SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) - The improving health of the Sheboygan River is prompting the state DNR to request the removal of a beneficial use impairment. The agency is asking for public comments on changing the river’s “Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae” status from “impaired” to “removed”.
The current status was put in place after high levels of pollutants were found in the river between Sheboygan Falls and Lake Michigan, prompting the Environmental Protection Agency to classify this area as an Area of Concern.
Clean up efforts since have resulted in lower phosphorus concentration levels, and higher dissolved oxygen concentrations at Esslingen Park to support fish and plant life.
Camille Bruhn with the DNR says removing the impairment designation is the next step towards the ultimate goal of restoring the waterway.
Comments will be accepted through September 17, with the final decision being made by the EPA.