The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) announced it is accepting applications for its 2016 Sustainable Landscaping and Biosolids Beneficial Reuse awards until Sept. 2.
The awards recognize the activities and innovations of individuals and organizations such as park districts, villages, schools, golf courses and athletic clubs in two separate categories—sustainable landscaping and beneficial use of biosolids. Biosolids are a product of MWRD's water treatment process and are a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
The beneficial use 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.
- Educational efforts on the environmental/economic benefits of using biosolids.
- Promotion such as, but not limited to, referrals and field demonstrations.
Qualifications for 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 storm water.
Green infrastructure includes:
- Rainwater garvesting (e.g. through rain barrels);
- Rain gardens;
- Native landscaping;
- Storm water trees;
- Porous pavement;
- Bioswales;
- Green roofs;
- Greenways;
- Wetlands; and
- Green alleys, streets and parking lots.
Activities completed after Jan. 1, 2011, are eligible. An individual or organization is eligible once every five years. There is no formal application form. Documentation should include figures, illustrations, narrative and photos to help further explain the efforts. The evaluation process may include a site visit.
Submit application packages to [email protected] or mail to:
Guanglong Tian
Monitoring & Research Department
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
6001 W. Pershing Road
Cicero, IL, 60804
Awards will be presented at MWRD's fourth annual Sustainability Summit later this year. For more information about the biosolids program, awards or Sustainability Summit, contact (312) 751-6633.
Source: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
