In the world of environmental management, few things are as crucial as the efficient operation of wastewater treatment plants. These facilities are the unsung heroes of our communities, ensuring that our water remains clean and safe. However, a recent whistleblower's account has shed light on potential mismanagement at the Jones Island and South Shore water treatment plants in Milwaukee, raising concerns about the future of these vital facilities.
The whistleblower, Greg Gryskiewicz, a former Veolia Water employee, has come forward with a damning report of the company's and its partner, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), management practices. Gryskiewicz's claims are particularly striking given his 14 years of experience at the Jones Island plant, where he rose through the ranks as a machinist. His decision to leave the company two weeks into his apprenticeship apprenticeship is a stark indication of the challenges he faced in an environment that he believed was not conducive to employee success.
Gryskiewicz's allegations focus on the lack of maintenance and the subsequent flooding issues at the plants. He claims that Veolia and MMSD have been passing the bill for expensive repairs back and forth, with the equipment that helps treat wastewater going unrepaired. This situation has led to a vicious cycle of flooding, which is a critical issue in a city like Milwaukee, especially after recent major flooding events.
The timing of these allegations is particularly sensitive, coming as MMSD is in the midst of negotiations over the next operations contract, which could be worth a staggering $700 million. Gryskiewicz's whistleblower status adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it comes as the second public whistleblower in a campaign by the nonprofit Common Ground for change.
Common Ground has been investigating Veolia's management practices since December 2025, following an anonymous whistleblower letter in 2023. Steve Jacquart, a former high-level MMSD employee, was the first to come forward, highlighting the inefficiencies in the MMSD wastewater treatment plants. The group's efforts culminated in a public hearing on April 30, where a wide range of sources testified about alleged mismanagement practices by Veolia.
Veolia, in response to the allegations, has accused Common Ground of attempting to sabotage its bid for the contract. The company issued a statement defending its performance and the integrity of its team, operating an extremely complex system under rigorous regulatory oversight to meet MMSD, state, and federal standards. However, Veolia also encouraged employees to report any workplace concerns, even anonymously, to ensure a safe and transparent work environment.
MMSD, for its part, is reviewing Gryskiewicz's letter and has stated that it cannot publicly comment on the accusations until the procurement process is completed. The district is in the midst of a lengthy public procurement effort to hire a company to operate and maintain its infrastructure for a 10-year period, and it must ensure a fair and transparent process.
The public hearing scheduled for next month will be a crucial moment in this saga. It will provide an opportunity for both Veolia and Jacobs Solutions (the other company seeking the contract) to present their proposals, and for MMSD to make an informed decision. The outcome of this hearing will significantly impact the future of Milwaukee's wastewater treatment plants and the community's trust in the management of these vital facilities.
This situation raises important questions about the role of whistleblowers in holding organizations accountable and the importance of transparent and efficient management in critical infrastructure. As the investigation continues, the community awaits the outcome of the procurement process and the future of these essential wastewater treatment plants.
