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MWRD

MWRD plans to combat revenue shortages for 2009

The agency's budget woes are mostly due to the economic downturn, officials say. Tax revenue is falling, as are fees from sewer-system users.

5 months ago | Samantha Liss

MWRD planning $600 million bond issue

The bond would make it easier for the district to turn sludge into a cake-like fertilizer that is provided to golf courses and other locations.

5 months ago | Alex Parker and Samantha Liss

MWRD approves disinfection tests

The district will spend $75,000 on a pilot program to evaluate disinfecting wastewater with ultraviolet rays. The process can be more effective at eliminating bacteria than the agency's existing method.

9 months ago | Marian Wang

MWRD hoping for hearty slice of stimulus pie

The district has compiled a hefty shopping list totaling $380 million for the stimulus package currently being debated in the U.S. Senate.

9 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

MWRD wraps up contracts with unions

Most employees at the district will receive a 3.5 percent wage hike. The move comes at a time when private-sector employers are instituting widespread wage freezes and layoffs.

10 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

MWRD resignation raises possibility of another Blago appointment

Patricia Young resigned her seat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s board. Her replacement will be named by the governor.

10 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

MWRD to hold public hearing on bond issue

The public can speak on a Water Reclamation District proposal to issue more than $250 million in bonds to fund ongoing capital projects.

10 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

MWRD draws up lobbying agenda for Springfield

The MWRD wants changes in state tax codes so it can sell more bonds to pay for capital projects. It plans to lobby the General Assembly for change in 2009.

11 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

Study to focus on how chemicals affect Chicago fish

MWRD board scheduled to approve study of estrogen and similar chemicals and their impact on fish populations in the water. The three-year study will cost taxpayers more than $338,000.

11 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

Critics: MWRD budget should include disinfection

The budget is fiscally responsible, according to the Civic Federation. But green advocates say the district should be looking at more eco-friendly ways to cut pollution.

11 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

MWRD eyes budget increase

Though the district's total spending will increase by 9.6 percent under a proposed new budget, the tax rate paid by property owners will drop 3.3 percent. Commissioners will vote on the plan Thursday.

11 months ago | Jennifer Slosar

Water reclamation commissioners look beyond elections

The newly-elected commissioners overseeing waste water treatment for Chicago and the region say they're focusing on system upgrades and water conservation.

1 year ago | Ian Fullerton

MWRD candidates highlight finance, environmental issues

Nine candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for six-year terms on the district’s board of commissioners. Green Party candidates are pushing for disinfection of the effluent the agency discharges into the Chicago River.

1 year ago | Jennifer Slosar

Environmentalists, regulators push for disinfection of Chicago River effluent

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is one of few big sewage authorities that does not disinfect the effluent pumped into the nation’s waterways. The district says disinfection is expensive and that health benefits aren't proven.

1 year ago | Jennifer Slosar

Rain garden pilot project coming to area school

Students at the University of Chicago’s Lab High School will soon have an opportunity to plant perennials and improve water quality at the same time, thanks to an MWRD program.

1 year ago | Jennifer Slosar
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