Project to Expand Storage System and Improve, Protect
Local Water Quality
Chicago, Ill. (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.
About Black & Veatch
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.
Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions
that meet clients’ needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions are
provided from the broad line of service expertise available within Black &
Veatch, including conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering
design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management,
program management, construction management, environmental, security design and
consulting, management consulting and infrastructure planning. With $3.2
billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more than 100 offices
worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100 countries on six
continents.
Black & Veatch’s global water business provides innovative,
technology-based solutions to utilities, governments and industries worldwide.
Local project managers work with a global team of water and wastewater
treatment process experts to address site-specific challenges through a broad
range of consulting, study, planning, design, design-build and construction
management services. The company’s Web site address is www.bv.com.
Media Contact:
George Minter
minterga@bv.com
913-458-8001
24-hour Media Line:
1-866-496-9149
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