Temporary DewateringSmithland, KY

OverviewLocated on the east bank of the Ohio River, installation of the dewatering system spanned a five-year period and included installation of 65 drilled wells (with varying depths from 100’ to 150’ deep).

MethodologyThe pumping equipment included (65) 40 HP electric submersible pumps, 7,000’ of 12” to 24” HDPE discharge pipe, 7,000’ of electrical distribution with five substations and four 600 kVA diesel generators with automatic transfer switches.

Drilling of the 65 dewatering wells required the services of our CasaGrande Model B 180 HD track-mounted drill rig drilling into soil types including clay, silt, sand, gravel and the occasional cobbles and boulders. Using this particular rig, we were able to keep downtime due to soil types to a minimum. On average, we were able to drill the well hole, place the screen and install the gravel pack in an eight to ten hour day.

HighlightsThe design capacity of the dewatering system was 78,000 GPM, but the installation of a perimeter slurry wall reduced the capacity requirements significantly. During a flood event, the partially-excavated site was filled with river water in a controlled manner, to prevent the temporary perimeter dike walls from failing. As the excavation was filled, the dewatering system was deactivated. After the floodwaters receded to a safe level, the dewatering system was reactivated and the excavation was dewatered for a second time.

DEWATERINGSMITHLAND HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT

Project Contact:Shane Steele513.265.4836

Project Value:$7.5 million

Address: 10162 East Coldwater Rd. Davison, MI 48423Phone: 810.658.3472Fax: 810.653.7828

www.mersino.com