Flood capacity survey on creek completed
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Survey work has been completed on Washdyke Creek.
It is part of preliminary work as Timaru District Council and Environment Canterbury look to increase the flood capacity of the waterway to protect businesses in the area.
The councils are aiming to increase the creek's flood carrying capacity to 280 cubic metres a second, while also widening the channel and raising the stopbanks.
ECan's Timaru-based natural hazards officer, Phil Lees, said the improvements were necessary.
"The creek flows underneath State Highway 1 and through the Washdyke industrial area, so it is important that the area has good flood protection measures in place."
The next step will be the design phase of the project.
"Once the survey and design work has been undertaken, the next step will be with local businesses and property owners.
"Work could begin in the next two years, depending on finance being available and consents being approved," Mr Lees said.
The position of the new district council sewer pipeline would also reduce potential flooding near the railway bridge.
- © Fairfax NZ News
