As we approach the end of the year, the Sewering Coastal Villages project continues to progress well, with work on the two pump stations underway, installation of the sewer mains nearly complete, and works to connect each property to the network on schedule.
The two new sewer pump stations in Mylestom and Raleigh, are progressing well, with earthworks completed and the wells for both the pump stations installed.
The sewer pump stations each receive the wastewater from Mylestom and Raleigh properties and then pump that waste through the sewer mains to the sewerage treatment plant at Urunga.
Image 1: Installation of Mylestom sewer pump station and valve pit
Image 2: Bulk earthworks and installation of precast well for the Norco sewer pump station
Sewer reticulation mains
Installation of the sewer reticulations mains, or street mains, the pipes that are laid along the street in Mylestom and Raleigh is nearly complete, with 94% of the pipes installed. These pipes connect the properties on the sewer scheme to the sewer pump stations.
The pipes are installed using directional drilling, a below ground technique which minimises the need for excavation and disturbance to the ground. A machine bores a horizontal line under the ground and then the pipe is fed through a small hole, a method which is efficient and cost effective, as well as minimising disturbance and restoration works.
Image 3: Installation of street mains
Property works
The works to install the sewer units in each property is progressing on schedule with most of the properties completed in Raleigh and underway in Mylestom.
So far:
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40 of 226 pressure sewer units installed: the sewer units are the units which will replace the septic tank in each backyard. Each unit is a small pump station, installed within the property boundary. It collects wastewater and pumps it into the reticulation main, which in turn connects to the rising mains, through to the pump station located at each village, and on to the treatment plant.
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130 property side lines constructed: property side lines are the pipelines connecting the pressure sewer units to the street mains via a one-way valve.
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62 controller panels installed: these are the electrical panels which are installed on the side of the house which control the pressure sewer units and supply power to the pumps.
Image 4: A pressure sewer unit installed in a local backyard
Image 5: A controller panel installed on the external wall of a house
What happens to my septic tank?
As part of the connection works, the existing septic tanks will be decommissioned and bypassed. The new pressure sewer system will connect directly to the property’s existing sanitary drainage. The existing septic tanks will be pumped out, disinfected, and holes will be drilled in the base to allow drainage.
Removal or filling of the tanks will be the responsibility of the property owner after completion of the works. Property owners who wish to retain their tanks for future use must advise Council or the contractor before decommissioning, as the tanks will not be drilled in that case.
Works will be reduced over the Christmas new year period with major works recommencing in mid-January.
If you have any questions about the project:
Visit our website: Sewering Coastal Villages of Bellingen Shire
Contact Danny O’Connor
Site Foreman - Ledonne Constructions
0421 987 425
Contact Bellingen Shire Council
Isaac Condran – Project Manager
02 6655 7300
council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we undertake these works.