22 September 2009
The latest closed circuit television (CCTV) technology will help to ensure the sewerage system surrounding the MCG is in top shape for Saturday’s St Kilda-Geelong blockbuster.
The expected crowd of 100,000 at the MCG will result in a five-fold increase in the total volume of flow through the sewer pipes, peaking to an eight-fold increase at the half time ‘dash.’
As part of its annual maintenance program, City West Water uses a CCTV camera mounted on a miniature four wheel drive tractor which ‘drives’ through the sewer pipes to inspect their condition.
The tractor is lowered five metres into the sewer and is manoeuvred along the pipe by remote control and relays 360 degree images back to a monitor screen in a nearby truck.
The images show cracks in the pipes and possible causes of future blockages which could cause problems during times of heavy use. These are repaired prior to the game.
City West Water’s Managing Director Anne Barker said while the work wasn’t isn’t for the faint-hearted, it’s a crucial part of the maintenance program to avoid major sewer blockages.
"Grand Final day is the biggest event on the Melbourne events calendar, and with up to 100,000 set to stream into the MCG on Saturday, the inspections make sure the system is ready for the big day,” Ms Barker said.
“The half-time rush to the toilets on Grand Final day is one of the biggest peaks in sewer volume in the area each year, and this camera gives us ‘eyes’ in the sewer without having to even dig a hole.”
“While many of us who’ve attended big matches often have to wait in queues for the toilets at half time, we’re happy for these lines to be the only toilet blockages on the day.”
Ms Barker said the MCG sewer inspection is just part of the 40 kilometres of inspections done each year using the CCTV sewer tractor and includes sewers that serve other major venues including Flemington Racecourse, Etihad Stadium and Rod Laver Arena.
“Not many people think about what happens after they flush, but we’ve had all manner of things cause blockages in the past, including plastic bags, bits of trolleys and toys.”
“Despite being out of sight, sewers are a vital part of the city’s infrastructure which we all rely on, so I would encourage people to think about what they are flushing down the toilet and washing down the drain.”