Today, Piper, the tunnel boring machine (TBM), will begin the second leg of her journey to dig and install our Warkworth to Snells Beach wastewater pipeline.
The second leg of Piper's journey will begin at the new Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is under construction. Over three or four months, she’ll install 2 kilometres of the 5km pipeline.
Since completing the first leg three months ago, Piper has received new cutterheads, bearings, and seals and had her hydraulic pumps, motors and navigation systems checked.
Photo: Project manager Dirk Du Plessis inside Lucy Moore pump station
Project manager Dirk Du Plessis says construction partner McConnell Dowell also used this time to transport equipment, thrusters, separation plant, and various support systems to the site where Piper will start the second leg of her journey.
“Doing this preliminary work before each of the legs helps to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and delays from occurring while the pipeline is being tunnelled.
“The work she must do is extensive as she has cut and ground through various ground and soils while simultaneously pulling and installing the pipeline as she moves forward.”
Du Plessis says while Piper undertakes the second leg of her journey, the project team will also be installing a twin 500mm-diameter high-density polyethylene pipe inside the steel casing pipe laid during the first track of Piper’s journey to reduce leaks and corrosion.
“The Warkworth to Snells pipeline remains on track to be completed early next year.
“It’s one of four key infrastructure projects in our $300m+ investment programme underway to support growth and improve environmental outcomes in Auckland's north-east region.
“This project – alongside the construction of the Lucy Moore Wastewater Pump Station, Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and Warkworth North-west Growth Servicing Pipeline – will play a key role in sustaining regional development, population growth and safeguarding the environment.
Photo: A bird's-eye view of Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant
“Once all four projects are complete, the pipe will transport raw wastewater from the Lucy Moore Wastewater Pump Station to the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
Du Plessis says, the team is progressing well on the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lucy Moore Wastewater pump station.
“Most of the structures at the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment plant are complete.
“We’re installing process equipment, interconnecting pipework and electrical components on the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment plant.”