Design Tree partnered with Bolton & Menk to enhance the leachate management system at the Elk River Waste Management Landfill. The project aimed to retrofit the existing pumps and leachate storage system, connecting it to the City of Elk River's sanitary sewer system through a newly installed lift station and force main. Previously, the landfill relied on a large leachate tank and trucking services to transport leachate to the wastewater treatment facility. This new solution eliminated the need for trucks, reducing both road traffic and the energy required to remediate the contaminated water, thus providing a more sustainable approach.

Our team undertook a thorough investigation of the existing controls for the leachate management system despite the lack of documentation. The facility had no Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, so Design Tree designed and implemented a comprehensive SCADA system for the entire landfill, from the cell to the proposed lift station.

One of the standout aspects of our approach is the detailed site audit we conduct for existing facilities. Rather than offering a simple "plug and play" solution, we identify areas for process improvement, providing added value to our clients. We collaborated closely with owners and process engineers to specify equipment, design the overall system, and retrofit the controls, including the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

Design Tree's expertise in auditing and improving existing systems ensures that our clients receive tailored solutions that enhance overall efficiency and sustainability. Our commitment to excellence and innovation makes us a trusted partner in projects that demand both technical proficiency and strategic insight.