Morwell Land Movement - Princes Freeway Closure Community Update
Monday, 30 May 2011
Incident history
A major rain event in early February caused a large amount of water to enter the Morwell Main Drain inside the boundary of International Power Hazelwood’s coal mine. This caused some land movement and cracking which affected the Princes Freeway. The Princes Freeway was closed at Morwell in both directions. Traffic is being diverted through the township of Morwell. The Emergency Management Team (EMT), made up of key agencies and stakeholders and headed by Incident Controller Superintendent Tess Walsh, is working to stabilise the drain, mine and highway.
Works to date
A significant amount of work has been undertaken and important data gathered in the past three months. We have had success in understanding the very complex nature of this incident which is crucial to develop the steps required to stabilise the drain, mine and freeway. To date the following works have been completed:
- 32 horizontal bores have been drilled to drain ground water away from the area of concern.
- A further 14 are to be drilled with one currently underway.
- Four extensometers that measure land movement and provide real time monitoring (with alarms) across crack zones of the freeway have been installed and are fully operational
- Piezometers, used to measure ground water levels, have been installed throughout the area of concern and are also being actively monitored.
Professor Tim Sullivan presented some comprehensive modelling and data to the members of the EMT on Tuesday 10 May. The findings and other data gathered over the past three months was discussed during two risk assessment workshops. A comprehensive report will be submitted in June.
The EMT and geotechnical experts continue to work around the clock to stabilise the area of concern. We are cautiously optimistic due to the fact there has been no significant movement detected in recent weeks.
Morwell Main Drain
Following the successful mediation last Thursday between the Victorian Government, Hazelwood Power Corporation and Latrobe City Council over works on Morwell main drain, the parties have agreed to begin work.
This is an important step in working towards stabilising the ground, which must happen before the Princes Highway can be reopened.
The Victorian Government will provide $2 million in assistance under this agreement so works can commence as soon as possible. The Government will publish further information about the timing of this work as it is confirmed.
Princes Freeway
The freeway will remain closed in the short term while we continue to assess the level of risk and undertake the necessary actions to reduce these risks. Unfortunately, at this stage we are unable to nominate a date on when the freeway may reopen. Public safety is our priority and we need to be sure that the level of residual risk is acceptable before the freeway can be reopened.
Communication
As announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan during his visit to Morwell on Thursday 19 May, the EMT will work closely with the Government to provide fortnightly community updates on the work being undertaken and progress on getting the job done.
Thank you for your continued patience in the face of this complex and frustrating incident.
Further updates to follow.