I have been given the challenge to recommend a tree planting around a sewage treatment plant and a composting operation that will reduce the impact of the odor on surrounding communities. Soil is slightly alkaline; water is plentiful; low maintenance is desirable.

Any suggestions on species and/or approach?

Thanks for your help.

Mike

Reply to post by Mike Bowman, on May 22, 2002 at 01:16:15:

Mike - one potentially large problem exists. Aerobic and chemical means to "purify" discharge to federal standards (greywater) is going to be your principle water source. It's counterproductive in the long term so you will be hit with problems down the road.

I would begin with suggesting an additional treatment pond that's a post-treatment algae and salt grass pit (I know it's not a requisite for guidlines) to metabolise the salinity levels - levels that can't be addressed in traditional treatment protocols.

Home water softeners, light industrial water usage, health clinics and hospitals, etc. all contribute elements that breeze thru conventional facilities, end-up as "grey water" that's approved for irrigation (even human consumption in some communities).

I've been up burning many midnight candles trying to remediate irrigation problems at a municiple golf course here - all irrigated plantings dying due to salt levels. Bacterial problems are little if any - the main source for stink.

Reply to post by Mike Bowman, on May 22, 2002 at 01:16:15:

Mike, you haven't defined the problem well enough, I think. Is the objective to reduce airborne odors from the treatment plant?

WHile trees and other plants do adsorb and absorb some pollutants, they will not likely work fast enough to mitigate the odors of the treatment facility. I would be quite hesitant to even suggest that plantings could be effective at this.