A major upgrade to the wastewater main is underway in Port Lincoln, as part of SA Water’s $2.6 million investment to ensure reliable sewerage services for the Eyre Peninsula city.
The project will involve a five-person crew laying 1km of new wastewater main underneath Lincoln Highway – between Shaen Street and Normandy Place – connecting to the existing local sewer network. Works are expected to be completed by mid-March 2023.
SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure, Amanda Lewry, said upgrading the large pipe is one of many targeted projects as part of the utility’s four-year, $1.6 billion capital works program.
“Reliable sewerage services are essential to protecting public health across the state, and investing to enhance our network, like this upgrade in Port Lincoln, underpins our ability to keep communities safe,” Ms Lewry said.
“Upgrading wastewater mains nearing the end of their operational life with new pipes made of modern PVC material, which is stronger and more resistant to movement, minimises the potential for interruptions to services and the local community.”
Ms Lewry said SA Water will be replacing an important section of pipe that collects sewage at the wastewater pump station just outside the city’s centre from local residents and businesses, before it’s transported to SA Water’s wastewater treatment plant.
“As part of the project, we’re also installing surge vessels at the pump station to manage any sudden changes in the flow of wastewater by absorbing energy produced and keeping network pressure stable,” Ms Lewry said.
“This new work builds on a combined $23 million upgrade of the local wastewater network and treatment plant completed at the end of 2020, which increased the network’s capacity to support future growth and improved the plant’s environmental footprint.”
“They’ll be adopting an open cut trenching methodology to dig down and lay the pipes, with clearly marked detours and traffic management to ensure the safety of the community and our people.
“At this stage, we expect to progressively work along Lincoln Highway over a four-week period, from when our crew will be off the main road and at surrounding sites, such as the pump station, to complete the network upgrade.”
