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EcoSystem Restoration (ESR)
Project Update (5/2/22)
The Waterford Waterway Management District (WWMD) has partnered with engineering firms Kieser & Associates and Geosyntec to go out for bid in May of 2022 for dredging of the Fox River and Tichigan Lake in Waterford, WI. The total amount of sediment to be removed over the course of four years will be approximately 145,935 cubic yards. The bid package and project manual will be available after May 13th at 2:00pm. A site visit with the engineers will be available on May 18th. Bidders have until June 10th at 2:00pm to submit proposals to the WWMD.
Questions can go to John Jacobson at Kieser & Associates:
Phone: (269) 344-7117
Cell: (616) 485-6287
Email: [email protected]
Dredging Maps
Indicates navigational channels to be dredged including projects for riparian owners 50 cubic yards per year.
Work Through the Years
Removing Obstructions
2003
Navigational obstructions including stumps and rocks removed/moved at foot of Grant Dr
Erosion Control
2006
Erosion control corrections necessary prior to dredging were identified
Navigation Maps Created
2008
Waterway maps created showing hazards, navigation, and promoting boating safety
Lake Navigation Maps
Erosion Control Completed
2009
Erosion control projects completed
Dredging Feasibility Study
2010
South Eastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) dredging feasibility study started
Feasibility Assessment Completed
2012
SEWRPC feasibility assessment for dredging was completed
Feasibility Assessment
Project Cost Projection
2014
GRAEF was asked by the Waterford Waterway Management Commission to prepare an opinion of probable costs for the
ecosystem restoration project based on the project scenario under preliminary development
Summary of Probable Costs
Grant Awarded to WWMD
2016
Fox River Commission (FRC) gives WWMD an $80,880 grant to prepare Chapter 30 Dredging Permit Application
Bid for Test Project
2018
Bids for dredging of 10,000 cubic yard test project sought Only Bidder at $2M
Pilot Project Feasibility
2019 - Present
Phase 6 feasibility for various pilot projects to satisfy DNR disposal requirements
Peer Review
2021
Peer review of prior engineering work to determine the best course of action
Engineering Work
Spring 2022
Kieser & Associates and Geosyntec to go out for bid in May of 2022. Proposed removal of 145,935 cubic yards. The bid package and project manual will be available after May 13th at 2:00pm.
Water Sampling Results
The results of July's surface water testing for cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are in. The results are listed below. All sites had levels higher than in June, but were below the WHO's threshold for moderate probability of adverse health effects, which is 20,000-100,000 cells/milliliter, with exception of Waterford Lake which had high levels per the WHO.
Tichigan: 1,562 cells/mL
Conservancy Bay: 39,140 cells/mL
Fox River Near Waterford Lake Channel: 41,980 cells/mL
Waterford Lake: 154,199 cells/mL
Because the levels were elevated compared to June's results, a toxin screen was performed to quantify the amount of the most common toxin, microcystin. This gives us an idea of the relative toxicity of the blooms, but is not a comprehensive analysis of toxicity.
All sites had microcystin levels WELL below the WHO's guideline for low probability of adverse health effects for recreational contact, which is 2-4µg per Liter:
Tichigan: NA (toxin screen not performed as levels were so low)
Conservancy Bay: ND µg/L (none detected)
Fox River Near Waterford Lake Channel: 0.21 ug/L
Waterford Lake: 0.21 µg/L
Good news here is that despite respectively high blue green algae levels, the respective toxicity was extremely low and or non existent as measured through presence of microcystin.
2019 Waterway Buoy Placement
August 15, 2019 edited – Navigational buoys are deployed for the purpose of assisting in the navigation of vessels, indicating the location of channels and warning of hazards. All buoy regulations can be found on the WDNR website. Many thanks go to the Waterford Police Department, Chet Anderson and Greg Horeth for placing the buoys and helping to keep the waterway safe. Much effort goes into the planning and coordinating of the buoy management and we are looking to all the riparian owners for your assistance and support when it comes to managing the buoy efforts. The buoys are vital for effective navigational and safety reasons for all using the water. The following should be reported to the Waterford Police Department at 262-534-2119: If you see damage to buoys being caused by individuals, report what you observed to the police, hopefully with a vehicle number. If they can verify the incident and a citation is issued to the offender, there is a reward of up to $500 for anyone who reported the damage. From time to time buoys drift in the current or move for other reasons. If you notice this, please report it to the police so the buoy can be relocated to its correct location. Own Your Own Buoy – In the past, the WWMD helped coordinate a program where riparian owners could sponsor a buoy that had their name on it for the season. The cost was fairly nominal and it was a great way for people to share their commitment to the waterway.