John Hart Dam Steel O-Pile® Cofferdam

Project Information

The John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project, located in Campbell River, involves the replacement of the existing six-unit, 126 MW generating station. The scope includes the construction of a replacement water intake at the John Hart spillway dam, the replacement of three 1.8-kilometre penstocks with a 2.1-kilometre tunnel, and construction of a new generating station and water bypass facility upstream of the existing station. FRPD, on behalf of a joint venture between Aecon/SNC-Lavalin Constructors, was contracted to build a temporary cofferdam that would facilitate the new water intake construction. The cofferdam was constructed using an O-Pile® 40-674 wall, drilled and socketed 4 to 5 meters into rock. This method minimized environmental impact on the surrounding marine habitat and the drinking water supply for the City of Campbell River through the use of a double silt curtain.

TIME

Ongoing

LOCATION

Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada

NUMBERS

2.1-km tunnel

PRODUCTS

O-Pile® 40-674

Interesting Facts

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The Challenge

Construct a temporary cofferdam in a sensitive marine and drinking water environment, requiring drilling and socketing into bedrock while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

For Contractors

FRPD, working alongside a joint venture between Aecon/SNC-Lavalin Constructors, successfully installed the O-Pile® 40-674 system. The piles were drilled and socketed 4–5 m into rock, and a double silt curtain was used to protect water quality.

For Engineers

Engineers selected O-Pile® 40-674 for its ability to be efficiently drilled into bedrock while maintaining watertightness for cofferdam construction. The solution also accommodated the complex hydraulic and geological conditions of the site.

For Owners

The John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project ensures a modernized, reliable power supply for the region. By minimizing environmental impact and securing the city’s drinking water, the new facilities will serve the community’s needs for decades to come.