Expert Says Created Wetlands Are A Natural Solution to Door County's Failed Septic Problem.

According to the speaker at the Door County Environmental Council's (DCEC) next seminar, created wetlands are a natural solution to Door County's failed septic problem. Tom Mellon, a biologist with his MS from UW-LaCrosse, ought to know. He's been overseeing the operation of one of the biggest created wetlands in Wisconsin since 2001.

On Wednesday, July 16th, at 7:00 pm, Mellon will present "Can a Created Wetland Solve Your Septic Problem?" at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay. The Kettle-Moraine Lutheran School, where Mellon teaches biology, has been using a created wetland system to successfully treat the school's wastewater since 2001. Mellon supervised the installation of the system and has overseen it's operation ever since. He is considered by many as one of Wisconsin's leading experts on created wetlands.

DCEC supports created wetlands as an excellent alternative for replacing widespread failing septic systems in the county, helping to protect our groundwater.

According to Jerry Viste, executive director of DCEC, "These systems are perfect for our geology. They pull nutrients, moisture and some toxins out of the wastewater where the nutrients and moisture are absorbed by the plant roots and utilized by the growing vegetation planted there specifically for that purpose."

"In contrast," continued Viste, "a standard septic drain field releases all of its wastewater, impurities included, directly into the soil and down into our limestone aquifer Once there, these pollutants can travel long distances and invade our drinking water supply."

Attendees are also encouraged to bring along burned-out compact fluorescent bulbs (CFBs). DCEC is again providing  free disposal of them at each of their events this year. Participants are asked that each burned-out bulb be well wrapped to avoid breakage.

For further information on the seminars or DCEC’s CFB disposal program, contact DCEC at (920) 743-6003 or info@dcec-wi.web via email.

The Door County Environmental Council is a 37-year-old not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving Door County’s environment for the generations to come. Visit DCEC at www.dcec-wi.com on the web.

Door County Environmental Council
P O Box 114, Fish Creek WI 54212
Phone: 920-743-6003 | FAX: 920-743-6727
Info@dcec-wi.org