Driven by stormwater problems and flooding during significant rainfall events, the City of Meriden contracted BG Consultants to identify problems with the existing system and submit a preliminary engineering report for CDBG funding.

In preparing the report, BG discovered that much of the existing storm sewer system was significantly undersized, which was the primary cause of flooding. Standard engineering practice for many Kansas cities is designing storm drainage systems with the capability of withstanding at least a 10-year rainstorm without overtopping the adjacent streets. Meriden’s existing system was so inadequately sized that some of the streets would overtop at least once every year. Other storm drainage structures were found to be adequately sized, but had major stress cracks that could cause future structural failure.

The CDBG grant application was successful, and BG Consultants began the design plans and bidding documents for proposed improvements. The design included 465 feet of RCB of various sizes, 900 feet of RCPs of various sizes, four area inlets, and ditch widening. The construction bids came within the budget, allowing the City to also install 732 tons of aggregate ditch lining.