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MWRD to Build a BioGas Facility at Calumet to Turn Waste into Revenue

11/23/2016

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - November 17, 2016

Highlights from the Meeting:

At a cost of about $10.5M the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) would like to convert a sludge receiving station in Calumet to a modern Bio Gas transfer station where the MWRD will receive (for tipping fees) high strength liquid waste (HSW) and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) waste, convert it into BioGas, then sell the gas for additional fees. The entire project is forecast to generate $51.6 million in total revenue over its life. The Board authorized to advertise for bids on the project. (Consent Agenda Item #6)
The Board also approved an increased amount on an existing contract to upgrade Globetrotters International software for the MWRD’s integrated real estate control system. The item is noteworthy because Director St. Pierre explained that all new software should be cloud-based to avoid the future expenses of hardware and software upgrade expenses. When systems are cloud-based, changes are downloaded and incorporated seamlessly, rather than done in “patches” to old systems, with periodic charges. (Agenda Item #34) Dir. St. Pierre said that all government systems should be migrating to cloud-based software for maximum flexibility and savings.
All future meetings will start at 10:30 am, not at 10am.

Observer - Amy Little

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MWRD to Create Veterans' Employment Program

11/8/2016

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Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board Meeting - November 3, 2016

President Spyropoulos called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. and ended proceedings at noon. The President and several Commissioners congratulated the Chicago Cubs on their World Series win. A 2017 Budget Presentation was scheduled for 1:00 p.m., but observer was unable to stay for it.

Highlights from the Meeting

Public Comment: Mr. Charles Love, representing Trillion C&G – Compressed Gas, congratulated the Board for its plans and effort to harvest waste and sell the compressed gas as motor fuel. He pointed out this is not a fossil fuel, will displace the need to purchase as much foreign fuel and that MWRD is among the first to do this.
President Spyropoulos spoke about upcoming Veterans’ Day and the importance of recognizing veterans and their needs. She indicated that the Board is creating a Veterans’ Employment Program which will give preference to veterans. (Agenda Item #40-16-1161)
Contract Changes - An RFP about Biogas Purchaser for Vehicle Fuel (Agenda Item #13-16-1159) and an RFP for Organic Waste Receiving Facility and Digester Gas Flare System Upgrade (Agenda Item #15–16-1110). both led to extensive discussion about why there was a contract change. Mr. Pierre, MWRD Executive Director, explained that the original provisions of the Americus contract fell through and there would now have to be a pipeline to carry the gas a much longer distance. This problem appeared to void the contract and the ability to sell the gas. MWRD is now exploring different opportunities, and it is anticipated that this approach will cost less. BP is willing to purchase the gas and sell it locally rather than connect with pipeline, This will required modification of the sludge building to eliminate the possibility of explosions.
A proposal that would provide for the Authority to negotiate and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Water Environment Federation and District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority in developing a National Green Infrastructure Certification Program was discussed. MWRD already is a member of this organization and contributes to this program. There was extensive discussion of why a Memorandum of Understanding was needed and it was decided that more information was needed before taking action on this item. (Agenda Item #38-16-1158)

Observer: Syvia Tillman

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MWRD to Build a BioGas Facility at Calumet to Turn Waste into Revenue

MWRD to Create Veterans' Employment Program

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