Press release from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago:
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is accepting applications for its 2014 Sustainable Landscaping and Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Awards until May 28, 2014.
The awards will recognize the activities and innovations of individuals and organizations in Cook County such as park districts, villages, schools, golf courses, and athletic clubs in two separate categories: sustainable landscaping and beneficial reuse of biosolids. Biosolids are a safe byproduct of the water treatment process that can be used to improve soil fertility and soil health.
The beneficial reuse of biosolids may be demonstrated through any one or a combination of the following: · Continuous commitment to maximize and improve the cost-effectiveness of using biosolids.
· Promotion such as, but not limited to, referrals and field demonstrations.
· Educational efforts on the environmental/economic benefits of using biosolids. The Sustainable Landscaping award may be demonstrated through the innovative use of green infrastructure, capital investment, and how an individual or organization promotes green landscaping to educate the community. The goal is to present an award to an individual or community that integrates sustainable practices in the environment that manages stormwater.
Green infrastructure alternatives include: · Rainwater Harvesting, i.e. through rain barrels
· Rain Gardens
· Native Landscaping
· Stormwater Trees
· Porous Pavement
· Bio-Swales
· Green Roofs
· Greenways
· Wetlands
· Green Alleys, Streets, and Parking Lots
Activities completed after January 1, 2009 are eligible for an award, and an individual or organization is eligible once every five years. Applications should include figures, illustrations, narrative, and photos to help further explain the efforts. The evaluation process may include a site visit.
Email submission packages to lakhwinder.hundal@mwrd.org or mail to: Dr. Lakhwinder S. Hundal, CPSS Monitoring & Research Department Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago 6001 W. Pershing Road Cicero, IL 60804
Awards will be presented at the MWRD’s second Sustainability Summit on July 2 at the Crown Plaza, 160 E. Huron St., Chicago. For more information about the biosolids program, awards or Sustainability Summit, contact (312) 751-6633.