Repairs to sewer pipe

Emergency work to replace a corroded sewer pipe running the length of the one-way bridge at Waitangi began yesterday and is expected to be completed by tomorrow. A recent inspection found serious deterioration to one section of the pipe that serves Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, the yacht club, the boat ramp and wharf facilities. An FNDC spokesperson said although there was no evidence of wastewater escaping from the line, wastewater was being diverted to an underground storage tank. They said the temporary fix would not prevent traffic from using the bridge, and would suffice for several months until a permanent, larger capacity pipe could be installed. These works will likely require scaffolding along the bridge, a crane and possibly bridge closures, so will be undertaken after the summer tourist season and Waitangi Day to minimise disruptions.