Geotech engineers investigating the site where it is planned to lay two water pipes under the Mataura River have come across an unexpected discovery.
The pipes will carry water across the river from the Jacobstown wells to the East Gore water treatment plant.
In 2022 the Gore District Council resource consent application to build a footbridge across the river to carry the pipes was declined.
Early this year a report was commissioned to identify other options available to get the pipes across the river and residents were consulted.
The most popular option was drilling under the river and in May councillors voted to hire a contractor to investigate this.
Beca staff have recently started this work in Maitland St.
At the Gore District Council audit and risk committee meeting yesterday, Three Waters asset manager Matt Bayliss updated members on the progress made.
Speaking to his report, Mr Bayliss said there were some "challenges" with the investigation so far, as it appeared part of the land was reclaimed.
"There’s some fill material in there and as a result we need to do some more investigation work to understand what that fill material is."
During the discussion, Cr Andy Fraser asked if there were any other places the pipes could be laid.
Mr Bayliss said at this stage no other sites were being considered.
"The site has been chosen because it is the most direct route."
However, it would depend on the initial investigation, he said.
Cr Neville Phillips said he recalled an old quarry was in the area, which would explain the presence of fill material.
In his report tabled at the meeting, Mr Bayliss said the investigation work was expected to be completed in late August.
The initial investigation and analysis of results were expected to cost about $60,000.
A budget of $200,000 for investigation and design work had been included as part of the council’s 2023-24 annual plan.
The estimated cost of drilling under the river was between $3.6 million and $4.1 million and included the installation of the interconnecting pipes between the Jacobstown wells and the East Gore water treatment plant.