The Aerator at the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is Turned Back On

Fair

Temp: 12.0 F (-11.1 C)

Wind Chill: -3 F (-19 C)

More Weather

Wausau Downtown Airport, WI

Back to HomePage
Updated: 6:41 PM Feb 17, 2010 The Aerator at the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir is Turned Back On Mother Nature is getting a helping hand to maintain the oxygen levels in an area reservoir. Posted: 4:12 PM Feb 17, 2010 Reporter: Ben Zblewski Email Address: bzblewski@wsaw.com

Font Size:

Mother Nature is getting a helping hand to maintain the oxygen levels in an area reservoir.

Wednesday, the Big Eau Pleine Reservoir's aerator was turned back on, after it was replaced this fall.

Organizers started up the reservoir's aerator, which fills more than 4 miles of tubing full of air.

Without the aerator, the reservoir's oxygen level can become to low, causing the fish to die.

The machine releases bubbles into the water to help make needed cracks in the ice.

"Now when that waters open then the oxygen will come into the water from mother nature actually. The aerator is just turning over the water and opening up the ice," says John Kennedy, the project advisor.

Organizers say even though the aerator is now running, it'll still take some time before the pump's effects will be seen.

They say it could take a few days for the system to crack the ice and start putting fresh oxygen back into the reservoir.

And while the open water will help the fish, it could be dangerous to people.

Anglers and snowmobilers are being asked to stay away from the aerator to prevent themselves from falling in.

The DNR has set up a fence to block the area off from people.

The project cost more than $50,000.

Organizers say most of that money came from donations and fundraising efforts.

Click here to post a comment.