Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, Stickney, IL

Site Profile

Operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago (MWRDC), the Stickney facility is the world’s largest waste-water treatment plant. Built during the 1930s, it is actually two contiguous plants that treat an average flow of 1,200 million gallons of water per day. To ensure environmentally safe and efficient operation of the plant, continual repair and improvement projects are scheduled as part of a phased, multimillion-dollar Stickney Master Plan.

Project Description

To accommodate future redevelopment, the 1 million-square-foot sludge disposal building of the industrial-waste processing plant was completely demolished while all surrounding plant processes remained active. The project included separating and removing seven boilers without disturbing an adjacent pump and blower-house facility that was to stay intact. All live utilities within the building were protected. Additionally, any asbestos still contained in the building was abated.