Southern Peel Street stormwater upgrade begins
Buller District Council is commencing work on the Southern Peel Street stormwater upgrade to address ongoing stormwater flooding issues in the area.
Southern Peel Street is located in a low-lying basin and regularly experiences surface ponding of stormwater on the road and on private properties. Water is unable to drain away naturally due to the surrounding landscape, and the stormwater system’s limited capacity also presents significant challenges for stormwater management in this location. The situation is further exacerbated during high tides and by elevated river levels, which significantly reduce the stormwater network’s discharge capacity.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “Council has investigated several options to improve stormwater management in Southern Peel Street with the goal of reducing the frequency and severity of flooding in small to medium rain events. The preferred solution, selected for its effectiveness within the available budget, involves the installation of underground stormwater retention infrastructure within the road corridor.”
Underground storage will be constructed at the southern end of Peel Street using EcoBloc modules, which provide both storage and soakage capacity. The retention system will be approximately 18 metres long, two metres wide, and reach a depth of three metres below ground. Once completed, the system will be fully buried and the surface landscaped to blend in with the surrounding environment.
These modules support environmentally responsible stormwater management by capturing and storing rainwater where it falls, while gradually releasing it into the surrounding ground. This controlled release reduces pressure on the stormwater system and allows discharge during times of high river levels. The system is especially effective in managing short-duration, high-intensity rainfall, such as one-in-one to one-in-five-year storm events, by acting like a sponge and reducing surface flooding.
For longer-duration events (lasting two hours or more), the system will continue to provide benefits by reducing surface water volumes and enhancing soakage. However, it is not designed to manage large-scale rain events and river or tidal inundation.
WestReef Services Limited has been appointed as the contractor for this project, with work scheduled to commence the week of 12 May 2025. Southern Peel Street residents have been notified ahead of construction.
EcoBloc modules are delivered to site as fully assembled units, enabling fast installation and minimising disruption to residents.
“This project is part of a wider programme of works to improve the overall management of stormwater in this location. Council remains committed to enhancing Southern Peel Street’s resilience to future weather events” concludes Mr Blom.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.