June 15, 2015 -- The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago is now accepting applications for its 2015 Sustainable Landscaping and Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Awards until Sunday, June 28.
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 use of biosolids. Biosolids are a product of the MWRD's water treatment process and are a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
The beneficial reuse 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
- Promotion such as, but not limited to, referrals and field demonstrations
- Educational efforts on the environmental/economic benefits of using 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 stormwater.
Green infrastructure alternatives include the following:
- Bio-Swales
- Green Alleys, Streets and Parking Lots
- Green Roofs
- Greenways
- Native Landscaping
- Porous Pavement
- Rain Gardens
- Rainwater Harvesting (i.e., through rain barrels)
- Stormwater Trees
- Wetlands
Activities completed after January 1, 2010, are eligible for an award, and an individual or organization is eligible 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. Awards will be presented at MWRD's third Sustainability Summit later this year.
Submit application packages to [email protected] or mail to:
Dr. Lakhwinder S. Hundal, CPSS
Monitoring & Research Department
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
6001 W. Pershing Road
Cicero, IL 60804
See also:
"MWRD to replace Egan WRP parking lot with green infrastructure"
"MWRD installs new green roof at Racine Avenue Pumping Station"
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