Traditional sewage treatment plants are large outdoor facilities that require significant energy consumption and high operational and maintenance costs. Most traditional treatment plants adhere to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-mandated secondary treatment standards, which are minimum, technology-based requirements. In contrast, the effl...
Contaminated soil poses environmental health risks, making remediation essential. One of the most effective methods for a soil remediation approach is soil excavation, which involves removing and transporting contaminated soil off-site for treatment or disposal. This process is widely used but comes with significant costs. This blog post explores t...
There's a simple way for architects, engineers and even contractors to lower project costs – all it takes is a little planning and a lot of know-how. Fehr Graham specializes in soil management, including Clean Construction or Demolition (CCDD) services, which test project soil to determine if it qualifies for disposal at regulated sites throughout ...
Per- and Polyfluoroalkalyl Substances (PFAS) are not directly generated at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) but enter through influent from industrial, commercial and domestic sources. Standard sludge treatment methods, such as digestion, lime treatment, thermal drying and composting, do not remove PFAS. As a result, municipal biosolids often co...
The Mississippi River flows through Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, carrying vast quantities of nutrient-rich freshwater and sediment to the Gulf of Mexico. Agricultural and urban runoff, primarily from fertilizers, animal manure and wastewater discharges, increase nitrogen and phosphorus in the river, resulting in hypoxia zones. These so-called dea...
The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) is a statewide plan designed to reduce nutrients entering Illinois waterways from agriculture, wastewater treatment plants and urban stormwater runoff. This plan is updated and expanded every two years through biennial reports. The most recent 2023 Biennial Report highlights the efforts, investme...
Biosolids are a byproduct of domestic sewage treatment at wastewater treatment plants. After chemical treatment and testing, this nutrient-rich organic material is commonly repurposed for land application. In Wisconsin, more than 85% of biosolids are reused as inexpensive fertilizer replacement, conditioner or soil amendment. However, per- and poly...
Nutrient runoff in Illinois waterways contributes to eutrophication, which eventually makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico, creating dead zones. These zones have low oxygen and cannot support the aquatic ecosystem. The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) is a collaborative effort across the state to limit the amount of nutrients, partic...
Most wastewater treatment equipment lasts 15 to 20 years, while the average wastewater treatment plants have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. That means a majority of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) in the U.S., built in the 1970s and 1980s, are nearing or beyond the intended lifespan. Aging pipes, outdated facilities and inefficient technology...
Many wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) use digestion to meet federal regulations and reduce total sludge volume. The correct digester optimizes operations and maintenance, so it's crucial to make the best choice – aerobic or anaerobic – for your WWTP. Aerobic digestion is more suitable for small and medium WWTPs because of its high-energy demand....
Access to clean water is essential, making protection against harmful contaminants a health and safety priority — especially in the Midwest. As the nation's agricultural hub, America's Breadbasket faces unique soil and groundwater contamination challenges. States like Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin work to control and reduce pollutants through effect...
Fehr Graham, a leading engineering and environmental firm, helped the Village of Davis and the Decatur Park District secure grant funding to enhance local parks and expand recreational opportunities. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced more than $55 million in Open Space Land Acquisition and De...
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $75 million in funding for drinking water infrastructure in Illinois. This funding will flow through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and can support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. This blog post will discuss the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) grant and Lead Ser...
Beautification projects improve public spaces. Landscaping, maintenance, streetscaping, signage, lighting, parking and public art enhance communities. They may also help to improve traffic flow, preserve historic buildings and upgrade parks and open spaces. Improving aesthetics benefits the public, but the expense can deter smaller municipalities f...
In October 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) to strengthen efforts to reduce lead exposure in drinking water. The final LCRI builds upon the previous lead and copper rules and includes key provisions proposed by the agency in November 2023. The rule is effective Dec. 30...
When nutrient-rich runoff, which is water containing high levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, manure and sewage enters waterways, it causes excessive algae blooms. This leads to a process called eutrophication. Eutrophication blocks the light that seagrass and other underwater plants need to survive – and that's just ...
As the demand for land increases to meet the needs of the expanding urban population, sustainable urban brownfield redevelopment is more important than ever. Despite its challenges, the benefits of restoring old commercial and industrial sites are undeniable. Planning, overseeing and finalizing brownfield redevelopment often requires professional e...
Brownfield redevelopment is integral to improving the economic and environmental conditions across a community. Whether the site is residential, commercial or industrial, brownfields are characterized by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.To support municipal environmental revitalization efforts, ...
A watershed is an area where water flows downhill into streams, lakes, rivers or wetlands. In natural watersheds, such as forests, about 50% of rainwater infiltrates the soil. In urban watersheds, 30-70% of rainfall runs off into storm drains and natural water bodies. Layers of asphalt and concrete, known as impervious surfaces, reduce the land&rsq...
Although it is regulated at the federal level, stormwater management — and associated expenses — primarily fall under the responsibility of local governments. Many of these governments depend on federal and state funds to manage expenses. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program regulates point-sour...
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