Deconstruction to Assist with Chronic Flooding at KK River

Five years ago, massive flooding caused more than $30 million of damage in Milwaukee’s 30th street corridor through water damage of 3,000 homes. The 2010 storm inspired a project by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to reduce the risk of flooding. Work is underway to create three storm water basins to relieve the problem. To make room for the basins, MMSD collaborated to relocate seven homeowners and tenants that had all seen chronic flood problems over the years in preparation for removing houses.

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The MMSD decided to use deconstruction. WasteCap has been a part of the project as a deconstruction consultant to help ensure diversion results. The process of deconstruction, the disassembly of a structure while recovering materials for reuse, allows materials to see their highest potential life rather than landfilling. Each hired contractor was to follow the specific requirements for each property. To date, houses have seen 85% plus diversion rates, reaching the goals of MMSD.

​A waste management plan was created for each structure which determined several aspects of material destinations. Also included in this document were required landfill diversion percentages for all materials leaving the site, salvage and recycling conditions for all materials, a description of deconstruction methods, and more. Specific required salvage lists were compiled for each property including cabinets, doors, windows, lights, fans, wood flooring, lumber, and architectural items amongst others. These items ended up at local businesses and nonprofits, including the WasteCap Warehouse!
WasteCap offers a huge thank you to all of the supporters of this deconstruction project, the great work of local, onsite crews, and to MMSD for commitment to sustainable practices.

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