Kleinfelder supplied two experienced environmental professionals to provide in-house contaminated land management and environmental approvals support for the maintenance excavation of the T60 high-pressure gas pipeline, which supplies approximately 80% of Melbourne’s natural gas and required inspection due to potential damage.

Unearthing The Issues

The location of the pipeline buried approximately 12 metres below a main road necessitated permission for a complete road closure for approximately six months. The pipeline’s proximity to a nearby creek also raised concerns about potential water infiltration (later confirmed during geotechnical assessment), and the absence of nearby existing drain or sewer infrastructure required obtaining Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval to safely discharge infiltrating water and stormwater runoff back into the environment.

Working Through Challenges

• Kleinfelder developed a communication and engagement strategy and secured Department of Transport and Planning approval for a complete road closure for the duration of the project.
• The team conducted surface water and groundwater assessments and installed a temporary groundwater monitoring well to determine the physical and chemical properties of the water expected to infiltrate the excavation.
• Kleinfelder submitted the investigation findings to the EPA and successfully obtained authorisation for off-site discharge.

Project Results

Focused on optimising the client’s budget and maintaining the planned project schedule, Kleinfelder developed a communication and engagement strategy to provide information to road users and other stakeholders.

Kleinfelder efficiently conducted surface water and groundwater investigations, securing timely EPA approval prior to bulk excavation reaching the water horizon. This resulted in significant cost savings and no construction delays.

Project Details

Location:
Drouin, Victoria

Owner:
APA Group