MWRD Board President Defers Public Discussion of PFAS-tainted Bio-solids

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting –
February 20, 2025

PFAS Toxins in sewage byproducts (Bio-solids)

• Staff asked the Board for authority to pay Synagro Central, LLC $3.8 million to remove, transport, and use air dried solid by-products of the Stickney and Calumet wastewater treatment plants.  Commissioner Dr. Sharon Waller pulled the item from the consent agenda for public discussion.  #22 25-0118
• Board President Kari Steele followed and stated that she was removing Item #22 from the agenda without discussion. President Steele then deferred the item to the March 6 Board meeting.
• The Board of Commissioners unanimously sponsored and approved a resolution supporting legislation in the Illinois General Assembly that addresses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Neither the Board nor the agenda identified the bill the resolution addressed.   #6 25-0147

Stormwater Management/Flood Control

• The Board approved rights of way required to allow long-planned flood control projects to proceed near the Midlothian Country Club, improving drainage of Cal-Sag Channel area C; and on Prairie Creek in Maine Township at and near Lutheran General Hospital. That right-of-way will facilitate installation of new storm sewers and excavation of a stormwater storage pond.      #3 and #4, Ordinances #R25-001 and #R25-002 
• The Board raised the amount it would pay the Law firm Neal & Leroy by $48,500 to a total of $2.3 million for legal services required to acquire flood-prone properties in six communities within the Addison Creek Channel Improvements project area.  #25. 25-0135
• The MWRD continues the buy back of flood-prone properties, with the board approving $115,000 to purchase and remove a flood-prone residence in Flossmoor.  #35 25-0150

Recreation:

• As part of the consent agenda, the Board granted the City of Palos Hills a 16-year easement to construct and operate a bicycle path on District real estate along the north side of the Cal-Sag Channel between Roberts Road and Southwest Highway in Palos Hills, Illinois.  #34 25-0135

Other:

• Executive Session: Yes.  Personnel issues  
• Commissioners absent: Marcelino Garcia
• Meeting length: 2 hours and 40 minutes including executive session 

Observer:   Laurie Morse