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A decision on the route and methodology for the wastewater pipeline through the Warkworth central business district is expected to be announced next month.
Officers will submit a recommendation to Watercare’s Board of Directors for consideration at their December 12 meeting.
Watercare chief strategy and planning officer Priyan Perera says that even after a preferred route and construction methodology is selected, it’s likely that design and consenting will take about 12 months. Construction will take at least a further year.
“We understand the community will be eager to meet with us and learn more about the likely timeframe and impact,” he said. “We will share this information as soon as we have it, and intend to organise a range of community information sessions and open days early next year.”
The project involves construction of a wastewater pipeline from Warkworth Showgrounds to the Lucy Moore Park pump station as part of the larger Warkworth wastewater scheme.
Watercare has dismissed a One Mahurangi Business Association (OM) suggestion that the pipeline should go beneath the elevated walkway, along the riverfront, to avoid the main street. Watercare said the river route would be the most difficult to consent and would pose significant environmental risks during delivery.
One option being looked at in greater detail is a combination of open-trenching and trenchless construction from the Hill Street intersection to Lucy Moore.
“A trenchless section would need strategically-placed launch/reception shafts, although a section of Elizabeth Street would still need to be trenched due to the required depth of the pipe.
“We are currently undertaking geotechnical investigations to confirm if this option is viable.”
OM co-chair Dave Stott told a Warkworth Liaison Group meeting last week that Elizabeth Street was a problem because the pipeline would be too shallow for tunnelling as it had to cross the river at bridge level.
“No useful alternatives seem possible,” he said.
Perera said the pipeline route and construction methodology were being assessed considering factors such as affordability, impact to the community, environmental impact, cultural factors and the long-term operation of the asset.
