Several paddlers and residents contacted Millwaukee Riverkeeper with reports of a heavy oil sheen on the Milwaukee River downstream from Silver Spring on Tuesday night. This spill was reported to WDNR’s Spill Line, and a warden responded.
On Wednesday, WDNR confirmed the spill source was City of Milwaukee owned stormwater pipes draining a small area on the west side of the river. An absorbent boom was installed at the outfall. The City tested upstream stormwater basins, and only found product in one catch basin.
It appears this spill was due to illegal dumping of an oil/petroleum product. Remember, NOTHING should ever be dumped into a storm drain; most of these drain directly to the river. Old oil and gas products (or any hazardous chemicals) can be dropped off for FREE at hazardous waste collection sites.
If you see something, say something! It takes all of us working together to care for our communities and waterways. Please contact WDNR’s Spill Line (1-800-TIP-WDNR) with any tips, and let us know so we can follow-up.