In the initial planning phase, we will be finalising the design and construction methodology, preparing an environment impact assessment and undertaking early engagement with project stakeholders and the broader community. Click on the headings below to learn more about each task.
Design
The design proposed to strengthen Edgar Dam is simple and reliable. That means it is low risk and economical. We monitor and review all our dams and have completed strengthening projects at other dams of a similar age, ensuring they can continue supplying renewable energy safely.
What will be done
The toe pond will be drained and excavated to expose rock. This will provide a more stable foundation for the new gravel filters and supporting rockfill, once the existing concrete facing is removed. Existing drains in the dam wall will be extended and where required, joints will be resealed. Finally, a low wave barrier will be installed along the newly widened dam wall crest.
The project design and construction methodology will be finalised following input from key stakeholders and any recommendations that come out of the approvals processes. Broader community input will be sought on the design of the wave barrier as we have the opportunity to create a feature that is both functional and engaging.
If you'd like to make the diagrams larger, right click on either and open in a new tab
Environment
Protecting the environment and managing environmental risks are always front and centre when we make decisions. For this project, these considerations take on even more importance as we'll be working in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a region that is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems and home to many threatened species.
Every opportunity will be taken to remove or reduce the environmental impacts of this project. As we progress the project's environmental approvals, we will post more detailed information but here are a few examples of what we'll do.
Before work can start, we must obtain approval under Federal environment law and Tasmania's dam safety regulations. The following graphic provides an overview of both processes, including what information we need to provide and estimated timeframes. We'll also work closely with Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service throughout the project.
If you'd like to the timeline larger, right click on the image and open in a new tab
Construction
Construction is expected to take 2 years and will start once the relevant approvals are secured. At this stage, we're expecting this to mean Stage 1 can start next October. Construction will stop between June and September as factors like weather and the number of available daylight hours make it too hard to appropriately manage worker safety and environmental risks such as roadkill.
Engagement
Given the remoteness of the project site, we're expecting direct impacts to be limited. Early engagement with project stakeholders and communities will allow us to confirm this. Where we know about an unavoidable impact, for example, increased truck traffic along Gordon River Road or the temporary closure of Edgar Dam campground, we'll look for ways to lessen or manage their effects.
As well as talking through identified impacts, our early engagement is also about raising general awareness of the project and seeking community input on some aspects of the project. For example, we'll be asking for ideas on what we can do to leave lasting community benefits through our Leaving Things Better program. Some ideas that have already been raised include:
new or improved campground amenities
new visitor attractions
support for local events or initiatives
funding for local environment research or conservation initiatives.
In the initial planning phase, we will be finalising the design and construction methodology, preparing an environment impact assessment and undertaking early engagement with project stakeholders and the broader community. Click on the headings below to learn more about each task.
Design
The design proposed to strengthen Edgar Dam is simple and reliable. That means it is low risk and economical. We monitor and review all our dams and have completed strengthening projects at other dams of a similar age, ensuring they can continue supplying renewable energy safely.
What will be done
The toe pond will be drained and excavated to expose rock. This will provide a more stable foundation for the new gravel filters and supporting rockfill, once the existing concrete facing is removed. Existing drains in the dam wall will be extended and where required, joints will be resealed. Finally, a low wave barrier will be installed along the newly widened dam wall crest.
The project design and construction methodology will be finalised following input from key stakeholders and any recommendations that come out of the approvals processes. Broader community input will be sought on the design of the wave barrier as we have the opportunity to create a feature that is both functional and engaging.
If you'd like to make the diagrams larger, right click on either and open in a new tab
Environment
Protecting the environment and managing environmental risks are always front and centre when we make decisions. For this project, these considerations take on even more importance as we'll be working in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a region that is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems and home to many threatened species.
Every opportunity will be taken to remove or reduce the environmental impacts of this project. As we progress the project's environmental approvals, we will post more detailed information but here are a few examples of what we'll do.
Before work can start, we must obtain approval under Federal environment law and Tasmania's dam safety regulations. The following graphic provides an overview of both processes, including what information we need to provide and estimated timeframes. We'll also work closely with Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service throughout the project.
If you'd like to the timeline larger, right click on the image and open in a new tab
Construction
Construction is expected to take 2 years and will start once the relevant approvals are secured. At this stage, we're expecting this to mean Stage 1 can start next October. Construction will stop between June and September as factors like weather and the number of available daylight hours make it too hard to appropriately manage worker safety and environmental risks such as roadkill.
Engagement
Given the remoteness of the project site, we're expecting direct impacts to be limited. Early engagement with project stakeholders and communities will allow us to confirm this. Where we know about an unavoidable impact, for example, increased truck traffic along Gordon River Road or the temporary closure of Edgar Dam campground, we'll look for ways to lessen or manage their effects.
As well as talking through identified impacts, our early engagement is also about raising general awareness of the project and seeking community input on some aspects of the project. For example, we'll be asking for ideas on what we can do to leave lasting community benefits through our Leaving Things Better program. Some ideas that have already been raised include:
new or improved campground amenities
new visitor attractions
support for local events or initiatives
funding for local environment research or conservation initiatives.
