Geotechnical Investigations Mataatua Reserve
One of Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s core roles is to make sure our infrastructure is protecting our people, property and livelihoods.
In Whakatāne that means making sure that our stopbanks and floodwalls will continue to protect the community from flooding in the coming decades.
As part of this we are doing some upcoming work at Mataatua Reserve.
What we’re doing:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council need to undertake geotechnical investigation work in the Mataatua Reserve on the 12th and 13th of May (weather dependent).
Why we’re doing it:
In April 2017, Whakatāne experienced prolonged torrential rain which caused extensive flooding and damage to homes, properties, business and infrastructure. Using data gathered during that time, alongside our growing knowledge of changing weather patterns, we’ve found that flood defences on the lower Whakatāne River need to be upgraded.
This work will be a multi stage project called Whakatāne Future Proof. We are currently in an initial phase of investigating and testing the stopbanks and floodwalls to determine what needs to be done to reduce the pressure on the stopbank during large flood events.
The work in Mataatua Reserve is focused on finding out the soil composition and ground stability.
What you’ll see:
You will see a couple of Perry Geotech Ltd contractors on a mobile rig. They will be pushing a 30mm cone head mechanically into the ground until it hits riverbed rock or other highly dense soil material and can’t go any deeper. The rod is then retracted from the hole.
Eight tests will be done in the areas outlined in yellow on the map below.
Please keep away from the site identified while this work is underway.
How we’ll do it safely:
We understand that any work done on the Mataatua Reserve needs to be done in a way that keeps everyone safe. There will be no risk to the community during this testing.
There will be no ground disturbance other than a 30mm rod being driven into the ground.
No soil will be removed, and the cone will be cleaned onsite to ensure all materials are left in the test hole and the machinery free of dirt.
The 30mm grass holes will be plugged, and grass will grow back within a month.
What’s next?
The results will be used to determine the level of upgrade required and what options are technically viable.
Once we have collated the results, we’ll be consulting with you and will keep you informed every step of the way.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, please contact:
Lars Thiel-Lardon, Project Manager
0800 884 880
Lars.Thiel-Lardon@boprc.govt.nz
