SpRING 2010

volume 1 no 1

RiveRSRepoRt
Learning for life
southeastern wisconsin watersheds trust, inc.

To learn more about the challenge, go to page 2.

Collaboration is working

has sought to identify and pursue the most cost-effective strategies to correct the water management ith the inaugural issue issues that we face. As I like to of this collaborative sayand many readers will have newsletter between heard me say itSweet Water is about the UW-Extension, making progress toward water quality Wisconsin Department goals faster, better, cheaper. That of Natural Resources and Sweet Water, means making progress more quickly, we achieve another milestone in Sweet making more progress with the same Waters recent set of accomplishments. dollars, and spending fewer dollars on Nancy Frank Sweet Water, founded in 2008, is Sweet Water Chair achieving the waters that we want to a partnership-based organization bequeath to the next generation. The dedicated to improving water quality throughout goal of cost-effectiveness is addressed in every the Greater Milwaukee Watersheds. We are conversation, whether at the Science Committee approaching Sweet Waters second anniversary or a Watershed Action Team meeting. It is this spring, and the collaborative effort that we permeating the culture of Sweet Water. launched back then is proving to be a good thing. Sweet Water takes science seriously. Science Here is what I have observed: is crucial in identifying for us what we mean by effectiveness. Sweet Water is not interested Sweet Water has attracted new funding to in cutting costs for the sake of spending less efforts to improve water quality and aquatic money. We seek to achieve clean and healthy habitat in Milwaukees rivers and near shore rivers by applying the best information to set Lake Michigan. The three-year, $1.9 million goals and identify solutions. This commitment grant from the Joyce Foundation would not have to basing actions on sound science is evident occurred without the formation of Sweet Water. in the work of our Science Committee and the The grant supports many of the efforts that you interactions between watershed modeling will read about in this newsletter, including the consultants and Watershed Action Teams. critical work of our committees and Watershed Action Teams (WATs). Finally, Sweet Water would not have achieved what it has without the hard work of many Sweet Water is strengthening existing people. We are indebted to the vision and hard relationships among stakeholders and work of our founding chair, Pat Marchese, who forging new relationships that will allow set Sweet Water on its path. We owe tremendous innovative and cost-effective strategies to be gratitude to our committee chairs and WAT implemented. Sweet Water is increasing both co-chairs, the Joyce grant partners, MMSD, the amount and the depth of interaction between SEWRPC, and the DNR. And, personally, I also different environmental NGOs, municipalities, want to thank the Sweet Water Steering Council scientists, and businesses. And we have only for their willingness to serve and their diligence in begun! When the federal government announced keeping Sweet Water on the right track. this fall the availability of over $450 million in Great Lakes funding, stakeholders worked Today, the number of people who are actively together in an unprecedented way to put together engaged in Sweet Water activities far exceeds the proposals that drew upon the unique strengths number of signed Memoranda of Understandings of each partner and that targeted the highest of Sweet Water membership. That is a testament to priorities, as indicated in the Southeastern WI Sweet Waters success in attracting committed and Regional Planning Commissions Water Quality knowledgeable people to join this important work. Management Plan Update and in the ongoing Watershed Join Sweet Water Today! Restoration Plans for the Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Its free, and it shows that you support the work watersheds. of Sweet Water. Visit swwtwater.org/home/ Sweet Water takes costdocuments/SWWTMOUversion14.pdf effectiveness seriously. Sweet Water, from its inception, By Nancy Frank, Chair, Sweet Water Steering Council

WelCome
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RiveRSRepoRt
The RIVeRS RepORT is a quarterly compendium of news concerning the watersheds of the Greater Milwaukee area. In an effort to build on the recent effort of providing a regional quarterly newsletter, Sweet Water (Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc.) is joining with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-extension in promoting the efforts in our region that advance water quality and water resource restoration. Together, the three partners will bring the latest events, programs, projects and people who move our region closer to fishable and swimmable waters. Your comments are always welcomed!

INSIde this issue

RecoRd-sized RiveR cleanups .... 2 FRee monitoR tRainings ............. 3 pRojects get state Funding ...... 4 industRial pt. souRces pRimeR .. 5 medicine collection oFFeRed .... 6 new eFFoRts in KK wateRshed ... 7 wateRshed action team updates .. 8 ozauKee pRoject employs youth.. 9 speaKeRs BuReau oFFeRings......10 gReenseams pRoject in BRooKField ...........................12

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Challenge Issued to mark 40th earth Day

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), and Sweet Water organizations are encouraging families and neighbors to customize their own plan to reduce water usage inside the home and increase water storage in the yard whenever your favorite forecaster calls for heavy rain. Installing a rain barrel on your downspout alone can capture 55 gallons of water that you can use during dry weather to water trees, gardens, and flowers. We each use about 65 gallons of water a day inside our homes. With 1.1 million people in MMSDs service area, just think of the difference it would make if everyone took the challenge, remarked Ken Leinbach, Executive Director for the Urban Ecology Center. Small changes at the householdby-household level can yield huge benefits to our area rivers and ultimately, to Lake Michigan, the source of most of our drinking water and the place many of us flock to for recreation and relaxation. There are dozens of ways to cut down that will not significantly impact your daily activities. Heres a few: Take a short shower instead of a bath. Do the laundry tomorrow if theres heavy rain today. Dont leave the water on while brushing your teeth or shaving. Install water efficient faucets, showerheads and toilets to reduce indoor consumption by 1/3 or more. You can help reduce sewer overflows to Lake Michigan and basement backups by taking the challenge. Sign on by visiting any of the three partnering agencies: www. urbanecologycenter.org, www.mmsd.com, or www.swwtwater.org.

CoURteSy of mIlWAUkee RIveRkeepeR

15th River Clean Up A Big Success

The 15th Annual Spring River Cleanup was held on Saturday, April 17th. A major annual event organized each year by Milwaukee Riverkeeper, the event attracted between 3,500 and 4,000 volunteers this spring. Reflecting on the day, Milwaukee Riverkeeper Executive Director Karen Schapiro said, We were so pleased with the strong and spirited turnout, with thousands of area residents pitching in at 47 sites all across the metropolitan area. And the weather was a boost as well, with sunny skies and nice temperatures. The 15th Annual Spring River Cleanup was organized into geographic areas with each the 47 clean up sites hosted by volunteer organizers, often representing local companies or civic groups. Volunteers met at the sites for cleanup instructions and supplies and then radiated out on foot, or in some cases by canoe or kayak, to do their good work. This years cleanup included seven locations in the northern watersheds of the Milwaukee River, twelve locations along the Milwaukee River south of Brown Deer Road, ten locations along the Menomonee River upstream from the Menomonee River Valley, six locations in the Menomonee Valley itself, and four locations along the Kinnickinnic River. Event organizer and longtime Riverkeeper staff member Cheryl Nenn spoke to the enthusiasm of the volunteers this year, Thanks to the community support, the 2010 Cleanup was a tremendous success. We had a hard-working crowd this year and the rivers in the greater Milwaukee area look much, much better because of them. Several hundred of the volunteers met at Gordon Park along the Milwaukee River in the Riverwest neighborhood for a Trash Bash! Party after their cleanup work. They enjoyed food, drink and live music together, and received prizes for the weirdest thing retrieved from the river and awards for the most creative art-to-trash sculptures.

Join the challenge today! Visit these websites: swwtwater.org urbanecologycenter.org mmsd.com

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martinka Hired as Sweet Water Director

Sweet Water has hired Jeff Martinka as its first Executive Director. Marinka began working with Sweet Water on January 4, 2010. Martinka brings to Sweet Water broad experience managing nonprofit organizations and working with governmental partnerships.

TRaining

Jeff Martinka

In other nonprofit positions, Martinka served in management positions at Perspectives Family Center (MN) and Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota and as Executive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Prior to his nonprofit career, he worked in management at the Milwaukee County Parks, in the Milwaukee Mayor John Norquists Office, and at the Milwaukee Department of City Development. Martinka earned his Masters degrees in Urban Planning and Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he earned full tuition fellowships. His Bachelors degree in Geological Sciences and Anthropology was awarded from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Martinka previously served on the boards of Great Lakes Future, Theatre X, and Future Milwaukee. In Minnesota, Martinka served on the Board and Executive Committee of Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities, on the Executive Committee of the Council of Agency Executives, and on the Board of Zenon Dance Company and School. His non-work activities include backpacking, cross country skiing, canoeing, and travel in Europe and Latin America. Through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Great Lakes

free Stream monitoring training Classes

By Paul Schwarzkopf Outreach Coordinator Milwaukee Riverkeeper Financial and staffing shortages have made it increasingly more difficult for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to monitor Wisconsins 84,474 miles of streams. The DNR has become receptive to the idea of Milwaukee Riverkeeper and other groups training citizens to be monitors. The qualifications to participate in the trainings are not restrictive, but are important. No science background is necessary, but volunteers must be dedicated, meticulous, and physically able to walk in and along the river to access the monitoring sites. They are responsible for collecting monthly data during the spring and summer and reporting the data in an online database. Milwaukee Riverkeeper trains volunteers and loans them the equipment they need to monitor a designated area within the Milwaukee River Basin. Introductory volunteers conduct a habitat assessment and collect data on the stream flow, water temperature, clarity, macro-invertebrates and dissolved oxygen levels of the water in their stretch of the river. Two May workshops are offered: LeveL I TRaININg Saturday May 22, 10am-3pm. Riveredge Nature Center (4458 W. Hawthorne Drive). No previous experience is required.

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A native of Milwaukee, Martinka served most recently as Executive Director of the West 7th Community Center in St. Paul, MN. During his tenure there, he was responsible for all management of this independent, multi-function social services organization, including program and staff management (31 staff), marketing and fund raising. During this time, he raised more than $1.5 million in new project funding, growing the centers budget by 40% in three years. In his tenure, the organization launched many new programs, including expanded education efforts for at-risk children and youth and new in-home services for vulnerable seniors.

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Area Projects Receive Coastal Funding

Four Sweet Water partners have been notified by the Wisconsin Department of Administration that their applications for Wisconsin Coastal Zone Management Grants received tentative approval for $83,382 in support (final approval will be granted later this spring). All four of the projects will provide funding that directly complements funding received from the Joyce Foundation. In addition, several other grants for projects key to Milwaukee area watershed work were also funded. Here is a summary of the grants for Sweet Water Partners: 1000 Friends of Wisconsin ($18,000) Bilingual Nonpoint Source Pollution Outreach Efforts in Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic River Watersheds Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District ($23,382) Habitat improvement, Milwaukee River Estuary River alliance of Wisconsin ($10,000) Greater Milwaukee Watersheds Monitoring Assistance 16th Street Community Health Center ($32,000) Kinnickinnic Nonpoint Source Pollution Design and Outreach Efforts In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Administration is supporting several other grants boosting Greater Milwaukee watershed initiatives. Those projects include: Milwaukee Public Schools, $39,310 for Maryland Avenue School rain garden creation; City of Milwaukee, $35,000 for a boulevard bioswales project; City of Milwaukee, $75,000 supporting the extension of the Reed St. Riverwalk extension along Menomonee River channel; and Southeastern WI Regional Planning Commission, $20,000, watershed technical assistance to area governments. The total funding for these additional initiatives would be $169,310.

SWeet WAteR SteeRING CoUNCIl

Susan Greenfield paddling lead canoe in Root-pike WIN river event.

The Sweet Water Steering Council represents the diverse stakeholders of the Greater Milwaukee Watersheds including academia, business, municipalities, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The Council meets bimonthly at the Innovation Technology Center in Wauwatosa. New officers have recently been selected. Nancy Frank, Chair of UW-Milwaukee Dept. of Urban Planning, will serve as the Council Chair. David Lee, Water Quality Manager at WE Energies, will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Tom Grisa, Director of Public Works in Brookfield, will serve as Vice-Chair. Sweet Water welcomes Susan Greenfield as a new member of the Steering Council. Greenfield is the Executive Director of the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network (WIN). Since joining Root-Pike WIN in 2007, she has led the implementation of a new Rain Garden Initiative that has funded the installation of 59 rain gardens in Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties and brought together 17 southeastern Wisconsin towns, villages, cities and counties and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside for a new public, stormwater outreach program, Keep Our Waters Clean! Acknowledged for her environmental work, Greenfield was named Wisconsins Policy Maker of the Year in 2004 by Gathering Waters Conservancy. In 2008 the YWCA named her Woman of Distinction for the Environment in 2008. In March 2010, in honor of Womens History Month, she received a commendation from the Racine County Board of Supervisors for her dedicated public service and contributions to promoting the public good for all citizens of Racine County. Previously, Greenfield was a consultant in land planning, conservation and restoration and former chair of the Town of Caledonia in Racine County serving eight years on the town board. Prior to serving as an elected official, she was the principal of Susan Greenfield Communications and employed as the communications manager for the Aspin Procurement Institute, a business development organization founded by Congressman Les Aspin. Greenfield currently serves as a commissioner on the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.

CoURteSy Root-pIke WIN

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WATER Institute, Martinka is housed in office space at the Institute. He will work to deepen collaboration throughout the Greater Milwaukee watersheds in the Lake Michigan basin and to increase the organizational effectiveness of the Sweet Water. The organization, however, will continue to be operated primarily by volunteers and in collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental partners.

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Industrial point Sources of Water pollution: Whats coming out of the pipe?
By Ben Uvaas, Water Quality Specialist Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources When people think of water pollution, many think of a pipe dripping green toxic waste into a river with dead fish nearby. Fortunately, these are mostly memories of a time before the State and Federal regulation of discharges to our water bodies. Much of that regulation is directed at controlling pollution from industrial point source pollution. Today, the pipes arent dripping anything green or glowing, but how exactly are these industries regulated, and what is coming out of the pipe? Point source pollution differs from other types of pollution in that it comes from a localized, identifiable source. This article will focus on industrially-related point sources, how they are permitted, and what types of pollutants may be found in the discharge of a few examples. Entities seeking to discharge to surface waters, groundwater, or to storm sewers that drain to them, must obtain a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Those who discharge without permit coverage may be subject to prosecution. There are many types of permits. Major permits discharge very large volumes of water and are evaluated by DNR and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Eligibility for major permits are determined by calculating an EPA score which considers six factors, including water quality, toxic pollutant protection, and public health interests. Other permits are fall into the minor category. Minor permits allow discharge of smaller volumes of water and require permitted facilities to conform to strict regulatory requirements to protect water quality and reduce the impact of their discharge. A paper mill is a good example of a facility that requires a major permit, while a metal finishing factory would generally require only a minor permit.
CoURteSy mmSd

Stormwater outfall in Jackson park. Industries that discharge wastewater to storm sewers instead of a water body must still apply for permits.

Today, the pipes arent dripping anything green or glowing, but how exactly are these industries regulated, and what is coming out of the pipe?
Besides being classified as major or minor, industrial permits are also determined to be complex and non- complex. Complex permits are those surface water dischargers with water quality-based effluent limits, categorical limits, and land disposal systems with groundwater monitoring wells. A complex permit would be required for a wastewater treatment plant. Industrial non-complex permits include discharges of low strength wastewater (which may or may not be treated) from small industries discharging to surface water with categorical limits. Whether it is a major or minor permit depends on the quantity of water it discharges; if its greater than one million gallons per day, its considered major. Finally, there are also general permits and individual permits. General permits are designed to protect water bodies from the discharges associated with a specific industrial activity, while individual permits are tailored made to match the unique discharge at the facility where they are issued.

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SWeet WAteR WeBSIte UpdAte

With the help of Bernadette Berdes of MMSD, Menomonee River Water Action Team (WAT) volunteer John Hacker, and Kate Morgan of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, Sweet Water website upgrades are underway. Our website will be more helpful to WAT volunteers and community members seeking information about our efforts. Visit www.swwtwater.org. Give us your suggestions!

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Area Submits many Restoration Proposals

At least 40 applications for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Grant funds were submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in January for support of projects based in the Greater Milwaukee watersheds. Many of the proposals were submitted by Sweet Water partner organizations.

CoURteSy mIlWAUkee metRopolItAN SeWeRAGe dIStRICt

Listed below are four of the submitted GLRI project applications directly involved Sweet Waters efforts: BIODIveRSITy PROjeCT Partners: Chicago Wilderness, Sweet Water, and Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership, Biodiversity Project paid for the grant application, with writing/research help from other partners). Project: Green Infrastructure Outreach to Reduce Stormwater Pollution. Budget: $996,852. Description: To improve water quality in the Great Lakes, we will motivate municipal decision-makers, engineers and planning staff and homeowners to implement specific green infrastructures and best stormwater management practices. We will design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive education and outreach campaign to reduce urban stormwater pollution in the Great Lakes. We expect this project to result in a reduction of a minimum of 2.5 million gallons of stormwater runoff per storm event in the Cleveland metro area, 2.8 million gallons per event in the Milwaukee area and 7.9 million gallons per event in the Chicago metro area. CeNTeR FOR ReSILIeNT CITIeS Partners: Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Community Service Corps or Groundwork Milwaukee, Sweet Water; Sweet Water paid for grant application. Project: Stormwater Trees & Rain Gardens at Milwaukee Public Schools. Budget: $338,725. Description: This project addresses persistent problems of urban stormwater runoff, combined sewer overflows, and sanitary sewer overflows in the urban core of Milwaukee by adding trees and rain gardens to paved playground and parking areas on Milwaukee Public School sites. Stormwater and sewer overflows flow to local rivers, and from there through the

keep medicine out of lake michigan

A Medicine Collection Day will be held May 8 in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Kenosha and Waukesha Counties. Area residents are encouraged to bring unused and outdated medicines to the collection locations. Medicines in our waters are an emerging concern, with 80% of the waterways showing traces of common medications. Scientific research is underway to study the risks of medicines in our waters to human health. Other studies, however, have shown that even small traces of medicines in water can have a negative effect on the health and development of fish and aquatic organisms. Water treatment plants can cleanse the water of many pollutants but there is no method that can remove medicines from our water. The best way to reduce the amount getting into our rivers is to dispose of unwanted and outdated medicines through collection programs. Disposing of old medicines in collection programs also helps reduce possible substance abuse and prevent childhood poisonings. The following items can be brought to the collection programs: prescription medication,over-the-countermedications, ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, vials, and pet medicines. Do not bring illegal drugs, bio-hazardous materials, needles or other sharps, personal care products, or household hazardous waste. The May 8 Medicine Collection Day times and locations are: Milwaukee County 9am1pm. Miller Park, Milwaukee Ozaukee County 9am1pm. Ozaukee County Hwy. Dept. 410 S. Spring St., Port Washington Milwaukee Area Technical College 5555 West Highland Rd., Mequon Kenosha County 9am1pm. Kenosha Cty Job Ctr Entry D 8600 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha Kenosha County Center 19600 75th St., Bristol Waukesha County 9am12pm. Ruby Isle 2205 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield Community Memorial Hospital W180 N8085 Town Hall Rd., Menomonee Falls D.N. Greenwald Center 240 West Maple Ave., Mukwonago Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital 791 Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc 9am1pm. Waukesha County Technical College, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee Waukesha State Bank, Downtown Branch, St. Paul Ave., Waukesha

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WoRkShopS
American Rivers offers Storm Water Workshops
Simon Landscape, Energy Exchange and the national organization American Rivers are partnering with multiple stakeholders to create a center for education and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Milwaukee. The new stormwater best practices center will be located on South 6th Street in the Kinnickinnic Watershed, and when completed, the facility will maintain over 7,500 square feet of permeable pavement, 4,000 sq. ft. of green roof in several styles, 1,100 sq. ft. of bioswales or rain gardens and two 1,000 gallon rain harvesters. According to Sean Foltz, Associate Director of the American Rivers Clean Water Program, We are pleased to be a cooperating partner with Sweet Water in planning watershed improvement efforts in Greater Milwaukee. We hope that the BMP practices taught at the Simon Landscape center, as well as the lessons learned from other American Rivers efforts across the US, can be successfully applied in our area watersheds. American Rivers is providing funds to help with BMP implementation in Milwaukee, as well. The Center will host workshops featuring speakers from around the state who are involved in low impact development. Policymakers, local roofers, architects, landscapers, lawyers and LEED specialists will help inform Milwaukee residents and businesses in ways to improve the environment while also benefiting their businesses or homes. The first workshop is June 17 featuring Dr. Robert Roseen from the University of New Hampshires Stormwater Center. Dr. Roseen is a national expert in BMP efforts, with a special talent in colder weather storm water mitigation options. Contact Sean Foltz of American Rivers at sfoltz@americanrivers.org or 414727-2292 for more information.

(top photo) Crew flood-testing permeable pavement. (bottom photo) permeable pavement installation.

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Rain Barrels: It starts with each drop of water

You can reduce water pollution, lower your water costs, and help preserve Lake Michigan... all by capturing water from your roof's downspout in a rain barrel. Rain barrels are fun and easy to install. Rain barrels store 55 gallons of rainwater from your roof that you can use when it's dry to give thirsty gardens, flowers and trees a drink. Rain barrels help keep excess water out of the sewer system when it rains. They also help prevent rain from becoming polluted storm water runoff, the biggest remaining threat to clean water in the United States. To get your MMSD rain barrel today, go to www.mmsd.com and see the list of local retailers that are selling the MMSD rain barrel!

moving from planning to Action

Sweet Waters Watershed Action Teams, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Rivers

Sign-in at recent WAT meeting held at UW-extension offices.

After two years of work by the consultants of HNTB and significant participation by a diverse group of stakeholders including municipalities, environmental organizations, and citizens, the Watershed Restorations Plans for the Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Rivers have been completed. These plans will form the foundation for watershed restoration efforts in the Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Watersheds. The Watershed Restoration Plans are based on robust scientific data compiled from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, UWM Great Lakes WATER Institute, US Geological Service and the work of citizen monitors. The consultants at HNTB compiled and analyzed the data and then drafted plans that, if fully implemented, will advance water quality and resource restoration to meet the goals established by the DNR, MMSD, and SEWRPC. The plans detail a strategic framework and outline key actions required to meet those goals. The restoration effort will be led and coordinated by Sweet Water and its partners. Projects will be prioritized to have the greatest impact on the health of our rivers and Lake Michigan. They

will focus on reducing nutrients flowing into our waterways, protecting and restoring habitats and the natural beauty of our rivers, and addressing the problem of bacteria and pathogens entering our rivers and streams. Sweet Water has formed Watershed Action Teams (WATs) for the Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Watersheds. The initial work of the WATs was to provide feedback and input to the consultants during the development of the plans. Their work will now focus on the implementation of the completed Watershed Restoration Plans. The WATs will help identify priority projects, gather necessary people for projects and participate in project activities. Watershed Action Teams are open to all who care about their rivers and lakes. New participants are always welcomed. For information about the Watershed Restoration Plans and Watershed Action Teams, visit www.swwtwater.org or contact the WAT co-chairs. For the Menomonee River, contact Cheryl Nenn at Cheryl_Nenn@milwaukeeriverkeeper. org or Gail Epping Overholt at gail. overholt@ces.uwex.edu. For the Kinnickinnic River, contact Ben Gramling at Ben.Gramling@SSCHC.org or Ben Sykes at BSykes@foley.com.

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FROM pAGe 3 Volunteers receive basic training. Their data is used for educational purposes and for identifying problem areas and water quality trends. LeveL II TRaININg Saturday, May 1, 10am-3pm. Menomonee Falls Village Hall (W156N8480 Pilgrim Rd) Volunteers have participated in Level I training or received previous water quality monitoring training professionally. The volunteers training, responsibility & commitment to the project are elevated. Use sophisticated equipment (including meters, thermistors) and the data they produce may be used by the DNR and Riverkeeper to make decisions. If you are interested in attending trainings or want more information, contact Joe Rath at joe_rath@milwaukeeriverkeeper.org or by calling 414-287-0207 x234. page 8

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youth program Assists ozaukee Countys fish passage efforts

Barriers in our rivers and streams negatively impact their ecological health and vitality; likewise, barriers exist within our communities that negatively impact the health and vitality of those same communities. The barriers in rivers and streams include dams, culverts, riprap, log jams and sedimentation; barriers within our communities include lack of access to jobs, insufficient training for potential jobs and the disempowerment of youth in our urban areas. Through a key partnership with the Milwaukee Community Service Corps, the Ozaukee County Milwaukee River Watershed Fish Passage Program is addressing both challenges. Milwaukee County Service Corps (MCSC) provides programs that enable youth to overcome socio-economic barriers by providing meaningful job training and work experience while improving the community and the environment. This spring, over 40 youth from the MCSC will join the restoration work on the Upper Milwaukee River. These youth are taking part in MCSCs Wastewater Treatment Operator class in preparation for the Department of Natural Resources examination. Successful completion of this exam serves as an entry point into the work force. The program combines classroom curriculum with field work and experiences. One of the field work components for this course will put groups of youth to work in the the Milwaukee River Watershed Fish Passage Program. Youth will take part in the removal of 84 barriers including log jams, sediment accumulations, invasive species, and railroad ballast deposits. Other field experiences for the Wastewater Treatment Operator class include water sampling and monitoring, cladophora removal, and manning the river skimmer boats to remove debris. Chris Litzau, Executive Director for MCSC observed, The field experiences in environmental improvement loop back to the wastewater treatment studies. Through these experiences (the youth) begin to understand that all the learning strands come together and relate directly to water quality. As work continues throughout the year to its completion in the fall of 2010, not only will the Fish Passage project have succeeded at reconnecting 158 miles of the Milwaukee River and tributaries, but also will have connected a group of youth to job training, to opportunities, and to the wider community which includes the river itself.

CoURteSy mIlWAUkee CommUNIty SeRvICe CoRpS

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Greater milwaukee Watersheds Speakers Bureau Created

Water is a recurring topic in the news with articles and stories reporting on water quality, Asian carp, water diversions and other challenges facing our rivers and Lake Michigan. These news stories underscore the importance of an informed citizenry that understands the issues and our impacts on this critical resource as well as actions we can take to protect and restore our water resources. To promote a greater understanding of our rivers and lakes and the challenges facing our waters, Sweet Water and its partners have created a speakers bureau to enable local groups, businesses, and municipalities to more easily access experts to speak on water quality and watershed improvements. The presentations focus on water through a variety of topic areas including history, ecology, recreation, archaeology, law, issues, and efforts to protect our rivers and Lake Michigan. The presenters are experts in their fields and include scientists, municipal department heads, leaders of nonprofit organizations and the sewerage district, lawyers, an archaeologist, historian and artist. Each expert is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about our waters. Sweet Water encourages businesses, groups and associations to consider water as a topic for their event, meeting or gathering and to build a greater understanding and appreciation of rivers and lakes. For more information, contact Kate Morgan at 414416-6509 or by email kmorgan@1kfriends. org. A catalog for the speakers bureau will be available on our website.

Sweet Water Grant Recipients Gather at meC

At a recent meeting of the Joyce NGO Partners at Milwaukee Environmental Consortium (MEC), the group reviewed progress to date and outlined the next phase of work. Front row: Kimberly gleffe, River Revitalization; ezra Meyer, Clean Wisconsin; jeff Martinka, Sweet Water; Melissa Scanlan, Midwest Environmental Advocates; Kate Morgan, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. Back row: Chris Clayton, River Alliance; Kimberlee Wright, Midwest Environmental Advocates; Peter Mcavoy, 16th St. Community Health Center; Marilyn goris, Sweet Water; Karen Schapiro, Milwaukee Riverkeeper; Steve Hiniker, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin; Nancy Frank, UWM-Department of Urban Planning and Chair of Sweet Waters Steering Council.

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Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern into Lake Michigan, polluting our near shore environment and leading to beneficial use impairments. The trees and gardens will be used as an opportunity to educate students and teachers about urban stormwater. MILWaUKee MeTROPOLITaN SeWeRage DISTRICT (MMSD) Partners: SEWRPC, Sweet Water, City of Milwaukee; MMSD paid for the grant application. Project: Milwaukee Watershed Plan focused on the Milwaukee Estuary AOC. Budget: $929,529 Description: The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District proposes to develop an adaptive Watershed Restoration Plan for the Milwaukee River watershed, focused on the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. The Plan will identify high priority actions to improve water quality and habitat in the watershed to be implemented in the next 5 years. The project will study sources of page 10

phosphorus to understand the impacts of point and nonpoint sources as well as implement and monitor actions to reduce phosphorus. MILWaUKee RIveRKeePeR Partners: MMSD, UWM Water Institute, Sweet Water, USGS; (Sweet Water paid for the grant application). Project: Find and Fix Human Bacteria Sources in Milwaukee Watersheds. Budget: $993,500. Description: High levels of fecal coliform contamination in the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic River watersheds contribute to bacteria loading and thus to significant water quality and human health impacts in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. Sampling and modeling suggest the source is illicit storm sewer connections, leaking sanitary sewers, and other unknown sources. Pursuant to the Watershed Restoration Plans created for each watershed, this project will identify and correct the source of bacteria at known problem areas.

In addition, Sweet Water also submitted 18 letters of support for GLRI applications, which were submitted by the Sand County Foundation, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, MMSD, Biodiversity Project, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, UWM WATER Institute, Center for Resilient Communities, and UW-Extension. Sweet Water also wrote letters for other agencies in support of our GLRI projects. For a complete listing of GLRI projects submitted from the Milwaukee area, visit www.swwtwater.org. SpRING 2010

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Industrial point Sources of Water pollution: Whats Coming out of the pipe?
pollUtIoN FROM pAGe 5
As an example: consider the non-contact cooling water, condensate and boiler blow down general permit. This permit would be applicable to all facilities that discharge noncontact cooling water, condensate, or boiler blow down water to Wisconsin waterways or to storm sewers that drain to those waterways. The permit requires monitoring to be conducted on the discharged water. Non-contact cooling water absorbs heat from industrial process, without directly contacting those processes. Samples are collected and analyzed to make sure that discharged water is not contaminated with other sources of pollution present at the facility. How hot the water can be when discharged is a requirement of the permit, and that temperature depends on many factors, including the time of year, volume of water discharged, and size and type of water body being discharged to. Another

A paper mill is a good example of a facility that requires a major permit, while a metal finishing factory would generally require only a minor permit.
pollutant of concern in the non-contact cooling water case is phosphorus. In aquatic ecosystems, phosphorus is a primary plant nutrient that can contribute to excessive plant and algae growth and associated fish kills. Phosphorus is present in non-contact cooling water, because a phosphorus compound is put into nearly all municipal water supplies to reduce pipe corrosion, and to reduce the presence of dissolved metals like lead in drinking water. Presently the DNR tracks the amount of phosphorus discharged from non-contact cooling water, or condensate and boiler blow down general permit holders, but until a cost effective measure can be found to reduce pipe corrosion, options to reduce phosphorus remain limited. Additional information about point source water pollution will be presented in future newsletters. Additional Information on point source permitting in Wisconsin is available online at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/ water/wm/ww/pmttypes.htm#industrial.

tABle 1: lImItAtIoNS foR SURfACe WAteR dISCHARGeS

pARAmeteRS Flow (gallons peR day) tempeRatuRe (F) total suspended solids (e) ph (e) oil and gRease (mg/l)(f) Bod5 (mg/l)(f) total phosphoRus (mg/l) ammonia nitRogen (mg/l)(f) wateR tReatment additives dAIly mINImUm 6.0 s.u. dAIly mAXImUm 40 mg/l 9.0 s.u. tempeRAtURe elIGIlIBIty vAlUe (tev) (d)

moNItoRING ReQUIRemeNtS
SAmple (a) fReQUeNCy QuaRteRly QuaRteRly QuaRteRly annually annually annually annually annually monthly SAmple (b,c) type estimate gRaB gRaB gRaB gRaB gRaB gRaB gRaB RecoRd usage

tABle 1: Limitations for surface water dischargers of non-contact cooling water and their associated monitoring requirements.Some of the limitations for surface water dischargers under the non-contact cooling water, or condensate and boiler blow down general permit previously mentioned are listed in this table. Some parameters like pH are required to fall within a specific window to be considered acceptable, while others like oil and grease are monitored to indicate possible cross connections within the facilities. Those types of parameters may qualify for reduced sampling regimes after two years of monitoring show no signs of cross connections.

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Greenseams Sm project preserves Historic parcel in menomonee Watershed

By jess Hrobar The Conservation Fund During the early 1840s, a landmark inn was built in the City of Brookfield by Talbot Dousman. The Greek revival structure functioned as a stagecoach inn to accommodate travelers arriving at the intersection of Bluemound and Watertown Plank Roads. As farmers made their way towards Milwaukee to deliver grain to the breweries, they had to pay a toll at the inn and referred to it as the Halfway House, due to its location halfway between Waukesha and Milwaukee. The house was moved in 1981 to its present site at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway, a few acres north of where it originally stood. John Behling donated the building to the Elmbrook Historical Society, who restored the inn with the help of volunteers. It is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places as the Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum. The rest of the original property is still in marsh and agriculture, a rare place in a rapidly developing suburb. Jeffrey Ace Vollmer is John Behlings grandson, who worked the land along with his grandmother, Mabel (pictured left, circa 1953). Ace knew the property needed to be preserved after analysis by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) concluded that water runoff would become a problem if the land were to be developed. After discussions future development. The greenseamsSM Program GreenseamsSM is an innovative flood management program that permanently protects key lands containing water absorbing soils. Currently the program has acquired 67 properties in the Milwaukee Metropolitan area, totaling 2,034 acres. The program makes voluntary purchases of undeveloped, privately owned properties in areas expected to have major growth in the next 20 years, creating valuable open space along streams, shorelines and wetlands. MMSD hired The Conservation Fund (TCF) to run GreenseamsSM. TCF is a national non-profit conservation organization that forges partnerships to protect Americas legacy of land and water resources throughout the country. All the land acquired through the program will remain undeveloped, while protecting water and providing the ability to store rain and melting snow.

with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), Ace and his family decided to sell their land to the GreenseamsSM Program. The WDNR Stewardship Fund, a state funded conservation land acquisition program, contributed grant money to assist in the purchase of this historic property, along with funds from MMSD. MMSD will hold a conservation easement on the land in perpetuity, preventing any

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southeastern wisconsin watersheds trust, inc.

Jeff Martinka, Sweet Water Kate Morgan, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin Gail epping Overholt, UW-extension Ben Uvaas, WI DNR

CoNtRIBUtING edItoRS

Sweet Water 600 east Greenfield Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53204 phone: (414) 382-1766 Cell: (414) 477-1156 Web: www.swwtwater.org email: martinka@swwtwater.org

CoURteSy of pAt mUllIGAN

Wisconsin department of Natural Resources 2300 N Dr ML King Jr. Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212 phone: (414) 263-8625 Web: www.dnr.wi.gov e-mail: benjamin.uvaas@wisconsin.gov

Learning for life

University of Wisconsin extension 9501 W. Watertown plank Road Wauwatosa, WI 53226 phone: (414) 256-4632 Web: http://clean-water.uwex.edu email: gail.overholt@ces.uwex.edu

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