Waiwhetu pipeline leaks sighted, sealed and soon to be fixed
With swift work carried out to fix the potential problems of the pipeline beside the Waiwhetu Stream, the Hutt City Council has all but put a lid on repairs. HCC Manager of City Infrastructure Bruce Sherlock said a remote controlled camera inspection of the main outfall pipeline was completed recently to ensure all leaks were identified and fixed before the pipeline could be re-pressurised.? During the inspection, an additional two leaks were discovered.? Two of the leaks have been fixed, leaving five more to be replaced before workers and residents could rest easy. Fortunately for those living near the outfall zone, the repair process would be elementary Mr Sherlock said. ?The remaining leaks are being repaired using a new internal joint seal technique.? This allows us to reseal the leaks from inside the pipeline, meaning minimal disruption to Eastern Bays residents and visitors.? With the specifications for the new seals sent to the council?s suppliers overseas, it was understood they were to be delivered last week. Once the seals have been replaced on the pipeline near Seaview, the final repairs are expected to be completed early this month. ?Initial investigations into the cause of the pipeline failures indicate that an equipment malfunction led to a short pressure surge that dislodged the rubber ring joints,? he said. ?We are making changes to prevent any similar problem occurring in the future.?? The Hutt City Council announced on March 26 that urgent repairs to the 18 kilometre structure would mean that wastewater would flow into the waterways around Seaview and the Eastern Bays. Mr Sherlock said the urgent action and subsequent monitoring of the pipeline will ensure minimal harm to the waterways.
