Featured Project
Corbeau Hydroelectric Station Demolition and Remediation
Location
Kitigan-Zibi, QC
Key Services
Facility Decommissioning
Description
A joint venture formed by Decontie Construction Inc. and Milestone Environmental Inc. Decontie Milestone Inc. (DMI) was contracted to demolish and decommission a former run of the river Hydro Québec hydroelectric power station, the Corbeau Hydroelectric Station located on the Gatineau River adjacent to the Anishinabe (Algonquin) community of Kitigan Zibi.
Key Challenges
The remote site along a rapidly moving river with white-water conditions and fluctuating elevations emphasized the need to prioritize worker safety, facilitate heavy equipment access, and address hazardous material disposal while minimizing impact to the environment.
Key Solutions
To address these challenges meticulous planning was essential, the collaboration between Decontie and Milestone resulted in the seamless development and execution of solutions that included:
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- The construction of an upstream rock cofferdam to divert the Gatineau River’s flow around Corbeau Island to create a safer work area
- Comprehensive water safety measures and rescue equipment onsite; and
- Collaboration with a specialized subcontractor, Demolition Plus, and the use of specialized machinery for heavy civil earthworks and demolition to minimize impacts to the surrounding environment.
Project Scope
- Implementation of site-specific health and safety and environmental protection measures;
- Clearing and grubbing;
- Access road widening and improvements;
- Design and installation of an upstream rock cofferdam to divert Gatineau River flow around Corbeau Island;
- Design and installation of a downstream rock cofferdam/working platform surrounding the hydroelectric station;
- Dismantling of wooden crib structures;
- Removal and disposal of hazardous building materials (asbestos, lead-based paint, bird droppings) from the hydroelectric station;
- Removal and recovery of rock cofferdams and creation of underwater fish habit improvements;
- Restoration of site to pre-development conditions (Spring 2016).
Indigenous Engagement
Vision:
The long-term vision was to not only recruit and retain local Algonquin workers but also to pave the way for increased access to the construction industry, extending well beyond the boundaries of the Kitigan Zibi reserve.
Plan:
In 2016, Milestone Environmental Inc. and Decontie Construction Inc. joined forces to establish Decontie Milestone Inc. This collaborative venture has emerged as a prominent Indigenous environmental contracting and construction company, with Decontie Construction Inc. holding the majority ownership distinction as the first Algonquin-Anishinabe-owned general contractor to receive licensing from the Régis du bâtiment du Québec (RBC). Our partnership was forged to leverage our collective expertise and create valuable training and employment opportunities for the Anishinabe (Algonquin) community of Kitigan Zibi.
Outcome:
As a result of our collaborative efforts, we assembled a project team comprised of members from the Anishinabe (Algonquin) community, leading to the creation of 30 new positions in various roles, including heavy equipment operation, skilled trades, administration, and site supervision. Furthermore, we also engaged independent Kitigan Zibi truckers, contributing a total of 812 hours of work for dump truck operations during the project.
The site’s restoration, slope stabilization, and seeding were successfully completed, significantly surpassing the initially projected construction schedule by a full 5 to 6 months.
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