Following Hurricane Helene, Woodfin Sanitary Water & Sewer District partnered with WithersRavenel to assess storm-related damage, develop recovery strategies, and advance restoration efforts for multiple critical water infrastructure assets. Working closely with District staff, FEMA representatives, regulatory agencies, and technical subconsultants, WithersRavenel provided engineering, surveying, geotechnical investigations, design development, permitting support, and recovery planning services across the District’s water supply and treatment system. Recovery efforts encompassed dam infrastructure, water transmission facilities, treatment plant components, access structures, and operational facilities essential to maintaining reliable water service and improving long-term resiliency.
Examples of specific projects include:
Reservoir Dam Slope & Drain Repair
WithersRavenel led the assessment and development of repair solutions for damage to the Woodfin Reservoir Dam (BUNCO-067), a high-hazard dam, following Hurricane Helene. The project addressed a downstream embankment slope failure and repairs to drainage infrastructure where seepage was observed along the dam toe. Services included project management, FEMA coordination, topographic and subsurface utility surveying, geotechnical investigations, engineering evaluation, dam safety coordination, permitting support, design development, bidding assistance, construction administration, construction observation, and project closeout support.
The project also included preparation of dam modification permitting documentation, development of construction plans and specifications, and opinions of probable construction cost to support FEMA reimbursement and implementation planning.
Blackberry Inn Road Water Main Repair
Following storm-related damage to a critical water transmission main crossing the Laurel Fork of Reems Creek, WithersRavenel provided engineering services for repair and replacement of an existing 8-inch ductile iron transmission main serving the District’s water system. Services included project management, FEMA coordination, topographic surveying, geotechnical investigations, hydraulic and utility evaluations, environmental permitting support, engineering design, bidding assistance, construction administration, construction observation, and project closeout services. The project scope included evaluation of stream-crossing conditions, development of repair alternatives, preparation of construction documents and specifications, and coordination with permitting agencies to support restoration of reliable water service and improved infrastructure resiliency.
Water Treatment Plant Lagoon Embankment Assessment and Repair
WithersRavenel completed a FEMA-supported assessment of the Water Treatment Plant Lagoon Embankment following Hurricane Helene damage. Services included engineering management, topographic surveying, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), geotechnical investigations, laboratory testing, groundwater monitoring, slope stability evaluation, and development of repair recommendations. Findings were used to prepare repair alternatives, probable construction costs, and recommendations for future embankment rehabilitation.
Water Treatment Plant Access Bridge Assessment
WithersRavenel assessed damage to the treatment plant access bridge, documenting conditions and developing repair recommendations to support safe and dependable access to the facility and future recovery funding efforts. Services included site investigations, engineering evaluations, documentation of damage, identification of applicable design standards and code requirements, development of repair recommendations, and preparation of an Opinion of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC).
Water Treatment Plant Spillway Repairs
The team evaluated damage to the treatment plant spillway and provided engineering recommendations to support repair planning, infrastructure restoration, and long-term resiliency improvements. Services included field evaluations, damage documentation, review of applicable design standards, assessment of repair requirements, preparation of probable construction costs, and development of engineering scopes necessary to advance design and construction activities.
Water Treatment Plant Operating House Assessment
WithersRavenel completed a multidisciplinary assessment of the facility’s structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and accessibility systems, providing a roadmap for future repairs and restoration.
These projects helped Woodfin Water assess damage, prioritize recovery investments, pursue FEMA-supported funding opportunities, and strengthen critical infrastructure serving the community’s water system.