Gippsland Water has used cutting-edge underground boring technology to help protect the environment during construction of a $22.45 million sewer project.
The water corporation and its contractors have laid 23 kilometres of sewer pipes in and around Coongulla, Glenmaggie Point and Glenmaggie by boring underground rather than using the traditional open-cut trenches.
By using this technique, they have saved 85 per cent of the native vegetation and left the appearance of townships unscarred.
The corporation and its contractors, Maffra Trenching and Boring, worked hard to reduce the impact on vegetation, Gippsland Water General Manager Customer Service and Communications Paul Clark said.
“Wellington Shire Council had given us permission to clear vegetation, but we decided to avoid that by drilling underground instead,” Mr Clark said.
“It is a big win for residents in the affected areas. As well as protecting the environment, we have not disturbed the appearance of their towns while delivering an essential sewerage system to 400 homes,” he said.
Maffra Trenching and Boring has been named as a finalist in the prestigious 2013 Civil Contractors Federation Earth Awards in recognition of its achievement.
Maffra Trenching and Boring’s General Manager Julie Mack said the company is committed to consulting with the community through all stages of the project. It had been in close contact with the Lake Glenmaggie Community Representative Group to ensure minimal impact on communities during works.
