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Benton City seeks $2.5M for sewer relining after scans show widespread pipe deterioration
Summary
Staff reported videos and recent scans showing concrete sewer mains (many installed before 1970) with sidewall openings, root intrusion, blockages and grease buildup; the city resubmitted a grant application to the Department of Ecology, increasing the request from $1.5 million to $2.5 million to cover relining and full‑reconstruction sections.
Benton City — City staff told the council on Nov. 5 that recent sewer‑line scans revealed widespread deterioration in the city’s aging gravity collection system, and they have resubmitted a state grant application for $2.5 million to fund relining and necessary dig‑up repairs.
Presenters said many of the concrete sewer pipes date to before 1970 and video inspections show evidence of concrete loss, sidewall openings, severe root intrusion and grease blockages. Staff described segments where pipes broke apart when crews tried to locate sound sections for connections and estimated roughly 20% of lines may require full reconstruction or targeted dig‑up repairs before relining.
The city began relining work in 2015 and has used available funds for lift‑station upgrades, which delayed some relining work. At a recent technical review meeting that included Department of Ecology and other funding agencies, reviewers advised increasing the request to better cover full repair costs; staff subsequently increased the application from $1.5 million to $2.5 million and will pursue supplementary funding from other agencies if Ecology cannot cover the full amount.
Council members were shown photos and video stills illustrating openings and blockages; staff said one alleyline exhibited a severe "belly" that requires a full dig‑up and grade reset, increasing expected project costs for pavement restoration and construction. Staff emphasized the grant decision is pending and next steps include additional scanning of older sections and coordinating prioritized repairs based on funding outcomes.
The presentation highlighted operational causes—roots and inappropriate flushable products that lead to grease buildup—and noted ongoing maintenance actions but said systemic rehabilitation will require outside funding. The council did not take a binding funding vote at the meeting and staff will return with updates as grant awards are determined.
