Article updated: 7/22/2011 6:07 PM

Tour underground world often taken for granted

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Bob McNamara, pump operator with the city of Arlington Heights, stands in knee-high stormwater almost 40 feet underground in the stormwater station located on the border of Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect. He is getting ready to clean any debris that might clog the pumps' impellers, which will cause a flow problem and a possible backup.

Photos by Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

McNamara has a dirty job, working almost 40 feet underground in the stormwater station located on the border of Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Geoff Smith, pump operator for the city of Arlington Heights, calls up to his fellow workers while 50 feet underground at the Honeywell lift station for raw sewage. The pump station, which pushes the sewage along to its final destination, is located along Dundee Road.

McNamara cleans up the pump pit in the stormwater station located on the border of Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Smith cleans out a malfunctioning pump 50 feet underground at the Honeywell lift station for raw sewage, using his hand to remedy the problem area.

Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Ever wonder what happens 40 feet below the hustle and bustle of suburban life? Well, take a tour underneath Arlington Heights with the city's public works department to see how they keep us clean and dry.

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