PORT Fairy’s sewer system is receiving a million-dollar facelift.
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The Wannon Water project, which began in July, is the largest of its kind to be undertaken in the town.
More than six kilometres of sewer pipes will be rehabilitated “to ensure the long-term reliability and quality of the sewer network for our Port Fairy community”, according to Wannon Water.
The work in Port Fairy is expected to be finished early next year.
Wannon Water project manager Tamara Bull said the major project was being undertaken with minimal impact on residents.
“While there should be no interruption to services for customers, the contractor (Sydney-based company Abergeldie) may need to access certain properties to complete the works,” Ms Bull said.
“Property owners will be notified by Abergeldie according to the project schedule.”
She said innovative technology is being used in the project.
“The entire process is completed relatively quickly and with minimal impact to residents,” Ms Bull said.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for our region to be using such cutting-edge practices.”
Cameras are sent down the pipes for the initial inspection to highlight areas in need of cleaning and repair.
Sewer lines are then blocked to stop sewage flows while maintenance crews conduct the rehabilitation works.
The existing sewer pipes are filled with a malleable PVC liner that is expanded using steam, which moulds it tightly to the existing pipe.
Once the liner is the right size and shape, the steam is replaced with cold air, hardening the liner to the same strength and durability of a new PVC pipe.
Wannon Water has renewed 16 kilometres of sewer pipes in Warrnambool, Coleraine, Casterton, Hamilton, Portland, and Camperdown over the past six months using the Abergeldie technology.
“It is one of the many ways that Wannon Water is maintaining critical infrastructure throughout the region,” Ms Bull said.
Wannon Water was also involved with Port Fairy Consolidated School recently via their award-winning Kids Teaching Kids program, which includes kids of all ages from around south-west Victoria.
Wannon Water’s engagement and education advisor Catherine Grist said the program gave “students the tools to manage their own learning and become confident, caring and informed citizens ready to take on new challenges in our community”.
A presentation and activities day will take place at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus on August 15.