Engineering Mandates in Lachute, Rivière du Nord, QC
Equinox Construction Services was mandated by Hydromega to provide Engineering Services related to the techno-economic optimization and the technical feasibility analysis of increasing operating levels during non-flood periods, as well as project management services for the renovation work inside and outside the power plants, including dam safety.
ECS also carried out survey inspections at the Ayers 1 and Ayers 2 power plants in Lachute, drafting the inspection reports required by the Loi sur la sécurité des barrages.
Finally, ECS was responsible for handling a variety of tasks, including assessing the load-bearing capacity of the service bridge and dam deck, inspecting the structures that support the bridge crane, the water chamber, and the upstream wall, as well as carrying out geotechnical investigations to analyze the stability of the dike at the Ayers 1 power station.
- Dam safety assessment
- Geotechnical investigations
- Techno-economic optimization
- Operating level optimization
- Non-flood operating level assessment
- Dam and power plant rehabilitation
- Project management
- Regulatory compliance
- Dam safety inspections
- Dam safety documentation and reporting
Timeline
September 2023 to March 2024
Cost
Confidential
Professional fees
$25,000
The Challenge: Coordinating Inspections with Complex Site Conditions
One of the main challenges of the mandate was coordinating the required inspections with complex operational and site constraints. The inspection schedule within the forebay had to be carefully aligned with the dewatering activities, requiring close coordination to ensure that the necessary access conditions were available while minimizing impacts on plant operations.
The mandate also involved inspections in confined spaces, which required personnel with specific training and qualifications to safely access and assess the structures. ECS had to plan the inspections around these requirements, ensuring that the appropriate resources, safety procedures, and site conditions were in place before the work could proceed.
ECS coordinated the inspection activities with the dewatering schedule and ensured that the required personnel, training, and safety measures were in place. This planning allowed the inspections to be carried out within the operational constraints while maintaining the required safety standards.
Intervention by Equinox Construction Services
Equinox Construction Services provided engineering and project management services to Hydromega for the optimization and technical feasibility assessment of increasing operating levels during non-flood periods, as well as for renovation work at the power plants and associated dam safety activities.
ECS conducted survey inspections at the Ayers 1 and Ayers 2 power plants and prepared the inspection reports required under the Loi sur la sécurité des barrages. The mandate also included structural and geotechnical assessments, including the load-bearing capacity of the service bridge and dam deck, the condition of the bridge crane support structures, water chamber, and upstream wall, as well as geotechnical investigations to assess the stability of the dike at the Ayers 1 power station.
ECS coordinated the inspection activities with the complex dewatering operations required in the forebay and ensured that personnel involved in confined-space inspections had the appropriate training. Through careful planning and coordination of site access, safety requirements, and technical investigations, ECS supported the efficient execution of the work while meeting applicable dam safety and regulatory requirements.
Services Provided
- Survey inspections of Ayers 1 and 2 power plants
- Production of water chamber inspection report
- Preparation of various engineering deliverables
- Bid assembly for geotechnical investigation work
- Preparation of recommendations and action list
- Preliminary inspection of production capacity increase at both plants
Team
Additional Resources
Printable project sheet