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
2015
LOCATION
Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
NUMBERS
2.1-km tunnel
PRODUCTS
O-Pile® 40-674, WADIT®
Interesting Facts
The Challenge
Construct a temporary O-Pile® cofferdam in a sensitive marine and drinking water environment, requiring drilling and socketing into bedrock while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
For Contractors
Drilling of the O-Pile® 40-674 system went well. The O-Pile® system was 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 with minimal disruption, sound or vibration. 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.
