More than 2 years after devastating EF-3 tornadoes tore through Wynne and parts of Central and Eastern Arkansas, the City of Wynne has officially completed major reconstruction work on its wastewater treatment plant using advanced concrete protection technology designed to help future-proof the facility for decades to come.
Kryton International announced the successful completion of concrete protection work at the rebuilt wastewater treatment plant utilizing KIM BioGard®, a specialized crystalline waterproofing admixture designed to protect wastewater infrastructure from corrosion, harsh chemicals, sulfates, and acidic conditions commonly found in sewage systems.
The original facility suffered major damage during the March 31, 2023 tornado outbreak that heavily impacted Wynne and surrounding communities. Following the disaster, the city received approximately $2.6 million in federal funding through the Delta Regional Authority and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to restore and modernize the wastewater system.
Officials said the upgraded plant is designed to reduce future maintenance costs while increasing long-term durability and sustainability.
Dan Moore of Sustain Admixtures, which supplied concrete admixtures for the project, said city leaders wanted to ensure the new facility could withstand decades of exposure to highly acidic wastewater environments.
Kryton President and CEO Kari Yuers said wastewater facilities nationwide face constant threats from microbial-induced corrosion, making long-term concrete protection critical for infrastructure investments.
According to the Association for Materials Protection & Performance, corrosion costs the U.S. water and wastewater sector an estimated $58.5 billion annually.
During the more than 2 years the Wynne facility remained offline, officials were forced to temporarily redirect wastewater into a lagoon system while repairs and reconstruction continued.
The completion of the new wastewater treatment plant marks another major milestone in Wynne’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts following the historic tornado disaster.
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