Anaconda uplands Superfund complex revegetation

ARCO - Anaconda, MT
The Anaconda uplands have been severely impacted by over 60 years of smelter emissions, mostly from copper ore mined in and around Butte, Montana. The result has been a great loss of vegetation, wildlife habitat, and prevalent erosion. Watershed Restoration Group received the most recent, and largest contract for the Anaconda Upland Superfund Complex.

From 2020 - 2025, we have been tasked with hoedad planting 800,000 native plants at the remediated sites surrounding the Anaconda Smelter. Planting has included 10 and 25 cubic inch plugs from 16 shrub and tree species, with fertilizer amendments added by our crew. We successfully demonstrated our ability to carry out plant installation in the most difficult conditions including challenging, remote site access, very steep terrain, and difficult soil conditions. We have been commended for our attention to species compositions, micro siting, considering hydrologic needs and soil variations, long-term growth form, companion planting, and mimicry of a natural landscape.

Our project manager worked closely with our client to actualize the detailed revegetation plan, assess site conditions and boundaries for field-fit plan adjustments, and assess access issues. Our crew worked cooperatively to cover ground effectively, distribute species thoughtfully amongst themselves for a purposeful distribution, and assess each other for quality.

We have been thoroughly vetted and entrusted with our professionalism, quality services, reliable contract management, and commitment to health and safety standards to meet ARCO and EPA requirements. All employees on this project have completed 40-hour HAZWOPER training.