The Third Ward Milwaukee River Remediation Project is restoring the Milwaukee River. The project targets a former manufactured gas plant site along the river.
A Collaborative Effort to Clean Milwaukee’s River
Brennan serves as the project’s prime contractor. Our team dredges contaminated sediment and treats water to restore river health. Brennan works closely with GEI Consultants, Inc. (GEI), the project’s design engineer. Together, we combine environmental restoration, water treatment, and marine construction expertise.
Managing Unique Urban Challenges
The Milwaukee River flows through a dense urban environment, creating unique logistical challenges.
“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.”
— Joseph Caryl, Vice President, GEI Consultants
The project removes 45,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. Brennan also manages heavy pedestrian traffic near public boardwalks.
“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.”
— Nathan Wyrowski, Brennan Project Manager
Innovative Water Treatment and Dredging Solutions
Treating contaminated water is a major part of the project. Brennan designed and implemented an efficient water treatment system.
“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.”
— Tyler Lee, Brennan Director
Brennan also verified compliance with environmental standards throughout the project.
“We pull weekly compliance samples that are reported to the state to verify that we’re meeting all discharge permit requirements.”
— Jerry Bishop, Brennan
Overcoming Supply Chain and Scheduling Challenges
COVID-19 supply chain disruptions created additional project challenges. Brennan and GEI ordered sheet piling early to lock in pricing and avoid delays.
“We ordered the sheet pile early to lock in prices and avoid delays.”
— Joseph Caryl
Careful planning kept the project on schedule and within budget. Brennan also mobilized two treatment plants and dredges to accelerate production. That approach completed the work within one construction season and saved millions of dollars.
Safety and Teamwork: Brennan’s Core Values
Strong teamwork helped the project maintain safety and achieve production goals. Collaboration remained essential because many stakeholders supported the work.
“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.”
— Joseph Caryl
Tyler Lee highlighted the project’s lasting impact.
“The public will benefit from a cleaner river, and this project is just the first step in ongoing efforts to restore this valuable resource.”
We thank every Brennan team member for supporting the Third Ward Milwaukee River Remediation Project. Special thanks to We Energies and GEI Consultants for making this project possible.
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