Dupage Policy Journal

Members of the International Phytotechnology Society will tour the closed landfill at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Hanover Park on May 26 to study an innovative method for handling leachate. The site, managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, uses an automated irrigation system to distribute leachate to over 8,500 poplar and willow trees across 14.7 acres. These trees absorb the leachate, utilizing its compounds for growth and releasing clean water through their leaves via evapotranspiration. This process reduces both the carbon footprint and costs associated with traditional leachate disposal.

Brock Lovelace, manager of engineering & environmental services for the Forest Preserve District, stated that "since the phyto-utilization system became operational in 2018, it has treated over 20 million gallons of leachate and subsequently reduced leachate disposal costs for the District by $700,000." He noted that while the system cost $919,000 to install, a return on investment is expected within a few years.

The trees also contribute to enhancing wildlife habitat and improving aesthetics for nearby residents and users of the North Central DuPage Regional Trail.

Dan Zinnen, director of Resource Management and Development at the Forest Preserve District, remarked on the significance of their work: “It is gratifying to me that the International Phytotechnology Society considers our site a model of science and engineering put into practice and worthy of attention because from the time the project was conceived, we wanted it to both functionally address our environmental protection needs and demonstrate that landfills need not be wastelands.”

There are currently only two other similar systems in Illinois — one in South Barrington and another near Milan — but Mallard Lake's is believed to be the largest in the U.S.

The International Phytotechnology Society promotes research, education, training, and application of technologies using plants to address environmental contamination issues. Their 2023 conference is being held at Argonne National Lab from May 23-26. The landfill tour will be hosted by Louis Licht from Ecolotree Inc., with further insights provided by Dan Zinnen.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people with nature for over a century. More than 5.5 million people visit its forest preserves annually. For more information about their programs or facilities, visit dupageforest.org or contact them directly.