Freshwater Colloquium: Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern Cleanup and Management of Contaminated Sediment

The first fall colloquium Great Lakes Legacy Act: Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern Cleanup and Management of Contaminated Sediment will feature a panel of water professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Agency, and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.

Speakers will present on the plan to use funding provided by the Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) to clean up and manage contaminated sediments present throughout the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC). The GLLA was first authorized in 2002 to accelerate the remediation of legacy contaminated sediment found in AOCs, material that would be extremely difficult to address under enforcement. This project presents a generational opportunity to remove roughly 1.4 million cubic yards of contaminated sediments in a comprehensive and responsible way, and to manage that material in a 42-acre Dredged Material Management Facility, designed specifically for contaminated sediments.

Continued exposure to the toxic chemicals found in the AOC sediment threatens human, fish, and wildlife health. Completion of this project will contribute to improving water quality, economic and recreational opportunities, and the eventual delisting of the Milwaukee Estuary AOC. More information about this effort and other projects in the AOC can be found on the Waterway Restoration Partnership website.

This presentation is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public.

The Colloquium series creates a platform where students, faculty, and scientists discuss emergent issues related to freshwater science research. Invited speakers present specific topics of their research, as well as policy, commercial, and industrial experiences.

Figure Title: Greater Milwaukee Estuary AOC Cleanup Areas