Mark Wylie introduced the Director of the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District, Tim Ervin. Tim is originally from Blue Mound, IL and is graduate of both the University of Illinois and Illinois State University. He and his wife moved to BN in 1996 and has been with the district since 2014.
Before sewage treatment, all BN sanitary and storm sewers discarded directly into Sugar Creek. The sewage contaminated drinking wells and created disease outbreaks. Sugar Creek is currently about ten feet shallower than it was then. In 1925, the Water Reclamation District was formed. It's first order of business was to "clean" the creeks and install pipes along the creeks. The piping delivered the waste water to the treatment plant, where it was sanitized.
Today, the District operates two water treatment plants that service the Bloomington-Normal and McLean County. Interestingly, weather patterns have a significant impact on treatment plans. With more intense rains, the plants become overwhelmed.
The District is currently evaluating $100M in improvements to the plants, as they are aging and need repair. With the repair needs, the District relies heavily on biological treatment of the water runoff. Nature is powerful cleaning agent and can filter water significantly.
Bloomington-Normal faces challenges with both water quality and available quantity, and has faced these challenges since the communities were founded.
Announcements
IWU Circle K: On March 28, 9am-11am, the club is invited to volunteer at the Midwest Food Bank. IWU Circle K is hosting their annual Trivia Night, April 12, 7pm at IWU. They will be collecting nonperishable food items at the event. Also, ISU Circle K is hosting a Krispy Kreme fundraiser now through March 16.
Loren Singer: On Saturday, the Zoo is hosting their annual Stampede, including multiple races.
Scott Seibring: Our service projects for the month of March include the Miller Park Zoo Stampede on March 7, and the Midwest Food Bank opportunity hosted by IWU Circle K on March 28.
Sonya Weber: Interest forms for Camp Limberlost have been distributed to schools and Western Ave. community center. Registration will begin in mid-April.
Andrew Greisiger: New club t-shirts have arrived. If you didn't attend the meeting this week, contact Andrew to obtain a shirt at no cost.
volunteer opportunities
IWU Circle K / Midwest Food Bank: March 28, 9am-11am
Miller Park Zoo Stampede: March 7, 9am. Contact Loren Singer to sign up to volunteer.
