7/26/23
Today, our guest speaker was Matt Larson, Executive Director of the Wheaton Sanitary District (WSD).
Contrary to what the name might imply, Wheaton Sanitary District is not part of the City of Wheaton. It is a separate government agency that treats wastewater from areas that naturally drain to the wastewater plant. Although it has the authority, the District does not levy taxes. Most of the revenue for operations is generated from user charges, based on water consumption. The balance of revenue comes from connection permit fees, septage disposal, leachate disposal, and chemical toilet disposal.
This was a return visit, as he made a presentation in January, 2022 regarding the Northside Interceptor Sewer Replacement Project that had started in May, 2021. That project is nearing completion. The WSD owns and operates three separate interceptor sewers which collect wastewater from local sewer systems and convey wastewater to the District’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Local sewer systems are owned by the City of Wheaton, Village of Carol Stream, and Wheaton Sanitary District. The three interceptors include the Southside Interceptor (SSI), Northside Interceptor (NSI), and County Farm Road Interceptor (a.k.a. Northwest Interceptor).
A more recent project is the Spring Brook Creek stream bank stabilization project including tree removal, erosion and sediment control, excavation, riprap, seeding, planting, natural area management, guardrail, and associated work. Some of this work is readily visible from the south end of Shaffner Road.
Somewhat obscure aspects of the WSD operations:
- Some of the effluent is sent to Cantigny Golf which uses it to water the grounds
- To reduce the potential of oil being dumped into the sanitary sewer system, the District provides disposal for used motor oil, oil filters, and cooking oil Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3:00pm at no charge.