Smart solution for Garden Island drains
A collaborative trial has tackled an ongoing drainage issue at the Captain Cook Graving Dock (CCGD) at Sydney’s Garden Island, restoring flow to clogged side drains and setting a precedent for waste removal across the site.
CAPTION: Regional Maintenance Provider – East representative Chris Gaskin, Veolia representative Linda Gater and Regional Maintenance Centre – East representative Cris Cicuta, at Fleet Base East, Sydney. Story by Captain David Sippel. Photo by Leading Seaman Lauren Pugsley.
The trial, conducted from May to June, addressed the build-up of solidified mud and contaminated sediment in the dock’s side drain network.
The challenge, first identified during recent inspection cycles, stemmed from the accumulation of harbour bedrock materials, anti-foul paint residue and general waste – compounded by ship hull wash-down’s during maintenance periods.
With the impacted drains no longer functioning effectively and traditional flushing methods proving inadequate, an innovative vacuum extraction trial was undertaken.
The effort brought together Regional Maintenance Centre – East (RMC-E), DORSC, Veolia and Commonwealth industry partners.
Veolia, the base services contractor with more than 20 years of experience in specialised waste removal from Defence sites and HMA ships, was engaged under the Resource Recovery Waste Management (RRWM) SEG GIDP contract to deliver a targeted vacuum extraction process.
Chris Gaskin, of RMP-E, said it was a collaborative process.
“It has been a pleasure working with Veolia to improve the efficiency and productivity of waste disposal at Garden Island,” Mr Gaskin said.
“RMC-E has been instrumental in fostering this relationship, removing roadblocks as we move towards our shared vision of a cleaner, better future.”
High-capacity vacuum trucks were deployed dockside, with Veolia operators working in close coordination with site teams. Eptec assisted in removing heavy drain grates to provide access points for extraction hoses to reach the impacted areas.
While initial suction efforts encountered resistance due to the density of the waste material, the team recovered quickly by modifying the extraction method. Adjustments were made to the hose diameters and flow-rate parameters, improving suction efficiency and waste throughput without damaging infrastructure.
Rather than relying on mechanical dredging or disruptive excavation, Veolia applied a vacuum extraction system capable of removing compacted sludge, oil-impacted silts and residual contaminants efficiently and safely.
The process also enabled immediate classification and secure waste containment, ensuring full regulatory compliance for transport and disposal.
Preliminary outcomes from the trial have been positive, with significantly improved drainage flow restored to the cleaned sections and no disruption to ongoing dock operations.
The trial’s success has opened the door for broader application of the technique across other areas within the dock and potentially across other Fleet Base East infrastructure.
Linda Gater, of Veolia, supported the efficiency that was created by this novel waste solution.
“Veolia is very pleased to be able to offer our support and contribute our extensive industry experience to this collaboration,” she said.
“We believe that by working together with RMC-E and Thales, we can provide Defence with a truly innovative and effective solution.”
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