In 2000, Sand Creek Consultants planted 3.5 acres of hybrid poplar and willow trees. The shallow groundwater was contaminated with up to 7,000 ppm ammonia-N. Over the course of several years, the trees grew to over 25 feet, removing significant quantities of water and nitrogen from the aquifer and thereby sharply reducing off-site migration of nitrogen-impacted groundwater.

Significant aspects of this project:

• Successful feasibility testing of various poplar and willow clones
• Training of the fertilizer manufacturer employees on operational aspects of the poplar and willow stand, allowing them to do their own O&M, saving O&M consulting costs
• Very cost-effective solution to an otherwise expensive remedial task.