Most of the stage one works were completed by the end of April and include:
- Replacing 150m of the 450mm diameter concrete pipe with a 600mm diameter polypropylene pipe. Polypropylene is more resilient than concrete.
- The replacement of the concrete inlet structure replacing the existing valve with a refurbished valve.
Prior to construction starting, plants were removed from around the inlet structure to give the contractor easier access. Landcare Ōkareka has volunteered to plant this area at one of its upcoming working bees.
Note: The timber and concrete weirs in the channel by the inlet structure were only there temporarily for the construction works.
Marnie Fornusek
Graduate Engineer
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Ph: 0800 884 880 x9516
Operation of the Outlet
The LOCA Committee have requested a meeting with Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) engineers to discuss how the operation of the outlet will proceed, following this upgrade. The outlet valve is managed by engineering staff from Rotorua District Council under a contract to Bay of Plenty Regional Council. BOPRC hold the resource consent for the outlet and it's operation. When we hear back from BOPRC engineers with a date and time, we will let everyone know, so if any members of the Lake Okareka community wish to attend they can.
Sandra Goodwin
Secretary
LOCA