For Immediate Release
Wednesday July 23, 2014
Directors of State and Local Officials Attend Live Demonstration of FER-PAL’s Robotic Watermain Rehabilitation Technologies
Illinois EPA and DCEO Attend Live Demo of Elgin Based Firm’s Watermain Rehabilitation Technologies
EVANSTON- State and Local officials joined FER-PAL Construction officials today to view the Elgin based firm’s robotic watermain rehabilitation technologies. The demonstration was a part of the technology based company’s efforts to highlight their environmentally friendly solution to Illinois aging water infrastructure.
“We are pleased that FER-PAL chose Illinois for their U.S. headquarters, and we’re even more pleased to see this leading-edge, clean-water technology at work,” Governor Pat Quinn said. “With this no-excavation technology, FER-PAL is ideally situated to participate in the Clean Water Initiative, which is putting people back to work updating our water systems and infrastructure across Illinois.”
Governor Quinn first met with FER-PAL CEO Shaun McKaigue in 2011 when they traveled to Chicago. Later, Governor Quinn solidified the relationship with FER-PAL while visiting Toronto and convinced the firm to locate its U.S. headquarters in Elgin.
“As the North American leader in watermain rehabilitation we are extremely pleased to be working in Evanston. With the environmental and economic advantages of our technologies we believe that the municipality can really benefit from this project. ” CEO Shaun McKaigue said.
FER-PAL Construction, based in Toronto, was established in 1986 to provide municipalities with watermain rehabilitation services using “trenchless technology.” After Gov. Quinn officially opened FER-PAL’s US Elgin Headquarters in 2013, FER-PAL has quickly expanded to working in twelve (12) municipalities across the State.
FER-PAL uses robots in conjunction with its CIPP (Cured in Place Piping) proprietary technology to essentially create a new pipe within the old existing pipe, eliminating the need to dig long trenches to replace the aged watermains. CIPP technology provides municipalities with a green alternative that reduces greenhouse gases by 90% and reduces project expenses by 30%. It also limits disruptions to surrounding neighborhoods and environments including the ability to save trees from any damage during construction.
“I’m excited to welcome FER-PAL to the 9th senate district,” State Senator Daniel Biss said. “This type of innovative and environmentally friendly technology is a fantastic model for the types of solutions we should always seek: cost effective and safe.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency it is estimated the total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects (which is the 6th highest among the states) and $15 billion in drinking water projects (4th highest need in the nation).
“Relining distribution pipes is a technology available to many municipalities with aging water distribution systems,” Illinois EPA Director Lisa Bonnett said. “This technology, being provided by a company headquartered here in Illinois, is a cost effect and less disruptive option for communities with distributions systems that are decades old and in need of repair.”
“FER-PAL continues to innovate in a critical sector for Illinois’ economy,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet said. “Its work is typical of the enterprising spirit in today’s Illinois business landscape. It also demonstrates the economic importance of the Governor’s focus on clean water resources.”
Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments facing a critical need to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The ICWI is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used.
To learn more about Governor Quinn’s Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov. For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit illinoisbiz.biz.
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