Case Study: Aquatic Debris Skimmer Keeps Local Waterways Clean and Safe

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

  • Equipment owned by Veolia Water Milwaukee LLC, maintenance and fuel provided by Milwaukee Port, operated by Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
  • Aquatic Trash Hunter maintains roughly 8 miles of river in the downtown area plus the Lake Michigan inner harbor
  • Milwaukee River Basin is 882 square miles, located in portions of 7 counties, 13 cities, 32 towns, 24 villages and home to 1.3 million people
  • The basin includes 500 miles of perennial and 400 miles of intermittent streams

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

PROJECT CHALLENGE

  • Equipment owned by Veolia Water Milwaukee LLC, maintenance and fuel provided by Milwaukee Port, operated by Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
  • Small debris and oversized items such as logs need to be removed from water
  • 1” of rainwater soaks the district with 7.1 billion gallons of water
  • Urban flotsam and jetsam accumulates on bridge supports and other barriers
  • Large area to cover required two offloading sites to increase efficiency
  • After heavy rain, the river’s current poses navigational challenges

THE SOLUTION

Between April and October, the Lynyrd Skymmr patrols the Milwaukee river system and the inner harbor area of Lake Michigan, averaging 110 days of active service.

The Skimmer Boat removes an average of 1,260 cubic yards of floating debris from the water. This cleanup enhances the appeal of water activities and draws people to the Riverwalk and local establishments.

Milwaukee Trash Skimmer

MMSD river skimmer collecting trash and tree branches and other debris from the Milwaukee River downtown.

Debris removal contributes to the safety of the rivers for all, including wildlife such as fish, waterfowl, and aquatic plants.

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