Development Progress
Following a successful capital raising in December 2009 the BCI development has commenced construction. The development is being funded and managed as a Joint Venture between BCI and Electricity Ashburton Limited.
January 2010
After signing off the major agreements with Tyco Flow Control (Pacific) Pty Ltd for the construction of the pressurised pipe network, Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd for modifications to the existing RDR, and Trutspower Limited for pumped delivery of water to the RDR from the Rakaia River, the JV has been working with these parties to progress the final design.
The major visible outcomes for January has been the first deliveries of HDPE pipe to various locations and the marking of property offtakes. The 15m pipes are being delivered to site from Tyco's Hamilton plant and will be welded together prior to being laid in deep trenches across farms. Locals may have noticed large trucks with four 1m diameter pipes on board or larger numbers of smaller diameter pipes.
February 2010
Tyco have set up a Methven depot and project management office. Pipe routes have been finalised with affected farmers and marking of routes has commenced.
Welding crews arrived and commenced welding pipes into 100m strings.
March 2010
Welding crews begin to drag out 100m strings and weld together ready for dropping in the ground. Local contractor Ashburton Contracting Limited is awarded the contract to install the pipes and commence digging trenches, installing the pipe and backfilling on the Methven line.
Pipes continue to be delivered to the area and the Highbank line is marked out.
April 2010
Pipe is delivered for the entire Methven and Highbank Lines. Installation of 1m pipe continues on the Methven Line and pipe welding of smaller diameter pipe is under way.
-
May 2010
Forks, Buccleugh and Mayfield Lines are marked out and the first pipes are delivered to these areas. Welding and installation continues on the Methven line, and welding under way on the Highbank line. Wet weather provides a challenge for installers and welders. Trustpower commence work at Highbank Pump Station and intake. The RDR is gauged for capacity to consider alternative sources of water while awaiting pump installation.
-
June 2010
Installation commences on the Highbank line. Methven line installation progresses well.
-
July 2010
Methven line close to completion of installation. Highbank line welding progressing well. Welding commences on Mayfield and Buccleugh lines. Trustpower pump station development progressing well with major earthworks complete and foundations being poured. Methven and Highbank pond construction commences.
-
August 2010
Pump stations and property offtakes being installed on Methven and Highbank Lines. Installation of pipe on Buccleugh line and Mayfield line commences.
Jan 2010 - marking property offtakes, Brendan and Nick from Tyco.
Jan 2010 - BCI Board inspect the first 1m HDPE pipes delivered to Methven
Feb 2010 - Pipe route markers, Methven Line
Feb 2010 - First irrigators constructed awaiting BCI water, Methven
Feb 2010 - Tyco site office established in Methven
Feb 2010 - Pipe being welded into 100m strings
Mar 2010 - ACL begin installing welded pipe
Mar 2010 - Installation complete on first farm
Mar 2010 - GPS markout of Highbank line
Apr 2010 - Steel Tee for surplus capacity at Backtrack, Methven Line.
May 2010 - Installation of 1m pipe continues on Methven line, spoil is carted away for tracks.
May 2010 - RDR gauged for flow for potential extra capacity.
May 2010 - Work commences with Trustpower intake at Highbank power station.
July 2010 - Foundations being poured at Highbank pump station.
July 2010 - Construction of the Methven Line Pond
August 2010 - Commence work at the Methven Check Gate area of RDR
August 2010 - First property offtake installed on Methven Line