Papunya Stabilisation Ponds Condition Assessment

Context

The Papunya waste stabilisation ponds were experiencing higher than normal inflows for a number of years, presenting a real risk of overflow events into the local environment. To prevent this, the operating level in the ponds was raised for some time, consequently causing damage to the pond walls. Whilst the operating levels have been reduced, the damage to the top and inside of the walls required assessment and potential rectification.

Delivery

Ekistica was engaged by Power Water Corporation (PWC) to undertake a site inspection and assessment of the condition of the Papunya sewage treatment ponds as required by the NT Environment Protection Authority (EPA) with a final report that detailed: A general condition statement of the ponds and the assessed asset life, assessment of any observed damage to the concrete side of walls, pond walls, to the inlets and outlets pipes and/or assessed risk of failure and recommendations regarding rectification, along with an assessment of damage to surrounding areas by pond overflow events and recommend how PWC could better manager overflows if they happened in the short term and advise on where a disposal irrigation area could be best located. The works were completed on budget and within a very tight time requirement.