THE NSW Department of Public Works has refuted claims gas pipe was used in the Moruya to Deep Creek waterline and said there was no basis for public concerns.
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The Department has responded to an inquiry from Bega MP Andrew Constance, on behalf of Moruya resident Damien Rogers.
Mr Rogers has claimed gas pipe, rather than water pipe, might have been used in the 30km project and feared Batemans Bay’s water had been contaminated by epoxy paint or other sealants not intended for contact with potable water.
However, a department spokesman said the steel pipes were specifically designed and manufactured for water transmission.
He said an extensive technical assessment of the pipeline was conducted by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), and all standards were met.
Regarding water quality, the spokesman said the internal lining was used internationally for drinking water.
“The material complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4020:2005: Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water,” he said.
“This material has been used for over 25 years for water pipelines in Europe and North America.”
However, he said the stretch of pipeline concerned did not carry drinking water.
“This pipeline does not carry potable water,” he said.
“It carries the raw water from the Moruya River to supplement the Deep Creek Dam.
“Water for drinking purposes is drawn from the dam and treated, before distribution.”
Orrcon Operations Pty Ltd manufactured and fabricated raw steel pipe in China specifically for the project.
It was shipped to Port Kembla, the department said, where spigots and sockets for the rubber ring joints were formed and internal and external corrosion protection was applied.
The spokesman said there was no basis for concerns the pipeline would require more maintenance, have a shorter life or perform below standards.
“All aspects of pipeline suitability associated with the offer of Orrcon were addressed through a detailed technical appraisal by the WSAA,” he said.
In Wednesday’s Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, Eurobodalla Shire Council also refuted claims the pipeline was sub-standard and provided supporting documents.
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