Elgin Equipment Aids in Testing Environment

ELGIN, Ill. — Elgin Sweeper has provided the city of Madison, Wis. two vehicles — a Pelican and a Crosswind — to be used in a joint study with the U.S. Geological Survey and Department of Natural Resources monitoring the effectiveness of sweepers on storm water quality. The city is targeting to reduce suspended solids that run-off into the water systems by up to 40%. This is the only such study taking place in the United States.

"We are always concerned with the general quality of our rivers and lakes. Our hope is to show a significant decrease in the amount of solids reaching state waters as a result of street sweeping," said Greg Fries, City of Madison Engineering Division. "If this relationship can be established, street sweeping would present itself as the most cost effective, best management program. We are already sweeping for cans, bottles, etc., so if we can effect solids as well, that is great."

City and USGS staff began monitoring three basins in 2002 to chart the relationship between them. Beginning in April, two of the basins will be swept with each of the two Elgin vehicles. The third basin will not be swept. Samples will be taken before and after sweeping and the data recorded and analyzed.

Elgin's contribution of product and finances to support the study was an easy decision.

"We hope to learn the effects street sweeping has on stormwater runoff and, in particular, if the type of sweeper — mechanical vs. regenerative air — makes any difference," said Mike Higgins, Director of Sales & Dealer Development.

"There is a lot of incomplete information out in the marketplace regarding street sweeping and its effect on runoff. No other past studies have statistically proven what effect street sweeping has. As a leader in the environmental products industry, it is our obligation to contribute to this study."

The Wisconsin DNR is anxious to see if test results confirm their thoughts about sweeping.

"Elgin shares our vision that street sweeping can play an important part in achieving that 40% goal," said Roger Bannerman of the DNR. "Maybe we learn that a certain machine works better than another or adjust the way streets are swept or how often. This is an idea that could spread far beyond the state of Wisconsin."

"Potentially, this could save cities a great deal of money," said Bill Selbig of the U.S. Geological Survey. "If they can take advantage of funds already being spent on sweeping to better-control pollution and meet new regulations, everyone wins."

A draft of the report detailing test results is targeted for late 2004. Following a six-month peer review, the final version should be available for public distribution in Summer 2005.

Elgin Sweepers are no stranger to the streets of Madison. A full 90% of the city's fleet of sweepers are Elgin products.

Since 1914, Elgin Sweeper Company has offered the most comprehensive selection of street sweepers available. In addition to the wide selection, buyers can feel confident knowing that Elgin Sweepers have been designed to be the most environmentally-friendly sweepers in the world. For more information, visit Elgin Sweeper on the Internet at www.elginsweeper.com.