The original tender called for several sections of existing sewer (approximately 1.5 km) within the Kalgoorlie and Boulder townsites to be replaced with new PVC pipe. The existing vitreous clay pipes are subject to regular blockages due to tree root infestation and require upgrading.

During the tender process, Premium Pipe Services provided an option to reline most of the existing pipe using the Saertex-liner system. This system uses ultraviolet light to cure a new fibreglass and resin pipe inside of the existing pipe to provide a close-fit pipe rehabilitation. The company was successful in suggesting the alternate solution instead of the dig up option.

ShieldLiner Managing Director Trevor Gosatti said that the option was a good result for the Goldfields community.

“The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is to be commended for choosing the Trenchless Technology option, which results in less disturbance and disruption to local properties. The conventional dig up and relay pipe option would have required many road closures and major restoration works affecting residents,” he said.

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“The use of a leading edge pipe relining technology such as the Saertex-liner system provides many advantages for the environment, and the residents of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be the beneficiaries of this decision. In addition, the trenchless option has resulted in a lower cost to the city than would have occurred using conventional dig up and relay pipe methods.”

The Saertex liner system is being internationally recognised as having many advantages and benefits ahead of other lining systems. It is also considered the most environmentally friendly approach to lining.

“This contract also provides another opportunity for Premium Pipe Services to display its broad range of products and services for the repair and rehabilitation of Australia’s aging water and sewerage infrastructure,” said Mr Gosatti.

“We look forward to working with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder on this contract and in the future,” he said.