Wharfside log yard taking shape

PROGRESSING: Finding old asbestos cement water pipes has not affected progress at Eastland Port’s new wharfside log yard, which is expected to be completed by mid to late 2019. Picture by Liam Clayton

A retaining wall and stormwater catchment system are nearing completion as part of Eastland Port’s wharfside log yard development.

The 1.8ha log yard will be able to store 10,000 tonnes of logs eventually, meaning fewer truck movements through the CBD.

While storage space at the port has been reduced, logs are taken to and from the Dunstan Road storage facility.

In the past five months of construction, Eastland Port has had to manage removal of old asbestos cement water pipes as well as management and creation of a disposal plan for trace levels of asbestos in the top metre of soil in some areas.

Ports infrastructure manager Martin Bayley says the port uses strict and tightly-monitored best practice guidelines for managing any asbestos finds.

“We follow Building Research Association of New Zealand guidelines for managing and disposing of the material.

“Construction in the yard stopped immediately until it was confirmed there was no danger to the public. Safety measures were put in place for those working at the port and within the site. Air monitoring devices were deployed and these confirm no fibrous material is leaving the site.”

About 20 Fulton Hogan staff and sub-contractors are working on-site on tasks not affected by the find.

The first of the new retaining walls next to Rakaiatane Road is nearing completion.

It has been built with StoneStrong blocks, keeping it consistent with the look of the upper log yard wall. The Port is working with Gisborne District Council on a Navigations Project trail marker and lookout to eventually be located on top of this wall.

The underground stormwater catchment system is also nearing completion.

The system will store stormwater before it is treated in the port’s industrial stormwater treatment system, due for installation once earthworks are completed.

After the pipework and earthworks are finished, Fulton Hogan will move on to the pavements and second retaining wall.

The wharfside log yard is expected to be up and running mid-to-late 2019.