Orchard Drain at Alstonvale NSW – 0100.B

PROJECT:

Cleanup and protection of Macadamia orchard water channel and drain

LOCATION:

Sneaths Lane, ALSTONVALE NSW 2477

PROJECT STATS:

• 150 linear metres
• 10 rolls – 2.4 wide x 15m long
• 4 hours start to finish
• 1 x 5 tonne excavator
• 1 operator and 1 labourer

During installation and video showing 6 weeks afterward in first heavy rain event.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A shallow drain between rows in macadamia orchard has begun to erode with the flow of water, cutting a deep channel and beginning of erosion issues. Farmer wanted a long term solution to support the water flow and vegetation growth as well as something that would support  vehicles driving on it.

WORKS UNDERTAKEN

• Excavator levelled and prepared the eroded drain and shaped a channel for water flow.
• Rolls of concrete mat were delivered to site and unloaded along the edge of the prepared drain.
• The drain was seeded underneath and mats were supplied with Nutrition mat underlay
• The tractor unrolled the mats into position along the length of the orchard drain
• The mats were laid end to end and overlapped at the ends for a continuous flow
• End results would be much easier to maintain and reduced erosion of vital top soil in the orchard

RESULTS & BENEFITS:

• Reduce the speed of the water when as it flowed down the orchard drain during heavy rains
• Encourage vegetation growth into the future to allow for the farmer to maintain the drains.
• Reduce sediment loss
• Very efficient with time and resources.
• This project was complete in only 4 hours with minimal labour as well!
• Once laid the mats starts working straight away, with sound long term benefits!

TECHNICAL DRAWING – Standard Water Channel