Media Release

20 Jul 2007

Alternative desalination pipeline route under investigation

Sydney Water is currently undertaking geotechnical investigations into a possible alternative desalination pipeline route along the edge of Sydney Park that could significantly reduce impacts on the community.

The uncertainty caused by climate change and the growing population makes it essential that a non-rainfall dependent source of water is secured.

Sydney Water has given a commitment in the Environmental Assessment, that it will look at ways to reduce the impact on the community. Since then work has been undertaken to investigate options to reduce community impacts as much as possible.

One impact that Sydney Water is trying to reduce is that on traffic in the Alexandria/Erskineville area.

One option involves a route along the Euston Road edge of Sydney Park. In order to test the viability of this option geotechnical work needs to be undertaken.

This work will start shortly and will involve drilling eight-centimetre boreholes at a number of locations inside the Euston Road boundary of the park to take core samples. It will provide information on ground conditions in the area, so that an alternative route that minimises local traffic disruption can be fully assessed.

Sydney Water will also do some geotechnical testing along Mitchell Road. This road was not previously indicated as a potential pipeline route, but under the alternative route, the pipeline would be put in under the road.

No surface work, however, will take place along Mitchell Road under the new proposal, which means that residents in this street will not experience any direct disruption.

Residents and businesses along the route in Alexandria and Erskineville were being notified through letterbox drops and Sydney Water will consult the City of Sydney Council about the work.

The geotechnical work will take a few weeks to complete and before the work takes place, Sydney Water will door-knock properties in the immediate vicinity of the drilling sites.

If the geotechnical investigations prove that the alternative route is viable, Sydney Water will lay the pipeline along this route. There will be minimal impact on the vast majority of the park, with work taking place along the Euston Road edge of the park.

Sydney Water will restore the park to original condition or better, as work is complete.

If the alternative route is adopted, Sydney Water will work with the local council and the community to consider opportunities for improvements in the park.

More information is available on the Sydney Water website, freecall 1800 685 833 or desalination@sydneywater.com.au

 

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