Phosphorous Technology Research Project Discussed at MWRD Board Meeting

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Board
November 21, 2019
All commissioners were present, and there were no executive or study sessions.        

Board Discussion/Action:

Authorization to amend the Master Agreement with the Board of Regents of the Iowa State University to extend the agreement termination date from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2020.  (Agenda Item # 10 - 19-1122)  Approved

• Commissioners Davis, McGowan, Garcia and Shore pulled this item for discussion.
• Commissioner Davis asked how this research, if continued to be authorized, will be used at the O’Brien Plant.  
• Tom Kunetz, Asst. Director Monitoring and Research, explained that this new phosphorous technology will recover nutrients and place them back in the cycle.  It will also replace the use of petroleum products and is more sustainable.  Fertilizer pellets may be created in the future from the collection.  This contract has been active since 2014.  Phases one (three foot high) and two (six foot high) systems were completed.  Phase three required a ten foot tall system that would reduce the footprint at the O’Brien Plant that has limited space.  This system failed and was redesigned causing a nine month delay.  The more robust system is now up and running.
• Commissioners du Buclet and Garcia asked if using in-state universities with similar advances had been explored.  Executive Director Perkovich stated that University of Illinois, Northwestern, and University of Chicago have been used for other research.  
• Mr. Kunitz explained that this is technology invented by a professor at Iowa State who holds the patent for his technology.  A University of Illinois Professor did develop a system using suspended matter but this was not found to be practical.
• Commissioner McGowan asked about the cost during the 9 months while the phase three system was broken down.  Mr. Kunetz explained that the cost was for the personnel required for the system redesign.
• Commissioner Shore asked if this new ten foot system required more energy.  Mr. Kunitz responded that yes, it required a little more but used single digit horsepower.
  
• ​Commissioner Shore asked: Will the district benefit from or be able to be part of any patent that results from this technology or if it moves to market.  Mr. Kunetz responded that during the process our staff in conjunction with Iowa State had discovered a different application for this process.  A joint patent application is pending.  If it goes to market, there will be benefits. 

Commissioner Davis questioned the $86,000 membership dues to National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and how we benefit from our association with them.  (Agenda Item # 12 -19-1135) Approved

• Executive Director Perkovich said that staff is involved in national committees with NACWA on bio-solids issues.   They also help  to keep abreast of issues, lobby congress to protect our interests, and are in contact with the EPA.
• Commissioner Davis requested a list of coalitions, councils and associations the MWRD belongs and to whom it pays dues.  
  
• Commissioner Garcia questioned the make up the NACWA Board of Directors; i.e., does it include minority members. Executive Director Perkovich explained there are 33 board members representing agencies across the country. Members are chosen from the Executive Directors of Waste Management Agencies. 

All Consent Agenda Items 1- 46 were approved with the exception of Item 43, which was removed by the Executive Director.

 Observed by:  Pat Lind                                                                  Meeting Length: 60 minutes