Sixteen homes are the first round of properties that are now able to connect to a newly expanded sewer network in Heathcote in central Victoria.
The lucky property owners are the first to be able to connect to Coliban Water’s expanded sewer network, which is part of a $5 million scheme to improve the town’s wastewater services.
Manager Infrastructure, Corey Bourne, said that while sections of the $5 million Heathcote Sewer Scheme project were still in construction, some properties can now connect.
“Construction works in the Bennett Street area and part of the Redleaf Close area have been completed. Works in the other parts of the Redleaf Close area and the Argyle area are progressing well and are expected to be completed before the end of the year,” Mr Bourne said.
“There are a number of properties being built on a section that had been completed, and rather than wait until the whole project was finished, we have allowed them to connect early. The remaining property owners will receive notification to connect in the New Year.”
Coliban Water is installing around 10km of sewer main to ensure more of the Heathcote community receives safe wastewater services.
“The City of Greater Bendigo identified areas of Heathcote at risk of public health and environmental impacts from septic tanks,” said Mr Bourne.
“Our project ensures wastewater is safely contained and transported to our Heathcote Water Reclamation Plant where it is treated to a standard where it can be reused for irrigation purposes.
“Around 150 properties are expected to connect with further connections happening as vacant lots are developed.”
The project included the building of a sewer pump station in Craven Crescent, which is nearing completion, and a section of sewer main that needed to be installed under McIvor Creek.
“We had to trench to a depth of four metres on the banks of the creek to install the sewer main because the ground conditions beneath the creek were unsuitable for boring,” Mr Bourne said.
“Before we could trench we obtained environmental permits from the City of Greater Bendigo and the North Central Catchment Management Authority, and cultural heritage approval from the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.
“Around 30 per cent of the pipeline will be installed using boring or directional drilling, a trenchless method that reduces the need for excavation.
“Some of the earth that has been excavated has been put to good use after we received a request for some earth from the Heathcote Cemetery Trust.
“Our contractors, Steve Standen Drainage, delivered around 40 truckloads to the cemetery and were able to excavate some good top soil before delivering. Some top soil has been used by our contractors for reinstatement works.”
