Waneta expansion project marks no lost time or major environmental incident to date
By Contributor
Despite its massive size, the Waneta Dam expansion project has seen no massive amount of problems.
In fact, the project has reached more than 450,000 man hours without a lost time or major environmental incident.
“This is an important milestone for the project,” said Audrey Repin, spokesperson for the Waneta Expansion Project. “It defines our dedication to a high standard of safety, environmental protection, and quality workmanship and is representative of the work done each and every day on-site.”
Construction progress is going well and the project is currently on schedule. Major construction activities on-site include excavation of the intake, powerhouse and power tunnels.
Currently more than 200 employees are working on the project, with approximately 82 per cent living within 100 kilometers of the site. A commitment to providing opportunities for women, visible minorities, disabled persons and First Nations has proven successful and the current workforce consists of 15 per cent equity employees.
A public viewing area was created across Highway 22A and is home to a platform lookout, which was donated by ASL-JV. Interpretive signage adds to the public viewing area, making it a popular spot to safely view construction activity and learn about the project.
An independent socio-economic monitor has been hired to objectively monitor the impacts of the project on the greater Trail area. The first report is available at:
http://www.columbiapower.org/pdf/2011SocioEconomicReport.pdf
- The Waneta Expansion Project is a partnership between Fortis Inc., Columbia Power Corporation, and Columbia Basin Trust. For more information please visit: www.columbiapower.org/wanetaexpansion.
