Bay of Plenty: First Clear Results Back for Kopeopeo Dredging Project

Results are back from validation testing on the first dredged section of the Kopeopeo Canal and they are showing sediment quality is now below the remediation target, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council informs. 

Project Manager, Brendon Love, said that dredging is continuing and it was reassuring to get the results back from the first section.

“Those first validation results are important because it means that the methodology is working well and we can be more confident as the dredge moves forward,” Mr Love said.

The project is using a cutter suction dredge to remove contaminated sediments from the canal and transport them through a pipeline to lined containment sites. From there, the sediment in the geotextile bags is dewatered and remains in the geobags within lined cells to be bioremediated at a later stage.

“There have been some other key milestones as well – the contractor successfully crane-lifted the dredge over the first private canal crossing. The contractor also used a smaller ‘sand bug’ to suction dredge to remove sediment from around and under that bridge where the large dredge doesn’t fit. It was good to fine-tune that process as there are a number of crossings throughout the 5km length,” Mr Love said.

While the barge and cutter suction dredge move forward, significant progress is being made on other aspects of the project.

Work is progressing well on the second containment site near Keepa Road at the other end of the project area. The road area has been reformed, vegetation removed, fencing started and rock armoring of the site carried out.

Dredging will continue along the canal during the coming months and validation testing will be carried out behind each dredged section.

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