Business North November 2021

64 | Watercare: Central Interceptor E Trucks set to work on Central Interceptor Above: Three electric trucks will be used to transport the spoil. The Babingtons team of engineers and environmental consultants is playing a key part in the Watercare Central Interceptor project. Subcontracting to the Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture (GAJV) it has been providing a range of contaminated site assessment services. Company director Malcolm Todd says that the experience of Babingtons’ senior environmental consultant Sean Toland (Contaminated Land - SQEP) has showcased the capabilities of Babingtons to perform specialised and complex analysis and deliver the right advice on how to best remediate any issues found in the most cost e icient way possible. “Sean’s extensive experience over two decades in contaminated land, environmental monitoring, asbestos management and land development has meant he has a wealth of knowledge to bring to the Central Interceptor project,” says Malcolm. For over 20 years Babingtons has provided innovative site management solutions for all aspects of land development and land management including environmental impact assessment, design and resource consent application preparation for stormwater, earthworks and erosion and sediment control, contaminated sites, industrial and trade processes and waste water design. Malcolm says a key point of di erence is that Babingtons is a small boutique operation laser Small team – big results! focused on delivering great results for clients. “As a small dedicated team we can provide a personal experience where our clients deal directly with us. This gives us the ability to really know and understand their businesses and needs so we can come up with the most e ective solutions and advice,” he says. Malcolm owns the company with Matt Byrne and both bring decades of expertise to clients’ projects. Malcolm is a civil and environmental engineer (SQEP) and leads the land development and contaminated land teams at Babingtons. He has extensive experience working in both the private and public sector in these ields. Matt boasts over 25 years’ experience in the environmental protection ield and o ers a strong background in contaminated land before becoming involved in the erosion and sediment control aspects of land development in the Auckland region. Malcolm says the focus will always remain on providing boutique advice o ering clients a tight team of well-quali ied people so they can proceed with their projects with con idence: “We’re passionate about New Zealand and we’re constantly striving to ensure we get the best outcomes for our clients and our environment through excellent engineering design and land management practices.” Land Development Engineering Contaminated Land Investigations Industrial and Trade Activities 09 360 7130 info@babingtons.co.nz Suite 4, Level 1, 20 Augustus Terrace, Parnell PO Box 37019, Parnell, Auckland, 1151 Erosion and Sediment Control S ustainability has been a key focus of the Central Interceptor project and the project will use three electric trucks to transport the spoil. Watercare won $500,000 from the govern- ment low emission vehicles contestable fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) provided the funding boost needed for the purchase. The e-trucks will be driven by Fulton Hogan to transport 66,000 tonnes of spoil from the Central Interceptor shafts excavation and reduce at least 306 tonnes of CO2-e. The learnings about the e-truck venture will be shared throughout the construction industry. “The project is looking to innovate and lead on different fronts, and this is one example,” says Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture project director Francesco Saibene. “The intention is to pursue sustainable initi- atives and lead the way in the use of this new technology in the construction industry.” Other innovations used on the project in- clude using glass reinforced plastic to ensure the project has high durability in the corro- sive sewer environment, which has seen the biggest shaft ever constructed in New Zealand of this material. Health and safety are at the heart of the project. A dedicated training site has been built at the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant. All employees undergo a two-day in- duction, as well as underground training. This includes access to a replica TBM. A big focus has also been placed on mental health and the project is a founding partner of MATES in Construction NZ. T T Karen Phelps INFRASTRUCTURE