Works blast off at Copeton

July 2011

More than one million cubic metres of earth and rock will be excavated at Copeton Dam as part of construction on the new auxiliary fuse plug spillway.

The spillway will be the deepest of its type in Australia and will enable the dam to safely pass extreme floods as part of an upgrade being managed by State Water Corporation.

Excavation is being carried out by project contractor Macmahon and involves drilling, blasting and excavation of 1,150,000m3 of earth and rock.

State Water General Manager of Major Projects Michael Jeffery said a program of blasting will take place over the coming months, with trials to begin in August.

“The blasting will take place over a number of months to remove the earth and rock one section at a time,” Mr Jeffery said.

“Macmahon will conduct trials first, which will take place in the more isolated old quarry area away from Diamond Bay.

“The trials allow them to see how the rock performs and make any adjustments early on.”

Material from the blasts will be used to build a cofferdam to protect the works from water should the dam level rise during construction.

“Each blast involves hours of planning, preparation and clearing of the exclusion zone prior to the actual blast,” Mr Jeffery said.

Motorists can expect approximately 15 minute delays on Copeton Dam Road, 1km either side of the Diamond Bay area each time blasting takes place.

“Consideration will be given to avoid disrupting peak travel times where possible.

“We regret any inconvenience to motorists but ask people to understand this is a necessary measure to ensure people’s safety.”

The first blast is scheduled for Thursday, 4 August 2011 and blasting is expected to continue on a weekly basis until July 2012.

The Copeton Waters State Park will remain open during construction and excavation.

Visitors to the park are advised to obey any signs or instructions received and stay clear of the construction area.

Media contact: Tony Webber (02) 6841 2006 or 0428 613 278