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Providing cost-effective alternatives for wastewater treatment for smaller communities, parks, and campuses was the challenge BLA designers wanted to address when they began looking at constructed wetlands. Whether the goal is septic tank elimination or a greener alternative to mechanical waste treatment, wetlands can provide the answer.
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Bequeathed to Indiana University in 1938, Bradford Woods is a 2,500-acre nature preserve and international leader in outdoor education. Host to a growing number of training, camping, research, and educational programs, in 2005 Bradford Woods' aging wastewater collection system and treatment plant was long overdue for replacement. Respecting Bradford Wood's commitment to environmental stewardship, BLA designed a constructed wetland system that rivals advanced mechanical wastewater treatment systems. The soil absorption area is also designed as a prairie restoration project providing added educational value to the University and visitors. This project was awarded 2008 ACEC National Engineering Excellence Honor Award. 
The unincorporated community of Fulda had failing septic systems in and around the community that were causing a threat to human health and the surrounding natural environment. Originally, the Fulda Regional Sewer District (RSD) anticipated building a force main to a treatment plant approximately 4.5 miles north of the community. Due to loss of grant dollars, the RSD and BLA reviewed alternative treatment approaches that would be cost-effective. After numerous meetings on site with RSD board and citizens an ecological treatment system was chosen that combined a constructed wetland, re-circulating filter, and subsurface drip irrigation system. BLA also assisted in the development of Indiana Department of Environmental Management land application and operation permits, since there was no surfacewater discharge proposed with discharge to the soils. The RSD was the first political subdivision to receive State Revolving Loan and Department of Commerce funding for this type of low-cost wastewater treatment and disposal system, which saves ratepayers approximately $60 per month in user fees. In September 2005, Spencer County received the Association of Indiana Counties' Community Achievement Award for innovation and vision for the use of this system.