The project, which is an interim solution addressing Bendigo’s rising groundwater, has three components, including the construction of a 5.4 km pipeline using horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
Veolia Water Technologies was awarded the contract to construct the pipeline, which will run between a new groundwater treatment plant at the New Moon Mine in Eaglehawk and a new brine storage lagoon at Coliban Water’s Bendigo Water Reclamation Plant in Epsom.
Vacuum excavation is also being used by a local trenchless subcontractor, R & R McClure Excavation, to locate utilities in the area as the boring progresses.
The Victorian Government has provided AU$29.77 million in funding to manage the issue, which is caused by rising groundwater in mine voids beneath Bendigo.
Bendigo Groundwater Project Director David Sheehan said work on the pipeline started in April within the plant and is progressing along Simpsons Road towards Lake Neangar.
“The pipeline construction works have been designed to limit inconvenience to residents.
“The Simpsons Road section is being built using directional boring, a trenchless technique that minimises excavation and prevents damage to trees and root systems.
“There will be some short-term disturbances for residents, such as traffic management and noise.
“We have notified residents and will communicate directly with any residents affected as the works progress along Simpsons Road,” said Mr. Sheehan.
Construction work on the groundwater treatment plant and brine lagoon has also been progressing well.
“Around 60 per cent of the plant has been built offsite by our contractor in Adelaide. Onsite construction at the New Moon Mine is scheduled to begin next week.
“Despite the heavy rainfall in April, earthworks for the new brine lagoon are 80 per cent finished.
“Once the earthworks are completed the lagoon will be lined with polyethylene to make it waterproof.
“The brine lagoon will be capable of holding 270 megalitres, the equivalent volume of 108 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” said Mr Sheehan.
The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.
Colbian Water’s Bendigo Groundwater project will be featured in June edition of Trenchless Australasia. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
For more information visit the Coliban Water website.
If you have a project you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Nick Lovering at nlovering@gs-press.com.au