Tian
Monitoring & Research Department
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
6001 W. Pershing Road
Cicero, IL 60804

Awards will be presented at the MWRD’s tenth annual Sustainability Summit to be held in person at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center - Big Marsh Park, 11555 S. Stony Island Ave. Chicago, IL on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 9 am - noon. For more information about the biosolids program, awards or Sustainability Summit, contact (312) 751-6633. This event is open to the public, but space is limited. 

Applicants for SS Awards_2022.pdf