The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago broke ground Thursday on Battery E, a nearly $400 million expansion at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant in Skokie, Illinois. The project adds new tanks and equipment to the facility, which has treated wastewater since 1928. MWRD President Kari K. Steele joined local officials from Skokie and Evanston, along with representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for the ceremony.
What it means
Battery E is the fifth treatment battery at the O’Brien facility. Its construction allows the district to upgrade the other four existing batteries. The new system uses a biological process to remove phosphorus from wastewater. This reduction in phosphorus discharge prevents algae growth and oxygen depletion that threaten aquatic life and recreational water bodies downstream. The upgrades help the plant meet stringent water quality requirements.
The O’Brien facility is one of seven wastewater treatment plants operated by the MWRD. It serves more than 1.3 million people across 143 square miles. The plant processes an average of 230 million gallons of wastewater per day. Located at 3500 Howard St., near McCormick Boulevard, the site continues to expand its capacity to manage regional water treatment needs.
Key facts
- Nearly $400 million investment for Battery E construction
- Fifth battery added to the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant
- Upgrades enable improvements to four existing batteries
- Biological process removes phosphorus from wastewater
- Plant serves more than 1.3 million residents
- Covers a service area of 143 square miles
- Treats an average of 230 million gallons daily
- Facility has operated since 1928
Source: CBS Chicago, reporting on MWRD groundbreaking event