Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs are under the four catetories:

>Constructiontruction

>Water

>Pipeline Operation

>Landowners

If there are any questions not answered, please contact us.

>Construction

>Why does the pipeline need to be built?

The pipeline is required to provide additional water supply security for Bendigo and Ballarat regions.  This option is being implemented in conjunction with a range of other water saving initiatives including a reduction of supply system losses and use of recycled water.

>Apart from a pipeline from Colbinabbin what other pipeline options were considered?

Options of piping water from the Murray River near Echuca and the Goulburn system from other locations apart from Colbinabbin were investigated.  A feasibility study determined that the Colbinabbin to Eppalock option was the most feasible option.

>What is being done to minimise dust from construction traffic?

Since the arrival of the wetter weather the dust issues associated with the construction have abated.  However when dust became an issue a number of actions were taken to minimise dust from construction traffic – notifying truck drivers to slow down to 60 km/hr, spraying a small amount of water in front of residences and grading roads. We have received feedback that these responses have reduced the dust generated and associated visibility issues.

>How is traffic associated with construction being managed?

A Traffic Management Plan was developed for the project to provide an overview of the management of traffic during various phases of the works and has been approved by Vic Roads and both the Shire of Campaspe and the City of Greater Bendigo. The Traffic Management Plan identified the most suitable routes for trucks to use within this region. In some cases, these roads are gravel or dirt and in wet weather will require more attention from drivers. Where a particular risk has been identified, a meeting is held with truck drivers to notify them of the potential risk and the actions required to minimise the risk of an accident.

>Will any roads need to be closed for construction?

Full road closures have been minimised however some short closures are required. Generally roads will be closed for two days. You can view the list of road closures here.

>Why can't you provide exact dates for road closures?

It is difficult to provide exact dates of road closures as the construction program is influenced by a number of factors including weather conditions and the delivery of pipe. Signs will be placed on the roads to be closed during the proceeding week to provide approximately one weeks notice to the community.

>Water

>What is the carrying capacity of the pipeline compared to water required?

The pipeline is capable of delivering up to 150ML per day; a proportion of that capacity will be used to supply water onwards to Ballarat. Negotiations between Coliban Water and Goulburn- Murray Water will govern the operation of the Bendigo section of the pipeline. It is expected that the full capacity will be used initially, depending on availability from the Goulburn System, to meet demand and improve water security.

>What impact will the pipeline have on water flows in the Waranga Western Channel?

The water being supplied to Coliban Water customers via the pipeline will only use approximately 3–4% of the total capacity of the Waranga Western Channel. The operating rules being developed between Goulburn Murray Water and Coliban Water will govern the operation of the pipeline.

>Will the pipeline impact on water levels in Lake Eppalock?

The water levels in Lake Eppalock are not likely to be impacted by the operation of the pipeline. The volume of water to be transferred through the pipeline is extremely small compared to the capacity of Lake Eppalock. The Superpipe is expected to transfer a maximum of 31,000 ML combined for Bendigo and Ballarat per year. Lake Eppalock holds 304,651 ML. It is likely that water will often be transferred directly into the Eppalock Bendigo pipeline and not into Lake Eppalock first, although the pipeline allows the flexibility to do either.

>Pipeline Operation

>What are the operating features of the pump stations?

The pump station located north of Colbinabbin will have three pumps. Each pump will be operated by a 2 megawatt (MW) electric motor. Therefore, the total power requirement will be 6MW. Each 2MW motor equates to approximately 2,700 horsepower. 

>How will the operation of the pump stations affect noise levels in the surrounding area?

Noise modeling has been undertaken at both pump station sites to ensure that the noise levels are within the required limits.  The pump station is being designed to comply with the EPA noise emission requirements.

>Is there likely to be vibration from the pump stations? Will residents feel vibrations say next to the pump station or in Colbinabbin township?

The pump station will not create noticeable vibration, as this would jeopardise operation of the pumps. The design of the pump station includes the pumps and electric motors positioned on rotating machines, which are designed to operate with minimal vibration. The foundations for the pumps will also be designed to reduce any vibration.

>What is the life expectancy of the pipe and what will happen at the end of this time?

The life of this pipe should be at approximately 100 years. Asset condition assessments would be carried out leading up to the expected life and monitoring or rehabilitation may be recommended. Decommissioning of a pipe such as this, if it were no longer required, would not involve pulling the pipe out. The pipe would most likely be backfilled.

>Will power upgrades associated with the project benefit residents?

PowerCor is constructing a new powerline feeder to Colbinabbin. This will supply the Colbinabbin township and will improve power for residents in the town and the wider area. It will also provide additional power for growth in the area.

Removing the Colbinabbin township from an existing power feeder from Kyabram should also provide some small capacity benefits for customers remaining on this feeder. It is expected that there will be minimal change in the reliability of supply to customers in the Axedale and Axe Creek area. PowerCor are updating residents in Colbinabbin interested in the power upgrade. For further information contact PowerCor on 13 22 06.

>Landowners

>How do landowners receive compensation?

Coliban Water is following the requirements of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act, 1986. This Act was set up to ensure that landowners are not ‘out of pocket’ for expenses associated with the creation of easements. Landowners have received a correspondence documenting the process in more detail. Coliban Water will reimburse any reasonable expenses landowners may incur following service of the Notice of Intention to Acquire Interest in Land.

>How will above ground components of the pipeline, such as air valves, impact on farming activities?

These structures will be designed to minimise impact on farming activities. Part of this process will involve locating these assets close to existing structures such as fences or transmission towers wherever possible. Air valves usually incorporate a protective measure such as a circular concrete surround. Potential visual impacts will be taken into account with above ground pipeline structures. Landowners will have the opportunity to provide input in relation to the location of such structures, where possible and practical. Affected landowners have received additional information.

 Top

Return to Goldfields Superpipe Home Page