Disinfection, cost key campaign issue

Perhaps it's the trend toward going green, or the uproar last summer over BP's unsuccessful bid to dump more toxic waste into Lake Michigan.

Whatever the reason, the primary race for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago board seems to be getting more attention this year.

Campaign billboards line area highways.

The district, which covers nearly all of Cook County and operates with a $1.4 billion budget, is responsible for wastewater treatment and storm water management.

But there's growing debate over whether to implement a practice known as disinfection. The process would reduce bacteria in wastewater that's discharged back into the area's waterway system.

Proponents say disinfection would make the waterways "swimmable" and fit for recreation. But the enormous cost and health implications to humans and aquatic life are still being studied.

Eight Democrats are vying for three 6-year seats. There are no Republicans in the race, so the Democratic winners will run in November against three Green Party candidates who are unopposed in their primary.

The candidates were asked whether the district should pursue disinfection.

Frank Avila, 69, incumbent from Chicago: The civil engineer said the district's infrastructure is outdated and it's embarking on a massive capital improvements program at its treatment plants.

"Before we consider all the disinfection, we need to upgrade facilities," he said.

Funding is the district's most pressing issue and nutrient removal and disinfection would cost more than a billion dollars, he said. There are no federal funds are available, he added, saying the foremost mission has to be treating wastewater while protecting the water supply and its quality.

Diane Jones, 46, challenger from Chicago: The cost of ultraviolet disinfection is extremely high, said Jones, who works at the district as chief assistant to Commissioner Patricia Horton.

"We have to weigh both ends and continue the studies and see how to cut costs," Jones said.

Dean Maragos, 56, challenger from Winnetka: "Tertiary cleansing is a multimillion-dollar project that is being seriously considered to meet EPA standards," Maragos said. "However, the electricity required to implement this ultraviolet process might ultimately have a negative impact on the environment."

Maragos recommended exploring other energy sources besides electricity and alternative funding from grants or venture capitalists. He also wants continued analysis and to expedite the fact-finding process.

Kathleen T. Meany, 59, incumbent from Chicago: The district is facing public pressure to disinfect and restore the waterways to a "swimmable" condition.

The board "must find the balance between this effort and holding the line on local taxes," she said, adding any benefits of disinfection would be canceled out until the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan is finished.

She said future treatment standards will depend largely on the conclusions reached by the Illinois Pollution Control Board, which is currently reviewing an EPA study.

Matthew Podgorski, 27, challenger from Park Ridge: He supports disinfection, saying the process would protect against health risks and provide for safe recreational use.

He also said he believes that making rivers safe for swimming could increase property values.

"It would more than pay for itself in the long run," he said. "I would push for tertiary treatment (disinfection)."

Cynthia Santos, 46, incumbent from Chicago: She said she believes disinfection can harm the environment.

"We have to comply with the Cleanwater Act, but how is debatable," she said. "And where's the money going to come from?"

More study is needed, she said, adding the district must keep its focus on storm water management, pollution control, cleaning wastewater and keeping channels navigable.

Santos said the district is the only governmental agency in Illinois that's fiscally sound and operating within its means and it should stay that way.

Mariyana Spyropoulos, 44, challenger from Chicago: The attorney said he believes disinfection of the district's waterways is a "must" to protect people's health and ensure safe recreational use.

She said many Cook County waterways don't meet the Clean Water Act mandate that primary contact waterways be safe to swim and fish.

Spyropoulos proposes a gradual phase-in of disinfection procedures at district facilities to spread out the cost and wants to push for legislation that would fund disinfection. The district could also cut overhead costs by reducing the number of commissioners on the board from nine to five, she said.

Derek D. Stinson, 51, challenger from Chicago: The district disinfects effluent from the treatment plants, which is the water that gets dumped as a byproduct of sewage treatment, in the northern areas of the district.

"The same disinfectant process should be utilized throughout all other regions of the district to improve water quality for recreational purposes and wildlife habitats," he said.