MWRD Representatives Attend WEF Residuals & Biosolids Conference

In the rapidly evolving field of residuals and biosolids, water treatment industry leaders actively pursue the latest and best practices of reuse and disposal. As a result of these efforts, waterways that were once a dumping ground for biosolids and residuals are now being cleaned and made safer for recreation and for fish populations.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) staff, along with Chairman of Finance Frank Avila and Commissioner Kari Steele, represented the MWRD at the annual Water Environment Federation/International Water Assn. (WEF/IWA) Residuals and Biosolids Conference held in Washington, D.C., June 7 to 10, 2015. Participating MWRD staff included Senior Environmental Soil Scientist Lakhwinder S. Hundal, Managing Civil Engineer Daniel Collins, Senior Civil Engineer Matthew McGregor and Senior Civil Engineer Ahmad Laban.

"Working together, scientists, engineers and other professionals in the field of water treatment have banded together to learn how we best manage these products. Sharing in this knowledge has led to new advancements in the field, and our environment has benefited greatly," Avila said. "Three decades ago, this was all going straight into our waterways. Now, we are not only finding legitimate reuse, but also making the world around us a healthier place to live."

The WEF/IWA conference, themed "The Next Generation of Science, Technology, and Management," offered comprehensive information on industry hot topics, advancements in residuals and biosolids technologies and management and valuable learning opportunities to both seasoned biosolids professionals and newcomers to the field. The technical program this year highlighted nonprofit organizations serving people in third- and fourth-world nations through the development of clean water, sanitation and micro-business projects and programs and related services.

Other sessions and workshops focused on sustainable dewatering processes and practices, nutrient management and resource recovery, anaerobic digestion processes and composting advancements.

Source: MWRD