Ramboll-designed sediment management facility advances Milwaukee Estuary clean-up

The new Dredged Material Management Facility (DMMF) in Milwaukee, WI, designed by Ramboll, is now complete, marking a major milestone in the restoration of the Milwaukee Estuary to support the long-term cleanup of contaminated sediments. The facility advances efforts to remove the Milwaukee Estuary from the USEPA's Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC) list.

The 42-acre facility, owned and operated by Port Milwaukee, will hold contaminated sediments removed from the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers. The facility has the capacity to store material equivalent to approximately 13 football fields filled to a depth of 50 feet.

"The completion of the DMMF is the cumulation of the hard work and expertise of numerous stakeholders who want to see the restored as healthier, more resilient waterways that support ecological, recreational, and commercial uses," said Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Sector Leader for Ports, Transportation, and Infrastructure at Ramboll in the Americas. "Having a dedicated facility to safely contain contaminated sediment will result in cleaner waters and help advance the long-term vitality of the region’s port infrastructure.”

The Milwaukee Estuary has long faced environmental challenges associated with legacy contamination in river and harbor sediments. These contaminants have affected water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and community health, making sediment remediation a critical component of ongoing restoration efforts. The new DMMF provides the infrastructure needed to safely manage materials generated through both environmental remediation and routine dredging operations across the estuary.

“The DMMF reflects Ramboll’s commitment to applying advanced engineering solutions to some of the most challenging environmental issues facing our waterways,” said Craig M Harley, Senior Technical Manager at Ramboll. “Our design integrates innovative hydraulic controls and containment infrastructure to safely manage contaminated sediments, protect surrounding water resources, and provide lasting protection for the Milwaukee Estuary long into the future.”

Ramboll partnered with MMSD and other key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, providing alternatives analysis, engineering design, permitting support, bid assistance, and construction-phase services. The multidisciplinary effort included structural and geotechnical engineering, site civil engineering, dredging and sediment analysis, and preparation of construction documents and technical specifications.

The DMMF was developed through a partnership led by MMSD, the City of Milwaukee, Port Milwaukee, USEPA, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee County, and other stakeholders.