Overview

The Lower Big Eau Pleine River is classified as a warm water game fishery. This watershed receives a significant amount of nutrients and sediment from NPS run-off, particularly animal waste. The entire Big Eau Pleine River is listed on the EPA 303 (d) list as an impaired waterbody for low dissolved oxygen and high levels of bacteria.

Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC) owns and operates a dam on the Lower Big Eau Pleine River. The present operation practices at the dam may contribute to increased suspension of oxygen-demanding sediments. It is unknown if this or other factors such as decomposing algal blooms, reduced iron and manganese species from sediment poor water, are the major contributors to formation of low dissolved oxygen sag (Gunnison, 1988). Future studies could determine which of the above is the major factor; so possible remediation can be conducted. In any event, reduction of nutrients and sediment from NPS run-off is needed. Kreitlow, James D. 1991. Upper Wisconsin River Central Sub-Basin Water Quality Management Plan. PUBL-WR-287-91-REV. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  2002

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Historical Description

The Lower Big Eau Pleine River is classified as a warm water game fishery. This watershed receives a significant amount of nutrients and sediment from NPS run-off, particularly animal waste. The entire Big Eau Pleine River is listed on the EPA 303 (d) list as an impaired waterbody for low dissolved oxygen and high levels of bacteria. Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC) owns and operates a dam on the Lower Big Eau Pleine River. The present operation practices at the dam may contribute to increased suspension of oxygen-demanding sediments. It is unknown if this\ or other factors such as decomposing algal blooms, reduced iron and manganese species from sediment poor water, are the major contributors to formation of low dissolved oxygen sag (Gunnison, 1988). Future studies could determine which of the above is the major factor; so possible remediation can be conducted. In any event, reduction of nutrients and sediment from NPS run-off is needed Kreitlow, James D. 1991. Upper Wisconsin River Central Sub-Basin Water Quality Management Plan. PUBL-WR-287-91-REV. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI.

Date  1991

Author   Surface Water Inventory Of Wisconsin

Impaired Waters

Big Eau Pleine Flowage (1427400) was placed on the impaired waters list for total phosphorus in 1998. The 2016 assessments showed continued impairment by phosphorus; total phosphorus sample data overwhelmingly exceeded 2016 WisCALM listing thresholds for the Recreation use and Fish and Aquatic Life use, and chlorophyll data overwhelmingly exceeded FAL thresholds and exceeded REC thresholds. Based on the most updated information, no change in existing impaired waters listing is needed.

Date  2015

Author  Aaron Larson

Condition

Wisconsin has over 84,000 miles of streams, 15,000 lakes and milllions of acres of wetlands. Assessing the condition of this vast amount of water is challenging. The state's water monitoring program uses a media-based, cross-program approach to analyze water condition. An updated monitoring strategy (2015-2020) is now available. Compliance with Clean Water Act fishable, swimmable standards are located in the Executive Summary of Water Condition in 2018. See also the 'monitoring and projects' tab.

Reports

Recommendations

Standards Details

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is a medium hard water drainage lake (impoundment) on the Big Eau Pleine River having slightly acid, medium brown water of low transparency. Approximately 95 percent of the shoreline is upland, with the remainder being wetland. The littoral materials are composed of sand (60 percent), muck (25 percent), rubble (10 percent), and boulder (5 percent). Aquatic vegetation is sparse. Fish inhabiting this flowage include northern pike, walleye, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black bullhead, carp and white sucker.

The reservoir has 66.3 miles of shoreline, of which 2.7 miles is public frontage. A public boat landing with parking is provided. Public recreational facilities include a park area, campsites, and campground. Inlet streams are the Big Eau Pleine River, Freeman Creek, Fenwood Creek, and two unnamed streams. The outlet is directly connected to Lake DuBay, located on the Wisconsin River. Recent winterkills (1973-74) are believed to have resulted from organic pollution. Waterfowl, especially diving ducks, use this flowage on their spring and fall migrations. The flowage is maintained as a low flow augmentation reservoir by the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company. The water control structure has a head of 31.5 feet. Source: 1977, Surface Water Resources of Marathon County Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, T26N, R6E, Section 14 and 23 Surface Acres = 6,830.4, Maximum Depth = 46 feet, Secchi Disk = 3 feet.

Date  1977

Author   Aquatic Biologist

Management Goals

Wisconsin's Water Quality Standards provide qualitative and quantitative goals for waters that are protective of Fishable, Swimmable conditions [Learn more]. Waters that do not meet water quality standards are considered impaired and restoration actions are planned and carried out until the water is once again fishable and swimmable

Management goals can include creation or implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load analysis, a Nine Key Element Plan, or other restoration work, education and outreach and more. If specific recommendations exist for this water, they will be displayed below online.

Monitoring

Monitoring the condition of a river, stream, or lake includes gathering physical, chemical, biological, and habitat data. Comprehensive studies often gather all these parameters in great detail, while lighter assessment events will involve sampling physical, chemical and biological data such as macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish communities integrate watershed or catchment condition, providing great insight into overall ecosystem health. Chemical and habitat parameters tell researchers more about human induced problems including contaminated runoff, point source dischargers, or habitat issues that foster or limit the potential of aquatic communities to thrive in a given area. Wisconsin's Water Monitoring Strategy was recenty updated.

Grants and Management Projects

Monitoring Projects

Watershed Characteristics

Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is located in the Lower Big Eau Pleine River watershed which is 138.59 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily agricultural (37.80%), forest (29.40%) and a mix of grassland (14.80%) and other uses (17.90%). This watershed has stream miles, lake acres and 3,698.60 wetland acres.

Nonpoint Source Characteristics

This watershed is ranked High for runoff impacts on streams, High for runoff impacts on lakes and High for runoff impacts on groundwater and therefore has an overall rank of High. This value can be used in ranking the watershed or individual waterbodies for grant funding under state and county programs.However, all waters are affected by diffuse pollutant sources regardless of initial water quality. Applications for specific runoff projects under state or county grant programs may be pursued. For more information, go to surface water program grants.