Plans for New Breakwater Considered in Ashland

Lakefront Project Moves Forward in Ashland

Following several months of productive discussions with the EPA and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and additional input from community members and industry experts, NSP-Wisconsin Monday announced plans to explore a breakwater that could be installed as part of the sediment cleanup work and one that is consistent with the community’s waterfront development goals.

The breakwater under consideration could be constructed as early as 2015 to allow for a wet dredge pilot study to be completed in 2016.

Last fall, several breakwater barges were dislodged by strong wave activity in the near shore project area.

As a result, NSP-Wisconsin’s project team has been working closely with the agencies to evaluate an alternate plan to install a more traditional breakwater to provide protection from waves.

“We appreciate the agencies’ engagement and willingness to discuss options as we successfully work toward the next phase of this project,” said David Donovan, project manager, NSP-Wisconsin.

Beginning this week, geotechnical engineers will be on site collecting samples to identify the lake bed characteristics of where the breakwater could be installed.

Company officials have indicated to city leaders that the breakwater, long sought by the community as a key element for development of the waterfront, could be designed to provide near and long-term economic benefits in the area.

“As this project continues, we look forward to ongoing discussions with the community about how to best leverage sediment cleanup dollars to help the community achieve its waterfront development goals,” Donovan said.