When the City of Chattanooga received the Outstanding Overflow Abatement Award by the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association, the University was also recognized. Before the Chattanooga City Council, Vice Chancellor Richard Brown received a plaque for the University’s role in the Warner Park/Engel Stadium Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project.
In 2003, the City of Chattanooga determined that drainage overflows in the Warner Park area represented a serious health risk. Because the park was located at the lowest part of a drainage basin with no natural pathway and increasing residential and commercial development surrounding it, the capacity of existing sewers were frequently exceeded. Extreme precipitation sometimes meant overflowing sewers in both the Warner Park and Engel Stadium areas.
UTC uses recreational facilities at both Engel Stadium and the nearby area.
In 2006, several local entities were planning or making improvements. The Chattanooga Zoo underwent a major expansion and enhancement; Chattanooga Parks and Recreation was preparing to implement its master plan for softball fields and parking facilities; and UTC was investigating measures to help protect historic Engel Stadium from chronic flooding problems during heavy rainfall.
With the cooperation of the University, the City of Chattanooga, and the Zoo, the CSO Control Project provided protection for the public from contaminated wastewater with a coordinated design and approach.
CSO control program facilities were carefully integrated into the improvements, including sewer construction, pump stations, and thoughtful use of limited space. For instance, much needed parking space for the home of Lady Mocs Softball, Frost Stadium, was created on the roof of an underground wastewater detention facility.
“We are pleased to inform you that the City of Chattanooga received an award from the Kentucky –Tennessee Water Environment Association…This Award would not have been possible without your direct involvement in this project,” said Jerry W. Stewart, P.E., Director-Waste Resources Division for the Department of Public Works, City of Chattanooga, in a letter to Dr. Richard Brown.
