BC Hydro and its contractor are implementing a remediation plan for the 400-metre tension crack on the north bank of the Site C dam site.

Safety is our top priority. BC Hydro continues to monitor instruments, including survey prisms and inclinometers, and they show that the slope around the tension crack is stable. 

The first stage of the remediation plan includes the construction of a toe berm to hold the area stable. Construction of the toe berm is proceeding on schedule. Work on an initial western toe buttress has been completed and work on the remaining buttresses is scheduled to be completed by late April.

To facilitate/expedite the completion of the toe berm, access to the north bank has been improved by expanding River Road from one lane to two. This work was completed in late March.

Once the toe berm is completed, the next stage of the remediation will focus on safely removing the material from the north bank and allowing work to resume. Design is underway for this stage of work.

BC Hydro expects to complete the remediation work for the tension crack within the overall project budget and schedule.

As part of Site C construction, work has been underway for the past 20 months to remove unstable soil to create stable slopes for eventual dam construction. During the construction of a haul road to support this excavation work, a tension crack appeared. Tension cracks are not unexpected in this area; however, this particular crack requires attention due to its significant 400-metre length.

While there was some initial movement of soil, it has now stabilized. This area of unstable soil was already slated to be removed as part of engineering new stable banks for dam construction.

Additional Information

Information Sheet: North Bank Slope Stabilization

Contact:

BC Hydro Media Relations
604 928 6468