EROSION REPAIR WORK BEGINS NEAR MERCURY’S TAUPŌ CONTROL GATES
29 August 2024 – Mercury is about to begin improvement work on a key part of the Waikato Hydro System.
Regular maintenance checks of Mercury’s Taupō Control Gates showed that while it is still safe for everyday use, changes need to be made to protect it from erosion.
The Control Gates are a critical part of the Waikato Hydro System that Mercury operates to generate around 10% of the country’s electricity. The gates also help respond to any risk of drought and flood in the catchment.
Mercury’s General Manager of Generation, Stew Hamilton, said the infrastructure is vital for the delivery of electricity to New Zealand.
“And as custodians of this asset we’re committed to investing in it, to ensure this 83-year-old piece of equipment continues to operate safely and efficiently for many more years.”
The Control Gates are highly visible and a well-known fixture for people travelling in and out of Taupō. The infrastructure has been maintained well by Mercury and others over the years.
“But recent inspections show we need to respond to the ongoing erosion taking place on the riverbanks around the Control Gates.
“The remediation work programmed for the Control Gates will be done in two stages.”
People would have seen Mercury had started some preliminary work at site in August.
The main work is between September and December and will involve filling in an erosion spot which has formed downstream from the Control Gates, on the southern side of the river.
People can expect to see a drilling rig on site, used to pump grout, which sets when it contacts the water, to fill the erosion spot. Mercury will also use this time to refurbish one of the six Control Gates.
The second stage of the work is between February and June 2025 and will involve erosion protection upstream of the Control Gates, on both sides of the river.
Specialist equipment will be used to install 12m-long sheet walls to protect the riverbanks from erosion.
Mr Hamilton said Mercury is working with iwi partners, Taupō District Council and other stakeholders to ensure the community is aware of the work planned.
“People will see our team working around the Control Gates and we will keep the community informed of the project’s progress over the two stages.”
Mr Hamilton said there are no immediate safety or operational risks to the road, the bridge or the way the water flows are managed through the Control Gates
People can keep in contact with the project team: taupocontrolgates@mercury.co.nz or visit the project webpage: mercury.co.nz/taupo-control-gates-erosion-repairs
Project timeframe
For phase 1: The downstream erosion repairs on the southern side of the gates. We aim to begin main work in September 2024, and complete work by the end of December 2024.
For phase 2: The upstream retaining wall installation on both sides of the river. We aim to begin work on February 2025, and finish by end of June 2025.
Work will take place between 7am and 5.30pm, weekdays, and Saturdays if needed.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact: Lawrence Gullery
Communications & Engagement Manager 027 801 0200 mercurycommunications@mercury.co.nz
ABOUT MERCURY NZ LIMITED
Mercury generates electricity from 100% renewable sources: hydro, geothermal and wind. We are also a retailer of electricity, gas, broadbandandmobile services.We’relistedonthe New ZealandStock Exchangeandthe AustralianStock Exchange with the ticker symbol ‘MCY’, with foreign exempt listed status. The New Zealand Government holds a legislated minimum 51% shareholding in the Company. Visit us at: www.mercury.co.nz