West Memphis eyes stormwater drainage improvement

Study shows undersized drains, leaking pipes in city’s outdated system

news@theeveningtimes.com Drainage has been an issue in the city of West Memphis for years. Last week, city engineer Amanda Hicks reported to Public Works commissioners that residential property had been adversely impacted and storm drainage drop inlets were sinking on the west side of the city, an issue highlighted by recent storms.

Some drop inlets are partially blocked storm water runoff. The city undertook an a pair of assessments of the storm drainage system, the a first step to fix the problems after Public Works and the Utility Department had received complaints from the Brentwood area, as well as Oaklawn Street about the problems. One citizen was on hand to check on the progress the city had made to address the bad drainage. The city recently undertook two studies to diagnose the problems. One examination of the drainage basin studied water flow and found undersized drains in the closed drainage system according to Hicks. Five drainage basins flow through the city each basin was set for study over the next five years.

The second study revealed leaking drain pipes that contributed to bogged down spots in landscaped yards. A resident listened to the status of her case.

'The other thing is LCS, line coating surfaces,' said Hicks. 'What this explored in the Brentwood area, Oaklawn and a lot of drop inlets are sinking, some just after 20 years. That could be due to poor construction. We have a resident here and this is actually impacting her landscape and her personal property. I looked through this area and its not just one or two inlets that have dropped, it's the whole area. That's too soon for these drainage issue.'

Line coating consists of inserting a durable drain pipe liner to prevent seepage from damaged pipes.

Hicks said the remedial work had been budgeted and asked for an emergency meeting after the upcoming city council to specifically authorize the spending.

While the issue was discussed at length, the Public Works Commission failed to make a quorum and thus could not officially take action. Present were Chairman Wayne Croom, and Councilors Willis Mondy. Absent from the meeting were David Murray and James Holt.

Mayor Marco McClendon was set to add the winner of the Ward 2 special election held yesterday to the commission to replace former councilman James Pulliaum who now serves as City Clerk.

Amanda Hicks