An excavator has been dispatched to the River Torrens / Karrawira Piri to remove a large silt build up near the University of Adelaide footbridge.
City of Adelaide spent several weeks planning the operation, which already has seen several tonnes of debris removed by the long reach excavator since Wednesday (29 November).
The material is being temporarily stockpiled on site to allow for de-watering before being taken by truck to an area in the western Park Lands where it will dry out.
Once dry, it will be transported to Soil Bank, a State Government facility on the Grand Trunk Way, Port Adelaide, where it will be re-purposed.
Approvals granted by the Department for Environment and Water and Environmental Protection Authority are providing direction and clarity on how the works are required to proceed.
This includes silt control, transportation, odour control, drying of material and responsible disposal.
Works are being staged to reduce impacts on those using the river. including Linear Park trail users, whilst removing material in the most efficient manner possible.
There have been temporary closures of some footpaths near the work site.
City Services Director Tom McCready said the last time such a large amount of silt and vegetative matter had been removed from the River Torrens was over a decade ago.
“This is the result of a natural buildup of material which comes down from upstream and accumulates on the bend of the river,” he said.
“Every now and then we need to remove it to ensure passage for the Popeye, rowing boats and as part of maintaining the river.” It is expected the silt removal will continue for around two weeks, with some weekend work likely.
