The drain is a modified natural water catchment area servicing 1,500 hectares of largely rural land. Forming a long, narrow corridor between the Kaiapoi River and ancient sand dunes, it is prone to flooding.
Rob Kerr says McIntosh Drain had quite specific challenges, and uncertainties. In addition to flood events, these included earthquake risk (Kaiapoi suffered badly in 2010), and, like other coastal and low-lying areas, climate change.
“We don’t know how quickly climate change is going to happen or the frequency of storm events. We do know the Council is going to have to be able to respond. We need to be adaptable and flexible.”
Prime Pump partnered with Kirk Roberts Consulting, and their pump supplier, Netherlands-based BBA Pumps to provide the Waimakariri District Council Shovel Ready projects team with a solution to address their needs, and those of the district.
Rather than a traditional below-ground pump station, the Council decided on a New Zealand first – a mobile ‘pad and pump’ set up.
click here to read full article>>
