GROWING concern in the Bendigo community at the apparent lack of action on the construction of the Waranga to Eppalock pipeline has led to a number of questions being asked of people involved in our water industry.
On behalf of our readers, the Bendigo Weekly this week put a number of questions to stakeholders. These are their answers:
Coliban Water responds to questions about the Waranga to Eppalock pipeline.
On the new Waranga to Eppalock pipeline, on what date will work start?
Does the contract include a finish date?
Is there any penalty for late completion?
In relation to the supply of pumps and motors, is the delivery date guaranteed, and what is that date?
What action is being taken to improve the capacity of the Eppalock to Bendigo pipeline (max. at present able to provide water to Bendigo under restrictions)?
Has any action been taken to acquire a supply of water for the new Waranga to Eppalock pipeline – if so, how much water, how much cost, and will it be available when the pipeline is ready?
What is the completion date for the power upgrade being undertaken by Powercor for the new pump stations?
To what extent has the route of the pipeline been varied to overcome environmental issues?
Answers:
The construction contractor, FRH Group will start preliminary work next week and will work with Coliban Water and relevant authorities including Powercor to ensure that the September 1 timeline is met.
Tyco was awarded the pipe supply contract and these are being manufactured at their Kwinana plant in WA.
Flowserves pump division was awarded the contract to supply pumps and motors. These are being sourced from Brazil and England and will be tested in Castlemaine at Thompson, Kelly and Lewis Pty Ltd (TKL) a subsidiary of Flowserve Corporation.
The current Eppalock to Bendigo pipeline has a capacity of 100ML per day. An upgrade to the pump station included in the project will improve capacity to 160ML/day.
We have been in the market purchasing water entitlement and when these arrangements are finalised we will make an announcement.
In relation to water security:
Please explain Coliban’s calculations that support the statement there will be enough water to last until September, even if there is no rain.
The combined contents of Coliban Water’s catchment storages and service reservoirs is 14,000ML. Your story (and diagram) last week was based on the catchment storage contents only – which is incorrect.
Will Coliban give immediate consideration to acquiring the water remaining in Eppalock?
We have been working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Goulburn-Murray Water and the North Central Catchment Management Authority to secure additional water supplies while still ensuring environmental risks are managed.
Is the pipeline from Heathcote to Tooborac operational? If not, how many truckloads a week are being taken between Heathcote and Tooborac. On what date is to be operational?
The pipeline is expected to be operational by early February. Currently 12 truck loads of water is being delivered to meet supply needs.
How much potable water will the recycled water pipeline add to Bendigo’s supply this year.
The recycled water pipeline will not add any potable water to Bendigo’s supply each year – it is recycled water which will be used for rural irrigation and for watering sports grounds and public gardens. The use of recycled water for these purposes will save drinking water that is currently used for these purposes.
In relation to Heathcote:
When was the decision taken to build the pipeline to connect Heathcote with the Coliban system?
Why did Coliban not leave an amount of water in Eppalock to service Heathcote’s needs?
Given that Coliban can transmit water from Sandhurst Reservoir to Eppalock, why is there a need for the new pipe connection at all?
Construction of a pipeline to connect Heathcote has been on our program for at least 12 months.
All our water was removed from Lake Eppalock to minimise evaporation losses.
The new pipe connection will provide a more efficient way of transporting water and avoid any losses through evaporation if the water was put into Lake Eppalock.
In relation to water dial:
On 5/1/07, the volume available for use was 9037, while on 12/1/07 it dropped to 8018.
Where has 1000 ML gone in one week?
We’re constantly reviewing our modelling and have included revised calculations on evaporation and seepage losses.
Goulburn Murray Water responds:
Two what use will the water in Lake Eppalock be put?
5000 megalitres remain in Eppalock.
About 900 megalitres is controlled by the NCCMA for environmental water.
The remaining water will be released into the Campaspe River for use for stock and domestic customers.
It will also be used by those with qualified rights, ie those with permanent plantations such as a vineyard.
That release also supplies to townships of Goornong and Axedale. There may not be sufficient water to last to end of year.
Of the water that remains in Eppalock, how much can remain in the outlet tunnel?
1000, maybe 2000 megalitres can’t be accessed out of the 5000 megs. Water that doesn’t flow by gravity can be pumped, but it’s expensive.
Has Coliban Water approached GM Water to buy water.
"I’d rather you ask them that question" – Russell Cooper, GM Water CEO.
Jacinta Allan responds:
Will you urge the water minister and his department to take personal control of the pipeline to ensure it is completed before the water runs out?
"The Bracks government called in that project in October last year. John Thwaites and I, along with Bob Cameron are keeping a close eye on the project and making sure timelines are met.
"My concern is that timelines are met and there is no evidence to say they won’t be.
"I’m like every resident and deeply concerned it hasn’t rained."
