Name of the Project
Grand Falls-Windsor dam project.

Location
New Foundland and Labrador, Canada.

Client
New Foundland and Labrador Hydro.

Project Description
The generation facility at Grand Falls-Windsor is the largest of three hydroelectric facilities on the Exploits river and has an electrical generating capacity of 75 MW for the island grid.

The project entails the extensive rehabilitation of the dam at the hydroelectric plant.

The primary work includes reinforcing the existing concrete structure and installing a new inflatable spillway over the dam’s crest.

The spillway – the first of its kind in the province – will replace the flashboards and will allow for greater spill capacity control.

This work will stabilise the dam, allow greater control for spilling, assist better fish passage, and make ongoing maintenance activities much safer.

The main purpose of the dam is to divert water to the power canal.

The dam, which extends across the Exploits river, currently uses timber flashboards to increase pond elevation for additional generation and fish passage.

These flashboards need to be replaced often and it is challenging and dangerous work.

The inflatable portion of the dam will be installed in three sections, which can control flows independently along the dam – this will make it easier to control ice and other debris, which could impact on power generation.

The project will also include the creation of a single-lane vehicle bridge and a pedestrian bridge to provide safe access during construction and future maintenance activities.

Jobs to be Created
Not stated.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
The project started in October and is expected to take three years to complete.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
New Foundland and Labrador Hydro, tel +1 709 737 1400, fax +1 709 737 1800 or email hydro@nlh.nl.ca.