A few days ago (5th February), Waikato District Council advertised a road closure for 1 Nihinihi Avenue and 12 Marine Parade from Monday 15 February 2016 to 15 April 2016. (See full notice below).
As it seemed that this was an important project that would be one step towards reducing sewage spills into our harbour I asked them some questions about the project.
Cost, benefits, etc. How many litres of sewage will the tank be able to hold? What time period does that equal?
The project is down for an 8 week period, yet the notice says if it rains it will be one week later. What does this mean?
8 weeks seems a long time for a small project like this. Is the time period correct?
Instead of answering my questions, WDC wrote a lengthy media release (See below), covering how the sewage holding tanks are made of a fibreglass material similar to that used for making surf boards. It is good to see the Council getting excited about anything.
Looking specifically at what I asked about, the questions with answers are:
Q. Cost, benefits, etc.
The total construction cost for the tanks is $289,000. The tanks, along with a number of other works undertaken in Raglan over the last few years, will greatly reduce the risk of wastewater overflows.
A. The tanks, along with a number of other works undertaken in Raglan over the last few years, will greatly reduce the risk of wastewater overflows.
Q. How many litres of sewage will the tank be able to hold? What time period does that equal?
A. The tanks will be able to hold 100,000 litres, which will ensure that the site provides storage for six hours of average dry weather flow.
Q. The project is down for an 8 week period, yet the notice says if it rains it will be one week later. What does this mean?
A. If there is wet or inclement weather, the construction period will likely be extended.
Q. 8 weeks seems a long time for a small project like this. Is the time period correct?
A. Installation of the tanks requires a hole approximately four meters deep be dug. Due to the high water table and sand ground conditions, sheet piles will be installed to allow safe installation of the tanks.
So this project is a good one that is one small, but significant step towards reducing sewage spills into our harbour.
Waikato District Council Public Notice, 9.02.2016:
Temporary Road Closure
Notice is hereby given that Waikato District Council, for the purpose of allowing Spartan Construction to complete pump station emergency storage tanks, will close the road between 1 Nihinihi Ave and 12 Marine Parade from Monday 15 February 2016 to 15 April 2016.
Access to private driveways will be maintained at all times.
Detours will be in place for the duration of the closure with signage indicating alternate routes.
In the event of adverse weather conditions, or any other relevant factors, the closure will be moved to the following week.
This notice is given pursuant to the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974.
G J Ion
Chief Executive
Media Release: Waikato District Council, February 10, 2016
Surfboard connection to Raglan’s newest asset
Who knew Raglan’s connection to surfing would continue with its latest asset – two wastewater storage tanks.
Installation of the two wastewater storage tanks on Marine Parade will begin on February 15 and will take up to eight weeks for the work to be completed.
Installation of the tanks requires a hole approximately four meters deep be dug. Due to the high water table and sand ground conditions, sheet piles will be installed to allow safe installation of the tanks.
This will take a considerable amount of time and effort and is reliant on good weather to proceed. At the same time, Council will be installing new odour control systems to connect into the new tanks and the existing system to make sure they don’t impact on the surrounding areas.
The total construction cost for the tanks is $289,000. The tanks will be able to hold 100,000L, which will ensure that the site provides storage for six hours of average dry weather flow.
Wastewater overflows in Raglan have been a significant concern to Council over recent years and part of the plans to mitigate the issue is the new tanks. The tanks, along with a number of other works undertaken in Raglan over the last few years, will greatly reduce the risk of wastewater overflows. Whilst overflows can never be completely ruled out, the risk can be managed to a very low level.
“Waikato District Council aims to protect the Raglan Harbour as a critical asset. The new Maskell wastewater tanks will certainly help us do this,” General Manager Service Delivery Tim Harty said.
Although there have been some delays in getting this work started, with an archaeology assessment and permission from Heritage New Zealand needed, along with consents from regional and district Councils, the contract works will start within the construction season as required.
A portion of Nihinihi Ave will be closed for two months, from February 15 through to April 15, while this development takes place, although residents will still have access to their driveways.
As with any contract, if there is wet or inclement weather, the construction period will likely be extended.
Sidebar/Further information:
The Maskell tanks are made out of fibreglass, the same material most modern surfboards are made of.
They are long life and provide low operating costs. The tanks are pre-engineered for heavy duty service and are moulded of rigid reinforced plastic. They are lightweight and can be easily installed or moved which reduces installation costs.
Maskell have successfully supplied over 3,000 fibreglass underground storage tanks in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.