Seismic station to be built

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 12th April, 2013

 AN infra-sound and seismic station will be built at Tavilo, Kerevat, East New Britain to assist in the monitoring of volcanic explosions.

The Rabaul Volcano Observatory will set up the comprehensive-nuclear test-band treaty organisation and international monitoring system stations by 2015. 

Assistant director Ima Itikarai said the project would cost K3 million. 

He said three local contractors had been engaged in the ground work since March building an access bridge, fencing, clearance, piping and a 60m borehole to install the seismic sensor equipment at Tavilo.

Itikarai said the station would also monitor nuclear explosions around the world. 

It will also detect volcanic explosions and boost the province’s disaster response.

Itikarai said the project had been finalised after many years of planning following discussions with the PNG Cocoa and Coconut Institute.

Other key priorities are the RVO twining programme, strengthening of the natural hazards programme and risk assessment capacity.

Mining Minister Byron Chan said the department would be supporting the observatory in its endeavours.