Water Detail - Menomonee River, Menomonee River Watershed (MI03)

Menomonee River, Menomonee River Watershed (MI03)

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Menomonee River (16000)

Size

2.67 Miles

Segment

0 - 2.67

Natural Community

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results that use predicted flow and temperature based on landscape features and related assumptions. Ranges of flow and temperature associated with specific aquatic life communities (fish, macroinvertebrates) help biologists identify appropriate resource management goals. Wisconsin Natural Communities.

Cool-Warm Mainstem

Year Last Monitored

This is the most recent date of monitoring data stored in SWIMS. Additional surveys for fish and habitat may be available subsequent to this date.

2024

General Condition

Poor

This river is impaired

Impairments include

Acute Aquatic Toxicity, Low DO, Recreational Restrictions - Pathogens, PCBs Contaminated Fish Tissue, Chronic Aquatic Toxicity

Pollutants include

Unspecified Metals, Chloride, Total Phosphorus, E. coli, PCBs, Fecal Coliform

County

Milwaukee

Trout Water

Trout Waters are represented by Class I, Class II or Class III waters. These classes have specific ecological characteristics and management actions associated with them. For more information regarding Trout Classifications, see the Fisheries Trout Class Webpages.

Outstanding or Exceptional

Wisconsin has designated many of the state's highest quality waters as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) or Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs). Waters designated as ORW or ERW are surface waters which provide outstanding recreational opportunities, support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat, have good water quality, and are not significantly impacted by human activities. ORW and ERW status identifies waters that the State of Wisconsin has determined warrant additional protection from the effects of pollution. These designations are intended to meet federal Clean Water Act obligations requiring Wisconsin to adopt an 'antidegradation' policy that is designed to prevent any lowering of water quality - especially in those waters having significant ecological or cultural value.

Impaired Water

A water is polluted or 'impaired' if it does not support full use by humans, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life and it is shown that one or more of the pollutant criteria are not met.

Yes

Fish and Aquatic Life

Current Use

The use the water currently supports. This is not a designation or classification; it is based on the current condition of the water. Information in this column is not designed for, and should not be used for, regulatory purposes.

Restricted Aquatic Life

Fish and Aquatic Life communities are not fully supported in this ecosystem.

Attainable Use

The use that the investigator believes the water could achieve through managing "controllable" sources. Beaver dams, hydroelectric dams, low gradient streams, and naturally occurring low flows are generally not considered controllable. The attainable use may be the same as the current use or it may be higher.

Default FAL

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable waters.

Designated Use

This is the water classification legally recognized by NR102 and NR104, Wis. Adm. Code. The classification determines water quality criteria and effluent limits. Waters obtain designated uses through classification procedures.

Default FAL Variance

Fish and Aquatic Life - Default Variance for DO and Pathogens. Waters do not have a specific use designation subcategory but are considered fishable, swimmable with the exception of their meeting water quality standards for dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform.

Overview

For assessment purposes the Menomonee River is segmented into five assessment units (AUs): from the mouth upstream to 35th Street (miles 0 to 2.67), from 35th Street to Honey Creek (miles 2.67 to 6.27), from Honey Creek to Little Menomonee River (miles 6.27 to 12.61), from Little Menomonee River to Willow Creek (miles 12.61 to 24.81), and from Willow Creek to the headwaters (miles 24.81 to 30.14).

As of the 2022 assessment cycle the first four segments (mouth to Willow Creek) are on the Impaired Waters List.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Menomonee River, Menomonee River Watershed (MI03) Fish and Aquatic Life

Menomonee River, Menomonee River Watershed (MI03) Recreation

Menomonee River, Menomonee River Watershed (MI03) Fish Consumption

General Condition

The Menomonee River from Willow Creek to the headwaters (mile 24.81 to 30.14) was listed for total phosphorus from 2014 - 2018. This water is managed for boating, fishing, swimming, and aquatic life; it is currently considered in good condition.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Menomonee River, from the mouth upstream to 35th Street (miles 0 to 2.67), was put on the Impaired Waters list during the 1998 cycle for phosphorus, low dissolved oxygen, bacteria, and PCBs in fish tissue. In the 2018 cycle the pollutant chloride was added. Evaluation during the 2022 cycle confirmed the chloride listing.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Menomonee River, from 35th Street to Honey Creek (miles 2.67 to 6.27), was listed in the 2010 cycle due to fecal coliform concentrations and recreational restrictions. In the 2018 cycle chloride was identified as an additional pollutant. In the 2022 cycle evaluation of metals, temperature, and phosphorus showed good conditions; high chloride levels were confirmed.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Menomonee River from Honey Creek to Little Menomonee River (miles 6.27 to 12.61) was put on the Impaired Waters List for phosphorus during the 2014 cycle and for chloride in the 2018 cycle. Evaluations in the 2020 and 2022 cycles both confirmed the elevated phosphorus and chloride. The phosphorus listing is covered by the Milwaukee River phosphorus TMDL, approved in 2018.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

Impaired Waters

The Menomonee River from Little Menomonee River to Willow Creek (miles 12.61 to 24.81) was put on the Impaired Waters List for phosphorus during the 2014 cycle and for chloride in the 2018 cycle. Evaluations in the 2020 and 2022 cycles both confirmed the elevated phosphorus and chloride. The phosphorus listing is covered by the Milwaukee River TP TMDL, approved in 2018.

Date 2022

Author Ashley Beranek

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

Menominee River @ Frontier Park: Fish Survey 19Jul2017

2007 Stream Monitoring Report For Menomonee River - At Menomonee Falls, Wi

Final Milwaukee TMDL Update for New Impaired Waters Listings_2024

2020 Comprehensive WQ Assessments

2018 List of Healthy (Category 2) Waters

Final Draft 2018 Impaired Waters List

Milwaukee River Watershed TMDL USEPA Approval Letter

USEPA Decision Document for the Milwaukee River Watershed TMDL, WI

Menomonee River, Menomonee River at North Ave Bridge, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menomonee River, Menomonee River - Approx. 25 ft US Of Lilac Rd at Schoen Laufen Park, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menomonee River, Menomonee River - Menomonee River at 127th St. (Butler Frontier Park), Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menomonee River, Menomonee River at N Menomonee River Pkwy and W Congress St, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menomonee River, Menomonee River - 19mi DS of Hart Park Bridge (US of Honey Cr), Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menomonee River, Menomonee River - US Good Hope Road, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menomonee River, Menomonee River, Wadeable Macroinvertebrate Field Form

Menominee River @ Congress&Menom Pkwy: Fish Survey 11Jul2017

Menominee River @ Congress&Menom Pkwy: Qualitative Habitat Eval 11Jul2017

Menominee River @ Frontier Park: Qualitative Habitat Eval 19Jul2017

Menominee River @ Hart Park: Fish Survey 11Jul2017

Menominee River @ Hart Park: Qualitative Habitat Eval 11Jul2017

Menominee River @ North Ave: Fish Survey 18Jul2017

Menominee River @ North Ave: Qualitative Habitat Eval 18Jul2017

Menominee River @ Schoen Laufen: Fish Survey 05Jul2017

Menominee River @ Schoen Laufen: Qualitative Habitat Eval 05Jul2017

Menominee River US Good Hope Rd: Fish Survey 19Jul2017

Menominee River US Good Hope Rd: Qualitative Habitat Eval 19Jul2017

Menominee River near Miller Park: Fish Survey 26Jul2017

Menominee River near Miller Park: Qualitative Habitat Eval 26Jul2017

Comprehensive 2018 River/Stream Water Quality Assessments

Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Milwaukee County, Menomonee River, 16000, 10012584

Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Milwaukee County, Menomonee River, 16000, 10039676

Streams/Rivers AIS ED Monitoring Pilot 2015 Milwaukee County, Menomonee River, 16000, 10034041

Comprehensive 2016 Rivers Stream Assessments

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Menomonee River - Approx. 25 ft US Of Lilac Rd at Schoen Laufen Park

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Menomonee River - Menomonee River at North Ave (110m Upstream)

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Menomonee River - North Of Captiol Dr (Hwy 190)

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Menomonee River at Canoe Launch W of S35th St

2013 Total Phosphorus Monitoring Report -Menomonee River at Jacobus Park

Final Sampling Plan for Sediment Toxicity Tests and Chemical Analyses

Scope of Work Sediment Toxicity Tests Solvay Coke and Manitowoc MGP sites

Comprehensive 2014 TP IBI Rivers Assessment

Identifying Stream Passage Impediments and Opportunities to Address Aquatic Habitat Fragmentation in the Menomonee River Watershed

Identifying Stream Passage Impediments and Opportunities to Address Aquatic Habitat Fragmentation in the Menomonee River Watershed [Appendix A Part 2]

Changes to the Draft 2014 Total Phosphorus/Biology Assessments

2011 Burnham Canal Site Record of Decision Menomonee River

2011 Burnham Canal Site Feasibility Study Menomonee River

Menomonee River Watershed Plan (MI03)

MENOMONEE RIVER, UNNAMED TRIBUTARY, WAUKESHA COUNTY, LAUER LANDFILL USE DESIGNATION

Recommendations

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring

Collect chemical, physical, and/or biological water quality data to assess the current overall stream health. The data can inform management decisions and may be used to identify impaired waters for biennial lists.

Citizen-Based Stream Monitoring

TMDL Development

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District proposes to develop third-party pathogen, phosphorus, and sediment TMDLs for the Menomonee River Watershed in Southeastern Wisconsin. The TMDLs will result in pollutant load and wasteload allocations that must be met to meet water quality standards and targets and in implementation plans that will identify the steps needed to achieve the load and wasteload allocations.

Fish Management, Access

Milwaukee Riverkeeper will provide and document education and outreach to municipalities, counties and landowners on fish passage impediments that need to be addressed in the Menomonee River Watershed through one on one meetings with phase 1 results, a list of fish passage impediments and GIS data presented. Additionally, Milwaukee Riverkeeper will recommend that all projects be routed through DNR for approval. Milwaukee Riverkeeper will document fish passage impediment projects addressed by government, repair/retrofits to existing structures, projects planned for future capital The DNR will be provided two paper copies and an electronic copy of the final report documenting projects by government to address fish passage impediments in the Menomonee River Watershed including the number of meetings, communications, materials developed, volunteers engaged and groups involved and grants submitted to deal with woody debris barriers.

Fish Management, Access

The project proposal is to identify and prioritize stream impediments for removal along the natural mainstream reaches of the Menomonee and Little Menomonee Rivers, including several major tributaries. This will be done by identifying and documenting barriers, analyzing impacts of each barrier, prioritizing barrier removals, educating/involving public, and working with local municipalities and counties to address impediments. The overall goal is to improve fish passage and public access. A GIS database will be developed to include, stream barrier locations, types and removal priority. A final report will be incorporated into a watershed restoration plan. Public outreach materials will also be created. The report and information will be shared with government agencies to make decisions on implementing best management practices to improve the targeted streams.

Water Quality Planning

Project: Menomonee River (MI03) Watershed Planning

Nine Key Element Plan

Menomonee River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan - The Menomonee River Priority Watershed Project plan assesses the nonpoint sources of pollution in the Menomonee River Watershed and guides the implementation of nonpoint source control measures. These control measures are needed to meet specific water resource objectives for Menomonee River and its tributaries. The purpose of this project is to reduce the amount of pollutants originating from nonpoint sources that reach surface water and groundwater within the Menomonee River Priority Watershed Project area.

TMDL Implementation

Third-party pathogen, phosphorus, and sediment TMDLs for the Menomonee River Watershed in Southeastern Wisconsin.

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

Project Name (Click for Details)	Year Started
CITY OF WAUWATOSA: Inlet Replacements	2005
MILWAUKEE RIVERKEEPER: Advancing Removal of Fish Passage Impediments in the Menomonee River Watershed	2013
CITY OF WAUWATOSA: Hart Park Infiltration System	2005
Menomonee River Parkway at Stormwater Ditch (Trib to Menomonee River)	2007
Menomonee River at Silver Spring Rd	2009
Menomonee River at Canoe Launch W of S35th St	2010
Menomonee River (MI03) Watershed Planning	2009
MILWAUKEE RIVERKEEPER: Identifying Stream Passage Impediments in the Menomonee River	2011
Menomonee River at Schoen Laufen Park (10016339)	2010
Menomonee River at Miller Park at 44th St S (downstream)	2011
Menomonee River at Menomonee Falls	2007
Menomonee River at 50th Pl Downstream of Ped Bridge	2010
Milwaukee River TMDL	2012
CITY OF WAUWATOSA: SW Inlet Replacements	2008
Develop Multiple TMDLs for the Menomonee River Watershed	2010
Menomonee River at Center St	2010
Menomonee River at Miller Park upstream from 44th St Bridge	2011
VILLAGE OF MENOMONEE FALLS: Lilly Road/Fond du Lac Avenue Channel	1999
Menomonee River Area of Concern Fish Passage	2010
Menomonee River below Lepper Dam	2006
Menomonee River at North Ave (110M Upstream)	2006
CITY OF WAUWATOSA: Stormwater Inlet Replacement	2003
Menomonee River - 25 Ft Downstream Of Woodlawn Rd.Extended (Woodlawn And Grand Ave - Meno.Falls)	2010
Menomonee River - North Of Captiol Dr (Hwy 190)	2011
Menomonee River at Swan Blvd	2013
CITY OF WAUWATOSA: City-Wide Rain Gardens	2008
MILWAUKEE RIVERKEEPER: Master Plan & NR Mgnt of Milw Central Park	2009
Menomonee River at Jacobus Park	2006
Menomonee River upstream of Lilly Creek	2009
Grantosa Creek near Mouth	2011
MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE DISTRICT: Hoyt Park	2000
Fish Propagation Actions	2001
Menomonee River PWS Plan - Nine Key Element Plan	1992

Monitoring Projects

WBIC	Official Waterbody Name	Station ID	Station Name	Earliest Fieldwork Date	Latest Fieldwork Date	View Station	View Data
16000	Menomonee River	413493	Menomonee River - Falk Corp. (Canal St.) - 003	2/15/1978	2/15/1978	Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413252	Gimbles Midwest Inc. - 001			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413492	Menomonee River - Falk Corp. (Canal St.) - 002			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10047991	MENOMONEE RIVER - 2ND BRIDGE D.S. TO BRIDGE AFTER N. 16TH ST. BRIDGE			Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413440	Wepco (Heating Plant) - 003			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10037802	Menomonee River at Valley Fields	1/1/2012	12/11/2012	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10037446	Menomonee River US North 6th St	5/31/2012	9/13/2023	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10055292	Three Bridges Park Bridge	8/21/2021	7/6/2022	Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413439	Wepco (Heating Plant) - 001			Map	Data
3000042	Unnamed	413914	6th And Canal			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413594	Menomonee River - Milwaukee Marble Company - 002			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413297	Universal Foods - Red Star Yeast			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413595	Menomonee River - Milwaukee Marble Company - 003			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413085	Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co - 003			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413013	Menomonee River at Mlwkee At 2nd St	1/9/1975	12/4/2023	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413593	Menomonee Canal - Milwaukee Marble Company - 001	4/13/1977	4/13/1977	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10010870	Menomonee River (Milwaukee River Estuary)			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413491	Menomonee River - Falk Corp. (Canal St.) - 001	2/15/1978	2/15/1978	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413442	South Menomonee Canal - Wepco (Valley) - 001	4/19/1972	1/18/1981	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	415059	Menomonee River - between 16th St. and 6th St. Viaduct	4/7/2004	4/10/2012	Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413518	Florence Eiseman Inc.			Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413282	Terminal Storage Company			Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413296	Univest Corporation			Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413441	Wepco (Heating Plant) - 004			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413641	Menomonee River - A.L. Gebhardt Company			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10047963	Menomonee River US 25th Street	1/1/2015	12/4/2023	Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413256	Gimbles Midwest Inc - Sales 005			Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413438	Wepco (Heating Plant) - 002			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413519	Fred Usinger Inc.			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	415039	Menomonee River - Highway 57 - Layton Blvd			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	10055450	East shore of Menomonee river	9/16/2021	9/16/2021	Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413004	Menomonee River - Above 27 St Falk Corp	1/13/1975	11/14/2023	Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413255	Gimbles Midwest Inc - Sales 004			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413014	Menomonee River at N. 13th St Br	1/9/1975	5/22/2024	Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413253	Gimbles Midwest Inc. - 002			Map	Data
15000	Milwaukee River	413254	Gimbles Midwest Inc - Sales 003			Map	Data
16000	Menomonee River	413443	South Menomonee Canal - Wepco (Valley) - 002			Map	Data

Watershed Characteristics

Menomonee River is located in the Menomonee River watershed which is 136.12 mi². Land use in the watershed is primarily suburban (34.50%), urban (32.70%) and a mix of agricultural (11.10%) and other uses (21.70%). This watershed has 174.17 stream miles, 352.64 lake acres and 5,967.40 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.

Natural Community

Menomonee River is considered a Cool-Warm Mainstem under the state's Natural Community Determinations.

Natural communities (stream and lake natural communities) represent model results and DNR staff valiation processes that confirm or update predicted conditions based on flow and temperature modeling from historic and current landscape features and related variables. Predicated flow and temperatures for waters are associated predicated fish assemblages (communities). Biologists evaluate the model results against current survey data to determine if the modeled results are corect and whether biological indicators show water quaity degradation. This analysis is a core component of the state's resource management framework. Wisconsin's Riverine Natural Communities.

More Interactive Maps

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Maps of Watershed

Milwaukee Estuary AOC Map EPA