Blind Bight Recycled Water Pipeline, Pump Station Upgrade and Lagoon Refurbishment

VIC
South East Water
In progress

The Blind Bight Recycled Water Pipeline, Pump Station Upgrade and Lagoon Refurbishment is being delivered by Abergeldie, in joint venture with BMD and KBR (ABKJV). The project involves a 5.8km Class C recycled water pipeline extension, a new pump station, and lagoon refurbishment. Works on the pipeline and pump station have now been completed, while the lagoon refurbishment is progressing and on track for completion later this year. These works are critical for maintaining the recycled water network, meeting environmental compliance requirements, and managing increased recycled water flows through the network.

Scope of works

The works involved:

  • Construction of a 5.8km pipeline connecting the Blind Bight Water Recycling Plant to the existing pipeline on Ballarto Road.
  • Installation of a new sewage pump station at the Water Recycling Plant.
  • Reinstatement and refurbishment of existing treatment lagoons.
  • Replacement, maintenance, and upgrade of existing water and sewage infrastructure.

Managing complex delivery

The project involved technically challenging works, including horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and microtunnel construction, deep excavations up to 7m, and careful coordination with multiple underground services. With the pipeline alignment passing under a disused rail line, careful and complex stakeholder management was required.

The team managed full lane closures on Ballarto Road, issued over 145 excavation permits, and performed precise pipeline set out and recording. The pipeline and pump station were commissioned in parallel, delivering the works 6 weeks ahead of schedule and ensuring uninterrupted network operation.

Delivering a critical network upgrade

Once delivered, the pipeline extension, pump station, and lagoon refurbishment will help ensure the recycled water network operates smoothly, continues to meet environmental compliance requirements, and accommodates increased recycled water flows, while ensuring the Blind Bight Water Recycling Plant continues to meet environmental compliance standards and supports the safe and efficient operation of the network across the region.