Belconnen Trunk Sewer Upgrade Projects
Work on the Belconnen trunk sewer project commenced in April 2021 and is progressing well. The new sewer asset is complete and has been placed into service, while work continues on restoration and revegetation along the pipeline corridor. The construction of four (4) Odour Control Units (OCU) is also nearing completion.
Please see below for key project information and FAQs.
Project overview
Icon Water is currently performing upgrades to the Belconnen trunk sewer. The Belconnen trunk sewer was built in the 1960s and is a critical part of the Belconnen sewerage network which serves Belconnen, Gungahlin and Hall. Icon Water is planning for the future of Belconnen and these projects are important to ensure we can continue to provide services for generations to come. Work is expected to be completed by late 2023, weather permitting.
Belconnen trunk sewer upgrade project overview
Belconnen trunk sewer pipeline bridge timelapse
Belconnen trunk sewer Evatt OCU mural timelapse
The project consists of:
- installing approximately ~2.4km of sewer pipe (with a combination of trenching and underboring)
- installing 18 sewer manholes and four odour control units
- installing a 170m long pipe bridge to cross Ginninderra Creek
- installing four Odour Control Units (OCUs)
- restoring all impacted areas including the replanting of predominantly native species
The new sewer pipe has been installed within public lands parallel to Ginninderra Drive between Copland Drive Melba and Tillyard Drive, Charnwood. Please refer to the map below for the pipeline location overview.
In addition to improving capacity, the network also requires extra ventilation and OCUs to protect new and existing sewerage infrastructure and minimise impacts to the surrounding community. See our factsheet on the project need.
Progress to date
As of August 2023, the work progress on the Belconnen trunk sewer includes:
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Activity
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Status
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Completion
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Sewer pipeline installation
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Completed
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February 2023
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170-metre Pipe bridge across Ginninderra Creek
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Completed
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February 2023
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Installation of 18 sewer manholes
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Completed
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November 2022
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Restoration of pipeline corridor and site compound
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Sections to the west of Kingsford Smith Dr are completed. Sections to the east still to be completed.
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October 2023
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North Latham OCU
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All building works completed, some civil works remaining. Landscaping underway.
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October 2023
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Latham OCU
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Civil works ongoing. Work on building access track ongoing.
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November 2023
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Florey OCU
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All building works completed. Landscaping underway.
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October 2023
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Evatt OCU
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All building works completed. Landscaping underway.
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September 2023
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Mural artworks for OCU buildings
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Florey completed. Evatt 95% complete.
North Latham and Latham to be completed.
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Late 2023
(weather permitting)
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Restoration of OCU sites
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Landscaping work to be completed
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November 2023
(weather permitting)
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Like most of Australia’s capital cities, Canberra’s population is growing and this increases demand on our water and sewer infrastructure. Major development has recently occurred in the Gungahlin region, and planned development at the University of Canberra, the new suburb of Lawson, CSIRO's Ginninderra Field Station and an increase in infill development generally, mean that the sewer is nearing capacity and needs to be upgraded to ensure it can continue to meet demand.
During extreme wet weather events, rainwater and an already steady flow in the sewer can result in sewage escaping from the sewer pipes into Ginninderra Creek. Icon Water appreciates how valued the environment and waterways are and these projects will ensure that any risk of overflow into local waterways is significantly reduced.
In addition to the new sewer pipe being installed, the projects will also include four OCUs which will be constructed within public lands in Latham, Florey, Evatt and North Latham.
Odour Control Units (OCUs)
Odour Control Units - OCUs are a vital part of the sewer network as they protect the sewer pipes from corrosion and reduce odour through filtration and ventilation. Ventilation using an OCU extends the life of a sewer by reducing the amount of maintenance that the pipeline needs allowing more efficient management of the existing network.
The filters used in the OCU and ventilation stacks absorb gases such as hydrogen sulphide, which is a common source of odour from sewerage systems.
We are seeking feedback regarding how the exterior of the OCU buildings will be finished. Please contact us using the details below. We use a range of different techniques to paint or finish our infrastructure ranging from graphic art through to simple painting. We have received some great feedback to date including mural art and local indigenous themes. We look forward to hearing more of your ideas!
See our factsheet on OCUs.
