Fox River Water Reclamation District welcomes new leadership in technical services
The Fox River Water Reclamation District in Elgin recently announced the appointment of Cameron Colby, P.E., as its new technical services director, beginning April 1.
Following a comprehensive and competitive national selection process, Colby stood out as the exceptional choice for this pivotal role, showcasing her deep commitment and innovative approach to environmental engineering and water management practices.
Colby is distinguished by her notable experience in environmental engineering, highlighted by her role as program director at Biobot Analytics. There, she was instrumental in launching the first nationwide initiative to monitor wastewater for drugs, funded by the National Institutes of Health. This pioneering work under her leadership united over 70 wastewater utilities and a variety of experts from numerous fields, driving significant advancements in wastewater operations, data science, and public health insights.
Before her tenure at Biobot Analytics, Colby served as the water quality and sustainability leader at Renewable Water Resources (ReWa), where she was at the helm of developing and implementing rigorous compliance, quality, biosolids, and operational management programs across nine wastewater facilities, processing over 40 million gallons per day. Her strategic approach to environmental risk assessments, especially concerning PFAS, marked a significant stride toward establishing robust strategic frameworks for contaminant management.
Colby’s academic credentials, including a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Clemson University and her role as a lecturing professor, underscore her dedication and expertise in her field. Her comprehensive background in project management, regulatory compliance, and process optimization, coupled with her strong advocacy for diversity and inclusion, resonates with the district’s mission and future direction.
Benjamin Bernal, board president, expressed his support: “With Cameron at the helm of modernizing our operations, we reaffirm our dedication to being leaders in environmental management. Her impact is expected to be significant and extensive.”
Eric Johnson, executive director, offered his perspective on Colby’s role: “We are at a critical juncture where the need to address emerging contaminants and PFAS in our wastewater systems has never been more important. Cameron’s extensive experience in this domain, alongside her proven track record in managing projects that advance our understanding and response to these challenges, positions us well for the next phase of our modernization and sustainability goals. Her leadership in navigating these complex issues will be invaluable as we continue to implement innovative and sustainable technologies and upgrades.”
Colby shared her enthusiasm about her new role, stating, “Leading the technical services functions at FRWRD presents a unique opportunity and privilege. I am eager to contribute my skills and apply an innovative approach to support FRWRD’s mission and the communities we serve.”
Under Colby’s guidance, the district is set to achieve higher levels of operational efficiency and innovation in wastewater quality management. Her expertise will be crucial in directing the engineering division, enhancing regulatory compliance, and overseeing laboratory operations, as the district continues to navigate and lead in the dynamic field of environmental management.
About Fox River Water Reclamation District:
The Fox River Water Reclamation District is dedicated to safeguarding public health and preserving the natural environment through the effective and sustainable management of wastewater. Operating three water reclamation facilities with a combined capacity of 37.75 million gallons per day, it serves over 200,000 residents across Elgin, South Elgin, West Dundee, and other communities within Kane and Cook counties. Its commitment to excellence in wastewater treatment and environmental conservation remains unwavering.