THORN CREEK BASIN SANITARY DISTRICT
District
The Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District is a special purpose independent
governmental agency. The District was created in 1928 as a sanitary district
under the Sanitary District Act of 1917. Known originally as the Sanitary
District of Bloom Township, the current name of Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary
District was adopted in 1978.
Responsibilities
The mission of the District is to accept all reasonable water borne wastes
from the residences, businesses and industries in the District's service area.
The District must handle the wastewater in a manner that safeguards the
environment and enhances the area's water resources. Wastewater is treated
through tertiary levels and is of swimming pool quality when discharged to Thorn
Creek. Processed residuals are known as biosolids and are applied to farmland as
fertilizer. Services are to be provided at a minimum long term cost.
Services
The service area of the District includes the corporate boundaries of the
communities of Homewood, Chicago Heights, South Chicago Heights, Park Forest,
Steger and Crete plus a few small unincorporated areas. The population of
approximately 100,000 is served by the District along with the businesses and industries in the
service area. Discharge permits have been issued to eighteen major industries in
order to control the volume and character of their wastes. These eighteen industries account for
19.5% of the District's wastewater load. Collection
sanitary sewers are owned by the six communities in the District. Major trunk
lines are owned by the District.
Government
The District is governed by a three member Board of Trustees. The trustees
are appointed by elected state legislators representing the entire District. The
trustees serve three year terms.
Organizational Structure and Staff
The District's daily operations are managed by the District Manager who
reports directly to the Board. A total staff of 31 performs all the
responsibilities of the District. The staff includes professionals in the fields
of environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemistry, biology, finance and
information systems. The average length of service for the District's full time
staff is 14 years.
