The site itself presented major engineering challenges, with difficult soil conditions to be understood and overcome. In addition, environmental and social issues were of paramount importance. Acres success in finding solutions at all levels was recognized early in 2003 by the Consulting Engineers of Manitoba, who presented Acres with their annual Award of Excellence in Resource Development.
Setting the highest standards for environmental stewardship
Acres took a radically new approach to site development by proposing a modified run-of-river design which requires a smaller reservoir, limits the flooded area to 27 hectares, and minimizes impact on users of natural resources both up and downstream from the generating station.
Challenging soil conditions include sporadic occurrences of permafrost within Lake Agassiz clays on top of bedrock; while numerical models were used to analyze geotechnical designs, and a 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics model was employed in refining the hydraulic design. A major objective was to avoid disruption of resource-based activities in the area through modification of ice conditions on the river; this was analyzed using Acres ICESIM program.
While Acres worked on the planning studies, which included very detailed cost estimates and risk analysis, Manitoba Hydro was developing a limited partnership with the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. This close association with local stakeholders was recognized by Acres through a strong pro-active approach to public consultation. One innovation was the use of 3-D renderings of the site at various stages of construction, including an animated fly-by, to promote better understanding of the proposal.
For further information please contact:
Jim Smith, Project Manager
Acres Manitoba
204-786-8751
jsmith@acres.com
