Village Plans to Implement Bio-Solids Handling Study

Over the next five years, the largest single expenditure for the Public Works department will be implementing a bio-solids handling study during the fiscal year 2012 and 2013, according to John Heinz, public works director.

The $1.6 million study will guide the village on the most cost effective method of disposing of sludge, which the village is required to remove by state and federal regulations.

There is no direct benefit to village residents, however, the study could result in reducing some costs to residents.  

Currently the village hires a contractor to dispose of the solids by using a belt filter press to press the sludge. The village owns the wastewater treatment plant and the effluent water are sent to the Des Plaines River.

Hiring a contractor limits the village’s ability to get rid of the sludge, and makes the village dependent on the contractor’s time and the weather. Some of the other proposed options include the village purchasing their own belt filter press.

Apart from the study, the most expensive sewer and water improvements, expected to cost $1 million each, are the water main improvements at the southwest corner of Peterson and Butterfield Roads during fiscal year 2013 and 2014, and a sewer upgrade on Winchester Road during the fiscal year 2012 and 2013.