Challenge
Rapid growth in northeast Sioux Falls created increasing demand on the Basin 17 sanitary sewer system. The existing temporary lift station near the Brandon Road Pump Station was designed for a firm capacity of 1,250 GPM, but long-term planning indicated the need for additional capacity to serve 684 acres with an estimated peak hour flow of 1.8 MGD.
Extending the system north to Benson Road and west to Bahnson Avenue required coordination with multiple projects already underway, including roadway improvements along Benson and Sycamore Avenues, industrial park development, and utility designs by other engineering firms. The City of Sioux Falls also needed to evaluate how best to merge sewer and water main improvements within the corridor to minimize disruption and cost.
Solution
HR Green led design, bidding, and construction services for approximately 1.6 miles of new gravity sewer extending from a prior Phase 1 alignment. The team leveraged an existing 80-foot permanent easement across a private property parcel and aligned the new sewer parallel to an existing 42-inch force main. Design services included detailed data collection, survey coordination, preliminary and final design plans, and development of a comprehensive cost estimate based on recent regional project data.
HR Green facilitated extensive coordination with the City, other engineering firms, the National Guard, Humane Society, and nearby developers to align sewer construction with ongoing roadway and water main improvements. Workshops at 50% and 95% design ensured stakeholder input, and deliverables such as tech memos, cost opinions, and plan sets positioned the City for a smooth bidding process.
Benefit
By extending the sanitary sewer to Benson Road and Bahnson Avenue, the City has the infrastructure capacity to meet both current and future demands in the rapidly developing Park VIII area. Coordinating sewer installation with roadway and water main projects reduced construction conflicts, minimized disruptions to the community, and maximized the efficiency of public investment. The project provides a foundation for future growth by accommodating new industrial and commercial developments, ensuring reliable wastewater service, and supporting long-term economic development in northeast Sioux Falls.
