$29-million cleanup of Milwaukee harbour and three nearby rivers a step closer

The six-year cleanup planned for Milwaukee’s harbour and portions of three area rivers is closer to obtaining its required $29-million budget.

In January 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $19.75 million in federal funding, but the remaining $10.25 million had to be secured from other sources.

The other funding is now forthcoming with most of it derived from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and the We Energies utility, but also the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Milwaukee.

The project will focus mainly on removing underwater sediments polluted with mercury, PCBs and other contaminants from Milwaukee tanneries, foundries and other industries dating back to the 19th century.

Photo by Jeramey Jannene, Urban Milwaukee