West Side faith leaders push for investigation and compensation for flooding victims.

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West Side faith leaders push for investigation and compensation for flooding victims.

Source: Austin Talks, 7/11/23

Metropolitan Water Reclamation President Kari Steele has been summoned to the West Side Tuesday morning to address the historic flooding that occurred after the massive rainfall on Sunday, July 2.

At the same time NASCAR vehicles were speeding through downtown streets, West Side residents found themselves fighting for their lives as they swam for safety from cars stuck on flooded streets, and they continue to suffer with the damages of flooded basements, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, prompting the Leaders Network to push for more help from officials.

Insurance companies have been telling some West Siders their home insurance policies won’t cover the devastating damages to their furnaces, appliances and furniture. Nine days after the flooding, too many people still have flooded homes in what has become a catastrophe.

Rev. Ira Acree lamented that once again, the West Side has been shockingly and shamefully abandoned during this crisis of epic proportions. It is appalling the city, county and state has displayed a disturbing lack of urgency to help this proud community, said Acree, senior pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church.

“The great Chicago  flood last Sunday brought widespread devastation to West Side families,” said Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Church. “People in my neighborhood are still assessing painful loses, raising questions, and seeking redress and relief.”

The Leaders Network is demanding:

  • An investigation into how the flooding occurred
  • Compensation for West Side residents
  • Solutions to prevent flooding

“All of us share the outrage of our neighbors,” said David Cherry, president of the Leaders Network. “They have seen years of hard work destroyed in a single day with few or no options for help.”

Cherry said affected residents are expected to shared their stories Tuesday morning at the Leaders Network’s monthly meeting at Columbus Park Refectory.

In addition to President Steele, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts and Rev. Janette Wilson of Rainbow PUSH Coalition are expected to be at Tuesday’s meeting.

“West Side residents endured the storm but got swamped with sewer water in their basements,” Pastor Cy Fields of New Landmark Church said. “Where’s the relief, where is the help? It is shameful we’re left stranded on a raft with no help in sight from our elected officials.”

| Metropolitan Water Reclamation District did all it could to deal with record-breaking rains.

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District did all it could to deal with record-breaking rains.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times, 7/6/23

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago monitors the weather daily. We prepare for extreme rain events by capturing as much water as possible to reduce stormwater damage. This involves making sure our tunnel system and reservoirs are empty and our treatment plants are fully operational.

We were well-prepared for the record-breaking storm on July 2. The unpredicted storm became more extreme and hovered over certain areas. The rainfall for some Cook County areas was four inches, and others over eight inches in a few hours. There was simply too much stormwater in a short amount of time, and to convey that amount of water to the MWRD reservoir was like trying to drain a swimming pool with a straw.

Our treatment plants were operating at maximum capacity, pumping in as much water as fast as possible. Our McCook reservoir filled up to capacity in a few hours (4.8 billion gallons of water). The MWRD collected over 6 billion gallons of water across Cook County, which could have ended up in unwanted places.

The decision to open the locks is based on water levels and never based on choosing one community over the other. The locks can only be opened when the river level is higher than the lake.

This is a decision that we do not take lightly because when we open the locks, we are redirecting stormwater into Lake Michigan — our drinking water source. We have seven treatment plants across Cook County to service all of Cook County, and they all were operating at their maximum capacity.

Throughout the year, MWRD educates the public about water conservation and overflow action days. We lobby for improving local infrastructure and stress the importance of green and gray infrastructure. We have 85 active stormwater projects across Cook County and constantly request federal funds to do more.

Climate change is real, and the effects are unpredictable. Without the essential work of the MWRD, rainstorm outcomes could be catastrophic.

I support a state of emergency for the communities that were hit the hardest and are experiencing the devastation of water invading their homes. The MWRD will continue to advocate on behalf of Cook County communities to help reduce and eliminate stormwater damage. For additional information, please contact my office at 312-751-5694.

Kari K. Steele, president, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Inside the decision to reverse the Chicago River as storm system threatens more flooding in area.

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Inside the decision to reverse the Chicago River as storm system threatens more flooding in area.

ABC 7 News, 7/5/23 | Source: https://abc7chicago.com/

 

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Chicago braces for more rain, this is why the city decided to reverse the flow of the Chicago River Sunday to prevent major downtown flooding.

Wednesday, staff at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago was bracing for more rain.

“When we have a severe weather event coming it’s a little stressful, a little nerve-wracking,” said Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations Ed Staudacher.

ABC7 visited the MWRD’s Waterway Control Center on one of those stressful days, as engineers try to make room in the system for today’s anticipated storm.

Heavy rain over the weekend caused MWRD to make a rare and hazardous decision to allow untreated floodwater from the Chicago River into Lake Michigan to relieve pressure on the system.

As it was, some residents still experienced flooding in their homes and neighborhoods.

Staudacher explained they had to wait until the river level was higher than the lake to make the call; opening too earlier, he said, would cause catastrophic flooding with a tsunami effect.

“The lake is the source of our drinking water, so you want to protect that drinking water at all costs,” he said. “Then you turn to protecting the public from flooding, then we have to do what we do to protect them.”

“We are issuing an overflow action day alert, basically our McCook Reservoir and tunnel are still full from the last extreme rain event,” said MWRD president Kari Steele.

Steele asked all Chicagoans to get in the habit of conserving water use when there is heavy rain in the forecast.

“Hold off on running that dishwasher or doing laundry, take shorter showers, conserve water to make sure we are able to capture as much storm water we as we can to keep it out of those unwanted places,” she said. “Basically, we are asking everyone to be a good neighbor.”

Overflow action day goes until the storm system passes.

Cicero officials question decision-making amid Sunday flooding in Chicago area

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NBC 5 News, 7/5/23 | Cicero officials question decision-making amid Sunday flooding in Chicago area.

Officials in suburban Cicero are asking for better communication after storms deluged the area on Sunday, but the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago says it acted appropriately to try to limit flooding amid the heavy rain.

The district has a variety of tactics it can use to help ease burdens on sewers and prevent flood damage in areas near the Chicago River. They executed many of those plans on Sunday, including reversing the flow of the river both in downtown and near the Wilmette locks.

Still, Cicero officials say the district waited too long to open drainage lines, which could have mitigated flood damage that many residents suffered.

“When they don’t release it back in a timely manner, it just backs right up,” Cicero Assessor Emilio Cundari said. “It’s into our sewer system and into the streets of our town, and into the basement of the residents of our town.”

Ed Staudacher of the MWRD defended the decisions made Sunday, saying that opening drainage channels too early would have had disastrous consequences.

“If we open a lock too early, we’re going to be bringing the lake into the river system,” he said.

Staudacher also argued that if drainage had occurred too early, which was achieved by opening locks and allowing water from the branches of the Chicago River to enter Lake Michigan, then damage could have been done to not just the Chicago Riverwalk, but also to other communities located downstream.

 

Source: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/cicero-officials-question-decision-making-amid-sunday-flooding-in-chicago-area/3180696/

MWRD raises awareness about Black History

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The Beverly Review, 5/7/23 | MWRD raises awareness about Black history.

Raising awareness for environmental justice, equity and the African-American experience, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) continued its tradition of Black History Month programming and celebration by hosting a forum that featured a talented lineup of insightful speakers.

For the first time since 2020, the MWRD held its Black History Month celebration, convening a panel of speakers to highlight African American History Month, while bringing important issues to the forefront of the MWRD’s work to protect the region’s water environment.

“Our Black History Month event presents an evening to celebrate, commemorate and highlight our work in the context of equity and diversity,” said MWRD President Kari Steele.

“We take into consideration environmental justice protections in our work to protect area water quality, and tonight’s forum elevates this important work for the diverse communities we serve. Thank you all for helping us celebrate and contribute to this conversation.”

Speakers included Steele and MWRD Vice President Kimberly Du Buclet, along with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Chicago Urban League President/CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson and MWRD Environmental Justice Section Principal Civil Engineer Lolita Thompson.

A panel, moderated by WBEZ Data Projects Editor Alden Loury, featured Blacks in Green Founder/CEO Naomi Davis, People for Community Recovery Executive Director Cheryl Johnson, SEIU Healthcare President Greg Kelley and Faith in Place Policy/Advocacy Director the Rev. Scott Onque.

The speakers were recognized earlier that day with a resolution introduced by the MWRD Board of Commissioners.

The panel discussed environmental justice issues and how community leaders and others advocate for equity. The event follows the MWRD’s recent adoption of a new policy to integrate environmental justice considerations into all MWRD programs, policies and activities wherever possible. The MWRD is in the middle of its five-year Strategic Plan, 2021-2025, that expanded its values of excellence, respect, innovation, safety and accountability to also include equity and diversity.

“We appreciate the opportunity to bring so many unique perspectives together for one night to commemorate Black History Month and advance causes of justice and equity in our region,” said Du Buclet.

“Thank you to the many guests and staff who attended and made this a memorable occasion.”

The event was part of a series of Black History Month festivities in February. On Feb. 1, the MWRD raised the Pan-African flag at its headquarters as well as at all seven of its water-reclamation plants. On Feb. 22, the MWRD held a virtual business roundtable to discuss how community leaders advocate for equity in contracting and how minority-owned business enterprises can learn more about business opportunities with the MWRD.

Participating in the roundtable were MWRD staff, including Diversity Administrator Regina Berry, Director of Engineering Catherine O’Connor and Director of Procurement and Materials Management Darlene LoCascio. They were joined by area business leaders including Larry Ivory, president/CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce; Jonathan Jones, director of diversity for Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council-Labor Brother’s United; and Omar Shareef, president of the African American Contractors Association.

The MWRD also participated in the Black Creativity Career Showcase at the Museum of Science and Industry to engage students in STEM careers and shed light on the important work of the MWRD in protecting the region’s water environment.

For more information, visit the website at mwrd.org.

Source: https://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_9aa65a14-bd12-11ed-b897-ef7e70d6a9c1.html

Commissioners elect leadership to guide MWRD for 2 years

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The Crusader, 1/17/23 | Commissioners elect leadership to guide MWRD for 2 years.

 

The nine-member Board of Commissioners for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has elected three officers to two-year terms of leadership. President Kari K. Steele was re-elected president for a third term and Vice President Kimberly Du Buclet was elected for a first time as vice president. Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia was elected by his peers for a second term.

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Kari K. Steele

President Steele was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2012 and re-elected in 2018 before being chosen by her colleagues in 2019 as the first African American female president elected in the history of the MWRD. She was nominated as president at the Jan. 5 Board of Commissioners’ meeting and unanimously elected as president.

“I am honored to be nominated and unanimously elected for a third term by my fellow commissioners to lead the MWRD to continue to fulfil our critically important work to protect the region’s water environment,” said President Steele. “I appreciate my esteemed colleagues on the Board for their trust and support, our staff for their commitment and diligent hard work, and the collaboration of so many municipal, regional, and non-governmental partners striving to protect the citizens and health of our environment. As I always say and it is reflected in our work, teamwork makes the dream work.”

A chemist by trade, President Steele worked for more than 11 years for both the MWRD, as a water sampler and lab technician, and with the Chicago Department of Water Management before joining the Board of Commissioners.

Vice President Du Buclet, now in her second term serving as commissioner since being elected in 2018, is a South Side native and lifelong Chicagoan. Vice President Du Buclet replaces former Vice President Barbara McGowan, who retired after 24 years of service on the Board of Commissioners.

“Thank you to the Board of Commissioners for placing me in this important role of leadership for the MWRD,” said Vice President Du Buclet. “We are setting our sights on achieving many major accomplishments and protecting the water resources for millions of people who are impacted by our services each day.”

Prior to serving as commissioner, Vice President Du Buclet served as the legislative and community affairs director for the Chicago Park District and state representative of the 26th District in the Illinois General Assembly. As commissioner, she strives to increase awareness of environmental justice issues throughout Cook County, and to increase open green space for communities while providing additional green infrastructure opportunities for water conservation.

Having been elected commissioner in 2018, Chairman Garcia was elected as an officer for the second time. He first became chairman of finance in 2021.

“I thank my fellow commissioners and staff for their support and acknowledgement,” said Chairman Garcia. “I look forward to continuing towards achieving our funding policy goals and projects and maintaining our strong fiscal resiliency. This is what allows us to do the work to protect our water environment and advance the many important initiatives established in our five-year Strategic Plan.”

An attorney with expertise in local and international governments, healthcare and community affairs, Chairman Garcia works to connect all communities to resources to protect public health, a stable environment and economic opportunity. He was a leader in expanding the MWRD’s long-term vision through the creation of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. Chairman Garcia brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Commissioners as director of community affairs for Cook County Health, the nation’s third largest public health system.

MWRD Offering Tours of McCook Reservoir

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The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will host public tours of the first phase of the McCook Reservoir, set for completion in late 2017.

Tours are set for Sundays, Aug. 27, Sept. 17 and 24, and Oct. 1 and 15 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The MWRD will offer tours of the Mainstream Pumping Station and then bus visitors to the McCook Reservoir, the last and largest of three reservoirs being constructed as part of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). The tours will give visitors an overview of the TARP system and how it is designed to improve local water quality and mitigate flooding throughout Cook County.

Tours start at the Mainstream Pumping Station, 6100 S. River Road, Hodgkins. Visitors can view interactive displays and watch videos of TARP construction. Buses will transport visitors for a guided tour of the McCook Reservoir, which is located west of the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) between the Des Plaines River and Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Each tour takes about two hours. Participants are advised to wear sturdy footwear; no sandals, high heels, shorts or dresses allowed. A limited number of spaces are available for taxpayers who use wheelchairs, MWRD officials said.

To reserve space on the tour, call (312) 751-6632 or email tours@mwrd.org. When completed, the reservoir will have a total capacity of 10 billion gallons, beginning with the first phase to be finished this year that will provide 3.5 billion gallons of storage. Phase 2 will be completed in 2029 and provide 6.5 billion gallons of storage. The McCook Reservoir will provide an average of $143 million per year in flood damage reduction benefits to 3,100,000 people in Chicago and 36 other communities.

TARP is the country’s largest public works project for pollution and flood control, covering a 375-mile area that includes Chicago and 51 suburbs relying on a combined collection system. The 109-mile network of tunnel systems, which capture 2.3 billion gallons of water 150 to 300 feet below ground, was completed in 2006. The Majewski Reservoir was completed in 1998 and the Thornton  Reservoir in 2015. When complete, the McCook Reservoir will replace Thornton as the largest reservoir of its kind in the world.

Cook County Safe Disposal of Pharmaceuticals Ordinance

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Serving Our Community, Protecting the Environment

The Cook County Sheriff’s Prescription Drug Take Back Program is a free service for Cook County residents to collect their unused and expired prescription and nonprescription drugs.

Download Brochure

This free service is provided by authorization of the Cook County Board of Commissioners to reduce access to unused and expired prescription and non-prescription drugs in order to prevent misuse that can lead to poisoning or death.

Please dispose of unused and expired prescription or non-prescription drugs responsibly.

Do not leave them lying around unattended.

Do not throw them in the trash or down the sink.

Do not flush them down the toilet.

Please bring any unused or expired prescription or non-prescription drugs to any one of dozens of collection boxes located in public safety buildings and other locations throughout Cook County.

This free service is not available for use by retail businesses or other companies that handle prescription drugs.

On October 28, 2016, the Cook County Board of Commissioners authorized the Cook County Sheriff’s Prescription Drug Take Back Program to implement a comprehensive pharmaceutical drug collection and disposal program to assist residents throughout Cook County with properly disposing of unused and unexpired prescription drugs. Phase I went into effect on January 23, 2017 with the establishment of a Producer Registry. Under the current phase of implementation a toll-free hotline with information for accessing pharmaceutical drug collection sites has been established for Cook County residents with pre-recorded messages in seven different languages (English, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Korean) along with program information displayed on our webpage in the seven languages.

Tips for dropping off your medications:

Always call before dropping off medications. You may want to:

  • Confirm the days and hours of operation

  • Ask if the program accepts controlled and non-controlled substances

  • Ask if the program accepts sharps

  • If planning to drop off medications at a site in a municipality other than where you live, ask if the program is available to non-residents

  • Ask if the program does NOT accept any kinds of medications (e.g., liquids, ointments, cancer treatment drugs, etc.)

  • Ask if there are any other requirements for dropping off medications

Additional tips for dropping off medications:

  • Unless otherwise specified, use original prescription containers and use permanent marker to mark out your name and personal information.

  • Take medications to the collection site ONLY during the drop-off site’s open hours of operation.

  • Please follow direction at the drop-off site carefully. Only give medications to personnel at the drop-off site.

  • These are NOT share or reuse opportunities. All medications received will be destroyed in an environmentally responsible manner.