Wellpoint Care Network: Integrating Stormwater Capture into Overall Health and Wellness
The Wellpoint Care Network’s green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) project was developed through the Fresh Coast Protection Partnership (FCPP), a community-based partnership between CIS and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). The connected system of basins and a constructed wetland capture up to 1.2 million gallons of stormwater during large rain events—allowing the organization to provide community impact as the GSI project will improve water quality and reduce the risk of flooding.
Project Scope
- Green stormwater infrastructure
- Culturally influenced site design
- Bioretention basins and wetland intercept, detain, and treat stormwater runoff
- 20%+ reduction of the current impervious surface space
- Native landscaping with both wet and dry land vegetation for environmental and beautification purposes
- Capturing over 1.2 million gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events
- Reducing neighborhood flooding
- Improving water quality of the Menomonee River and Lake Michigan by reducing storm sewer overflows
The Wellpoint Care Network campus provided a unique opportunity within the City of Milwaukee to capture a large amount of stormwater on-site through green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). At 18.4 acres, with only a third covered by the building and adjacent parking lots, there was ample room to install a large GIS system. A design comprised of three biobasins, a forebay, and a constructed wetland was developed to take advantage of the topography of the site, starting in a bio basin on the north end, draining into two more biobasins along the western perimeter, before ultimately draining into a forebay and constructed wetland on the southwest corner of the site. Community engagement was a key focus throughout the project. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the Mayor, County Executive, and Alderman was held to inform the wider community about the project, and CIS collaborated with Wellpoint Care to provide regular updates to neighbors during the construction process.
Impact
The GSI system was designed to capture, treat, and temporarily store up to 1.2 million gallons of rainwater on-site, significantly reducing flood risk in the surrounding neighborhood and improving the water quality of the Menomonee River and Lake Michigan. Beyond its environmental impact, this project is part of a larger multi-year effort to transform Wellpoint Care’s historic 18-acre campus into a vibrant neighborhood anchor where families, neighbors, and community partners will find trauma-informed social services, mental health resources, and a place to connect, collaborate, and care for themselves and one another.
The GSI project provides yet another way for Wellpoint Care to serve the surrounding community as it moves into its next chapter.
Partners
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Wellpoint Care Network
Timeline
2024