Latest news with #OlssonEngineering
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New study recommends Bentonville spends $185 million to upgrade sewer system
BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A recent years-long study conducted by Olsson Engineering found that Bentonville's sewer system isn't up to standard and will require a nine-figure investment to get it up to par. Olsson found that the South Lift Station 'could only provide a level of service that is less than a 1-year' and the McKisic and North Lift Stations having capacities 'to provide a level of service of 5-year or greater.' Olsson's recommendation is for the city to invest $185,853,000 into improvements through 2045 with $103,034,000 in capital projects in 2025. 'I don't really have any reservations on the dollar amount,' Jason Nole, a Bentonville resident, said when told about the study's results. 'I have more reservations on what that money would be doing and why.' Bentonville City Council passes water rate increase for residents The study was likely forecasting out the sewer system's future working capacity, given Bentonville's current and projected population and business growth. Nole's pleased that sewer infrastructure is being paid attention to by the city because, he said he's seen other cities grow while neglecting it. Olsson came to its conclusions after surveying rainfall totals from September 2020 to June 2021 and analyzing it through the Environmental Protection Agency's Sanitary Sewer Overflow Analysis and Planning Toolbox. SSOAP generated model parameters and developed hydrographs in one-, two-, five-, 10- and 25-year design storms, the report's executive summary stated. The report found that the Water Resource Recovery Facility, which serves the northern portion of the city's customers, had a peak hydraulic capacity that was nearly half of the estimated peak hourly rates for one-year storm and one-third of the estimated hourly rates for 25-year storm. Below are the breakdowns of estimated costs, total length, in linear feet, and location of construction of Olsson's recommended improvements by year. YEAR: BASIN: TOTAL LENGTH (FEET): ESCALATED PROJECTED COST: 2025 McKisic Basin 3,167 $4,413,000 2025 South Lift Station 19,549 $71,320,000 2025 Town Branch Basin 4,336 $7,064,000 2025 Shewmaker Basin 13,364 $20,251,000 2025 ALL 40,416 $103,048,000 YEAR: BASIN: TOTAL LENGTH (FEET): ESCALATED PROJECTED COST: 2030 South Lift Station 1,872 $4,503,000 2030 Town Branch Basin 2,043 $4,377,000 2030 ALL 3,915 $8,880,000 YEAR: BASIN: TOTAL LENGTH (FEET): ESCALATED PROJECTED COST: 2035 McKisic Basin 462 $1,874,000 2035 South Lift Station — $9,184,000 2035 ALL 462 $11,058,000 YEAR: BASIN: TOTAL LENGTH (FEET): ESCALATED PROJECTED COST: 2040 McKisic Basin 8,393 $25,044,000 2040 Town Branch Basin 1,595 $4,138,000 2040 ALL 9,988 $29,182,000 YEAR: BASIN: TOTAL LENGTH (FEET): ESCALATED PROJECTED COST: 2045 McKisic Basin 1,954 $20,466,000 2045 Town Branch Basin 3,158 $13,233,000 2045 ALL 5,122 $33,699,000 It's now up to the city whether it will follow through with Olsson's capital improvement recommendations. It's unclear if this will result in a price increase for Bentonville customers. University planned for former Walmart Home Office location Nole said he wouldn't oppose the nine-figure investment if it's implemented, but he encourages you to speak up if you do. 'If we want to weigh in, now's the time to go to those meetings because that's when your voice can be heard,' Nole said. 'I would recommend people all take the time to weigh in on the economic state of their region.' KNWA/FOX24 reached out to the Bentonville Water Department for an interview, but didn't hear back by the time of publication. The entire study, which is more than 150 pages long, can be found on the city's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fayetteville announces 3 winners for Mayor's Environmental Stewardship Awards
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., (KNWA/KAFTA) — The city of Fayetteville announces three winners for its 2025 Mayor's Environmental Stewardship Awards on April 15. This is the fifth year the city has held the awards, which aims to recognize Fayetteville's community members, non-profits, businesses and educators in environmental stewardship through sustainable practices, programs or projects. 'The recipients of these awards are doing work that is meaningful not only in terms of climate resilience but also work that has an impact on resident quality of life,' Mayor Molly Rawn said. 'City staff and Fayetteville residents are sincerely grateful for their hard work, and I'm honored to recognize their passion and dedication to protecting the environment.' The winners are: Eric Fuselier — A project scientist with Olsson Engineering, who has contributed to environmental education and outreach. New Beginnings Green Team — A housing community that provides living arrangements and support for the homeless. The team is focused on reducing waste, promoting local food production and provides engagement for residents in environmental efforts. Beaver Watershed Alliance — A non-profit that attempts to maintain and improve high-quality drinking water in Beaver Lake and Beaver Lake Watershed. Molly Rawn will recognize the winners at the Marion Orton Recycling Center on April 19, the city's cleanup day and Earth Day celebration. For more information, visit the Mayors Environmental Stewardship Award website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
