The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is accepting applications for its 2013 Sustainable Landscaping and Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Awards until Sept. 6, 2013.
The awards will 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 reuse of biosolids. Biosolids are a safe byproduct of the water treatment process that can be used to improve soil fertility and soil moisture holding capacity.
The beneficial reuse of biosolids may be demonstrated through any one of 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; and
- • Educational efforts on the benefits of 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 storm water. Green infrastructure alternatives include:
- • Rainwater harvesting, i.e. through rain barrels;
- • Rain gardens;
- • Native landscaping;
- • Storm water trees;
- • Porous pavement;
- • Bio-swales;
- • Green roofs;
- • Greenways;
- • Wetlands; and
- • Green alleys, streets and parking lots.
Activities completed after Jan. 1, 2008 are eligible to apply, and an individual or organization is eligible to receive an award 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.
Submit application packages 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 first Sustainability Summit on Sept. 26, 2013.
Source: MWRD
