Problem Torquay dam set to be replaced
A TORQUAY dam that leaked and caused a sudden weekendlong evacuation of about 100 residents last year is set to be replaced by an alternative dam in a different location.
The privately owned 180 megalitre dam — around the same volume as 72 Olympicsized pools — has been operating at reduced levels in recent months to ensure ongoing public safety.
Emergency crews were called to the dam, near Zeally
Sands Estate, in October after reports of a leak, with fears it could collapse.
Southern Rural Water (SRW) is reviewing an application from the dam owner regarding the future operation of the Horseshoe Bend Road dam.
SRW confirmed the owner had applied to alter the dam, through installation of a piped spillway to ensure it could not be operated above the currently approved level of 12m.
“These are proposed to be interim arrangements, as SRW has been advised that the owner intends to construct an alternative dam on a nearby property,” it said.
“Any new dam will be assessed to ensure it meets licensing requirements.”
While the assessment processes are under way, the owner must continue to keep the dam at the current reduced level. SRW is set to meet with the Torquay Dam Community Group to discuss further steps.
The owner was served with a notice of contravention following the October incident, requiring the owner to obtain a licence or move to decommission the dam.
An investigation of the leak discovered it was caused by an uncapped pipe in the dam, which led to water pooling across backyards of three properties on Pintail Drive.
There has been no further seepage on the properties since the reduced level was instigated, SRW said.
South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman previously labelled the dam an “unacceptable risk of disaster”.