First clear results back for Kopeopeo Project

Results are back from validation testing on the first dredged section of the Kopeopeo Canal and they are showing sediment quality is now below the remediation target.

Project Manager Brendon Love said that dredging is continuing and it was reassuring to get the results back from the first section.

“Those first validation results are important because it means that the methodology is working well and we can be more confident as the dredge moves forward,” Mr Love said.

The Project is using a cutter suction dredge to remove contaminated sediments from the Canal and transport them through a pipeline to lined containment sites. From there, the sediment in the geotextile bags is dewatered and remains in the geobags within lined cells to be bioremediated at a later stage.

“There have been some other key milestones as well – The Contractor successfully crane-lifted the dredge over the first private Canal crossing. The Contractor also used a smaller ‘sand bug’ to suction dredge to remove sediment from around and under that bridge where the large dredge doesn’t fit. It was good to fine-tune that process as there are a number of crossings throughout the 5km length,” Mr Love said.

While the barge and cutter suction dredge move forward, significant progress is being made on other aspects of the Project.

Work is progressing well on the second containment site near Keepa Road at the other end of the Project area. The road area has been reformed, vegetation removed, fencing started and rock armouring of the site carried out. Public access options are still being assessed but the Project Manager said the team hoped to have a new public walking track in place shortly after the site boundary fencing is completed.

“It was also good to see our flood management planning mostly working well through the recent high rainfall event. We have a few things to fine-tune but overall the water was pumped west as planned,” Mr Love said.

Dredging will continue along the Canal during the coming months and validation testing will be carried out behind each dredged section. At the end of the Project, sediment will have been removed from 5.1km the Canal, leaving the waterway in a healthier state for future generations.

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