Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse
| Cost: | $100 Million |
| Client: | BC Hydro |
| Location: | Ruskin, British Columbia |
| Markets: | Dams |
The Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse, located 60 kilometers east of Vancouver on the Stave River, has provided power to British Columbia since the 1930s. BC Hydro is commissioning a series of contracts to upgrade the dam, powerhouse, and associated structures - work that began in 2012 and will continue through 2017.
BC Hydro awarded Contract A to a joint venture team led by Flatiron. Work for this contract includes seismically upgrading the dam and the powerhouse by constructing new piers, installing new spillway gates, constructing a two-lane bridge and powerhouse superstructure upgrade, and installing a new powerhouse crane and elevator.
The project requires close coordination with the plant operators - the existing facility must remain online and active during construction. Additionally, the area is used for recreation and is surrounded by environmentally sensitive lands. Flatiron will follow a comprehensive environmental management plan to ensure environmental protection.
Upon completion of the upgrades, the facility will be able to withstand a 10,000-year earthquake. The upgraded facility will provide power to 33,000 homes.