After a complete site investigation in the late 1990s, soil and groundwater contamination was discovered in an area used to dispose of spent pesticide containers and to pressure test pesticide spray equipment. Soil and groundwater contaminants included dinoseb, metolachlor, atrazine, dithane and many other pesticides.

In the late 1990’s Sand Creek Consultants installed a phytoremediation system using hybrid poplars and willows across the source area and along and downgradient of the groundwater plume.

The phytoremediation system has been very successful, reducing contaminant concentrations in the plume downgradient of the source area and creating a measurable reversal of groundwater flow such that, seasonally, the plume is contained by the tree system.

The project is an ongoing one in partnership with the University of Wisconsin.