Sustainability Initiatives

Shaw Environmental, Inc.

US&S was responsible for the design, supply, and installation of Evapotranspiration (ET) Buffer Services at a number of landfills at the former Chanute Air Force Base located in east-central Illinois, approximately 12 miles north of the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area. The Ecolotree® Buffer (EBuffer®), utilized for this project, uses poplar trees and under-story grasses to filter sediments and pollutants from groundwater, surface water, and irrigation water. EBuffers® can take the form of a plantation, or are strategically placed as the final filter at stream side or around a site perimeter. They are designed to remove organic and inorganic pollutants in waste water effluents, contaminated soils, and non-point source pollution. The trees can be managed for biomass yield and harvested for sale as wood and fiber. Additional benefits include erosion prevention, greenhouse gas sequestration, and creation of a visual barrier, windbreak, and wildlife habitat. They are currently being used for many sustainability applications and initiatives.