10 May 2013

Inspection of pipeline starts next week

Hutt Valley’s main outfall pipeline (MOP) will be temporarily shut down from next week to allow an inspection to take place.

The MOP takes treated wastewater from the Seaview treatment plant to the outfall at Pencarrow Head.

General Manager Bruce Sherlock says the inspection will be the most advanced to date.

“Our MOP is an 18km long concrete pipe reinforced with steel and we will be using world leading new technology to test the strength of the steel.

“To undertake the inspection a team will travel inside the pipe and work their way along, checking its strength and noting its condition. Their findings will help us assess what work may be needed and give us a good idea of its lifespan.

“It’s fantastic we’re able to use this world-class technology in our city and use the results it can give us to help plan for the future,” he says.

To do this work, the pipeline will be shut down for about four weeks. During this time treated wastewater will be diverted to the lower Waiwhetu Stream. Some treated wastewater will also be pumped to the coastal marine area at several locations around the Eastern Bays to empty the pipe for inspection.

“Council has a resource consent to allow this important inspection to take place, but we will be working to get the pipeline back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Although the wastewater is highly treated there is an increased health risk in the vicinity of the discharge points for those who may be swimming, fishing or collecting seafood. Health warnings will be put in place to advise people of the risk.

ENDS

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