Site work for a mixed-use development in Lumby, British Columbia. Completed plans call for site work for a power facility.

This RFP is for a Contract that generally includes dredging and downstream release of approximately 60,000 cubic metres (m3) (i.e., at an average of 300 m3/hour) of submerged sediment from the Wilsey Dam headpond (reservoir) at BC Hydro’s Shuswap Generating Station near Lumby, B.C in 2025, and options to dredge and release similar quantities of sediment in up to two (2) subsequent years at the sole discretion of BC Hydro. The work will take place within the traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan and Secwepemc Nations. The area around Wilsey Dam is culturally significant to both Nations and BC Hydro anticipates First Nations monitors will be on site as part of this work. Dredged sediment is to be released over the free-crest spillway and into the Middle Shuswap River during forecasted high flows in Spring 2025 (and potentially in Spring of subsequent years if the above-noted options are exercised). The project objectives include, but are not limited to: (a) Release of a sediment volume large enough and quickly enough to provide measurable effects downstream of the dam to enable BC Hydro to calibrate fish passage impacts and sediment transport models to improve predictive analysis for future decisions related to sediment management and fish passage; (b) Adjustment of the rate of sediment release in real time as required to comply water quality targets downstream of the dam; (c) Adjustment of the rate of sediment release in real time in response to observed environmental effects downstream of the dam and associated guidance from the project’s qualified environmental professionals and engineers; and (d) Full compliance with all applicable environmental, safety and permitting regulations. As a secondary objective, to the extent practical, and within the environmental constraints described above, remove sediment in areas where sediment removal facilitates BC Hydro operations including: a. Remove accumulated sediment along the assumed alignment of the historic river channel to a depth of 15 m or greater, to facilitate future and potential decommissioning of the dam. b. Remove accumulated sediment in front of Generator Intake 2 to facilitate near term generation and reliable use of the environmental bypass valve. c. Remove accumulated sediment in front of the concrete arch dam to facilitate access to the low-level outlet bulkhead plates required for future project work.