Sewer relining in Corangamite towns

11 October 2018

Wannon Water will use innovative technology to roll out a sewer rehabilitation project in Camperdown, Terang and Cobden over the next few weeks.

Sewer pipes at sites across the towns will be upgraded to help to ensure the long-term reliability and quality of the sewer network for the community.

Project manager asset creation Nathan Harders said Wannon Water has engaged contractor Insituform Pacific to strengthen and repair the damaged sections by winching a resin-saturated felt tube in the existing sewer main. This is then steam-cured so it hardens and creates a strong pipe-within-a-pipe.

“People in the nearby area may notice some steam and a resin-like odour while the process is taking place,” Mr Harders said. “This odour, which smells like new plastic, is safe and dissipates very quickly. The entire process is completed within a few hours and with minimal impact to residents.”

The contractors expect to begin the process in Camperdown next Monday, repairing 1430 metres of sewer main over a four-week period. Once the Camperdown work is completed, the contractors will be moving onto Terang to repair 195 metres of sewer main at four sites and Cobden where 300 metres of main will be repaired at five sites.

Mr Harders said the rehabilitation method has been used successfully around the world for more than 40 years. “It avoids the need for large-scale digging and replacement, therefore minimising disruptions for residents and businesses.

“With nearly 3000 kilometres of water and sewerage pipes across the region, an ongoing maintenance and renewal program is a major part of Wannon Water’s core business.”

Insituform Pacific have been awarded the contract to deliver Wannon Water’s sewer rehabilitation program for the next two years. The value of the first year of the contract is approximately $1.4 million.

The work in the Corangamite area is part of a larger package which also includes rehabilitation of sewers in Coleraine, Portland, Warrnambool and Hamilton.