Not Louth to renew this water main

The renewal of this trunk water main in the Hunter Valley reinforces critical infrastructure, ensuring reliable water supply and efficiency for years to come.

The $7M Louth Park Trunk Watermain Renewal project was recently completed by the Eire Constructions Hunter team, marking a significant achievement for its team and a positive project outcome for client Hunter Water. This project was a major step in improving the reliability and efficiency of the region’s water distribution system, particularly through the replacement of large-diameter pipelines, which are integral to meeting the growing demand for water services.

The scope of the project involved the removal of 2800 metres of redundant piping, which was replaced with a modern trunk watermain capable of handling greater volumes of water. One of the main objectives of replacing this asset was to reduce water loss from this pipe. This large-diameter pipeline is a critical infrastructure element that enhances the water supply and distribution capacity for local communities. By upgrading this system, the project has ensured that Hunter Water can continue to meet the needs of its customers with a more reliable and efficient water delivery system.

Large-diameter pipeline expertise: The backbone of the project

The key aspect of this project was the installation of large-diameter pipelines, The DN813 millimetre (mm) MSCL (Mild Steel Cement Lined) pipe manufactured by Sintakote, was a Sintalock Joint which provided an internal rubber gasket to seal the pipe internally, and an exterior weld to secure the pipe in place to prevent any movement, for the life of the pipeline.

The project presented several complex environmental challenges for Eire Constructions, particularly in relation to legacy infrastructure and site-specific conditions.

One of the primary concerns was the presence of lead-run joints in the existing pipeline. To ensure the safety of all personnel, comprehensive health screenings were conducted by external healthcare providers both prior to commencement and upon project completion.

In managing contaminated spoil, Eire took a proactive and responsible approach to mitigate environmental risk. Rather than transferring the burden to a third party for disposal—which could potentially expose others to harm—Eire collaborated closely with RapidGeo and its environmental hygienist to develop an innovative on-site solution. The spoil was “enveloped” using a high-visibility geofabric separation layer, which was laid beneath the topsoil. This method was documented and incorporated into a Long Term Remediation Action Plan (LTRAP), ensuring that Hunter Water can manage and monitor the material throughout the pipeline’s lifecycle.

The site itself spanned a 1.4 kilometre floodplain, posing seasonal challenges throughout autumn, winter, and spring. To overcome these conditions, Eire implemented strategic project planning, including the pre-fabrication of materials above ground where possible to enable efficient installation during adverse weather events. Careful coordination of labour and resources was also critical in navigating the variable climate and complex terrain.

Despite the demanding environment, Eire Constructions successfully delivered the works through a combination of technical expertise, environmental responsibility, and operational flexibility, highlighting the team’s capability in overcoming multifaceted challenges in the civil construction space.

Eire also employed the use of an excavator-mounted Hydraulic Vacuum lift device, which could easily lift the 3.6 tonne pipes with ease. It also mitigated the risk for workers to be exposed to working near heavy plant, as well as lifting operations.

Large-diameter pipelines, typically designed to transport high volumes of water over long distances, require specialised knowledge, equipment, and coordination. In partnership with Hunter Water, Eire completed five cut-ins prior to the summer peak demand period coming into effect. This key activity, bought online the new DN813mm pipeline, and abandoned the existing leaking assets (DN375mm and DN500 mm) pipelines.

Had these five cut-ins not been completed, the project would have been delayed by several months, until such time as water demand eased. This would have resulted in several megalitres of water being wasted to the environment for Hunter Water.

Eire’s 45 years of experience in pipelines was crucial to ensuring the success of this aspect of the work.

The new trunk watermain was specifically designed to handle higher volumes and provide enhanced resilience against future demands. The ability to install these large pipelines within existing infrastructure corridors, while minimising disruption to local communities, showcases its commitment to excellence in pipeline construction and management. This capability not only ensures long-term reliability but also allows for efficient water distribution to a wider area, benefiting both current and future generations.

Community engagement

The project team worked to resolve challenges with the local residents promptly and made every effort to maintain positive relationships with local residents and businesses. One such example was the effort to ‘surprise and delight’ affected residents with Christmas hampers during the holiday season, demonstrating the team’s commitment to maintaining community relationships even as the project continued through December and was completed in February.

A team effort and proud achievement

The completion of the Louth Park Trunk Watermain Renewal project is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and seamless coordination between Eire Constructions, its contracted partners, and client Hunter Water. The successful delivery of this project required collaboration across multiple disciplines, including design, construction, and community engagement, to achieve a result that will benefit the Louth Park community for years to come.

This project not only demonstrates Eire’s pipeline capabilities but also underscores a commitment to delivering high-quality projects that make a positive impact on the communities in which it works.

For more information, visit eirecon.com.au