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Marathon County reports near-complete replacement of Big Eau Pleine aerator, startup testing planned
Summary
County conservation staff says a multi-year modernization of the aeration system at Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is nearly finished; installation paused for fall land use and will resume in December for startup testing. Funding combined county environmental-impact money and a DNR grant.
Marathon County conservation staff told the Environmental Resources Committee on Oct. 14 that installation of a modernized aerator at the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is nearly complete and that startup testing is scheduled after remaining components are installed in December.
The county’s conservation speaker said the county board previously approved $175,000 from the county’s environmental impact fund and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided an additional $50,000, giving roughly $225,000 for design and replacement work. County staff awarded an installation contract late last year to Econ and completed most work during summer 2025; a final return to the site is planned after hunting season so landowner use of adjacent lands is not interrupted.
Why it matters: the aerator is part of a multi‑decade, multi‑partner effort to maintain oxygen levels and fish habitat at Big Eau Pleine, one of Marathon County’s most-used county parks and fisheries. Older components from the 1960s–1980s had passed their service life, county staff said, prompting the modernization project.
County staff said the installation encountered standard delays for engineering and equipment procurement; a small number of back-ordered parts arrived and will be installed during the December visit. Staff said the goal is to have the aerator perform reliably at startup so it will be ready for the spring season.
Staff also reminded the committee that the county’s environmental impact funds originated from utility mitigation payments associated with the Arrowhead transmission line and are used for projects such as the aerator, groundwater planning, and a loans program. No committee action was requested at the Oct. 14 meeting.
County speakers named the DNR and the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company as long‑standing partners on aerator operation and maintenance. The installation contractor was identified as Econ.
County staff said they will return with startup test results after the December work and when the aerator is placed into service next spring.
