An update on the Hugh L. Keenleyside Spillway Gates Reliability Upgrade Project, as the refurbishment of the low-level outlet gates continues.
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Submitted by: Mary Anne Coules, Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Community Relations, BC Hydro
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Economic benefits for the local community
This project brings significant benefits to the local community.
To date, the local economy has seen an additional $3.3 million dollars invested through project-related expenditures, and we expect to contribute another $2.2 million by the end of the project.
An estimated $115,000 per month is currently spent locally in support of the work on this project, including the purchase of local project supplies and services whenever possible.
This includes machining works and the fabrication of tools, office supplies, accommodations, equipment rentals, safety and environmental protection equipment and services.
Project update and planned work
The Hugh L. Keenleyside Dam project will complete a combination of replacement, refurbishment, and the addition of new equipment on the spillway and low-level outlet gates.
The scope of work includes upgrading the mechanical components, electrical power systems and the protection and control systems at the facility.
This spring, BC Hydro is refurbishing low-level outlet gate six. The refurbishment process takes approximately four months and entails removal of the gate from the dam; transfer to the adjacent warehouse; removing, inspecting and replacing or refurbishing all of the gate components; coating of the gate; and the reassembly of all components.
Once this work is completed in July, low-level outlet gate six will be reinstalled. The gate will then be tested before it is returned to operation.
We will also be installing scaffolding for the reinforcement and removal of the spillway gates hoist components, as well as undertaking electrical upgrades. This work will take place on the dam deck above the spillway gates.
All of these upgrades are enhancing BC Hydro’s ability to safely manage flood waters downstream of HLK, which protects both the dam and downstream communities.
Dam deck closure
Please be advised that to ensure the safety of the public, employees and contractors, access across HLK will continue to be closed to all traffic for the duration of the Spillway Gates Upgrade Project as the dam deck runs through the project work site.
During this time, the dam deck will be unsafe for travel as covers must be removed to access the gates and gate equipment in the dam, crews will be working on and above the dam deck, construction material will be stored on the dam deck, and heavy equipment will be in use.
Please note that as always during access closures BC Hydro will continue to open the dam deck to the public when it is safe to do so.
Access to the Navigational Lock will remain open through the south entrance, except during Navigational Lock outages.
Thank you for your interest and continued support as this significant infrastructure upgrade work is completed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 250-365-4565 or by email at maryanne.coules@bchydro.com