Partially treated wastewater flowed into Lake Michigan in Sheboygan
Extreme weather conditions were responsible for the flooding.
SHEBOYGAN – Extreme weather conditions caused partially treated wastewater to overflow into Lake Michigan and Lakeview Park on Tuesday.
Flooding occurred at three locations at the Sheboygan Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant beginning at 6:30 a.m. and lasting about an hour.
While most of the overflow remained on the plant site, some reached the lake and the southeast corner of Lakeview Park, according to a press release from the Department of Public Works.
Lakeview Park was closed Tuesday and Wednesday as city staff conducted cleanup Wednesday morning. That portion of the park was still cordoned off Thursday evening, but the city said the area had been cleaned up.
“We take this incident very seriously and are committed to maintaining open communication with all relevant parties throughout the resolution process,” Jordan Skiff, wastewater treatment plant manager, said in the release. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation in preventing future incidents.”
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The flooding was mainly caused by extreme weather conditions. The area had received 120mm of rain in the previous 72 hours and another 50mm on the morning of the flooding, the city said.
In addition, the plant was under construction. This and the rain meant that the hydraulic capacity was exceeded.
When the incident occurred, wastewater treatment plant personnel alerted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, water utility personnel, city administration, and the mayor’s office. The city attorney’s office and city council were also alerted.
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In the press release, the city “urges” residents not to flush foreign objects such as wipes, diapers and hygiene products down the toilet and to ensure that wastewater from pumps is discharged onto the ground or into storm drains rather than into sewer pipes. The press release states, “These measures can significantly reduce the risk of future sewer overflows and backups.”
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