Storm water upgrade for Purewa
A major upgrade of Purewa Cemetery’s storm water system has started and was planned well before Auckland’s recent unprecedented flooding.
CCTV will be used to check the condition of Purewa’s 3.1km of storm water pipework throughout the 20-hectare (55-acre) grounds. The inspection will identify any cracks, blockages or tree root intrusions.
These will then be assessed for repair or replacement. A polyester fibre or epoxy material will be used to re-line and seal any leaking pipes where appropriate. This method is known as Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP).
In some of the oldest parts of the cemetery which date back to 1889, there is still some original piping though newer systems have been installed as more blocks were developed over the years.
The project is being conducted by Abbotts Drainage with engineering oversight by Harrison Grierson, an engineering and environmental consultancy, which advises the Purewa Cemetery Trust Board.
Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium General Manager Alastair Crombie says the project is the most comprehensive review and upgrade of the storm water system ever undertaken. The work will be done in stages over the next couple of years starting with the most urgent repairs first.
‘‘As Auckland tragically learnt last month, storm water infrastructure is critical for all communities so we’re being proactive and ensuring our piping network is working efficiently and able to cope with the changing climate,” he says.
“We are very aware of the positive environmental impact of our grounds in an increasingly highly developed Auckland. Purewa’s large open green spaces, trees and planted gardens can absorb rainfall and help balance the carbon footprint.”
“We know that some of the work will need to be conducted near graves and we can assure everyone that this will be carried out in the most respectful and careful way.”
The city’s recent flooding has been described by experts as a one in 200-250-year event. The city was deluged with more than eight times its average January rainfall and 45 percent of its annual average rainfall, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) reported.