Plants, dirt, birds and fish have all been enlisted to clean Discovery Bay’s wastewater as part of an experimental constructed wetland project. Facing $100,000 in fines for copper contamination, the town three years ago partnered with University of California Berkeley scientists to determine whether the latest advancements in artificial wetlands could help clean the town’s sewage. The one-of-a-kind project was a success – it reduced copper in the test pond by as much as 90 percent. "In Discovery Bay, they’re way ahead of everyone – they’re really trendsetters," said Alex Horne, professor of ecological engineering at UC Berkeley and an expert in the field.

Continue reading at Contra Costa Times –>