Company Profile
Fox River Water Reclamation District
Company Overview
The Fox River Water Reclamation District (FRWRD) owns and operates three water reclamation facilities (WRFs): the Albin D. Pagorski WRF (ADP WRF), the North WRF, and the West WRF; and 12 remote pump stations in the collection system. The WRFs provide wastewater treatment services to over 200,000 people within the communities of Elgin, South Elgin, West Dundee, portions of Sleepy Hollow, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, unincorporated St. Charles Township, and surrounding areas in Kane and Cook Counties. Streamwood and Hoffman Estates are located in the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) Sub Facility Planning Area (FPA) within the Poplar Creek Watershed. FRWRD provides service to the Poplar Creek Watershed by contract with MWRDGC. West Dundee is a separate FPA with a portion of its wastewater treated by FRWRD via contract. Treated effluent from each of the WRFs is discharged to the Fox River.
The ADP WRF, North WRF and West WRF have design average rated capacities of 25 million gallons per day (mgd), 7.75 mgd and 5 mgd, respectively, which provides a total combined design capacity of 37.75 mgd for the three facilities. Wastewater tributary to the North WRF and West WRF is collected in separate sanitary sewers. The North WRF receives the before mentioned flow from West Dundee via a contract agreement. Wastewater tributary to the ADP WRF is collected in both separate and combined sanitary sewers and includes flow from the Poplar Creek drainage basin of the MWRDGC which is conveyed directly to the ADP WRF in a dedicated MWRDGC owned sewer. The ADP WRF serves as a regional biosolids facility, receiving the solids generated at the North WRF and the West WRF via the Southwest influent interceptor sewer. Biosolids are anaerobically digested, dewatered, stored and applied on farm land for beneficial reuse.
As FRWRD provides service in both Kane and Cook Counties, FRWRD management is overseen by a Board of Trustees appointed by Illinois State Legislators from the FRWRD service area.
Company History
Development of the Fox River Water Reclamation District (FRWRD) is tied to the development and growth of the Elgin area itself. In the 1830's, a bridge across the Fox River at Elgin helped connect Chicago to Galena. Later, the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad came to Elgin, reinforcing its importance as a transportation center. At about the same time, the Fox River Road to Richmond, and completion of the Chicago & Pacific Railroad, further served as a catalyst for Elgin's industrial growth.
By1851, with Elgin's dam and transportation capabilities, it became the third most important manufacturing town in Illinois. While Elgin's industry continued to grow, the adjacent Fox River was a major source of ice before mechanical refrigeration. The growing contamination of the river by gravel washer and untreated sewage resulting in the Chicago Board of Health condemning the ice taken from the Fox River.
In response to creating a healthy and sanitary water source, the Sanitary District of Elgin was created on May 9, 1922. Over the years its role expanded, serving more communities than just Elgin. Therefore, on October 17, 1990 it became the Fox River Water Reclamation District.
Benefits
Excellent benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision, EAP, IMRF pension plan, 457 retirement plan. Paid vacation, personal time and sick time. Company provided life and AD&D.