Meeting Information

MWRDGC WMO & TARP Updates

 

November 10, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago
75 W Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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IAEP presents

MWRDGC WMO & TARP Updates

and

IAEP Annual Meeting

Whether you are an environmental professional, consultant, regulator, or industry stakeholder, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from regional regulatory experts.

TUESDAY

NOVEMBER 10, 2026 

Registration,
Light Networking
Hot Breakfast (included)
8:00 am – 8:30 am

IAEP Annual Meeting
8:30 am – 8:45 am

IAEP Grant Research Update
8:45 am – 9:00 am

Presentations and Q&A
Additional Networking
8:30 am – 10:00 am

IAEP will provide a certificate for 1.5 Professional Development Hours to attendees.

It is the responsibility of the attendee to determine if this program qualifies for PDHs according to their specific state licensing board or certifying body.

SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 
NOVEMBER 5, 2026
Pre-Registration is Required for this Event.

The Illinois Association of Environmental Professionals (IAEP) invites you to join us for an engaging in-person panel discussion featuring key engineers from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) on MWRDGC’s Water Management Ordnance (WMO) and Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) with its performance and operations with recent storm events this year. 

In 1972, the MWRDGC adopted a Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), also known as “Deep Tunnel”. TARP is a system of deep, large diameter tunnels and vast reservoirs designed to reduce flooding, improve water quality in Chicago area waterways and protect Lake Michigan from pollution caused by sewer overflows. TARP captures and stores combined stormwater and sewage that would otherwise overflow from sewers into waterways in rainy weather. This stored water is pumped from TARP to water reclamation plants (WRPs) to be cleaned before being released to waterways. 

Panelists

Patrick Jensen, P.E. – Principal Civil Engineer, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Sophia Belvedere – Civil Engineer, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

 Moderator:
 Alisa Allen, M.S., P.G. – Owner, A3 Environmental, LLC

Prior to our seminar, IAEP will vet through our annual meeting agenda, followed by an update from three 2026 grant awardees from Benedictine University on their research projects, “Automated Goose Deterrent System”.

Grant Research Presenters:

Ernesto Carlton, Aerospace Engineering (BS), Illinois Institute of Technology, Engineering Science, Benedictine University (2027)

Michael Nawas, Mechanical Engineering (BS), University of Illinois - Chicago; Engineering Science, Benedictine University, (2027)

Batu Celikel, Mechanical Engineering (BS), Illinois Institute of Technology: Engineering Science, Benedictine University (2028)

Location: 

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Arlington
75 W Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Cost: 

IAEP Members: $85
Non-members: $115
Refunds are allowed with cancellation 48 hours prior to the webinar. Substitutes permitted for corporate members. 

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

                       

 

 

Patrick Jensen, P.E.

Patrick Jensen, P.E., is a Managing Civil Engineer in the Stormwater Management Section of the Engineering Department at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

With more than 17 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, Patrick has contributed to the planning, design, and delivery of major infrastructure projects throughout the Chicago region. His professional expertise includes deep tunnel systems, combined sewer management, drainage infrastructure, water resources management, regulatory compliance with the watershed management ordinance, stormwater management and asset management of large scale collection systems.

In his current role, Patrick serves as a Managing Civil Engineer for the Stormwater Management Section with the mission to provide Cook County with effective rules,regulations, and projects that will mitigate stormwater effects on public health, safety,property and the environment.

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He is recognized for his technical knowledge, project leadership, and commitment to advancing sustainable water infrastructure solutions.

   

 

 

 

 

 

Sophia Belvedere

Sophia Belvedere is an Assistant Civil Engineer with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, where she supports the review of technical permit applications and contributes to efforts that protect regional water resources and water quality. Her work reflects a strong commitment to sustainable infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public service.

Sophia earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. She brings a diverse professional background that spans engineering, project management, operations leadership, and technical support.

As a first generation college graduate, Sophia is passionate about mentorship, professional development, and STEM outreach. She has supported students and young professionals through tutoring, mentoring, recruiting, and community engagement activities. Her dedication to helping others develop their potential is matched by her commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and improve environmental outcomes.

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Tickets

$85.00 IAEP Member Ticket

$110.00 IAEP Non-Member Ticket

$500.00 General Event Sponsorship