This week marked the beginning of ?on-ground? works at the Hannam Street site with the first gross pollutant trap being installed. Earth moving equipment was used to dig down to existing pipes and install the unit below the ground. When completed the pollutants are removed though a manhole at the surface. As mentioned before, in news updates, the trap is only one part of the stormwater treatment at this location. The bioretention basin designs are being finalised by Rockdale City Council and construction is expected in the proceeding months.

Another first for the initiative was the meeting of the reference committee last night. The committee includes representatives from Sydney Water, Wolli Creek Preservation Society, Cooks River Foreshores Working Group, Cooks River Valley Association, NSW Dept of Environment and Climate Change, Macquarie University, City Of Canterbury and Sydney Metropolitan CMA. The committee oversee the initiative, make project variation decisions and raise it?s profile with external organisations and the community. It is fantastic to have such a variety of organisations working together to improve the catchment and ensure the project gains the best outcomes.

If you are reading this via the email updates ensure you check the webpages for the photos!

The Reference Committee at the first meeting in March 2009

Detail of the GPT installation at Hannam Street

The final formwork on the GPT

When completed the ground level is returned to original position and the GPT is accessed though a man hole. (All photos from Rockdale City Council)