Planned upgrades to Launceston's combined system will start this year as TasWater continues its work to improve the Tamar estuary.
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Minor works have already begun in Launceston, but two critical engineering works will start after tenders were awarded last year.
TasWater capital delivery office group, leader planning and investigation Andrew Truscott said the works were all part of TasWater's commitment to the Tamar's River Health Action Plan.
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"These improvements will increase storage capacity within the combined system and enable our infrastructure to efficiently manage stormwater flows during extreme weather events," he said.
The River Health Action Plan outlines critical projects and commitments to improve the estuary's health over several years.
"We are currently assessing the preliminary design work tenders and aim to have engaged an engineering consultant in March to progress the Tamar Estuary combined system upgrades," Mr Truscott said.
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Tenders for the initial design of the combined system upgrades were released in November 2020, following industry consultation.
Two other engineering work packages will be issued for tender this month. These will include the Margaret Street Sewerage Pump Station upgrades and the Margaret Street major sewer pipe diversion.
In addition to the engineering investigations, preliminary upgrade work at the Willis Street Pump Station is due to be completed in early March. Significant investigation and planning work is required to ensure the combined system upgrade is actioned effectively and efficiently.
"The consultants will develop the preliminary design to enable the project to progress to pricing and construction." "A number of local Tasmanian consultants have also been engaged to undertake flora and fauna, geotechnical, Aboriginal and European heritage surveys," he said.
"These works will inform environmental approvals and the final design process." The combined system upgrades are extensive and include increasing network storage, installing and upgrading sewage pump stations and new pipelines. Construction work on the major projects on target to start towards the end of 2021.
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