April 2023 Project Update: Have you seen things popping up along the Milwaukee River downtown? After years of planning, permitting and outreach, We Energies, along with their contractors GEI Consultants and J. F. Brennan, are beginning the cleanup of contaminated sediment in portions of the Milwaukee River near the Third Ward. We Energies will remove approximately 45,000 cubic yards of sediment, in 0.6 miles of river, associated with the operation of the former Third Ward Manufactured Gas Plant. Check out this project update for more information.
Portions of the Milwaukee River shoreline are inaccessible from the water while work takes place. Construction equipment including barges, sediment dredge equipment and cranes will be present on the water. Sections of the Riverwalk will be closed intermittently for public safety. The Milwaukee River will be navigable throughout the project.
If you have any questions about this project, call We Energies at 877-380-0522 or email thirdwardproject@we-energies.com.
We Energies is partnering with local, state, and federal agencies to clean up portions of the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. We Energies is committed to remediating sediment within a 0.6-mile stretch of the Milwaukee River adjacent to the former Third Ward Manufactured Gas Plant and upstream near the confluence of the Menomonee and Milwaukee rivers. This project is part of a larger effort to restore the health of the Area of Concern through improved water quality, wildlife habitat and fisheries.
The project will focus on remediating approximately 45,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment associated with the operation of the former Third Ward Manufactured Gas Plant. Work will take place in the hashed areas identified on the map to the right. Any removed sediment is proposed for placement in Milwaukee’s existing dredge material disposal facility at Port Milwaukee.
Partner Lead: We Energies
Status: Implementation
Outcome: Cleaned-up Waterways
More Information: Fact Sheet, Construction Fact Sheet, FAQ’s