The Wimmera – Mallee Pipeline Project (WMPP) will replace the existing earthern channel and storage system with the staged construction of approximately 9,000 km of underground pipelines and synthetically lined storages.

In June 2007, Nacap was awarded a Design, Procure and Construct Lump Sum contract for Stage 2, Supply System 5 Murray – Culgoa, which comprises approximately 800 km of underground pipelines, 4 storage facilities, 5 pump stations and an inlet filtration facility. Construction of the pipelines and pump stations is required prior to dewatering of the existing town storage ponds in order to ensure continuance of supply to the towns.

During tender negotiation Nacap offered both a conforming PVC option and also an innovative PE, vibratory plough alternative. This was a ground breaking innovation and significant challenges were overcome to accommodate laser controlled lay to grade, depth of cover, pipe jointing and logistics, as well as padding and compaction issues whilst maintaining the integrity of the installed pipelines. Surety of outcome was also paramount as this project was time critical in the drought affected areas of Victoria, so the new technology was subject to robust analysis.

Input was sought from specialist designers and water industry experts, pipe manufactures, equipment manufactures, surveyors and this expertise was combined with Nacap’s pipeline field construction expertise to provide the surety of outcome required. Nacap also worked with their client, GWMWater in an open transparent environment to ensure that the project requirements were accommodated in this innovation.

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During field trials and independent third party analysis Nacap’s pipe laying technique impressed the project participants and it was clearly evident that this new technology would ensure efficiency, safety, environmental benefits, quality and the ensure the project’s timely delivery.

The other obvious benefit was as a reduced capital cost for this stage and future stages of the project. In formulating this strategy and innovation, Nacap formed a number of business partnerships. Namely, WorleyParsons who provided design services; Vinidex who provided pipe and jointing technical input and supply as well as surveyors and equipment providers.

This has been an extremely fast track project. In a matter of four weeks from award, Nacap mobilised its own direct construction crews, specialised trenching and padding equipment, four pipe lay construction crews and commenced pipeline construction. In this time Nacap also finalised advanced management, safety, environmental and stakeholder management plans, detailed design, pipe manufacture and pipe logistics. With a combined construction production rate in excess of 10 km per day, the construction of the 800 km pipeline system will be complete in less than twelve construction weeks.