Benton Wastewater Improvements

Wastewater Treatment Facility and Collection System Improvements for the City of Benton

The wastewater treatment plant at the City of Benton features a two-cell facultative lagoon, a Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR) for ammonia polishing, and a UV disinfection system. Heartland assisted the city with obtaining project funding and the subsequent engineering design of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for both the wastewater treatment and collection systems.

With funds from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Revolving Fund (SRF), Heartland Engineering inspected the City of Benton collection system and designed a retrofit for the wastewater treatment facility. The inspection process included jetting, cleaning, and video assessments of the clay pipe collection system, which resulted in a detailed, system-wide view where specific issue were identified so that targeted repair solutions could be created.

The wastewater treatment plant has faced compliance issues with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for several years due to effluent concentrations that exceed the permit limits. The new design will incorporate influent flow measurement and screening, lagoon sludge removal, improved lagoon aeration, creation of an additional cell via a curtain wall, and repairs to the MBBR system. The construction contract was successfully bid and awarded in May 2026, and construction will take place over the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.