Work to begin on Byron Shire’s sewer network

Published on 06 March 2020

Repairs to almost 50 percent of Mullumbimby’s oldest sewer catchment and condition assessments of Ocean Shores and Byron Bay gravity sewer networks are to start in March after Council awarded two tenders to pipeline rehabilitation specialist, Interflow.

Council’s Project Manager, Inflow and Infiltration, Mr Julian Vivoli said Council has allocated approximately $1 million from the 2019/20 Capital Works Sewer Fund towards the works.

The oldest section of Mullumbimby’s sewer network, which extends from Tincogan St, south to Reservoir Rd and west of the train line, was installed in the 1960s.

These pipes service some 350 households and businesses in the town.

“Our latest condition assessment of Mullumbimby’s oldest sewer catchment identified almost 25 percent of the 109 sewer mains inspected required structural relining, and another 25 percent needed minor repairs,” he said.

“These affected sewer mains will undergo structural relining rather than replacement, as relining is a lower risk and more cost and time effective option.

“Typically, liners have a design life of at least 50 years,” Mr Vivoli said.

“Relining also has less impact on the community with regards to noise, dust and traffic as it does not require major excavation,” he said.

Mr Vivoli said flow monitoring, CCTV and smoke testing in 2019 identified inflow and infiltration is evident in this portion of the Mullumbimby network.

“The sewer investigation works also identified issues with the stormwater infrastructure in the Mullumbimby 4001 catchment and Council has allocated $300,000 for the repair of the highest risk stormwater mains,” he said.

The tender process for these repairs is still to be established and Council is now investigating funding options for future stormwater works. 

More than 22 kilometres of gravity sewer mains in the Byron Bay and Ocean Shores sewer catchments will also be inspected via CCTV and potentially smoke testing.

Mr Vivoli said Council will then direct budget towards further repairs of the highest risk areas of the sewer network.

Impact on traffic will be limited during the scheduled works and night works will be undertaken where possible. Repair crews will be accessing the sewer network via maintenance holes only.

The sewer rectification works are expected to be complete by June 2020.

To stay informed about the Reducing Stormwater in Sewer project in Mullumbimby Council has a project page at www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/reducing-stormwater-in-the-sewer-mullumbimby

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, 6626 7320.

…ends