• Project to expand storage system and improve, protect local water quality
CHICAGO, IL, April 10, 2008 -- Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, announced today that it has been selected for the final facilities design and commissioning of the Thornton Composite Reservoir project by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC).
The Thornton Composite Reservoir is a key component of MWRDGC's award-winning Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, a top priority infrastructure project in Chicago designed to protect and improve local water quality and effectively manage combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The plan features three storage reservoirs -- Thornton, McCook and O'Hare -- and a deep tunnel system approximately 110 miles in length that conveys overflows and stormwater to the reservoirs for storage.
The Thornton Composite Reservoir will provide nearly eight billion gallons of expanded storage for CSOs and floodwaters in southern Chicago and Cook County, Ill.
"This is a very important project for the Chicago area that will help provide protection for the region's drinking water supply in Lake Michigan, improved water quality in area rivers and streams and an outlet for floodwaters to reduce sewage backup," said Dan McCarthy, President and CEO of Black & Veatch's global water business. "Our expertise in the design and construction of reservoirs and conveyance systems and our ability to develop sustainable solutions for CSO management, flood control and water quality improvements have enabled us to work closely with the MWRDGC staff and make this project a reality."
According to MWRDGC Chief Engineer Joseph Sobanski, Black & Veatch was selected due to its unique experience and skill set. "We have been pleased with Black & Veatch's responsiveness on previous assignments related to the reservoir project and with the local talents and solutions that have been offered," he said.
Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets.
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