June 2022
June 8, 2022
Content
Good progress has been made on the construction of a temporary wharf and staging platform.
As of the beginning of June the Brian Perry Civil (BPC) team had completed 10 of the 14 temporary piles that are required for the wharf. A further eight piles will be needed for the berthing system.
The temporary wharf and staging area will be used for the upgrades to the Seaview Wharf head and approach wharf. This is vital resilience work for a critical asset that receives all the land fuel for the lower North Island.
The past month saw some challenging weather conditions for the BPC crew to cope with and COVID caused some absences, but the project remains on track.
What’s coming up
June will see the completion of the staging works and the near completion of the berthing system. That should see works of the main wharf get underway during the month.
By mid-July the jack-up barge will be fully mobilised, with the crane and drill rig out on deck to begin the works on the wharf head. This will be a major milestone for the project as it marks the beginning of the heavy permanent works.
Looking after the environment
Environmental protection is a major focus for the project and that includes looking after the marine life. BPC trained nine Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), including six Rotary Club volunteers. The MMOs work during periods piling, monitoring the sea for signs of marine life.
BPC pays the volunteers for their work which benefits the community as well as the project.
“It’s a win/win for the club and the project,” says Project Manager Lee Griffiths.
“Our people are able to focus on the project work while we ensure marine mammal monitoring is done while providing financial support for the clubs for the great work they do.”
Once the crew is working in deeper water, a ‘bubble curtain’ will be used to help protect marine mammals from sound created by the works. This system of a perforated circular hose on the sea floor emitting air bubbles diffuses sound waves.