Wastewater Pipeline and Maintenance Hole Renewal Program

This program will extend the service life of existing wastewater (sewerage) infrastructure. It will also enhance the performance and reliability of the wastewater network. Works will involve a range of activities including:

  • conducting CCTV camera inspections of existing pipes and maintenance holes within Council land or on private property
  • repairing / relining and cleaning the inside of maintenance holes
  • relining sections of wastewater pipelines using a variety of methods (pipes will be accessed via existing maintenance holes)
  • replacing lids on maintenance holes as required
  • site restoration activities.

Can Council enter my property to access maintenance holes?

Yes. Under the Local Government Act 2009, Council and our contractors are authorised to enter private property to maintain existing Council assets (in this case wastewater maintenance holes and connecting pipelines).

Where access to private property is required, residents will be given advanced notification of the works in writing.

Council’s contractors will carry official identification cards that residents can request to view at any time.

Do I need to be home during works?

We understand that some residents may prefer to be home when works are occurring, although this is not a Council requirement.

Prior to any works commencing, Council’s contractor will knock on your front door (if accessible) to try to contact you before entering your property.

If access to your property is restricted due to locked gates or loose pets, a site representative will leave a note asking you to make contact so entry can be arranged.

Will vegetation need to be pruned or removed?

At times, Council’s contractors will need to prune overhanging vegetation or remove vegetation (for example, where root intrusion into maintenance holes has occurred).

In these instances, a site representative will notify you of these requirements, usually by knocking on your door prior to works.

If you are not contactable, a letter will be left in your mailbox outlining any vegetation impacts and asking that you contact the contractor to discuss the works.

What if I have a garden bed or structure over the maintenance hole?

Under the Local Government Act 2009, Council is authorised to remove any garden beds or structures on private property in order to adequately maintain our assets.

In this instance, Council or its contractors will contact you to discuss removal options prior to the works commencing.

When will the works occur?

Program working hours are generally 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Saturday. The time and duration of works will depend on construction and weather conditions.

If work is required outside these hours, a contractor’s representative will leave a letter in your mailbox to advise of the proposed working hours.

It should be noted that program works may occur intermittently at each location (that is,there may be a break between days, or even weeks, that works occur at any site) pending the nature of the works to be conducted.

What impacts can I expect?

While most works will not require extensive excavation, there may be some localised construction impacts including:

  • temporary access restrictions to property driveways or sections of parkland
  • changed traffic conditions like reduced speed limits and temporary lane closures (traffic controllers or site personnel will be available to direct motorists as required)
  • temporary footpath closures (signed pedestrian detours will be in place)
  • increased noise, dust and odour at times.

If a temporary bypass of the wastewater network is required, you may also notice an increase in noise associated with the operation of generators or tanker trucks during the day.

Do I need to do anything before works?

Due to the small risk of back pressure occurring in household toilets during the works, we recommend that you close all toilet lids and place heavy weights on top of them. We also request that you limit the use of toilets, baths, showers and washing machines while work is underway in your area.

Why are contractors used?

Council appoints contractors as they have the specialist equipment, skills and experience required to deliver the works.

More information

For more information on the wastewater pipeline and maintenance hole renewal program please contact Logan Water’s community engagement team: