By rosebell
In order to transporting wastewater from Warkworth to the Snells Beach wastewater treatment plant in New Zealand, installation of the final leg of a 5km pipeline has been completed by watercare using TBM dubbed Piper.
As a supplier of water to Auckland, the utility’s latest progress marks a remarkable step in its NZ$300m ($179m) wastewater upgrade program for Warkworth, Snells Beach, and Algies Bay.
The new pipeline that is a part of the broader infrastructure enhancement program, intends to boost the performance of the local wastewater network and promote future growth.
Additionally, construction of this modern wastewater treatment facility at Snells Beach is a content of Watercare’s investment initiatives.
Three phases were the sequences of pipeline installation, whereas the final leg marking the shortest and most straightforward segment for Piper. As the water utility stated,despite two breakdowns over its 14-month journey, the pipeline’s installation proceeded smoothly.
Considering that variety of soft and hard ground materials have been dug by Piper, these are transported out of the tunnel and separated from water at a dedicated separation plant located at the launch site.
With the aim of supplying bentonite for lubrication and to pump tailings back to the surface,the extracted materials are processed with water then pumped back to Piper.
The daily advancement of Piper at the installation process was almost 36m, since September 2023.
Given that the machine operates up to 50m underground, it requires careful planning to avoid disruptions, as repairs at such depths would pose risks of damage and project delays.
Upon completing this final phase, Piper will undergo a comprehensive maintenance check. Following this inspection, the TBM will be prepared for its next assignment.
Responsibility of completing the mechanical and electrical systems at the Snells Beach wastewater treatment plant, is currently up to more than 120 workers.
Linking the facility to the local power grid, the motor control centre has been activated.
In order to preparing for cold commissioning, scheduled to commence in early 2025, the crews are now targeting the completion of crucial components, including the outfall tanks and ultraviolet (UV) treatment systems.
As a key step in the commissioning process, cold commissioning ensures the plant’s systems operate smoothly and safely before it becomes fully operational.
According to Watercare project manager Casper Kruger: “Achieving this required a coordinated effort between the contractor, power supplier, and electrical inspector following months of preparation and planning.”
The number of population that the current wastewater treatment facilities at Warkworth and Snells Beach supports is approximately 8,500 people.
Following upgraded, the new wastewater treatment plant is due to initially serve 18,000 residents, with capacity expansions planned to accommodate up to 35,000 people as demand grows.
