Statutory Inspection of a Dam in Pont-Rouge, Quebec
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was commissioned by the owner of the X0001717 dam at Lac Saint-Denis to undertake a Statutory Inspection of the dam, including a visual analysis of all components, including but not limited to the closure dikes, the weir, the guide wall, the hydraulic passages, the retaining walls, as well as the impoundment, the downstream apron and the forebay.
Following this inspection, ECS prepared a Statutory Inspection Report which included, among other aspects, a description of how the inspection was carried out, ECS' observations documented through annotated photographs, recommendations with respect to the dam's current condition and status, and finally a preliminary estimate of the construction costs associated with the recommendations. ECS also reviewed the levels of consequence in the event of dam failure, evaluating the range of risks and impacts covered by the Loi sur la sécurité des barrages.
During the inspection, particular attention was given to elements such as Public Safety Around Dams, environmental protection measures, and the condition of the dam's structural components.
- Statutory dam inspection
- Dam condition assessment
- Visual inspection and documentation
- Structural component assessment
- Public safety around dams
- Environmental protection measures
- Maintenance and repair recommendations
- Preliminary repair cost estimating
- Statutory inspection reporting
- Dam condition attestation
Timeline
August-October 2024
Cost
Confidential
Professional fees
$3,970M
The Challenge: Assessing a Dam with an Undetermined Class and Consequence Level
One of the main challenges of the mandate was the absence of previous calculations establishing the consequence level and dam class. ECS was therefore required to review the available information and assess the potential risks and impacts associated with dam failure in accordance with the requirements of the Loi sur la sécurité des barrages.
The inspection required a comprehensive visual assessment of the closure dikes, the weir, the guide wall, the hydraulic passages, the retaining walls, as well as the impoundment, the downstream apron and the forebay. ECS documented its observations through annotated photographs and evaluated the condition of the dam's structural components.
The presence of “temporary” housing in the vicinity of the dam presented an additional challenge, requiring particular consideration of public safety around dams and the potential consequences associated with dam failure. Vegetation present around the dam and its components was also considered as part of the overall site and environmental assessment.
Intervention by Equinox Construction Services
The owner of dam X0001717 mandated Equinox Construction Services (ECS) to carry out a Statutory Inspection of the dam. The inspection included a visual assessment of all major components, including the closure dikes, the weir, the guide wall, the hydraulic passages, the retaining walls, as well as the impoundment, the downstream apron and the forebay.
ECS documented its observations using annotated photographs and incorporated these findings into a Statutory Inspection Report. The report described how the inspection was conducted, documented the observed condition of the dam and identified recommendations based on the findings. ECS also prepared a preliminary estimate of the construction and repair costs associated with the recommended interventions.
As part of the assessment, ECS reviewed the potential consequences of a dam failure and considered the range of risks and impacts covered by the Loi sur la sécurité des barrages. The inspection also identified the presence of “temporary” housing and vegetation in the vicinity of the dam. These conditions were noted during the assessment due to their potential relevance to public safety, site conditions and the overall management of the dam and its surrounding area.
Services Provided
- Site visit to dam X0001717 at Lac Saint-Denis, Pont-Rouge
- Visual inspection of dam and its various components
- Condition analysis of various dam components and systems
- Assessment of structural condition, public safety, and environmental protection measures
- Preparation of the Statutory Inspection Report
- Development of a list of recommendations
- Estimation of construction and repair costs
- Attestation of the dam's current condition
Team
Additional Resources
Printable project sheet