Ardurra (WK Dickson) has been recognized with an Engineering Excellence Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee (ACEC-TN) for our work on the South Chickamauga Creek Interceptor Rehabilitation project in Chattanooga.

Serving as the engineer of record and prime consultant, our team successfully addressed critical infrastructure challenges by rehabilitating 9,250 linear feet of large-diameter concrete pipes installed in the 1970s that had suffered significant corrosion. The project, initiated under a consent decree with the EPA, State of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Clean Water Network, has dramatically reduced sewer overflows and improved the reliability of Chattanooga's wastewater system.

Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology was implemented to restore the aging 72-inch and 84-inch pipes without extensive excavation, providing a durable, long-term solution while minimizing environmental impact. One of the project's most unique aspects was designing and implementing a complex bypass system capable of handling 55,000 gallons per minute across challenging terrain, including railway crossings, a busy road, and beneath a major highway bridge.

The project exemplifies excellence in environmental stewardship, with careful coordination among regulatory bodies to protect South Chickamauga Creek and surrounding ecosystems. Our phased construction approach ensured the project remained within budget while addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Beyond addressing immediate infrastructure concerns, this project sets a precedent for tackling similar challenges in other communities. It has already been presented at multiple regional water conferences as a case study in effective application of innovative rehabilitation techniques.