Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference 2023
Milwaukee Area Technical College-Mequon Campus
5555 Highland Road, Mequon, WI 53092
September 7th, 2023 | 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Assistance for Water Related Projects
Presenter: Lisa Creegan, BIL Funding Wastewater Specialist
Co-Presenter: Matt Kaelin, Stormwater Infrastructure Specialist
Organization: WI DNR
Abstract: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has received funding to support a variety project positions for the next four years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Staff from the storm water, wastewater, and water quality programs will provide information on how the department will support and assist communities in the development of and funding for new wastewater and storm water infrastructure as well as assistance for infrastructure improvements to create infrastructure resilience in extreme rainfall events. The BIL funding is intended to help the department provide technical assistance to support small, rural and tribal communities that have not historically been able to implement infrastructure projects due to a variety of barriers.
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Enhancing MS4 Permit Compliance Through Public and Private Partnerships: A Case
Presenter: Matthew S. Maederer, Director of Public Works/Village Engineer
Organization: Village of Brown Deer
Co-Presenter: Lauren Hill, Environmental and Sustainability Engineer
Organization: Molson Coors
Abstract: More than two hundred municipalities in Wisconsin that include cities, villages, towns, and counties within urbanized areas are required to have Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits 1 . Municipalities are facing significant challenges meeting stormwater management program requirements outlined in the MS4 permit including public education, outreach, and involvement. At the same time, the landscape of corporate objectives is undergoing a profound transformation as private companies increasingly prioritize sustainability alongside profitability. This presentation delves into the effectiveness of synchronizing public and private goals and leveraging partnerships to enhance MS4 stormwater permit compliance. Through a partnership between the Village of Brown Deer and Molson Coors Beverage Company, we showcase how these partnerships contribute to more sustainable stormwater management practices. The objectives of this presentation are to elucidate the complexities of MS4 permit compliance, highlight the potential of partnerships in achieving regulatory goals, and share practical insights for establishing and sustaining successful collaborations. Through real-world examples, we demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of public and private partnerships. Such collaborations not only optimize resource allocation but also foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and community engagement. We delve into the role of public agencies, private corporations, and non-profit organizations in jointly implementing best management practices that align with MS4 requirements. As municipalities and private sectors seek innovative ways to navigate the complexities of MS4 stormwater permit compliance, this presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of the advantages and challenges associated with partnerships. Join us to uncover the untapped potential of collaborative strategies in ensuring cleaner waters, resilient communities, and a more sustainable future.
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Fox Point: A Bacteria Study for MS4 Purposes
Presenter: Scott Brandmeier, Director of Public Works
Organization: Village of Fox Point
Abstract: As an MS4 permittee, the Village of Fox Point was required to identify an action benchmark for bacteria. The permit language, however, is not entirely conclusive on what is meant by an action benchmark. This presentation will evaluate the permit language, discuss the debate and negotiations with WDNR regarding the proposed action benchmark, and identify an alternative concept to establishing an action benchmark.
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Implementing GI through Community Partnerships
Presenter: Kristin Ihnchak, Vice President of Equitable Planning
Organization: Greenprint Partners
Co-Presenter: Yesi Pérez, Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator
Organization: Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
Co-Presenter: Lisa Sasso, Senior Project Planner
Organization: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Abstract: For the Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference, Greenprint would be interested in co-presenting with Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers on the collaborative, community-led process that has been used to source green infrastructure projects in Milwaukee for MMSD’s Fresh Coast Green Communities (FCGC) program. The FCGC program funds green infrastructure design, installation, and the first 5 years of maintenance for these projects. Sixteenth Street’s partnership has given the program expanded reach on the south side of Milwaukee, ensuring that this public investment is funneled to neighborhoods and landowners that need it most.
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MMSD-USGS Corridor Study – Ecological assessments and identification of environmental stressors on Milwaukee-area streams
Presenter: Hayley Olds, Hydrologist
Co-Presenters: Faith Fitzpatrick, Research Hydrologist and Peter Lenaker, Physical Scientist
Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
Abstract: For over two decades, the US Geological Survey (USGS) and Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District have collaborated on the Milwaukee Area Watercourse Corridor Study. The USGS conducted multi-disciplinary studies to monitor stream water quality through aquatic community, geomorphology, habitat, sediment, microbiology, and streamflow assessments. Three Corridor Study projects are presented: 1) ecological assessments and identification of environmental stressors on Milwaukee-area streams, 2) sediment fingerprinting and budgeting on the Kinnickinnic River, and 3) using optical field sensors to model human-associated bacteria and estimate sewage contamination in the Menomonee River.
If you have questions about this presentation, please contact Hayley Olds directly: htolds@usgs.gov
Nutrient Sourcing and Mitigation Solutions at a Wisconsin Inland Lake
Presenter: Adrienne Cizek, Senior Project Engineer
Organization: AQUALIS
Abstract: AQUALIS was hired to prepare a nutrient mitigation plan for a Wisconsin inland lake (name to remain anonymous). The surrounding drainage area consists of both residential and agricultural land use. Algae blooms within the lake, indicative of high nutrients, are becoming more frequent, rendering the lake periodically unusable by residents, and ultimately discharging nutrients to downstream surface waters, including Lake Michigan. The Lake Association has been unable to adequately identify nutrient sources nor develop affordable, viable solutions to the high nutrient inputs. A local non-profit organization contracted with AQUALIS for pollutant source analysis and alternatives recommendations. AQUALIS used modeling and field samples to estimate the phosphorus contributions from stormwater runoff, shallow groundwater, and lakebed sediments. A mitigation plan including projects of varying scales and costs was developed with funding from the Fund for Lake Michigan, to reduce the phosphorus inputs identified in the nutrient balance. One solution includes a pilot project using EutroSORB media filters in a channel with high nutrient inputs. The pilot project was installed in August 2023 and is being monitored through volunteer grab samples. The presentation will discuss the process of the analysis, including community engagement, the recommendations of the plan, and the anticipated future milestones.
Performing a TMDL Analysis in a World Where Your Land Ownership Doesn’t Fit into a Nice Box
Presenter: Tiffany Alkinburgh, Environmental Scientist; MS4 Compliance and Modeling Specialist
Organization: Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Co Presenters: Jack Sudar, Senior Environmental Engineer and Casey McQuin, Environmental Engineer
Organization: Milwaukee County
Abstract: Most MS4 regulated municipalities have ownership of all lands within their corporate boundaries and receive individual pollutant allocations, but counties do not fit into that box of guidance. While performing a TMDL Analysis for Milwaukee County, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. encountered a variety of obstacles. With creative thinking and collaboration, these challenges were overcome and ultimately provided the County with existing conditions and a plan to aid in the ongoing roadmap to TMDL compliance.
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Set it & Forget It No More! Maintenance Enforcement for Post-Construction SW BMPs
Presenter: Theresa Caven, Stormwater Project Engineer
Organization: City of Brookfield
Abstract: Does this sound familiar: A development is completed, and the stormwater management practice (SW BMP) is turned over to an unknowing, ill prepared entity. Perhaps 20 years have passed, and the SW BMP has been lost to time or an ever-changing Homeowner’s Association. Lack of maintenance can lead to failure, flooding, nuisance conditions, property damage, adverse impacts downstream, and more. This presentation will outline methods to help you track down and contact current owners - including leveraging private entities. We'll then discuss the procedures you can take to help private entities conduct inspections, document maintenance needs, and ensure maintenance activities are completed – now, and going forward.
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The Urban Soil Health Project
Presenter: Pete Wood, Storm Water Engineer
Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Abstract: Highly compacted soils are common in urban areas. Compacted soils have reduced capacity to control runoff and sustain healthy vegetation. DNR and MMSD are interested in identifying practices that can be used to mitigate soil compaction, understanding the effectiveness of these practices and sharing this information with municipalities, developers and others interested in improving urban soil health. To kick start this effort, DNR and MMSD formed a team of advisors to help develop frameworks for a future DNR urban soil health technical standard, urban soil health demonstration/monitoring sites and an outreach program. This presentation is a summary of the advisory team discussions thus far.
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Using Green Infrastructure to Create Wildlife Habitat: Part 2 How to Develop Habitats for Pollinators
Presenter: Neal O’Reilly, Professor Environmental Science
Organization: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Abstract: Green infrastructure is a way of integrating urban stormwater treatment into urban landscapes. However, with the right selection of plants, these devices can also provide habitats for wildlife. At last year’s conference, Drs. Neal O’Reilly and Jennifer Phillips-Vanderberg discussed how habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife could be integrated into the design. This year Dr. O’Reilly will expand on the topic by discussing how to create pollinator habitats within bioretention devices.
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