21 November 2008
WATER FOR SUGARLOAF PIPELINE PROJECT
From the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance
The Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance and Melbourne Water wish to clarify recent media reports about water used on construction of the 70km Sugarloaf Pipeline.
Like other major construction projects, occupational health and safety standards, as well as environmental standards, require dust suppression to protect workers, communities and the environment.
We’re very conscious of saving water and have done everything we can to minimise how much we need during construction. This has included modifying construction techniques, capturing stormwater on-site and investigating the possibility of using recycled water provided it meets safety standards.
Unfortunately, our investigations have found that access Class A recycled water in the region is limited and most is already committed. The option of trucking water in from elsewhere was considered, but this would greatly add to the cost of the project, the amount of truck traffic in regional communities and the carbon footprint.
When needed, the project is currently using untreated water from the Maroondah Aqueduct, near (but not from) Dixon’s Creek.
The amount of water used will depend on weather conditions during construction, with rainfall reducing the need for dust suppression.
Media Contact: Andrew McGinnes +613 9235 7277 +61 (0)403 930 846