MWRD Free EQ Biosolid Program on Pause

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board Meeting
​September 15, 2022

President Steele began the meeting by reading a statement requesting that the Executive Director  pause the free EQ Biosolid distribution program.   She stated that she believed the MWRD is following the EPA rules regarding PFAS but wants this pause to ensure that the District remains compliant, environmentally friendly, and mindful of public concern.  (See second item under new business.)
Two agenda items were pulled for discussion:

• Authority to advertise Contract 22-483-11 to provide co-location services for District infrastructure, estimated cost $300,000. Commissioner McGowan asked for further information about why it is a co-location service.   The contract is for a service that will house some of the Districts IT equipment, providing proper environment and for moving the equipment.  The provider has other clients in the same location.   Commissioner McGowan also asked about the affirmative action requirements for contracts.     It was not included because moving IT equipment is a very specialized service. (Agenda Item #11-22-0801)
• Authority to issue a five-year permit to the U.S. Dept of Agriculture to access MWRD land to study Canada Geese and prevent their interference with air traffic at Midway Airport.  The nominal fee is $10.   Commissioner Spryopoulos asked for more information on what are the challenges in this process and what methods the USDA will use in controlling the geese.  A report will be provided to the Board. (Agenda Item #34-22-0831)

All 39 agenda items were approved.

Stormwater Management:

• Authority to amend an Intergovernmental agreement with the Berwyn Park District for the construction, operation and maintenance of a green infrastructure project in Berwyn. (Agenda Item #39-22-0837)

New Business

• President Steele announced that the MWRD employees were collecting donations for bottled water for the Village of Dixmoor while its water system is being repaired
• Commissioner Davis requested that an item be put into the budget to fund measuring PFAS chemicals at the source.
• Commissioner Davis asked Executive Director Perkovich to explore how the MWRD can use funding provided by the Federal Infrastructure Act  to reduce its carbon footprint.  Mr. Perkovich will report next month on taking advantage of the funding.
• Commissioner Corral-Sepulveda thanked the MWRD staff that helped with the Monarch Butterfly event at a Berwyn park.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam         Length of meeting: 1 hour 15 minutes          No Executive Session was Held