The Peoria City/County Health Department is hosting two free public presentations on “The Science of Wastewater Treatment” to help residents of Peoria County better understand the need for treating onsite wastewater on their property. The featured speaker is Tony Smithson of A Smithson & Associates of Vernon Hills. Two presentations will be held Tuesday, April 16. The first presentation will be from 11:30am to 1pm. The second presentation will occur at 6pm as part of the inaugural meeting of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Workgroup. Both presentations will take place at the Gateway Building, 200 NE Water Street, Peoria, IL 61614.

Smithson is an expert in the area of civil engineering, specializing in land development, stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and construction services. Wil Hayes, Director of Environmental Health at Peoria City/County Health Department explains the need for the information sessions,” The presentations are designed to help explain the science behind onsite wastewater treatment and help owners better understand how private wastewater treatment systems function and their relationship to public health concerns and environmental regulations.”

The presentations will focus on helping individuals gain a better understanding of wastewater treatment and the challenges faced by homeowners, developers, and contractors during the planning, installation, and maintenance of an onsite wastewater treatment system. Hayes further adds, “Attending one of the meetings is highly recommended to anyone who is concerned about groundwater protection or whose home is served by an onsite wastewater treatment system or private septic system. These should be informative presentations with current explanations of safe wastewater treatment practices.”

For information on the public meetings, call Wil Hayes, Director of Environmental Health at 309-679-6160. For important information on other Public Health issues, visit the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.