ESU probes suspected illicit discharge, weighs force‑main access and aeration to combat grease from Mantino Industries

Kankakee City’s Environmental Services Utility Board discussed Sept. 15 an ongoing response to a suspected illicit discharge on Eastgate Industrial and options to reduce recurring grease blockages linked to Mantino Industries.

The exchange matters because fats, oils and grease (FOG) can clog force mains, force costly emergency repairs and disrupt wastewater service. Board members were presented with two technical options: create new access points in the force main near Soldier Creek to jet and clean the line, or add aeration at the Mantino wet well to reduce grease thickness and support bacteria that break down FOG.

Utility Services Superintendent Zach Newton said crews discovered “some odd looking liquid in a ditch ... on Eastgate Industrial,” and that staff and contractors collected samples. “We sent some off for sample. We had turnkey come. They took some samples. Couldn't really make a determination. Didn't have any odor,” Newton said. Turnkey crews cleaned and properly disposed of the material, and the city reported the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Lab staff McGinnis told the board the laboratory also took samples and has sent them for further testing. “We did take some samples. We're still gonna wait on some results for that,” McGinnis said.

Newton described persistent grease problems at a site the board identified as Mantino Industries, saying the utility is “still fighting, a lot of grease issues there.” He recommended targeted measures rather than an expensive full‑line shutdown and cleaning. “I think adding some aeration to the wet well at Mantino would be a better use of our funds. That would break up the grease. It wouldn't be so thick … it creates an environment that's beneficial for bacteria that like to eat the grease,” Newton said.

The superintendent cautioned that a full access point near the creek—where the force main dips under Soldier Creek—would require shutting the line and could carry “a considerable amount of money.” He said staff have demonstrated they can jet the troublesome section from the Acme side without a new access point and are prioritizing aeration and industry engagement first.

Mayor Mary Curtis and Alderman Barron pressed for details about whether the discharge was in the public right of way and whether cameras could help identify a responsible party. Barron noted staff had “traced it back to it being in our storm system,” and Newton said the city’s cameras are being checked to try to identify when and who may have dumped material into a storm manhole.

Newton and the mayor said the city will meet directly with Mantino Industries to discuss grease control, pretreatment, and reimbursement possibilities for recent emergency work. The superintendent told the board that the recent repair and response during the emergency cost in the “about $123,000 something” range when all costs are added, and the city will pursue reimbursement in follow‑up meetings.

No formal vote was taken; the item was presented for discussion and to seek committee concurrence on pursuing aeration and industry coordination ahead of larger force‑main excavation work. Newton said he will return with cost estimates and a proposed contract scope if the committee endorses moving forward.

The board received no definite cost estimates for the aeration installation or the access‑point option on Sept. 15; Newton said he was still working with staff and consultants on pricing and would bring recommendation(s) to a future ESU meeting.