INNOVATIVE technology has been trialled in the Nambucca Valley’s sewer network, with a new cured-in-place manhole reliner used to rehabilitate a failing sewer structure.
The technology, which originated in the United States, is being progressively introduced across Australia by specialist contractors focusing on below-ground infrastructure renewal.
Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said the trial formed part of Council’s approach to maintaining essential infrastructure in a cost-effective way.
“Council has recently developed and consulted the community on a 30-year strategic plan guiding water supply and sewerage service to the Nambucca Valley,” he told News Of The Area.
“Maintaining infrastructure assets and ensuring it has the capacity for growth comes with considerable costs to Council, so it is great to see innovation being used to lower maintenance costs and achieve good outcomes.
“I would like to thank Fitt Resources and Alternative Lining Technologies for travelling here to install these new treatments, so we can test its effectiveness in our network.”
As part of broader condition assessments, Council identified several manholes across the Valley requiring rehabilitation, with a site at Valla Beach selected for the trial.
The chosen manhole had experienced significant concrete corrosion due to sewage gases, along with groundwater infiltration into the system.
Its location within bushland also made traditional excavation and replacement more difficult, costly and environmentally impactful.
The relining work was carried out on Monday 23 March using trenchless methods, allowing the structure to be refurbished without major excavation.
The installed PVC composite liner is expected to extend the life of the manhole by up to 50 years while reducing disruption and environmental impact.
To create the liner, representatives from Fitt Resources first scanned the manhole using specialised equipment to produce a 3D model.
The liner was then manufactured in the United States and transported to Australia before being installed within the existing structure.
Once in place, the liner was cured using heat and pressure.
Openings were then cut to reconnect the manhole to the existing sewer network.
The trial is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve water and sewer infrastructure across the Nambucca Valley.
Residents can view Council’s Strategic Plan for water and sewer services on Council’s website.
By Mick BIRTLES
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