Civil Engineering

(501) 776-5900

Benton Utilities Civil Engineering Department

Dewayne Hood One of the newer depts. at Benton Utilities is the Civil Engineering Dept. The Construction Manager and Utilities inspector work closely with outside engineering firms dealing with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the utilities infrastructure. They deal primarily with the water distribution and purification as well as the wastewater collections and wastewater treatment plants.

The Construction Manager for Benton Utilities is Dewayne Hood; he came to work here in 2006 having worked for an engineering firm prior to coming to work here. Assisting Mr. Hood as utilities inspector is veteran employee Larry Lewis, he came to work here in 1976.

Projects in Progress…

Thomas Pasture Sewer Line Project: This project consists of replacing existing sewer line and installing sewer line in some areas were sewer did not exist before. Along with the line work the Thomas Pasture Pump Station will have larger pumps installed. The new pipe size ranges from 15” – 30” in diameter and will be replacing pipe from 8” – 12” in diameter. Approximately 19,000 linear feet of pipe will be installed in the project and should be completed in August 2007.

Wastewater Equalization Basin: The E.Q. Basin project will allow the wastewater department to divert flow from the existing plant to the basin in times of high flows. The ability to divert high flows makes maintaining the treatment process much easier for the operators. When full the basin has approximately 57,000,000 gallons of capacity. This project is scheduled to be completed in August 2007.

Hurricane Lake Force Main & Pump Station Upgrade: In this project the contractor will be installing approximately 14,000 feet of 16” diameter force main and upsizing the existing pumps. This upgrade should provide pumping capability in this service area for 20 plus years. The project is on schedule and should be complete in September 2007.

Chenault Reservoir Improvements: This Project is currently under construction and should be completed by December 2007. Repairs are being made to both interior and exterior slopes of the levee. The entire exterior slope will be cleared of undesirable vegetation and reseeded to prevent erosion.

Fire Hydrant Upgrades: Both Benton Utility crews and a contractor are adding or replacing water line and fire hydrants throughout the city. The fire department made recommendation for locating new fire hydrants as well as which one needs repairs. The new hydrants will serve the community and provide fire protection. The installation and cleanup is in the final stages.

Upcoming Projects…

Edison Street Utility Relocation: Benton Utilities will be relocating water, sewer & electric lines in the Edison Street vicinity do to the AHTD overpass project. A contractor has been chosen for the water and sewer line relocate and should start work in August 2007. The water and sewer relocation should be completed by January 2008. Most of the electric lines have already been relocated by Benton Utilities.

Edison Street Drainage Relocation: Benton Utilities will be relocating water and sewer lines in the Edison and East Streets vicinity do to the AHTD drainage project. Bids for this project should be opened in August 2007. The water and sewer relocation should be completed by November 2007.

Interstate 30 / Airlane Drive Sewer Line Upgrade: This project consists of replacing approximately 10,000 feet of existing 15” diameter sewer line with 24” – 36” diameter sewer line. The project will begin at the existing wastewater treatment plant and end on the north side of I-30 near Sevier Street overpass. The bid opening for this project in scheduled for August 2007 and should be completed mid summer 2008.

Highway 5 / Riverside pump Station: New pump stations and force mains are being designed for the area out Highway 5 past Salt Creek Road. The existing pump stations and force mains in this area are at capacity or in need of upgrade due to age. These upgrades will better allow us to serve this area of our community for years to come. The design on the project should be complete by October 2007.

Interstate 30 West Utility Extension: Design is scheduled to start on utilities to go west of the Saline River along I-30. An engineering firm has been selected to perform the design of the utilities and drawings could possibly be done by the end of 2007.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: McClelland Consulting Engineers from Little Rock Arkansas was selected to perform the design of the new wastewater treatment plant. Design has begun on the plant and could be completed by spring of 2008. The design will include a 5 million gallons per day oxidation ditch with additional components to insure the plant meets all its permit limits.

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