City of Lenexa Maximizes Budget with Stormwater Study

Corrugated metal pipes (CMP) at 89th Terr. and Lackman were failing. The City of Lenexa, Kansas was looking for an effective solution to protect local roadways and yards and maximize tax dollars. They hired our stormwater team to conduct a preliminary engineering study (PES) for the first phase of this project.

The project site is home to a very shallow system, and many inlets are located in yards, with pipes going through narrow corridors between houses. For this project, we started by walking the site. Our survey team took 360° photos of the stormwater inlets as well.

Then, the City supplied our team with CCTV footage of the pipes. Our experts used that information to determine which could be lined and which should be replaced. We also conducted a hydraulic and hydrologic analysis, reviewed the City’s GIS data for accuracy, and provided expected easement needs.

Along with gathering data, we collected community input. We created flooding questionnaires and distributed them to all homeowners. On each postcard, we included a link to an online survey. Our team gathered and compiled the results.

The findings from all sources were compiled into a comprehensive report. In it, we included a map, identifying all the pipes in the system. Each one was labeled to show if it should be lined or replaced. Responses to the survey were also linked from a spreadsheet to the Google map. With it, the City could easily see where issues were occurring and cross-reference who was impacted.

Along with the map and the list of the pipes’ conditions, we also provided a cost estimate. This information was critical in helping the City determine the timing for their project. It allowed us to better define the scope of Phase 2 and determine which surveys were needed as well. This helped the City understand when this part of the project would best fit into their budget.

With this critical information in hand, the City of Lenexa decided to move forward with these necessary improvements. Now, our stormwater team is working on Phase 2 of this effort, which includes the design. Construction is slated to begin late next year.