The Goldfields Superpipe is designed to supply Bendigo and Ballarat with water originating from the Goulburn River. A joint venture between Coliban Water and Central Highlands Water, it can draw water from the Waranga Western Main Channel at Colbinabbin, from Lake Eppalock at Axedale or from Sandhurst Reservoir at Bendigo.
Construction of the Superpipe commenced in 2006, and was completed in 2008 at a total cost of approximately $290 Million. The project required construction of approximately 147 km of pipeline, 5 major pumping stations and upgrade of the Lake Eppalock pumping station.
The Superpipe can transfer 150 ML/ day from Colbinabbin or Lake Eppalock to Bendigo, and 55 ML/ day on to Ballarat to secure the water supply for these major centres. PBJ & Associates has been involved with project development, risk management, operation and maintenance , and asset management aspects of this project.
Project Development
PBJ & Associates assisted Coliban Water and Central Highlands Water during the construction, commissioning and operation of the Superpipe, including:
- HAZOP risk assessments during design/construction/operation stages
- Identifying the short term operational issues
- Developing action plans for the commissioning and operation
- Identifying risks associated with outsourcing, and developing appropriate contract structure to manage risk
- Managing issues surrounding asset operation, bulk entitlements, transfer scheduling, water accounting, water quality and joint venture management
Operation and Maintenance Contracts
PBJ & Associates has assisted Central Highland Water with tendering the operation and maintenance of the Ballarat section, and subsequently assisted the Joint Venture in tendering for services for the entire Superpipe. Assistance included:
- Preparation of tender documentation , including tender data room requirements
- Management of tender queries
- Assistance with tender assessment and reporting
- Preparation of the Principal’s cost estimate
- Preparation of maintenance schedules for the contract
- Development of procedures for operation of the contact
Risk Management
The Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study process is a structured and systematic method of identifying potential hazards and operability problems with systems. PBJ & Associates have undertaken a number of HAZOP studies during the design and construction stage, and an integrated study of the entire Superpipe during the operational stage.
Asset Management
PBJ & Associates have provided assistance with several projects to optimise the operation and asset management of the Superpipe:
Electricity Consumption Review
A mathematical model was built using the relationship between pumping rate and electricity consumptions to assist with the efficient operation of the Superpipe, and provide input to the decision making process for the transfer of bulk water. The model was validated by comparison against historical operational data.
Asset Management Plan
Development of an asset management plan for the Joint Venture which outlines the planned capital works, operations and maintenance activities for a 10 year period (Water Plan 3 and 4).
Operations Documentation
Documentation of procedures and action points including:
- Development of procedures for ongoing operation
- Identification of defects liability items to be rectified under the construction contract
- Identification of critical spares required to be stored on site by the operations
PBJ & Associates
We are experienced in the development of contracts for outsourcing operations and maintenance requirements for water authorities.
We work with your organisation to ensure that risks are identified and managed.
Our collaborative approach ensures that the right linkages are established between all parties to enable effective communication and understanding and that the desired outcomes are achieved.
