Cleaning company in La Crosse recognized for efforts to reduce stormwater runoff

If you’ve seen traffic circles in La Crosse with grass and plants growing in the circle, that’s part of a project to reduce stormwater runoff in the area. 

Every year, the La Crosse Area Waters group honors citizens and companies that work to divert rain and melted snow into the ground. 

“The water from stormwater projects is directed to low areas where we put native plants, and the water infiltrates but the roots soak a lot of it up, and they also pull out some of the pollutants that get caught up in the water,” says Nancy North from La Crosse Area Waters.

North recognized the CRDN company on Rose Street this week with the group’s Soak It Up award, aimed at encouraging ways to save water.

CRDN owner James Wille says his company transformed a block on Rose Street, where a Kwik Trip used to operate.

“The parking lots and pavement are set up so that water is directed into those locations that were developed through the process,” Wille said.

A sign now posted outside the old Kwik Trip explains the Soak It Up project.

The award is given out by an action group called La Crosse Area Waters.