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General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on October 26, 2013, 08:07:00 AM

Title: SunWater commences repairs to further strengthen Paradise Dam
Post by: Editor on October 26, 2013, 08:07:00 AM
SunWater commences repairs to further strengthen Paradise Dam

 
23 Oct 2013


SunWater has commenced additional interim repairs at Paradise Dam to further strengthen the dam for the wet season.

SunWater Chief Executive, Peter Boettcher said as part of Phase 3 investigations, SunWater conducted geotechnical drilling of the dam’s dissipator slab in October, and early findings suggest further strengthening of the dissipator slab is required.

"Paradise Dam is safe under normal conditions, however, the safety review has identified an issue with the dissipator and plans are being put in place to rectify this issue for the wet season," Mr Boettcher said.

"These additional interim repairs include shielding dissipator drains, constructing a capping slab over the dissipator and installing additional monitoring equipment on the dissipator slab."

Mr Boettcher said this additional work is estimated to cost $10 million and is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2013, weather permitting.

"SunWater’s onsite contractor has been directed to pre-order materials to expedite this additional work," he said.

"SunWater staff continue to undertake regular surveillance of the dam and relevant stakeholders such as the Local Disaster Management Group and the Dam Safety Regulator are updated regularly about SunWater's dam operating activities."

Mr Boettcher said the initial results of the safety review are being progressively peer reviewed by independent experts to provide SunWater and the Dam Safety Regulator with the best available information about the safety of the dam.

"As the review progresses, any necessary additional work will be carried out as and when required in close consultation with the Dam Safety Regulator," he said.

SunWater will commence releases from Paradise Dam at 8am on Friday, 25 October, at a flow of up to 4,000 megalitres per day, which are expected to continue for several weeks. The purpose of these water releases is to reduce the probability of river flows interrupting the repair works.

The safety of SunWater’s staff, customers and the community is the company’s first priority and SunWater staff will remain onsite while repairs are being carried out and during flood events