Source: Auckland Council
Construction is underway on a $22m wastewater pipeline that will reduce the risk of overflows into local waterways like Kaipatiki Creek, improve access and service issues and cater for population growth in the Bayview and Beach Haven areas.
The new 2km pipeline from Kahika Pump Station to the existing pipeline from Easton Park Parade will replace a 50-year-old one that has experienced failures in the last two years, resulting in complex repairs and significant clean-up costs.
As part of the spend, Watercare – alongside its construction partner CB Civil & Drainage Limited – will also divert four local network catchments away from the existing wastewater pipeline for it to be removed from service. Large sections of the current pipeline will also be decommissioned.
The construction of the new pipeline will be completed early next year with the remaining diversion and decommissioning works on track to be completed by mid-next year.
Watercare project manager Alastair Stewart says the work is critical to catering for growth in the area and to help protect the environment from overflows.
“In the last few years we’ve seen leaks occur because of internal abrasion to both the concrete lining and the outer wall of the existing 450mm concrete-lined steel pipe.
“Luckily, the leaks have been near the southern side of Kaipatiki Creek, which was relatively accessible and straight-forward to clean up.
“The worry is that if a failure occurred at the northern side of Kaipatiki Creek or the bridge that carries the pipeline over the creek, the cost of the clean-up and repairs – and ultimately to the environment – would be huge.”
Stewart says to help ensure the resilience of the pipeline it is being built using both 600mm polyethylene and 600mm fibreglass pipes that will carry twice as much as the current wastewater pipeline and are more resilient to internal abrasion.
“We understand that these works are highly disruptive for residents who live or commute on Kaipatiki Road, where much of this work is taking place. This is why our contractor will have two construction teams working on the pipeline simultaneously, which halves the time we’re on site.