ETHOS Requests Soil Testing at Old US Steel Site

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
Board of Commissioners Meeting 
May 15, 2025
Public Speakers

• Speakers from the Calumet Harbor area environmental group, ETHOS, asked the MWRD to monitor water pollution issues that could occur at the old US Steel site at 8080 S. Lake Shore Drive.  The last EPA soil tests are from the 1990s.  The group wants to get updated testing on the soil and is concerned that disturbing the soil during construction will lead to massive air and water contamination.  

Agenda Items Discussed

• Com. Waller pulled items #11&12, 25-0349, 25-0351 to make sure that when the MWRD hires attorneys to begin the process of eminent domain in flood areas, that they are required to do community engagement plans that include small group education, in addition to town hall-style meetings.  Director Murray assured them that MWRD requires small breakout groups to give community residents a chance to ask questions before a larger meeting occurs.  He will forward communication plans.
• Coms. Brady-Davis and Waller discussed item #28 25-0365, The Bally’s casino development at the old Chicago Tribune plant on the Chicago River.  Com. Waller was concerned about ensuring public access and emergency egress, while Com. Brady-Davis was thankful that the MWRD was proactive at the site.  Director Murray said this is not MWRD land and so it has no Chicago River jurisdiction other than to protect MWRD infrastructure.
• Coms. Davis and Waller discussed item#32, 25-0398, the sub-lease of land by Lakeshore Recycling Systems to ORA composting.  Com. Davis was concerned that ORA could be an SIU (significant industrial user of water), while Com. Waller wanted to make sure emergency egress was possible at the site.  Director Murray assured her that a marina was adjacent to the site.  The board will be apprised of water usage by ORA.

Stormwater Management

• Passed without comment were 15 intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) for stormwater management through green alley re-pavement and roads with Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Calumet City, Cicero, Countryside, Forest Park, Glenview, LaGrange Park, Lyons, Markham, Maywood, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, and Westchester. 
  
• The board also passed an IGA with the Forest Preserve for land acquisition, concept planning, and engineering for a multi-benefit flood control project located in Southeast Cook County

New Business

• Com. Waller announced the PFAS regulation bill moved from the house to the senate, HB 2516, with Julie Morrison as sponsor.  She urged people to call their senators to get the bill passed. 
  
• Com. Davis announced the Federal cuts by 90% to EPA Clean Water Revolving Funds ($3billion).

No Executive Session Held                               All 9 commissioners in attendance
Observer:  Amy Little