The Problem

The inundation of its wastewater treatment plant in 1996 jeopardized Huntingburg’s ability to keep floodwaters out of its main pumping facility and wastewater lagoons.

The Solution

To address this issue, a comprehensive design was completed consisting of a detailed H/H evaluation of the channel located along the south side of the plant to a half mile downstream to critical backwater flooding from Bruner Creek and subsequently to the Patoka River. HEC-HMS and HEC RAS models were performed to assess floodway boundaries and to meet permitting needs. The design called for the construction of a 6-foot high combination of 950 feet of reinforced concrete floodwall and 1,500 feet of earthen berms around the WWTP. The concrete walls were cast integrally with 24-inch diameter auger-cast concrete piles. A horizontal, rotating floodgate was also incorporated for ease of access to the plant and to safely protect the plant from floods in excess of the 100-year event.