Frequently asked questions July 2014

Transcription

1 Carlton Main Sewer Frequently asked questions July 2014 We understand you might have some questions for us, so we ve prepared a selection of FAQs to provide you with some general information. If you would like to find out more, please call us on We will keep you informed throughout the project, and encourage you to provide us with feedback along the way. What is the Carlton main sewer project? The Carlton main sewer project involves renewing a 1.35km section of the old sewer between Pigdon and Princes Streets in Carlton North. This will be done by relining the old brick sewer. By using this relining method we will minimise costs and community impacts. In addition, we will construct a new 510 metre bypass sewer, to be built under Scotchmer and Pigdon streets between Rae Street in Fitzroy North and Amess Street in Carlton North (See illustrated map over). This new sewer connects Carlton main sewer with another Melbourne Water sewer, and will be tunnelled under the street more up to 10 meters below ground. Why is this project necessary? This sewer is currently in poor condition, after more than a century of use, and could collapse or become blocked if this project is not undertaken. The Carlton main sewer services households and businesses in Carlton, Brunswick and the southern areas of Coburg. The new bypass sewer will ensure future population growth is accommodated. Melbourne Water is owned by the Victorian Government. We manage Melbourne s water supply catchments, remove and treat most of Melbourne s sewage, and manage rivers and creeks and major drainage systems throughout the Port Phillip and Westernport region. Telephone or visit melbournewater.com.au

2 Carlton main sewer transfers the collected sewage from these suburbs to the Western Treatment Plant at Werribee. Map showing three shaft sites. Not to scale. Construction of the bypass sewer connection Why did you choose Scotchmer and Pigdon streets for the sewer bypass connection? This location allows the appropriate amount of sewerage to flow across from the Carlton main sewer to our other main sewer. If it was located further north there would be insufficient sewerage flow and if it was further south there would be too much sewerage flowing into the other sewer. The old sewer from Pigdon Street to Station Street needs to be relined, as this is where most deterioration has occurred. The relining of the sewer will reduce the size of the inside of this pipe. Because of this, the new bypass sewer is required to take the additional flows into our other sewer main. See map above.

3 When will you start construction? We expect to start work on the shaft site in Scotchmer Street in October We will start excavating the shaft site in Pigdon and Amess streets in April What is a shaft? A shaft is a large hole where the tunnel boring machine is either launched or retrieved by a crane. How will you build the new sewer bypass? Two shafts will be excavated for the bypass sewer connection. The first at the corner of Scotchmer and Rae Streets, and the other in the middle of Pigdon and Amess Streets. See map on page 2. There will be some minor works undertaken for gas and power relocation in September 2014 as they are currently located very close to the proposed shaft. We will temporarily block off a section of Scotchmer Street near Rae Street to excavate a 6 metre diameter shaft to a depth of 25 metres. This will allow connection into the existing Melbourne Water sewer main. The excavation work will take approximately 5 months. This shaft site also acts as the launching location for the tunnel boring machine. This machine will bore underground in a westerly direction to the shaft site at the Pigdon and Amess Street intersection. How long will it take to build the new sewer bypass? Over 18 months. It takes five months to build a shaft site, which is the initial phase of the project. Then, since the ground is mostly hard basalt in this location, we estimate the tunnel boring machine will move approximately five metres per day. What are the work hours? We plan to work between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday. The tunnel boring machine works in rock, up to 10 metres underground, so you will not hear it. Additional work outside of these hours may be required for connection works, as this is when there is minimal use of toilets and showers. What is the sewer pipe made of? The tunnelled sewer pipes are made of plastic.

4 What is the size of new sewer connection? The sewer bypass pipe is 1.4m diameter and will be 510 metres long. Will you remove trees? If we need to relocate utilities, one small street tree near the southern corner of Scotchmer and Rae streets may need to be removed. We will trim some of the nearby trees on the south side of Scotchmer Street as they overhang near the shaft site. Relining Carlton main sewer How will you reline the old brick sewer? A balloon-like liner will be inserted into the sewer and filled up with warm water. The warm water will cause the liner to become tacky and to stick to the brick sewer walls. Once it sticks, we will drain the water and the liner will remain. Will you need to build shafts for the relining work? Yes, a new shaft is required. A shaft will be built on Station Street near Princes Street. See illustrated map on page 2. This is where the two existing sewer mains meet. We will also build a new vortex structure that will help reduce odour from the area. We will use existing manholes in the roundabouts at Richardson and Station streets to insert the liner into the sewer. What are the work hours when relining the sewer? Relining works will be undertaken late at night, when businesses and residents are not using their toilets or shower. What are the chances the old sewer will collapse before or during relining? It is unlikely. We will continue to monitor the old sewer throughout the relining process, until it is functioning properly. This will allow us to respond quickly if it shows any signs of further deterioration. Will relining affect my water or sewerage services? No. We do not expect any impact to your water supply or sewerage services. Do you have to remove trees? No. We may trim trees in the roundabouts on Station and Richardson streets.

5 Traffic management for the overall project What impact will the project have on local traffic? We work with Yarra City Council to develop a traffic management plan for the overall project. Once this is complete, we will inform you of road closures and truck routes. We are mindful that other works in the area may also affect traffic, such as the construction of the new tram stops on Nicholson Streets scheduled for March next year. We intend to minimise traffic impacts to you and your family, and are happy to respond to any feedback or concerns you may have. Can I still walk or cycle along my street? Yes. Pedestrian paths will remain open. There will be some minor detours for cyclists. A traffic management team will be on hand at these times to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Detour signage will direct pedestrian and cyclists to a new route where necessary. Are you allowed to block off roads to build the new sewer? Yes. Melbourne Water is a statutory body and has power under the Water Act to carry out the necessary work where appropriate. This includes maintaining and building sewerage, water and drainage infrastructure that benefits all Victorians. History of the Carlton main sewer What s the history of the old sewer? The old brick sewer was built in It was built by Melbourne Water s predecessor, the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW); the organisation was established in 1891 to take responsibility for both water supply and sewage treatment. Construction began on Melbourne s sewerage system under the leadership of the MMBW s first engineer-in-chief, William Thwaites. A treatment farm was built at Werribee and a pumping station was built at Spotswood (now the site of the Scienceworks Museum) to send the city's waste to Werribee.

6 Has Melbourne Water done this sort of work before? Yes. The Melbourne Main Sewer replacement was completed in June Approximately 2.3km of pipes were tunnelled from Port Melbourne to Docklands and across the Yarra River. The Northern Sewerage Project was one of the largest ever projects undertaken in Australia. The project constructed 12.5 km of new sewer pipes from Essendon to Reservoir. It was completed in January Both of these projects were completed on time. We are currently building a new sewer in Alphington, between Coate Park and Latrobe Golf Club. We are also replacing the old sewer near the Eastern Freeway in Kew, that crosses the Yarra River into Alphington. Protecting my property Will my property be damaged if you tunnel near it? We do not expect any damage to property. The tunnel boring machine will be in rock up to 10 metres underground. We will organise and pay for a property condition report before and after construction for those properties near our tunnelling works if you require. We will also monitor the area for vibration throughout the project. What happens next? Community information sessions will be held throughout August, Local residents are invited to learn more about the Carlton main sewer project, and to meet the Melbourne Water project team and contractors. Construction is expected to commence in October We will continue to keep you informed and updated throughout the entire project with bulletins, s, newsletters and through regular community meetings and our website.

7 Consultation Can I provide feedback? Yes. We will continue to inform the community about construction of the Carlton main sewer project during finalisation of the design details. Although the sewer alignment itself is final, we will consult with the community along the way to help minimise any disturbance during construction. We are keen to receive your feedback and assure you that we will listen and respond to your concerns. When and how can I provide feedback? You can provide feedback to us anytime. enquiries@melbournewater.com.au Telephone: Keep up to date with what s happening For more information about this project or our other activities please call Danielle Rant on TTY or Interpreter Service or visit Follow Latest projects flickr.com/photos/melbournewater