Featured Project
East Lonzo Creek Environmental Rehabilitation Project
Location
Abbotsford, BC
Key Services
- Creek realignment and channel construction to support Trans-Canada Highway expansion.
- Excavation, segregation, and off-site disposal of contaminated and non-contaminated soils.
- Targeted removal and management of invasive Japanese knotweed.
- Soil stabilization and treatment to manage saturated and unstable materials.
- Installation of bentonite liner systems, channel rock, and riprap armouring for long-term channel stability.
- Temporary creek bypass installation to maintain water flow during construction.
- Riparian planting, revegetation, and habitat restoration.
- Collaborative delivery through the Wochmel Milestone Joint Venture with Sumas First Nation.
Description
The East Lonzo Creek Realignment project in Abbotsford, BC was delivered as part of the Trans-Canada Highway expansion program led by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The project involved relocating a section of Lonzo Creek to accommodate highway widening while improving the long-term ecological stability of the watercourse.
Milestone Environmental Contracting, in partnership with Sumas First Nation through the Wochmel Milestone Joint Venture, completed excavation, invasive species removal, soil management, and construction of a new creek channel. The works included channel stabilization, installation of liners and rock armouring, and riparian restoration to support long-term habitat function and channel performance.
During construction, the team encountered contaminated and unstable materials within the existing creek bed, as well as challenging ground conditions following a significant atmospheric river event. Milestone implemented adaptive construction methods, including selective soil stabilization and coordinated material management, allowing the project to remain safe, compliant, and on schedule despite difficult site conditions.
Key Challenges
-
Contaminated and unstable materials encountered within the existing creek bed requiring careful excavation and management.
-
Saturated ground conditions following a significant atmospheric river event impacting excavation and material stability.
-
Segregation and management of both clean and contaminated soils during active construction.
-
Tight fish window and strict environmental regulations limiting the construction schedule.
-
Coordinating creek diversion and realignment while maintaining safe and compliant site operations.
Key Solutions
-
Implemented selective soil stabilization using cement-based treatment to improve handling and transport of unstable materials.
-
Adjusted construction sequencing and excavation methods to safely manage saturated ground conditions.
-
Installed a temporary creek bypass system to divert water and allow safe construction of the new channel.
-
Segregated and managed contaminated and non-contaminated soils to ensure compliant off-site disposal.
-
Coordinated closely with regulators and Sumas First Nation to maintain environmental compliance and meet the construction schedule.
Indigenous Engagement
Milestone partnered with Sumas First Nation to deliver the project through the Wochmel Milestone Joint Venture. The partnership supported meaningful Indigenous participation in the project and helped secure the work through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Throughout construction, Sumas First Nation contributed labour, materials, and on-site cultural monitoring to ensure the project aligned with Indigenous values and practices. They also played a key role in the ecological restoration of the site, recommending and supplying many of the plant species used for riparian rehabilitation to support culturally appropriate and environmentally suitable revegetation.