BC Hydro has announced that it is to start increasing construction work at the site C dam in British Columbia, Canada, using a phased approach after work was scaled back in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The utility said it is working with project contractors and unions to begin ramping up construction activities, with the first increase in work focusing on restarting some of the main civil works on the earthfill dam and roller compacted concrete dam buttress.
Work at the dam site was scaled back in mid-March to focus on essential activities and critical work required to meet river diversion later this year. This brought the overall workforce staying at camp down by about 50% and helped reduce densification at the site and worker accommodation lodge.
BC Hydro said it worked with Northern Health to implement measures to improve health and safety at site in alignment with provincial health guidelines. This included enforcing social and physical distancing both in camp and at the work sites, enhancing cleaning procedures in the worker accommodation, closing common areas and closely monitoring worker health while on site.
A health screening process has also been implemented for all workers accessing the site, including the B.C. Ministry of Health COVID-19 self-assessment questionnaire, along with a non-invasive temperature scan. These measures will remain in place.
