Seeing where 'it' goes at Sewer District event

Tour the Sewer District's Easterly Plant on Aug. 7

“Where does it go?” Citizens of Northeast Ohio can now get the answer to this popular–yet seldom asked–question.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is opening its doors to the general public at its “Where Does It Go?” open house on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Guests are invited to take a walking tour of the Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant, where all Cleveland Heights water goes for processing. The tour will include an overview of the extensive process required to clean water, how garbage and waste are managed, and how public health and the environment are protected in the process.

“This is one of our most popular events, and we have been completely booked the past two years,” said Mardele Cohen, community relations specialist for the district. “This year, visitors will have an exciting opportunity to visit our Easterly plant, first built in the 1930s and operating ever since.”

The family-friendly event will take place at 14021 Lake Shore Boulevard in Cleveland (just north of I-90), where guests can learn the science behind the Sewer District’s work. Activities for kids include making slime, testing pH levels, seeing the aquatic insects used to identify if water is clean, participating in a coloring contest, and hopping aboard the large trucks used to clean the sewers. Wally Waterdrop will also be on hand to greet guests.

“There’s a great deal involved in transporting and cleaning waste water, and it’s important that the public understand the process and how their money is used to protect public health and the environment,” said Julius Ciaccia, executive director of the NEORSD. “We want our guests to leave with a greater understanding and sense of the Sewer District’s positive impact on the community.”

Attendance at the “Where Does It Go?” open house is limited, so guests should register by calling 216-432-7304 or visiting www.neorsd.org/OpenHouse. This is a walking tour and closed-toe shoes are required for safety and long pants are preferred.

Jennifer Elting is a public information specialist with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

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Volume 3, Issue 8, Posted 10:49 AM, 07.15.2010