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

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