INNOVATION July-August 2012

2011 2012 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Kootenay River Generator Upgrade Program

Submarine Emergency Ventilation and Decompression System OceanWorks International has recently delivered 24 submarine receiving fittings and four submarine adapter units to the Department of National Defence for the Victoria-Class Submarine Emergency Ventilation and Decompression System (SEVDS). This custom-designed equipment allows the existing hi/lo salvage fittings found on the Victoria-Class submarines to be used for submarine rescue operations. The submarine adapter units allow any NATO-standard SEVDS to be used in an operation involving the Victoria-Class submarines. The adapter units are designed to be operated by a diver, atmospheric diving system or remotely operated vehicle to connect the SEVDS safely and securely to the submarine. The SEVDS provides a safe and reliable method of supplying submarine with ventilation and decompression during an emergency. This extends the time frame for other submarine rescue assets to arrive on site and start personnel transfer to the surface. aims to extend the service life of the generators an additonal 50 years to ensure continuing reliable operation into the 21 st Century. In conjunction with the life extension activities, which primarily involve replacement or refurbishment of electrical equipment, there is also an opportunity to realize financial benefits through installing new, more efficient turbines in the units to make better use of the available water resource. Owner: FortisBC. Engineer: Hatch – Renewable Power. FortisBC owns and operates the Corra Linn (3x20 MVA), Upper Bonnington (2x25.5 MVA), Lower Bonnington (3x20 MVA) and South Slocan (3x24 MVA) run-of-river generating stations located on the Kootenay River in British Columbia.The four power stations were originally commissioned between 1925 and 1955 and have been operating satisfactorily over the years. The Generator Modernization, Upgrade and Life Extension Program began in 1998 with the first Unit at Lower Bonnington and is scheduled for completion in 2012. The Program

Pascua LamaMine Project The Pascua Lama Mine project is a new gold mine presently under construction, which straddles the border between Chile and Argentina at an elevation of 5,000 m. The project is being developed as an open pit mine by Barrick. The mine contains 18 million ounces of gold and over 700 million ounces of silver with plans to be mined using traditional open pit truck and shovel operations over a period of 25 years. Key infrastructure being constructed as part of the mine includes a 4 km conveyor tunnel and underground ore transfer station comprising caverns and silos. The conveyor tunnel is a critical path component for construction and the lifeline for permanent operations for the mine. Jacobs Associates is providing specialist underground engineering oversight and review services for the conveyor tunnel during construction. Other consultants from BC involved in the project include BGC Engineering and Piteau Associates.

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