The goal of the project is to develop a tool that can be used to assist Eau Claire County in making land use and land development planning decisions related to groundwater usage. Example uses of this tool include evaluating future development-related groundwater needs and the physical properties of the aquifer (recharge, capacity, etc.). Additionally, this work will provide the sponsor with a better understanding of potential development-related impacts to the aquifer (i.e., pollutant impacts).

Location

The location of the project is the Lower Chippewa River Basin in Wisconsin, primarily within the Duncan Creek, Lower Eau Claire River, Lower Yellow River, Muddy and Elk Creek, Black and Hay Creek, North Fork of the Eau Claire River, Otter Creek, and South Fork of the Eau Claire River watersheds.

Description

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Groundwater Regional Center of Expertise in the Philadelphia District will assist the St. Paul District with the project. A two-phased approach is proposed. Phase 1 will compile available groundwater resources to develop a Conceptual Site Model (CSM). The CSM of the groundwater flow system will describe groundwater inflow and outflow to the aquifers in the area of interest as well as identify factors that may impact the quality or quantity of groundwater resources. Should data gaps exist in the CSM, or the needs of the sponsor require the development of a subsequent numerical groundwater model, a Phase 2 may be pursued.

Status

The project is planned to be initiated in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 and completed in the spring of 2027.

Authority

This project is authorized under the Floodplain Management Services program authorized by Section 206 of the Flood Control Act of 1960, as amended (33 U.S. Code § 709a).