Ribbon cutting at MWRD’s Addison Creek Reservoir marks milestone in flood relief and kick off to next phase of work

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2,200 properties protected in six towns, 1,700 removed from flood plain

The first of two major stormwater management projects were formally placed into service to protect six communities from flooding as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and its partners unveiled the new Addison Creek Reservoir and kicked off another project to im-prove the Addison Creek Channel.

The MWRD and partners cut the ribbon on the first of two major projects that will provide flood relief benefits for communities along Addison Creek, including Bellwood, Northlake, Stone Park, Melrose Park, Westchester and Broad- view. The 600-acre-foot Addison Creek Reservoir in Bellwood will hold 195 million gallons of storage capacity and connect with the Addison Creek Channel, where additional improve- ments will reduce overbank flooding to approximately 2,200 structures, including an estimated 1,700 structures that will be removed from the flood plain. To watch the ribbon cutting ceremony, visit the MWRD’s YouTube channel at youtu.be/RCeI-8FdAM7c.

“This is a great day,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele.“Thanks to the continued collaboration between the MWRD, six communities, and multiple funding partners, we are stand-ing above a future reservoir that will capture excess stormwater and mitigate flooding for our partners in these municipalities. This investment leads to improved local quality of life and fosters new peace of mind the next time it rains.”

The $81 million reservoir at 2795 Washington Blvd. in Bellwood will provide $116 million in flood benefits. Construction includes a control structure, inlet structure, spillway and pumping station. This project is partially funded through $5 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Cook County.

“I am truly honored to be here for the culmination of one project and the start of another. There is nothing better than being in my hometown in Bellwood where we have been talking about flooding since I was a little kid,” said Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th Dist.). “I am so proud of the commissioners at the MWRD for listening and acting. This reservoir will ensure that our communities are safe and help mitigate the risk of floods; it will also help erosion and benefit our local ecosystems, which means we are doing our part to also take care of the planet. These projects will help replenish ground water, create habitats for wildlife, improve  agricultural productivity and improve water quality.” The $77 million channel improvements project will take place over a three-mile stretch of the creek. The MWRD will lower, widen and stabilize the existing Addison Creek Channel to allow for a higher flow of water to pass through during a flooding event, and protect neighboring residents (

MWRD commissioners, state and federal leaders, project supporters and local mayors formally unveiled the new Addison Creek Reservoir to take on overbank flooding from the connecting Addison Creek Channel. Ribbon cutting at MWRD’s Addison Creek Reservoir marks  milestone, cont. and businesses. Improvements include a mix of natural deign, gabion baskets, soldier pile walls, concrete, riprap, articulated concrete blocks, vegetation clearing and removal of three bridges. The Channel Improvement project received a $9.9 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security.

“This project is a prominent example of breaking the cycle of disaster damage, and FEMA is proud to support this important work,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “FEMA has been prioritizing the movement of unprecedented amounts of mitigation funding into the hands of communities and local partners, like MWRD, who are acting on their commitment to make this nation safer for future generations.” HMGP provides funding to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures following a presidentially declared disaster. “The outstanding partnerships with FEMA through HMGP funding will help reduce the flood hazards in the Addison Creek Watershed and keep everyone safe,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “This program will strengthen Addison Creek and greatly reduce the flood dangers and haz-
ards in the six communities in Cook County Illinois.”

In addition to providing flood control benefits, the reservoir will serve as compensatory storage for the channel improvement project. The MWRD will operate and maintain the control and inlet structures, spillway, piping and pump station, while Bellwood will maintain the grounds including landscaping, fencing, and access roadways. The MWRD first identified the Addison Creek stormwater management projects in 2011 in the agency’s Lower DesPlaines River Detailed Watershed Plan, which sought solutions to regional flooding issues.
“Thank you to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for their work and commitment to Bellwood,

Broadview, Melrose Park, North Lake, Stone Park, Westchester and Proviso Township homeowners,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (4th Dist.), who initially passed a measure in Springfield that established the Addison Creek Restoration Committee to provide $400,000 in funding for environmental work, engineering, planning and community outreach. “I am grateful to see this project come to fruition. It reminds us that when we come together as a team, through federal, state, county, local and city governments, we can deliver major projects like the Addison Creek Reservoir and Channel Improvements for our communities.”

The reservoir and channel improvements have created hundreds of construction jobs and operate in compliance with the MWRD’s Affirmative Action Ordinance, ensuring representation of minority business enterprises (MBEs), women business enterprises (WBEs) and small business enterprises (SBEs). The projects also call for a multi-project labor agreement (MPLA) that provides working opportunities for carpenters, iron work ers, laborers, operating engineers, electricians, and truck drivers. The two projects will improve quality of life further by enhancing green space, including new walking paths and other recreation improvements the MWRD is coordinating with the local communities.

“Congratulations to our engineers, partners and contractors for reaching this stage,” said MWRD Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski. “It has taken major efforts to remediate the site, relocate utilities,excavate the reservoir, work through a pandemic and tunnel below the railroad tracks and channel to complete this project. Now we look forward to breaking ground on the Addison Creek Channel improvements to provide more protection against flooding.”

Construction on the Addison Creek Channel is expected to be completed by 2026. Full flood reduction benefits will be fully achieved when both projects are completed. When the channel improvements project is completed, the MWRD will submit a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Upon approval of the LOMR, some property owners may be eligible to obtain lower cost premiums on their flood insurance policies.

MWRD PRESIDENT KARI K. STEELE SHINES ON GLOBAL STAGE DURING DENMARK’S WATER POLICY DELEGATION IN COPENHAGEN

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MWRD PRESIDENT KARI K. STEELE SHINES ON GLOBAL STAGE DURING DENMARK’S WATER POLICY DELEGATION IN COPENHAGEN

Source: Public, 12/31/23

For The Love of Water (FLOW) is a summary of news from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

IN THIS EDITION:

UPCOMING EVENTS

MWRD BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JANUARY MEETING DATES

The MWRD Board of Commissioners will hold its Regular Board Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 4 and 18.

Public comments may be made at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie Street, Chicago, during the Public Comment period.

View meetings.Click the “In Progress” link under the Video Column which will be active when there is a meeting in session. Closed captioning is available.

MWRD’S MONTHLY VIRTUAL TOUR SET FOR JANUARY 16 AT 2 P.M.

Join the MWRD on a virtual tour at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16. Go underwater at the world’s largest water reclamation facility, explore the Deep Tunnel system, meet the dancing water bear and see electrofishing in action. Learn about our history and the stories that make us a utility for the future. Register.

MONITORING AND RESEARCH SEMINAR SET FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 26: “ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE USING URBAN SCALABLE TOOLKIT” PRESENTED BY DR. ASHISH SHARMA

On Friday, January 26 at 10:30 a.m., join the MWRD for a one hour seminar featuring Dr. Ashish Sharma, Adjunct Professor/Climate and Urban Sustainability Lead, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois

The seminar is eligible for Professional Development Credits/CEUs.

This event will be held at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant and virtually.

In person: Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Lue-Hing R&D Complex, 6001 West Pershing Rd., Cicero, IL. Register at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Dr. Heng Zhang at zhangH@mwrd.orgor call (708) 588-4264 or (708) 588-4059.

Virtual: Access the seminaron January 24 for the link.

LATEST NEWS

MWRD PRESIDENT KARI K. STEELE SHINES ON GLOBAL STAGE DURING DENMARK’S WATER POLICY DELEGATION IN COPENHAGEN

MWRD President Kari K. Steele showcased the MWRD’s commitment to sustainable water management practices during her participation in an international water policy delegation held in Copenhagen, Denmark from November 4 through November 9.

President Steele stood alongside distinguished Danish water leaders as a member of their first U.S. water delegation representing a diverse array of government bodies, associations, and utilities on a global scale. The gathering was financed by the European Union and hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Denmark’s State of Green.

The international visit served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices focusing on key concerns now and in the future such as climate change, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and environmental administration.

President Steele delivered a compelling presentation outlining MWRD’s progressive water initiatives and participated in roundtable discussions covering crucial topics such as nutrient run off, biosolids, PFAS (Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), microplastics, cyber security in the water sector and energy efficiency. There was also a robust daily itinerary. Participants visited three water treatment plants and environmental facilities in four cities throughout Denmark. Read more information.

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL MESSAGE 2023

In 2023, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD’s) key goals aimed to provide excellence in stormwater management, wastewater treatment, climate change accountability, and fiscal responsibility. We successfully advanced those goals.

We completed the Addison Creek Reservoir to provide flood relief to Bellwood, Northlake, Stone Park, Melrose Park, Westchester and Broadview. We cut the ribbon on the $7.7-million Crestwood Flood Control Project. We joined the Village of Niles to inaugurate the Golf Mill Park stormwater project to capture more stormwater, mitigate flooding and improve area water quality. Dozens of other stormwater management projects on the north, west and south sides of Cook County were also launched.

Additionally, by working with our federal and local partners we leveraged an additional $36 million for projects to alleviate flooding in Cook County.

Meanwhile, we advanced groundbreaking research to address water pollutants, securing an official United States patent with our partners at Iowa State University Research Foundation for technology to remove dissolved solids from wastewater as part of a unique algae recovery system that aims to reduce carbon emissions and recover nutrients to improve water quality. As the world braces for the unpredictability of climate change, our Board of Commissioners adopted a climate action plan that guides us in reducing greenhouse gas emissions to thwart the crippling effects of global warming, flooding, and pollution that threaten the region’s water resources.

Our commitment to fiscal responsible stewardship and professional management were also recognized this year. Fitch Ratings again affirmed the MWRD’s AAA credit rating. Moody’s Investor Services upgraded the MWRD’s credit rating to Aa1. And the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) honored the MWRD with platinum awards including Excellence in Management.

This year we set out to provide excellence in stormwater management, wastewater treatment, climate change accountability, and fiscal responsibility. And we did. Here is a deeper look at outstanding achievements from the year that was 2023. Read the entire message.

President Kari K. Steele

INVESTING IN WOMEN, WATER AND COMMUNITY; MWRD MAKES INAUGURAL PUBLIC FUNDS INVESTMENT IN FIRST WOMEN’S BANK

An investment made by the MWRD is maximizing public dollars toward the protection of critical water infrastructure and the environment while also uplifting a financial institution uniquely positioned to offer women more business opportunities.

The MWRD Treasury Section executed its first certificate of deposit (CD) investment with Chicago-based First Women’s Bank (FWB). The $1 million CD, at a 4.50-percent rate, is the first government account for FWB, the only women-founded, women-owned and women-led commercial bank in the country.

Founded in 2021, FWB is a “first-of-its-kind, purpose driven bank with a mission to grow the economy and advance the role of women within it,” according to its mission statement. The bank recently completed its certifications with regulatory agencies to now allow governmental agencies to complete CD transactions with the bank.

In late 2019, the MWRD updated its investment policy to consider environmental, social, governance/leadership (ESG), human capital, and business model/innovation factors in addition to financial factors when evaluating investments that bolster the MWRD’s finances for construction, operating funds, and debt service funds. Human capital factors, such as diversity and inclusion, are considered when making these investments. Read more information.

MWRD TO HELP FUND PROSPECT HEIGHTS FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT

A flood control project long discussed in Prospect Heights along Willow Road is one step closer to reality thanks to funding from the MWRD and the identification of a compensatory storage location.

An agreement approved by the MWRD Board of Commissioners calls for MWRD funding to support a flood control project that will come to the rescue of Prospect Heights residents who for years have not been able to enter or exit their homes on rainy days.

The agreement between the MWRD, City of Prospect Heights and Cook County will allow the MWRD to fund $1.8 million toward an intergovernmental collaboration to curb flooding near Willow Road at McDonald Creek Tributary A in Prospect Heights.

Pictured: Flooding along Willow Road in May 2020.

The proposed project involves raising three area roadways (Willow Road, Hillcrest Drive, and Owen Court) and installing new culverts and compensatory storage areas. In recent years during heavy rains, about 60 homes in the area were completely inaccessible. The Prospect Heights Flood Control Project has a total cost estimate of $3.12 million and includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Read more information.

BROOKFIELD STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED BY MWRD

The MWRD Board of Commissioners has approved an agreement with the Village of Brookfield to implement structural upgrades to the Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer. The agreement marks a step forward in flood prevention efforts within Brookfield. The Burlington Avenue Storm Sewer Improvements Project, which includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance, has a total cost estimated at $1.1 million. Now that the Board has approved the IGA, the project is poised to move forward with subsequent crucial steps, marking a significant stride towards its realization. Read more information.

ACTING DIVERSITY ADMINISTRATOR RICHARD L. MARTINEZ, JR. RECEIVES AWARD

Congratulations to MWRD Acting Diversity Administrator Richard L. Martinez, Jr., who was recently honored with the Champion of Diversity and Economic Inclusion Award from the COMPASS Institute of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for his leadership and commitment to policies, practices and performance for the MWRD and Chicago area business community. COMPASS Institute’s vision is to advance the implementation of DEI best practices and elevate performance standards. The COMPASS Institute annually recognizes professionals whose work efforts are making a difference. The awards were presented at the COMPASS Institute for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2023 Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland.

MWRD FEATURED ON CBS 2 CHICAGO

“Metropolitan Water Reclamation District plans more projects to help curb flooding”

“The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is now on the hunt for places to install projects that could help with flooding. As CBS 2’s Marybel González reported, one effort is already working in northwest suburban Harwood Heights.

Cicero hosts public meeting to help residents get flood answers.

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Cicero hosts public meeting to help residents get flood answers.

Source: The Town of Cicero, 12/19/23

On Tuesday July 18, Town President Larry Dominic hosted a public meeting at Morton College to allow residents to ask questions of the various government agencies who deal with flooding issues.

Among those present were: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) President Kari Steele and Commissioners Patricia Theresa Flynn, Precious Brady Davis Dan Pogorzelski and Marcelino Garcia and the MWRD Executive Staff including Engineering Department, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, State Senator Mike Porfirio, and State Reps. Lisa Hernandez and Abdelnasser Rashid.

Also attending were officials of the Cook County Bureau of Administration which coordinate post flood relief response services, ComEd, Ted Burger, Executive Director of the Cook County Emergency Management & Regional Security office, and his deputy Director Vincent Acevez, Greg Nimmo, Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security, Recovery Division Chief of the State of Illinois, and officials of the Town of Cicero from all departments and elected officials.

“I want to thank everyone here for all their hard work. Since July 2 we have been working very hard and there is not one person here who has to hang their heads down because everyone has worked very, very hard,” President Dominick said in opening the meeting at Morton College.

“I want to thank the public for coming tonight with their questions and I want to thank all of these officials who are hear to help us get answers.”

Tuesday July 18, Town President Larry Dominic hosted a public meeting at Morton College to allow residents to ask questions of the various government agencies who deal with flooding issues.Among those present were: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) President Kari Steele and Commissioners Patricia Theresa Flynn, Precious Brady Davis Dan Pogorzelski and Marcelino Garcia and the MWRD Executive Staff including Engineering Department, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, State Senator Mike Porfirio, and State Reps. Lisa Hernandez and Abdelnasser Rashid. Also attending were officials of the Cook County Bureau of Administration which coordinate post flood relief response services, ComEd, Ted Burger, Executive Director of the Cook County Emergency Management & Regional Security office, and his deputy Director Vincent Acevez, Greg Nimmo, Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security, Recovery Division Chief of the State of Illinois, and officials of the Town of Cicero from all departments and elected officials.
Regional Officials come together to address Town of Cicero Flooding Tuesday July 18, 2023

 

In her remarks, MWRD President Steele explained to residents what the MWRD does and how it responds to rainstorms.

“We all support you and what you are going through right now, what all of us are going through now, honestly,” Steele said noting that while Cook County had four inches of rain on July2, Cicero had more than 8 inches of rainfall.

“It was an extreme rainstorm that hovered over certain areas and unfortunately, Cicero was one of those area. It was simply too much storm water in a short amount of time to get through local infrastructure and to get to the MWRD.”

Town President Larry Dominick hosted a public meeting July 18 at Morton College with a range officials including the MWRD to answer questions on flooding issues
Town President Larry Dominick hosted a public meeting July 18 at Morton College with a range of officials including the MWRD to answer questions on flooding issues

President Dominick released an overview of all the work performed by all of the Town’s Departments, and information on the nearly 7,000 Flood Disaster Assistance forms that were collected from residents. All the information is posted on the Town of Cicero Website.

MWRD President Kari K. Steele attends U.S. high-level policy delegation in Denmark.

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MWRD President Kari K. Steele attends U.S. high-level policy delegation in Denmark.

Source: The Crusader, 11/18/23

MWRD represents leading U.S. agencies for stormwater management and wastewater treatment

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) President Kari K. Steele will serve on the U.S. High Level Policy Delegation in Denmark from November 4-9 for an exchange of information on Water Policies for Green Growth.

President Steele received an invitation from the Embassy of Denmark to participate as a delegate to broaden the insight regarding wastewater treatment and stormwater management, along with a host of water industry leaders. President Steele will provide a presentation on Bio and Water Policy, as well as participate in various roundtable discussions on: Cost Effective Green Transition, Effective Environmental Administration, Per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) and Cyber Security.

Other participants in the roundtables will be a mix of representatives from various Danish government agencies with responsibility for water, representatives from Danish water and wastewater associations and representatives from the Danish water industry.

“I am honored for the opportunity to expand our relationship with Denmark officials, to share and exchange clean water and water infrastructure values and priorities. It is a privilege to collaborate on ideas both technical and scientific, that work towards preserving our most valued resource, water, for future generations,” said President Kari K. Steele. The MWRD recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Danish Water Technology Alliance Authority, represented by the Consulate General of Denmark in Chicago, and Aarhus Vand of Denmark. The collaboration began in 2015, when the Knowledge Exchange Program was instituted.

MWRD staff participated in fact finding exchange programs in Denmark, and Aarhus Vand staff participated in knowledge exchange at the MWRD. Lessons learned include energy neutrality achievements gained by optimization, blower efficiency, and combined heat and power systems to become energy positive and advanced control systems.

The U.S. High Level Policy Delegation in Denmark provides opportunities for further information-sharing with water industry leaders from around the world. U.S.-based organizations that share a vision for a future free of water challenges includes the Water Environment Federation, Departments of Water Resource, State Water Resources Control Board, Municipal Utility Associations, Sanitation Agencies, State Drinking Water Administrators and Metropolitan Water Agencies.

President Steele remains diligent, focused, and determined in her efforts to conduct business in accordance with “the will of the MWRD Board of Commissioners,” to protect the health and safety of the public in its service area and protect the quality of the water supply source (Lake Michigan), she stresses that there is no end to the impact of the essential work at the MWRD. As President she looks forward with confidence in continuing to build a legacy of sustained protection of our water environment today and for future generations.

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For more information about President Kari K. Steele, to review President Steele’s Annual Message 2022 and to learn more about MWRD visit www.mwrd.org. Feel free to reach out to the office of MWRD President Kari K. Steele at (312) 751-5694 with any questions or to discuss issues that are important to you.

Calumet City flood: South suburban leaders call for help after flash floods cause damage

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Calumet City flood: South suburban leaders call for help after flash floods cause damage

Source: ABC 7 Chicago, 9/20/23

CHICAGO (WLS) — Leaders in south suburban Calumet City are asking for help and more funding after flash floods caused a lot of damage on Sunday.

Several inches of rain fell in a short amount of time.

That rain flooded basements and roads.

There are now concerns about the structural integrity of certain buildings.

Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones issued a state of emergency and held an emergency Council meeting Wednesday.

During the fiery meeting, aldermen refused to approve $3 million in emergency funds.

However, $1 million was released to help with cleanup.

The city’s engineers have deemed Sunday’s storm a 500-year event after the town’s aging infrastructure took in over 9.5 inches in 2.5 hours.

“We’re going to residents’ houses, restoring their houses and removing the sewer backup that they experienced,” Jones said.

Jones said the Federal Emergency Management Agency was already in the south suburbs, helping homeowners still reeling from flooding in June and July.

“They’ve been here since Thursday giving residents assistance, but now, we’re going to have to apply for additional assistance through the governor to get this taken care of,” Jones said.

He’s asking affected residents to fill out a residential flood form.

Terry Douglas is just one of several long-time residents still cleaning up stormwater on Wednesday.

“We try to get the washing machine and dryer dried up and get that fixed. We just got the hot water heater on,” he said.

Homes along Clyde Avenue were among those in neighborhoods hard hit by flooding caused by Sunday rain showers.

Neighboring Burnham and Dolton had flooding, too.

“We’re here to partner with the local municipalities, as we have always done to find solutions to these challenging problems,” Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Yumeka Brown said.

But south suburban leaders are also asking for help from the county and the federal government.

Calumet City officials are also hoping to secure the nearly $100 million needed to update or replace their decades-old pipes and sewers.

Antionette Mack, who lost family keepsakes, furniture and other possessions when the basement and crawl space of her home flooded again, said there’s little relief.

“At this point, I’m over it. I’m over it. I want to move to a condo or something,” Mack said.

In a statement Wednesday, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) said:

“With more than six inches of rain falling on Calumet City and neighboring south suburban communities, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) urges continued collaboration, investment and attention to stormwater management and infrastructure.

“Few local sewers have capacity to handle these rain totals and convey this flow to the MWRD’s intercepting sewers and Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) infrastructure. The MWRD’s Thornton Composite Reservoir, which is part of TARP and serves Chicago south of 87th Street and 13 south suburban communities, including Calumet City, was only at 15 percent capacity after the weekend rainstorm. This means that despite the heavy rains, most of the flow was not reaching the reservoir.

“‘It is imperative that we work together to continue to find ways to improve Cook County local community’s stormwater systems,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “The MWRD works around the clock to manage excess water coming from communities within our 882-square-mile service area. I encourage local officials to reach out to my office to discuss stormwater improvement opportunities with green infrastructure. Together we accomplish more.’

“The TARP system continues to maintain capacity and operate as designed. Since becoming operational in 2015, the Thornton Reservoir has captured more than 53 billion gallons of combined sewage. This is water that would otherwise be discharged to the waterways or flood basements.

“Through the MWRD’s Stormwater Management Program, the MWRD has partnered or is partnering with several south suburban communities on green infrastructure and other stormwater management projects to help alleviate flooding. The MWRD has also distributed more than 2,000 free rain barrels to Calumet City and Dolton residents.

“The MWRD has also worked with these communities through its Watershed Planning Councils, which exist to provide a forum for municipalities to learn about available resources. Meeting locations and dates are listed on the MWRD’s website at mwrd.org/watershed-planning-council-meetings-1.”

MWRD, ISU Research Foundation receive patent for pollutant removal via algae harvesting.

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MWRD, ISU Research Foundation receive patent for pollutant removal via algae harvesting.

Source: Wastewater Digest, 9/7/23

 

A groundbreaking technology to remove dissolved solids from wastewater, as part of a unique algae recovery system that aims to reduce carbon emissions and recover nutrients, has received a United States patent.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) announced that it and its partners at Iowa State University Research Foundation (ISURF) have received a U.S. patent for the technology.

MWRD commissioners and executive staff display a plaque commemorating a United States patent the agency earned for inventing technology with partners from the Iowa State University Research Foundation, to remove dissolved solids from wastewater through an algae recovery system.
MWRD commissioners and executive staff display a plaque commemorating a United States patent the agency earned for inventing technology with partners from the Iowa State University Research Foundation, to remove dissolved solids from wastewater through an algae recovery system.

U.S. Patent No. 11,691,902 was officially granted to the MWRD and ISURF on July 4, 2023. Filed in 2020, the patent awards MWRD and ISURF for its development of technology that removes dissolved solids from wastewater, as part of a larger apparatus known as the Revolving Algal Biofilm system (RAB). This burgeoning technology used for growing algae is owned by ISURF.

Because of its many applications, numerous patents were subsequently filed for the larger system, underscoring the range of impacts an RAB system could have on wastewater treatment, resource recovery and water quality. As part of the MWRD’s collaborative research on nutrient removal using the RAB technology with partners at ISURF and Gross-Wen Technologies Inc. (GWT), it led to another remarkable breakthrough: the MWRD discovered it could also remove dissolved pollutants from wastewater.

“This is a major accomplishment in water reclamation that could forever change the way we view nutrient recovery, carbon reduction and solids removal from wastewater,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “We congratulate our Monitoring and Research Department and partners at Iowa State University Research Foundation and Gross-Wen Technologies for their development of this project, our Maintenance and Operations Department for its installation and our Law Department for securing this momentous patent.”

Originally conceived for agricultural purposes by GWT’s founders, Dr. Martin Gross and Dr. Zhiyou Wen, while at Iowa State University, the reactor system uses vertical conveyor belts that revolve in a continual loop and cycle through wastewater, sunlight and air to grow multiple layers of algae. The algae are mechanically scraped from the belts and can then be utilized as a raw material in the manufacture of a variety of products, such as algae pellets as a slow-release fertilizer, sustainable aviation fuel and bioplastics.

MWRD and GWT are currently studying a second pilot project using the RAB at MWRD’s Stickney Water Reclamation Plant to focus on ammonia removal after a successful research trial at its O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie that found a way to naturally uptake phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater.

The successful utility-university-private partnership builds upon the project team’s previous recognition in 2020 when they received the “Innovation Collaboration of the Year Award” from the Algae Biomass Organization and the “Ralph Fuhrman Medal for Outstanding Water Quality Academic-Practice Collaboration” from the Water Environment Federation. The project has also garnered $100,000 in grant funding from Imagine H2O’s Urban Water Challenge and a $240,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT).

“Congratulations to our engineers, scientists and partners at Iowa State University for receiving this well-earned patent,” said MWRD Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda. “In more than a century of progress and advancements to treat our region’s wastewater and protect our water resources, this is yet another milestone in our work to improve our water environment.”

If the RAB technology is employed to remove total dissolved solids (TDS) from wastewater at treatment utilities in the U.S., MWRD can negotiate royalty terms with ISURF. While potential applications in water reuse are anticipated, MWRD has not yet conducted a market analysis. While the technology may not currently find an application at the MWRD, it is reassuring to witness the organization’s unwavering commitment to innovation, as their relentless contributions continue to drive the industry into uncharted territories.

2023 Crain’s Chicago Business NOTABLE WOMEN IN STEM

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2023 Crain’s Chicago Business NOTABLE WOMEN IN STEM

Source: Crain’s Chicago Business, 9/5/23

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/kari-steele-notable-women-stem-2023 (need subscription to read)

Addison Creek Reservoir Officially Opens

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Addison Creek Reservoir Officially Opens

Source: Village Free Press, 8/28/23

Local elected officials across Proviso Township gathered on Aug. 11 to officially open the massive Addison Creek Reservoir at 2795 Washington Blvd. in Bellwood.

According to officials with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), the agency that guided the project, the 600-acre-foot reservoir includes control and inlet structures, a spillway and a pumping station.

When they broke ground in 2019, MWRD officials said the reservoir would store close to 200 million gallons of water and connect with the Addison Creek Channel, which is scheduled to undergo a range of improvements that include vegetation clearing, the removal of three bridges and design changes.

The improvements will be constructed along the Addison Creek Channel that runs roughly three miles through Northlake, Stone Park, Melrose Park, Bellwood, Westchester and Broadview.

“This reservoir will provide a newfound sense of security for whenever it rains,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele at the Aug. 11 ribbon-cutting for the new reservoir. “It will also reduce future insurance costs for many residents.”

Steele said the ribbon-cutting event also served as a kickoff for those channel improvements, “which will be connected to the reservoir by 2026. So, this is a ribbon-cutting and a groundbreaking wrapped in one.”

Steele said the reservoir would reduce overbank flooding for approximately 2,200 properties in those six Proviso suburbs and that approximately 1,700 properties would be removed from the floodplain.

MWRD officials said the reservoir cost $81 million to build and will provide $116 million in flood benefits. The project was partially funded through $5 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Cook County.

“There is nothing better than being in my hometown in Bellwood where we have been talking about flooding since I was a little kid,” said Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th) at the Aug. 11 ribbon-cutting. “I am so proud of the commissioners at the MWRD for listening and acting. This reservoir will ensure that our communities are safe and help mitigate the risk of floods; it will also help erosion and benefit our local ecosystems, which means we are doing our part to take care of the planet. These projects will help replenish groundwater, create habitats for wildlife, improve agricultural productivity and improve water quality.”

The Bellwood reservoir and Addison Creek Channel improvements are among a series of flood mitigation projects – large and small – happening across Proviso Township as severe weather events caused by climate change become increasingly more common.

For instance, representatives from Maywood, Cook County, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and MWRD embarked last year on the first phase of the I-290 Corridor Storm Sewer Separation Project, which will involve the construction of separate storm sewers in the area designed to prevent basement backups and provide relief to more than 336 residential structures in Maywood that are near the Eisenhower Expressway, officials said.

And in Broadview, workers are wrapping up construction on a new permeable paver surface that will replace the old asphalt parking lot. Village Free Press previously reported that the pavers “are designed to allow water to drain into the soil beneath the lot instead of going into the sewer system. With the replacement of a 2,000-square-foot surface, the village expects approximately 60,000 gallons of stormwater will be diverted from the village’s combined sewer system during rain events.”

According to an assessment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change is “expected to intensify storms and lead to greater precipitation across the entire [Midwest] region during this century.

“Annual precipitation has already risen by as much as 20% in some areas. Projections of future precipitation indicate that heavy downpours are likely to occur primarily in winter and spring months while summers will become drier, especially in the southern portion of the region.”

Most recently, much of Chicago and the suburbs experienced record-setting rain that devastated basements across Cook County, particularly those in predominantly Black communities such as the city’s Westside. Two days before the reservoir ribbon-cutting, on Aug. 15, President Joe Biden officially approved a disaster declaration for Cook County, making residents affected by flooding eligible for a range of federal resources.

The extreme weather is forcing many Proviso Township suburbs to devise long-term strategies for confronting the climate. Last year, dozens of west suburban mayors signed a memorandum of understanding that signals their commitment to joining the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative (C4), an initiative that puts participating suburbs on the hook for achieving a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Broadview has updated its ordinances and implemented a range of initiatives to encourage residents and businesses to install solar panels and drive electric vehicles, among other green activities. Last year, Westchester created an Ecological Commission to address environmental concerns.

More recently, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced that Bellwood was one of five suburbs selected to participate in the Climate Resiliency Planning for Communities Program spearheaded by the County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES). Franklin Park, Justice, Lynwood, and Markham were also selected.

The $16 million program provides technical assistance, funding and staff resources for communities that don’t have an updated Climate Resiliency Plan.

“Recent extreme weather events have again reminded us that the climate is changing quickly and communities must act now to be prepared. Resiliency plans help ensure residents and businesses can thrive in the face of these changes,” President Preckwinkle explained in an Aug. 15 statement.

“The plans will be developed through engagement with residents and community leaders and designed with an equity lens to ensure the most vulnerable populations are not left behind,” she said.

President Kari K. Steele of MWRD to host comprehensive town hall meeting.

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President Kari K. Steele of MWRD to host comprehensive town hall meeting.

Source: The Crusader, 8/24/23

MWRD President Kari K. Steele is hosting a Town Hall Community Meeting on MWRD Operations and Community Services. The Office of the President, MWRD Commissioners and staff provide community services year-round. The purpose of the Town Hall Community Meeting is to remain accessible to the community, provide facts about services exclusively provided by the MWRD and to share related resources.

The Town Hall meeting will include speakers from various MWRD Departments, MWRD literature such as: Understanding Your Sewers, literature for young students, NO WIPES DOWN PIPES, MWRD Career Opportunities, MWRD Internship Program, Understanding the Difference Between MWRD and the Chicago Department of Water Management, Overflow Action Days (OAD), MWRD New OAD Text Alerts, MWRD Tours, Stormwater Management Programs, Community Partnership Opportunities, a free Rain Barrel Raffle and much more!

This event is FREE and Open to the Public. NO RSVP required.

Established in 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is an award-winning, special purpose government agency responsible for wastewater treatment and stormwater management in Cook County, Illinois. Learn more at mwrd.org. For more information about MWRD President Kari K. Steele, call 312-751-5694.

Cicero holds public meeting on flooding issues.

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Cicero holds public meeting on flooding issues.

Source: WGN 9, 7/18/23

CICERO, Ill. — On the heels of recent flooding and residents demanding solutions to the problems caused, the town of Cicero held a public hearing Tuesday aiming to provide an update on the situation.

“This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” said one community member during the meeting. “That’s the thing. We don’t want it in the basements, we’d like to have it somewhere else.”

Tempers boiled over during the meeting, leading to several contentious moments unfolding in the auditorium of Morton College between local residents and town officials.

Cicero was one of the hardest hit suburbs when it came to flooding from severe thunderstorms and rain showers earlier this month, leaving residents cleaning up their homes for days.

But some residents said the flooding and sewer backup experienced from the storms is not a new issue, and a new plan to improve water infrastructure has been long overdue.

“President [Larry] Dominick has met with state and federal lobbyists to obtain grants for water retention infrastructure,” said Ray Hanania, spokesman for the town of Cicero.

Town officials said a regional approach is being taken to the problem, since the current water system is shared between multiple municipalities, and that FEMA will soon go door-to-door to work with residents to better assess damages, and collect more specific information to determine whether residents are eligible for damage assistance.

“Self-insurance and self-responsibility is the end result,” said Greg Nimmo from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency under the Office of Homeland Security. “We will do everything we can as the state of Illinois with the departments in Cook [County] and within the city to bring every dime that we can into this community, into this county, to help you with recovery.”

During last week’s town hall meeting, Cicero’s town engineer said the sewer system was not built to handle the storm the region saw on the Fourth of July weekend.

Tuesday, as several representatives from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) were introduced, audible “boo’s” could be heard from the crowd.

“[It was] simply too much storm water in too little time to get to the MWRD,” Steele said. “[It] was like draining a swimming pool with a straw.”

County Commissioner Frank Aguilar said after the storm, he spoke with other local officials to immediately work on deploying a team to assist residents, and said they would have a resolution in place to do so by the Fall.

Town officials also shared the volume of emergency crew responses during and after the storm, revealing fire officials answered more than 300 calls, ten times the normal amount responded to on a 24-hour shift in July.

For those seeking to report flood damage in Cicero, the town’s website has a page dedicated to submitting flood damage reports.