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2023 Third Ward Phase 2 DRONE-144

Milwaukee River Cleanup: Successful Results in Environmental Remediation

Posted by Kimberly Walters on October 07, 2024

The Third Ward Milwaukee River remediation project is a pivotal step in cleaning up the Milwaukee River. It targets the site of a decommissioned manufactured gas plant that once operated in the area. 

A Collaborative Effort to Clean Milwaukee's River

Brennan was selected as the prime contractor for this ambitious project, tasked with dredging contaminated sediments and treating water to restore the river's health. Working closely with GEI Consultants, Inc. (GEI), the project’s design engineers, Brennan is delivering comprehensive solutions that combine environmental restoration, water treatment, and marine construction expertise.

Managing Unique Urban Challenges

The Milwaukee River runs through a dense urban area, so the project presents several logistical challenges. Joseph Caryl, Vice President of GEI, explains, “We’re working in and around high rises where we have to drive large sections of sheet piling, and we’re dredging in a very busy section of the Milwaukee River.” The project involves removing 45,000 cubic yards of sediment and managing high foot traffic near public boardwalks.

Brennan Project Manager Nathan Wyrowski highlights the complexities: “Much of the work is being performed right along a boardwalk, and the public has access within 10 to 15 feet of the working equipment.”

Video of the Third Ward Milwaukee River Cleanup

 

Innovative Water Treatment and Dredging Solutions

A significant component of this project is the treatment of contaminated water. Brennan took a leading role in designing and implementing an efficient water treatment system. Brennan Environmental Director Tyler Lee explained the process: “We pumped about 20,000 feet from the river to a confined disposal facility (CDF), where the sediment was treated and separated. The water then passed through multiple filtration stages, including multimedia filters, organoclay, and granulated activated carbon (GAC), before being safely discharged back into Lake Michigan.”

Ensuring compliance with environmental standards was a key focus throughout the project. Brennan’s Jerry Bishop added, “We pull weekly compliance samples reported to the state to verify that we’re meeting all discharge permit requirements.”

Overcoming Supply Chain and Schedule Hurdles

The project faced added complications due to ongoing global supply chain disruptions in the wake of COVID-19. Brennan and GEI took proactive steps to mitigate these risks. “We ordered the sheet pile early to lock in prices and avoid delays,” Caryl said, noting that their careful planning enabled the team to keep the project on schedule and within budget.

Brennan also mobilized two plants and dredges to expedite the process, ensuring that the work was completed within a single construction season—saving millions of dollars.

Safety and Teamwork: Brennan's Core Values

Safety remains a cornerstone of Brennan’s culture, especially in high-stakes projects like this. According to Caryl, “Communication has been critical to the success of this project. Brennan has done an excellent job of folding in our team and other contractors, creating a strong, collaborative environment.” The team-focused approach has been instrumental in maintaining safety and achieving production goals, particularly with many stakeholders involved.

Brennan’s Tyler Lee emphasized the importance of the project for the community: “The public will benefit from a cleaner river, and this project is just the first step in ongoing efforts to restore this valuable resource.”

Photos from the Third Ward Milwaukee River Cleanup Project

Thank you to all Brennan team members for their work on the Third Ward Milwaukee River remediation project. Special thanks to We Energies and GEI for making this project possible. 

For more details on Brennan’s dredging, remediation, and restoration capabilities, please visit our Environmental Services page and connect with our team.
 
More videos from Brennan are available here on our Video Resources page and YouTube Channel.

 


 

About J.F. Brennan Company
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a fourth-generation, family-owned marine construction firm specializing in environmental remediationdam constructioncommercial divingharbor management, and submarine cable servicesWorking closely with public and private owners of water-based infrastructure since 1919, Brennan operates throughout the coastal and inland waterways of the United States.

Topics: Marine Construction, Hydraulic Dredging, Contaminated Sediments, Environmental Dredging, Dredging, turbidity curtain, Corporate Culture, Employee Engagement, Great Place to Work, mechanical dredging, Capping, Broadcast Capping, Broadcast Capping System, Environmental Remediation, careers, Dredge Operator, marshland restoration, Shoreline Repairs, sheet pile, Dewatering, geotextile tubes, safety culture, Treatability, Water Treatment

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