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SUBMITTED BY:

MAR CHRISTIAN M. MARTILLANO


BSCE 5B

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. WILLER DAYAHAN
PROJECT NAME: Pigring Creek Dam Feasibility Study
PERFORMED BY: SMEC Australia Pty Ltd.
PROPOSED FOR: Nimmitabel Advancement Group Inc.
DATE: February 8, 2010
SOURCE: http://www.cooma.nsw.gov.au/files/docs/council/public_notices/2010/07/6_smec_
feasibility_study_pigring_creek_feb_10_-_web.pdf
BACKGROUND
This study is about the feasibility of constructing a dam on Pigring Creek. The village of
Nimmitabel has subjected to severe water restrictions initiated by one of the longest droughts on
record. To ensure the drought security and future viability of the village, the Nimmitabel
Advancement Group (NAG) has put forward the option of an on stream storage on Pigring
Creek. They required more information on the feasibility of this option prior to agreeing to it, so
they have engaged to SMEC to perform a feasibility study for the proposed option.
SMEC focused their study on three aspects, the geotechnical, hydrology and environment
for them to design the dam. They have concluded that the site is suited for construction of an
earthfill dam. That there are sufficient quantities of fill material available within 500 m of the
dam and this fill will not negatively affect the structural integrity of the dam.
Cost estimates indicate that a dam about 8 m in height providing 200 ML of storage could
potentially be constructed within the budget available if costs are controlled, and this amount of
stored water would likely be sufficient for drought mitigation and security of the existing
Nimmitabel water supply. Field and laboratory testing of on-site surface water and surface soil
did not identify any potential issues relating to future water quality. The construction of the earth
wall dam at Pigring Creek will result in the loss of the current terrestrial habitat bordering the
ephemeral creekline, but this habitat is considered to be marginal habitat for common species, it
has the potential to positively influence the biological diversity of the study area and surrounding
areas by providing a permanent source of water for fauna species
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION
Their investigation includes review of available geotechnical information, excavation of
ten pits to a maximum of 3.3 m below the existing surface, laboratory testing on selected samples
recovered from the test pits, and preparation of a geotechnical report advising the suitability of
the proposed dam. They used desktop study to review the published geological information
within the study area. They clearly stated the sources of the review which is important in doing a
review. In the fieldwork, they recorded the period of test, the location of the pits using GPS, and
it was performed by a geotechnical engineer to ensure that the study will be done accurately. The
3.3 meter pits were excavated using a 5.5 ton excavator, done by strictly following the safety
precautions implemented. After obtaining the needed information and sample, the test pits were
backfilled by the excavated materials, which was compacted to reinstate the natural surface. The
geotechnical laboratory testing was conducted by the NATA registered laboratories of SMEC
Testing Services. The laboratory test includes: Moisture content, Atterberg limit, Particle size
distribution test, Emerson class and Organic content.
The results of the geotechnical study were thorough described. They first describe the
surface condition of the site; the sloping of the valley and flood plain, the flow of the creek and
also the vegetation of the site. On the subsurface condition, they first described the foundation of
the proposed dam site and its proposed left and right abutments; the soil and rocks on the
different layers revealed on the test pit and the organic content for them to identify the location
to be stripped and excluded from the embankment. They also identified the potential material
sources for use within the embankment dam. Also they described the condition of the potential
site for the proposed spillway.
SMEC concluded that Geotechnical investigations confirmed that the site is suited to an
earth dam. The depth to rock on the right abutment is shallow and the foundation material in the
left abutment is strong enough to support the maximum height of dam envisaged. There are
sufficient quantities of fill material that are available within 500 m of the dam. The use of
available fill material will not negatively affect the structural integrity of the dam.
HYDROLOGY
One of the critical elements of the feasibility is the determination of a satisfactory size of
the Pigring Creek storage and one of the things this is dependent on is the hydrology of the site.
The decision of the size of the dam will greatly influence the quantity of water that are supplied,
stored, used and lost, so the determination of this is very important. Their analysis included the
runoff, rainfall, evaporation, spillway capacity, the quality of water and even the climate change.
Runoff data was crucial to the analysis of storage yield because this may likely give the
approximate runoff of catchment. They used the nearest stream flow gauge and it was assumed
that this site has a linear relationship to the proposed dam site. For the purpose of drought
analysis, they selected the periods of 1999 to2009 as it demonstrated low recorded runoff data.
They required the analysis of the rainfall to determine the relationship of the data
gathered from the runoff and the selection of the period of analysis was appropriate. They used
the datum gathered from the rainfall gauges near the Pigring Creek catchment. Among them, the
Riverviews Rainfall Gauge was used to check its relationship the runoff data, since it was the
nearest to the catchment site and it contained the full period of record.
Evaporation was also considered for the purpose of establishing whether a relationship
between evaporation and runoff existed and also to determine the potential losses from the
storage might be. They have two evaporation stations options, and they chose Canberra Airport
since it contained 42 year record. According to them, once water is contained in storage, the
effect of evapotranspiration on total volumes is reduced as the surface area and exposure to wind
is reduced. With this and the gathered data obtained, the evaporation that might occur on the
proposed storage can be estimated.
To determine the appropriate size of the spillway, a peak design outflow for the storage
was required. They used the flood frequency analysis of the 30 year period of runoff. They
estimate the acceptable spillway flood capacity by assuming the peak outflow is equal to the
peak inflow and by considering the hazard categories.
They conducted a preliminary assessment of the degree and extent of actual or potential
issues affecting surface and ground water quality within the proposed dam area. One of the
elements carried out for this component of the study was the desktop review which includes the
hydrogeology, aerial photography, and history of the site. They also performed a site visit to
personally observe any potential contamination or any activities that can contaminate the site and
to get soil and surface water sample. Then, they performed a chemical analysis, following the
health-based guidelines since the proposed site is to be used as town water reservoir.
SMEC included the climate change to their study. They considered any changes that
might happen in the near future due to this. A precise estimate could not be done since it is in the
developing field of science. They expected that there would be a reduction in sustainable yield in
the future.
In summary of their report in the hydrology of the proposed site, they concluded that
there is sufficient water available on the proposed dam site. There were no observed or tested
indications of contamination or other water quality issues. Field and laboratory testing of on-site
surface water and surface soil did not identify any potential issues relating to future water
quality.
ENVIRONMENT
The aim of their environmental assessment is to identify potential environmental
constraints and opportunities to the development of the Pigring Creek site. It detailed the likely
environmental planning process and associated environmental assessment required for the
approval of the proposal. They presented the preliminary findings on the existing environment
including ecology, water quality and heritage based on the desktop studies and limited site
inspections. The objective of this study is to provide a preliminary assessment of the degree and
extent of actual or potential issues affecting the surface water quality within the proposed dam
area. They stated that they did not provide a complete assessment of the environmental status of
the site and is limited to the scope defined.
Ecological Aspects
The Assessment of the ecological study was confined on a desktop review of the study
area. This assessment determines the potential vegetation within the area, the habitat it provides
and the potential for threatened flora species and vegetation communities to occur. They used
this information to determine the potential impacts of the proposed dam, which will include the
inundation of the natural depression along the creek line, ecological constraints, and to inform
further assessment. They honestly said that they did not complete the detailed field assessment of
the ecology of the area and they recommended a further study within the area must be
undertaken by an experienced ecologist. On their assessment, they found out that the
construction of the earth wall dam at Pigring Creek will result in the loss of the current terrestrial
habitat bordering the ephemeral creek line this habitat is considered to be marginal habitat for
common species, it has the potential to positively influence the biological diversity of the study
area and surrounding areas by providing a permanent source of water for fauna species. The
installation of an environmental flows outlet would aid in maintaining downstream habitat
health.

Other Ecological Aspects
According to their Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, it is necessary to
take due consideration for all issues that have the potential to impact on the environment,
whereas some of these issues may not be significant, still assessment of them is required. They
enlisted potential environmental issues, their potential impact in short and long term and their
recommendations. They included the construction noise, air quality, traffic, visual amenity, water
quality and hydrology, soil erosion, waste contamination, and even carbon emissions.

Indigenous and European Heritage
Heritage database searches and literature reviews were conducted to gather information
on the historical context. Based on the reviews, they confirmed that there is no aboriginal
heritage items have been recorded on the site, but still they recommended to undertake field
survey during the environmental impact assessment phase of the proposed work to confirm this
report.

Community Consultation
It is required to give opportunity to all relevant stakeholders to voice any concerns to
ensure that an equitable and sustainable outcome is arrived at. They did not state in their report
what the stakeholder have voiced out, or if they conduct the consultaion.
DAM
This report included the concept design, cost and cost estimate of the dam.
Concept Design
The concept design of the dam is based on current best engineering practice and relevant
ANCOLD Guidelines. They consider in their investigation the alignment, geotechnical, design,
technical constraints and the use of local materials.
The proposed dam has been aligned to lie just upstream of the ridge on the left abutment
so that the force of the water in the reservoir would push the embankment against the ridge
improving the stability of the structure. In addition, a cut off under the central section of the dam
would be founded mostly on weathered material upstream of the ridge avoiding the potential for
extensive treatment of the jointed rock in the ridge.
Geotechnical investigations confirmed that the site is suited to an earth dam. The depth to
rock on the right abutment is shallow and the foundation material in the left abutment is strong
enough to support the maximum height of dam envisaged.
They made three dam design options with varying storage capacity and height which was
based on the recommendations of other studies as well as recommended in this study. The site of
the proposed dam was found to have adequate material available on site in terms of quantity and
properties for construction of an earthfill dam. The earthfill would be sourced either via a borrow
area or through excavation of the spillway through the left abutment. The site of the spillway
may vary depending on the height of the dam selected.
They also included in their design the other miscellaneous parts of the dam such as the
access road and instrumentation. Allowance has been made for a nominal 350 m long unsealed
access road to the dam. In addition a 4 m wide trafficable crest width has been provided in the
design of the embankment to allow access across the dam. They will also provide
instrumentation for measurement of seepage and surface movement. A V-notch weir would be
installed at the downstream toe of the dam to enable monitoring of seepage flows. Survey
markers would be installed in three locations along the dam crest; at maximum section, and
between the maximum section and each abutment.
On their study, they found no technical constraints that would impact the viability of the
proposed dam. The site is well suited to an earth dam up to 13 meters high utilizing the
topographical formation and the locally available materials.
They are required to utilize local materials in the construction of the proposed earth dam
in no way increases the risk of structural failure. As discussed, the on-site materials are well
suited as a source of earthfill. So, this requirement can be done, hence the construction materials
can be minimized.
Cost
The planned annual operating cost will be spending mostly on the dams maintenance.
The cost includes annual surveillance review by a suitably qualified engineer, monthly visits as
part of normal inspection of the water supply works at Nimmitabel, annual weed control and
annual road maintenance. Other inspections would be required after large floods and for
unplanned events.
Cost Estimate
They prepared cost estimate for the three dam design options. Quantities were estimated
based on the field survey they have undertaken. Their selection of rates for the construction of
the various components of the work were based from the construction rates of similar projects,
regional rates for placing earthfill, published construction rates and rates adopted by SMEC for
recent asset review projects which include similar sized structures. With this, they can make a
good estimate of the project. Their estimations includes the cost of the principal items of
construction for each option, including an establishment cost of 10% of the construction items
(including temporary works), 20% allowance for minor items, 40% allowance for construction
contingencies, allowance of $100,000 each for investigations, design and construction
management, and 20% allowance for design and construction management contingencies. Their
cost estimates indicate that a dam about 8 m in height providing 200 ML of storage could
potentially be constructed within the budget available if costs are controlled.

In general, for me, SMEC did a good study. They are capable of doing this kind of study
since they have experts in the different fields of this study and they have complete equipment
and laboratories needed for the examinations of the sample. In the technical aspect, they studied
all the different aspects that might affect the proposed structure. They examined it detailed by
detailed, looking for possible constraint to the project. SMEC make sure that there will be a
constant supply of water specially during drought season. But on the financial analysis, they did
not include in their study the rate of return or if the project is profitable. They just include in their
study the cost of the project and its annual operational cost. They did not include on how, when
or if there is a return of investment. It is not clear on how they will finance operational cost.

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