Environmental Justice
In accordance with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act and to advance our Strategic Plan, the MWRD established the Environmental Justice Section in the 2022 Budget. The corresponding policy was issued on January 19, 2023, based on the definition from the EPA.
The MWRD is committed to incorporating diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) principals in all decision making, planning, policy making, programs and activities, and in the execution of administrative processes. A commitment to DEIJ principles means valuing and celebrating our differences and seeking ways to create a welcoming environment that respects and embraces the experiences and contributions of every community and individual. DEIJ requires continuous introspection, commitment, and the development and implementation of policies that lead to effective actions yielding measurable results.
Environmental Justice at the MWRD
The MWRD is passionate about creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment, understanding that our differences strengthen our community. We understand that to serve effectively, we must strive for equity by providing access to opportunity for our employees, constituents, and community partners. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, language, gender identity and expression, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion, and physical and mental abilities.
The MWRD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice supports our core values of Excellence, Respect, Innovation, Safety, Equity, Diversity, and Accountability.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Defined
The MWRD’s commitment to these principles means valuing and celebrating our differences and seeking ways to create a welcoming environment that respects and embraces the experiences and contributions of every community and individual. DEIJ requires continuous introspection, commitment, and the development and implementation of policies that lead to effective actions yielding measurable results.
- Diversity: The representation of different and unique identities, backgrounds, characteristics, experiences, and perspectives.
- Equity: Providing everyone with the tools they need to succeed by ensuring access, resources, and opportunities for all; especially for those who are underrepresented and have been historically underserved and disadvantaged.
- Inclusion: Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging and support from the organization and are provided an opportunity to contribute their talents to fulfilment of the MWRD’s mission. This is achieved by creating an ethical, tolerant, and respectful environment and culture in which differences are acknowledged and celebrated.
- Justice: The ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably to ensure that no harm befalls another, and that where harm is alleged, action is taken to remedy the injustice.
EJ In Action
Community Partnership Councils
In support of our Strategic Plan, Community Partnership Councils were developed to encourage public involvement. The first council was established around the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant; our oldest treatment facility and located in historically under-resourced communities. EJ is looking forward to establishing councils surrounding our other facilities.
Watershed Planning Council Meetings
MWRD EJ staff attends quarterly watershed planning council meetings for Little Calumet River, Calumet Sag Channel, North Branch of Chicago River, Lower Des Plaines, and Poplar Creek & Upper Salt Creek.
Green Infrastructure
MWRD EJ is assisting community members and municipalities identify projects that may be eligible for participation in Green Infrastructure projects. The Water Environment Foundation Students and Young Professionals Community led a recent partnership with MWRD to construct a rain garden at O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy.
History & Hope/Pullman Partnership
MWRD EJ participated in History & Hope, an 8-week environmental justice program for teenagers facilitated and led by Pullman National Historical Park. The program educated youth from Chicago's most challenged communities on best practices to adapt and build resilience to climate change.
Earth Day 2024
On Earth Day 2024, EJ partnered with the students of Aldridge Elementary School to clean up their campus. The students heard from Public Affairs about why keeping the environment clean is important and then came outside to put that into practice, with each class working on different spaces around the school. Pictured is the 8th grade class.
Peace Week Celebrations at Aldridge
In conjunction with Earth Day, our EJ Team was invited to participate in a ceremony promoting peace in the community. Both students and guests wished for positive things they wanted to see while pouring a cup of water on Aldridge's Peace Tree.
The 8th grade class at Aldridge then presented a 3D map representing Altgeld Gardens and the improvements they hope to see when the Red Line extension is completed.
MSI's Jr. Science Café
Lolita Thompson lead one of these small, focused sessions that offer young people the opportunity to interact directly with STEM professionals with the aim to change the perception of a "traditional" STEM professional by engaging professionals of all ages, backgrounds, interests, and career paths, conveying that anyone can pursue a career in STEM.
Chicago Women in the Trades
EJ facilitated a tour lead by Engineer of Treatment Plant Operations Lisa Kursell of the Stickney WRP of apprentice tradeswomen from Chicago Women in the Trades. With only 3% of skilled trades being women, CWIT is dedicated to changing those numbers by providing support, education, advocacy, and leadership development.
Sheriff's Leadership Academy
EJ teamed up with Public Affairs to host Sheriff Tom Dart's Leadership Academy summer camp for a tour of Calumet WRP.
National Society of Black Engineers
Principal Civil Engineer Lolita Thompson participated in the National Society of Black Engineers – Chicago Professionals’ Engineers Week Expo on at the Illinois Institute of Technology. This annual event exposes students to STEM in a fun, stimulating, and impactful way. Lolita demonstrated portions of our treatment process.
CPS Skilled Trades Fair
EJ’s Human Resources Manager Ed Coleman teamed up with M&O’s David Schusler, Assistant Master Mechanic, and Pam Taylor, Master Mechanic I, at the third annual Chicago Public Schools’ Skilled Trades Career Fair to give more than 3,000 CPS students an up-close look at opportunities within the skilled trades at MWRD.
City Colleges of Chicago Visit
The EJ section hosted a visit of representatives from the City Colleges of Chicago to the Stickney WRP. EJ is partnering with the City Colleges to with hopes of developing apprentice programs for TPOs and curriculum paths related to Wastewater Treatment Labs.
CMAP FLIP
On July 18, 2024 the MWRD hosted youth from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) Future Leaders in Planning (FLIP) summer program. Through FLIP, high school students from northeastern Illinois explore the field of urban planning and learn about career paths and opportunities to get involved in urban planning, urban design, sustainability, public policy, government, transportation, environmental planning, water supply, community development, and public engagement. As part of their visit, they heard presentations from our EJ Team.
10th Ward Interns Visit
On July 24, 2024 members of the EJ Team joined the tour of Calumet WRP by the summer interns of Chicago’s 10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico. CWRP is located within the 10th Ward, giving the interns an excellent opportunity to learn about an important resource in their own backyard.
Polished Pebbles
On July 27, 2024, Lolita Thompson joined Board of Commissioners’ President Kari Steele in hosting young women from Polished Pebbles for a tour of Stickney WRP. Polished Pebbles helps girls from the greater Chicagoland area become great communicators at home, school, and the future workplace and learn skills that allow them to develop confidence and the ability to speak up in class, join groups and leadership positions, communicate effectively and respectfully, and prepare for future careers.
Representatives from municipalities within the MWRD are encouraged to contact our Environmental Justice section to determine if we can assist with future projects. envjustice@mwrd.org