Authors: C. Mee, D. Compostella (Strabag Inc) R. Delmar(HMM) , R. Everdell (OPG)
Tunneling Association of Canada's 20th National Conference to be held October 27, 2008
Abstract
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) awarded the design and construction of the water
diversion, Niagara Tunnel Project, to STRABAG AG in August 2005. This was approximately 20 years
from the commencement of studies to investigate the feasibility of expanding hydroelectric power
capabilities of OPG’s Sir Adam Beck (SAB) generating facilities on the Niagara River. Environmental
reference documentation commenced in 1989 with the Environmental Assessment report being issued in
1991. However, due to economic considerations, the project was put on hold at that time. The project was
again revisited in the late 1990s and the Environmental Assessment (EA) approval was obtained in 1998.
Authorizations under the Federal Fisheries Act, as well as work permits under the Ontario Lakes and Rivers
Improvement Act were also required. The Niagara Tunnel Project is being constructed beneath the City of
Niagara Falls, Ontario. The potential disruption of such a large project to the City was considered a major
concern during the EA process. Many of these initial concerns were addressed by implementation of
tunneling technologies developed in the early 1990s. A Community Impact Agreement was signed
providing compensation to the host municipalities for project impacts that were anticipated during
construction as well as providing a mechanism to address transportation, municipal services, tourism and
citizen concerns. For the on-site construction activities, the Contractor was required to obtain certificates of
approval for water treatment and operation of a concrete batch plant, as well as permits to take water. The
primary environmental issues addressed to date are the treatment of tunnel discharge water during
construction and measures to control dust migration from the tunnel spoil disposal site. Innovative methods
have been implemented to address these issues.
