150 MEGALITRES MORE STORAGE
A project to increase the storage volume of Ash Dam B at Callide Power Station by up to 150 megalitres is under way and progressing well.
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Picture: Callide Ash Dam B.
Project Lead, Allan Heit said 150,000 cubic metres of ash material will be excavated as part of the project to help increase Ash Dam B’s water capacity.
“The water storage capacity of Ash Dam B will continue to decrease as a result of ongoing lean phase ash being deposited from Callide B into the dam,” Allan said.
“There are also other factors impacting the dam’s storage capacity, including the progressive decommissioning of C and D zone evaporation ponds and their conversion to ash storage cells, which will reduce evaporation potential.
“To help combat this, we are excavating ash from below the spillway level in the dam’s water storage area and relocating it into areas where ash cannot be pumped within the waste containment facility.”
Pictured: Four floating evaporators have been installed at Callide Ash Dam B, allowing water to evaporate quickly.
The project commenced in May this year and, dependent on weather, is expected to be finished by May 2025.
“We have removed 50,000 cubic metres of material since the project started, with our next project milestone being 100,000 cubic metres, and we are working to buttress the LB3 ash cell wall to increase the cell’s capacity,” Allan said.
“A lot of work has gone into the project to date; heavy machinery operators have safely recovered ash through thorough risk assessments and extensive geotechnical and dig methodology analysis.
“There has also been significant work completed at ash dump locations including the excavation of vegetation growth, removal of accumulated ash sediment, and installation of drainage structures.”
CS Energy's Mining and Ash team are being assisted by our primary contractor, C&L Plant Hire.