In 2019 A3 Environmental Consultants won their first of two consecutive bids for routine groundwater sampling at the Thornton Quarry, in Thornton Illinois for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC). The MWRD is responsible for all the water runoff and storm sewer outflow for their management area. They built an enormous public work called “The Deep Tunnel Project” which transports storm and waste water in volumes too large for waste water treatment plants to handle during fill events. These flows fill a retired section of the Thornton Quarry, a former limestone aggregate mine. As capacity allows, the stormwater and waste water are treated and allowed back into the watershed.
Groundwater Sampling
On an annual basis, quarterly basis and after a major rain event, A3E performs groundwater sampling in a series of 600 feet deep wells surrounding the reservoir. Our scientists are looking for sulfates, dissolved solids, ammonia, total organic carbon, phenols and fecal coliforms. We perform groundwater sampling to ensure the grout curtain which separates the area’s natural groundwater stays separate from the contents of the quarry reservoir. In turn, In turn, this maintains the natural environment and keeps groundwater clean.
Client:
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Location:
Thornton, Illinois ( A Chicago Suburb)
Services:
Soil & Groundwater Investigations
Key Staff:
Matt Larson – Project Manager
Chris Tremblay – Project Manager / Field Staff
Duration:
2019 – Present
Value:
$300,000
MWRD Stormwater Management Map
