North Saskatchewan River Direct Intake Environmental Construction Monitoring

Project Summary

X-Terra Environmental Services Ltd. has completed environmental monitoring of construction activities of a direct intake on the North Saskatchewan River. X-Terra conducted overall environmental monitoring for mid-lift and low-lift modules, pipeline construction, riverbank pipeline HDD, in water spur and cofferdam construction, fish counts and fish salvage operations, dewatering operations.  Once the intake structure was completed, X-Terra monitored spur and cofferdam removal operations with subsequent reclamation, between 2016 and November 2020.  A key component of the project was the in-water work conducted on the North Saskatchewan River (NSR), for which X-Terra conducted on-water (jet boat) and remote telemetry turbidity monitoring as part of the DFO requirements for the construction and removal of in-water components. X-Terra conducted and managed all spill response, reporting, documentation and clean-up efforts.

Upon completion of the direct intake and its various components, X-Terra monitored interim reclamation efforts. This involved riverbank stabilization, erosion control systems, offsetting plans and implementation. The project required 5 environmental monitors, due to the multiple components of the project being simultaneously constructed. Diligent project management, client liaison and communication throughout the project was essential in its successful execution. 

Our Role

X-Terra conducted overall environmental monitoring and documentation of construction activities. Our role including biophysical component monitoring including rare plant surveys and wildlife surveys as well as activity setback establishment. Construction component monitoring included river valley sensitive habitat protection, spill response and cleanup efforts, and extensive in-water turbidity monitoring. Reclamation monitoring included erosion control, riverbank armoring and stabilization.

X-Terra compiled the details of all operations and completed a comprehensive As-Built report outlining the chronological sequence of events and operations to satisfy the requirements of the project regulatory permits and approval.

Services Provided

·      Pre-construction rare plant surveys, wildlife surveys, and nest sweeps

·      Indigenous and Cultural Monitoring

·      NSR sensitive habitat monitoring and protection

·      HDD frac-out monitoring

·      NSR turbidity monitoring

·      Reclamation monitoring

·      Soil horizon replacement and documentation

·      ROW seeding management and documentation

·      Offset planning and execution