To be built from Lilydale to Yarra Glen, the 10 km, 300 mm diameter pipeline and accompanying pressure reduction station will meet increasing demand for natural gas in the area, and reinforce security of supply for Multinet Gas customers during high-demand periods such as winter.

The pipeline will have a capacity of 110,000 cubic metres per hour and will be constructed from API 5L X56 pipe with a dual-layer fusion-bonded epoxy coating and a wall thickness of 7 mm and 13.5 mm.

The Jemena team will have to install the pipeline under longitudinal sections of existing roads, through parkland and under a river.

Jemena Project Manager Jonathan Spink said “It is proposed that sections of the pipeline will be built under nearby parkland and the Yarra River, which will require meticulous planning to ensure our impact on the environment is minimal.”

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Jemena will use horizontal directional drilling to drill under the park and river to avoid the intrusive process of excavating the surface.

Jemena will also carry out site inspections, surveying and preliminary works to ensure all environmental and cultural needs are met.

The company says a good relationship with the community is essential to reducing the impact of construction on landholders, residents and road users. Jemena will regularly visit all affected landholders and residents to provide an explanation of the proposed works and give them the opportunity to have their questions answered. Information displays at local shopping centres will also be used to inform the community.

Tenders for the Early Contractor Involvement construction contract are currently being evaluated. Work is due to commence in August 2011 and is expected to be completed by January 2012.