2025 ACEC of Kansas Engineering Excellence Award
This project received the 2025 ACEC of Kansas Engineering Excellence Award in the Water Resources Category.
Projects
Independence Water Transmission Line Improvements 2023 – Part 1 – Water Line
Status:
Completed
Owner:
City of Independence
Location
Independence, Kansas
Addendum
Nos. 1 & 2
EBH Engineering was selected to provide preliminary engineering and design services for a high-capacity water transmission line and pump station to service a new soybean-crushing facility outside Independence, Kansas. Construction had already begun on the new $400- million facility, and when the original water supply fell through, securing a new water source became a mission critical task. The City of Independence, Bartlett Grain and EBH Engineering collaborated to design the nine-mile transmission line in record time, so the facility could open on schedule. The plant provides an important source of feedstock for producing renewable fuels, food products, and animal feed. It is capable of handling 38.5 million bushels of soybean annually to crush into soybean meal and refined soybean oil. The plant contributes to the local economy and growth by employing 63 people.
EBH Engineering also provided construction engineering observation and staking services on this project. The construction observation team played a vital role by providing communication between contractors, engineers, stakeholders, and the community. EBH assisted the owner with initial start-up and training, handled the construction staking, and conducted the survey layout. EBH also oversaw the field testing of the HDPE pipeline to ensure a resilient and dependable product was delivered to the City.
**ACEC Kansas Engineering Excellence Award Winner** (Water Resources Category)
Read the article Montgomery County Chronicle HERE.
ProjectsProject Photo Gallery
"Working with EBH Engineering was an absolute success..."
Working with EBH Engineering was an absolute success, not only for the City of Independence but the entire community. Barlett needed a substantial water source for their new soybean plant in less than a year. We issued an RFP in which EBH Engineering submitted a proposal. Because of EBH’s assurance of meeting the demanding project schedule, The City of Independence selected EBH. EBH jumped right in as soon as they were selected. They immediately began developing unique and creative methods to address the fast-track nature of the project. They collaborated with project partners to complete this project in the specified timeline, where several thought this schedule was impossible. Each team member made this project successful in meeting the schedule and the budget. 100% of the project goals were reached by this extraordinary team. It has been a pleasure working with EBH. I would work with them again as they delivered on-time solutions to the project."
John Garris, Engineer, City of Independence
ProjectsProject Information
Services ProvidedServices Provided:
- Preliminary Engineering Reports
- Waterline Improvements
- Surveying
EBH Engineering partnered with the City of Independence and Bartlett Grain early in the project. Each week, EBH conducted briefing meetings with the City of Independence, Montgomery County, Montgomery RWD #6, KDHE, and Bartlett. There were additional meetings with the rural water district, KDOT, SKOL Railroad, Southern Star Central Gas, and Evergy to coordinate the intertwining infrastructure as the water line approached the plant. Because of collaboration, cost effective and time saving design and construction practices were applied throughout the project. The scale of the project further allowed cost effectiveness through the City of Independence directly sourcing the HDPE pipe and receiving wholesale pricing. The project also received quality bids on the project which contributed to additional cost savings.
EBH Engineering met 100% of the project owner’s goals. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Typically, a project of this size and scope would take three years or more. The project team was able to deliver in ten months, allowing the facility to open on schedule and making a positive economic impact on the community. Bartlett is utilizing the plant and has the water supply they need to operate.
The Independence Water Transmission Line Improvements project was a fast-tracked project that many thought could not be accomplished. Through coordination, communication, and a strong project team, 100% of the project goals were accomplished. Each team member contributed to the success of this project.
This project impacts not just the local community, but the entire State of Kansas from a social and economic perspective. This plant serves the agricultural industry within a 150-mile radius. The soybean plant has brought in over 63 jobs in the area with more jobs coming in the future with other businesses utilizing this resource. It also resulted in construction jobs from building the infrastructure and the plant. It provides increased revenue to the City of Independence and Montgomery RWD #6.
ProblemBarlett Grain was expanding their market for regional soybean producers and agribusinesses in Southeast Kansas. This plant serves a vital role for the food, animal feed, and renewable fuel industries. The plant needed a reliable water supply to operate, and when other sources were determined unviable they turned to the City of Independence to source the water.
SolutionAfter a selection process, the City of Independence hired EBH Engineering to complete the preliminary engineering and then design the water transmission line that serves the soybean-crushing facility. Collaborating with the City of Independence, Montgomery County, Bartlett Grain, Montgomery County RWD #6, SKOL Railroad, KDHE, and numerous other state and federal agencies, the project team executed the design allowing the water line to be constructed and meet initial capacity requirements.
Project Recognition
Project Team
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Michael Younger, PE -
Darin Neufeld, PE -
Darrin Hall, RLS -
Darla Abbott -
Amy Prater -
Rich Guffey -
Blake Burkett -
Riley Blomenkamp