Twin Creeks Landfill

About the Program
The Twin Creeks Landfill is located on approximately 750 acres in Lambton County, Ontario, east of the city of Sarnia, Canada. The site consists of native grasslands, several stormwater management ponds and a large poplar and willow plantation. Beginning in 2003, WM launched a poplar leachate phytoremediation system at its Twin Creeks landfill that utilizes plants to remediate onsite leachate from the landfill, thereby enhancing the ecological value of the site. 

Practices and Impacts

• The project area is 23 acres. The poplar trees help remediate leachate and capture carbon dioxide in the surrounding atmosphere.
• The trees mainly provide cover and brush materials for local nesting birds, but they may also provide cover for small mammals in the area. With the addition of irrigation, many amphibian and snake species have also been observed between the rows of the poplar system. 
• The habitat flora consists of specially bred, infection-resistant poplar trees, with a variety of grasses growing between rows. 
• An extensive monitoring program was developed to evaluate effectiveness of the poplar system any potential impact to surface water, soil and air quality as a result of the operation. Monitoring includes tree health, soil health, leachate quality/composition, water runoff quality, odor and monthly wildlife monitoring.
• Bat houses and nest boxes for cavity-nesting birds have also been strategically placed around the site to further help improve the overall system structure and function. Both are monitored for use and maintained as needed..