There are two areas where consturction commenced the week of February 16th.  The first involves the installation of a new 12-inch diameter, gravity sewer that will extend from behind the Pilot Travel Center at Alcoa Road and I-30 and will convey wastewater 1,650 feet to the City's main pump station at Hurricane Lake Estates.  This gravity main actually begins on the south side of I-30 and services such businesses as Best Buy and Chili's Restaurant before it crosses underneath the Interstate to pick up many others on the north side.  This new gravity sewer will serve the new Kroger Store, Academy Sports, and other retail shops and businesses that are presently under construction.  It will also provide sewer availability to both the existing and future customers on the north side of Highway 5 as it passes to the said pump station.

One of the benefits of this gravity sewer addition is the deletion of an existing lift or pump station.  This is always a good thing because this will save money, maintenance and alleviate an increased potential for sanitary sewer overflows from mechanical or power failures.

A second project involves the area north of Dyer Circle along McNeil Creek.  There are two existing sewer mains on the north side of the creek that will be consolidated into one new main on the south.  More than 2,030 feet of old, deteriorated pipe will be replaced with 1,007 feet of new 12-inch line.  In addition, 13 very old manholes will be replaced by 7 new ones.  And one the greatest improvements will be the removal of 4 aerial, sewer crossings over the McNeil Creek.  Though they are ductile iron pipe, they are vulnerable to the swift flood currents that often bring large trees downstream.  Like the deletion of a pump station that is no longer needed, removing aerial creek crossings is always a big plus.

The Wastewater Collection System Department of Benton Utilities is proud to make these important project announcements.  It is our goal to serve the customers and residents of Benton with respect, courtesy, equity and with high standards of excellence.