Laurel, CHS and KLJ outline reroute and detention plan to ease southside flooding; grant application due in March

At the Jan. 20 City of Laurel workshop, Travis Jones of KLJ Engineering presented a conceptual plan intended to resolve recurring southside flooding by rerouting stormwater around the CHS refinery and abandoning undersized culverts under Interstate 90.

KLJ’s concept calls for a larger pipe (KLJ’s materials say 36"–48" will be considered) and at least one detention area near Russell Park to reduce peak flows. Documents included with the workshop record note the proposed route will separate City stormwater from CHS runoff, increase capacity relative to current conditions, and improve City access and control of downstream facilities.

KLJ’s memorandum presented a recommended resolution for the City to support design work; the memorandum states CHS would commission and pay for the engineering design. The materials also describe a timeline: the City and CHS would need an MOU to move forward with a grant application that is due in March.

Council members asked whether the plan raises Montana Department of Environmental Quality issues because the outfall is downstream from the municipal intake; staff and KLJ said the outfall is below the City intake and therefore should not conflict with the City’s drinking‑water intake location. Council also asked Public Works to inspect the Old Rod & Gun Club building and to run water through the septic system as a simple functional test—requests that were recorded separately in the minutes.

What happens next: KLJ recommended that the City adopt a resolution supporting design and permitting so CHS can fund the engineering. If the City endorses design work, staff and CHS will coordinate an MOU, finalize engineering plans, pursue the March grant opportunity, and then return to the council with permitting and cost‑sharing terms for construction and maintenance.