Volume 8, Issue 5, November 2010
The end of civil works at the Eastmain-1-A jobsite The story of Nemiscau workcamp The Harmonie project—one of a kind!
People with a powerful vision
The Harmonie project —one of a kind! The Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project began in 2007 and is now almost 75% complete. At the end of November, construction of the structures on the Rupert will be finished. All that will remain is the commissioning of the six generating units of the Eastmain-1-A and Sarcelle powerhouses, which will be done by the end of winter 2011– 2012.
Harmonie Committee Virgile Albert, Yvon Beaudoin, France Brûlé, Laurent Busque, Hélène Haeck, Marc Imbeau, Marie-Andrée Lacas, Jean Matte, Philippe Mora, Alain Létourneau, Martin Lacasse, Julie Sbeghen, Bruno Soucy, Yves Barrette
YB – But “there’s many a slip twixt the cup and the lip!” Indeed, the transfer of systems to Hydro-Québec Production requires close cooperation between units to ensure facility performance.
2010–2011 season
In this spirit, SEBJ and Hydro-Québec Production have agreed to build strong bridges in an infectious atmosphere of harmony and cooperation between the teams building the project and those who will take over from them in all respects (technical, environmental and social). Inspired by the SEBJ teamwork initiative, the Harmonie project was launched. During October, nearly eighty SEBJ and Hydro-Québec Production employees were interviewed by fifteen of their coworkers as part of an appreciative inquiry. This enabled the interviewers to compile - a collection of success stories from past experiences in similar contexts; and - a wish list and list of conditions for success for this final, decisive phase of the project. At the end of November 2010, this information was used to stimulate discussion at a forum that brought together the interviewers and the members of the Harmonie committee. During the forum, our co-workers developed action plans and looked at methods and attitudes that will go a long way toward establishing effective communication between the teams, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere and delivering the expected results during this phase of the project. In early winter 2011, we will share the proposals and commitments that emerged from the interviews and forum with Hydro-Québec Production and SEBJ personnel so that, together, we can be even better placed to attain our goals.
The Eastmain curling club has the hammer With 14 teams entered in the opening bonspiel in November and about 20 more listed for the regular season, the Eastmain workcamp curling club is experiencing unprecedented popularity. In this last season, the Eastmain curling club has the hammer which, just like that last rock of an end, could hit hard this year. JL – With roughly 140 members in 20 teams for the 2010–2011 season, curling is becoming by far the most popular winter sport at Eastmain workcamp. One out of every four workers is involved in this sporting—and social—activity! Opening bonspiel In the opening bonspiel, held from November 10 to 13, 14 teams, including two from Nemiscau workcamp, faced each other in friendly competition. The winning teams were: - Class A: Catherine Langlois, Paul Pelchat, Nicolas Rodrigue, Antoni Larochelle and Gaston Marin - Class B: Rhéna Parent, Nelson Lebel, Serge Caron and Gaston Lepage - Class C: Maryse Falardeau, Daniel Desgagnés, Yvan Mongrain, Yvan Tessier Congratulations!
Supervisor – Public Relations / Magazine Editor: Bionda Miotto / 819 672-2200, ext. 3854 miotto.bionda@hydro.qc.ca Advisor – Public Relations and Editor-in-Chief: Jimmy Lavoie / 819 865-2100 poste 4159, lavoie.jimmy@hydro.qc.ca Writers: Pascal Dion, Jimmy Lavoie, Marie-Ève Morin, Mélanie Vachon Contributors: Yvon Coulombe, Yves Barrette, Claude Perron, Normand Faubert Translator: Margaret Kane Savage / Reviser: Isabel Fonte / Graphics: Paul Salois Design / Photographer: Paul Brindamour / Printer: Imprimerie Lebonfon Eastmain Magazine is published by SEBJ Public Relations for the workers of the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project. Internet site: www.hydroquebec.com/rupert. Extranet site: www.extranetsebj.ca. (© SEBJ, All rights reserved) Eastmain Magazine is printed on chlorine- and acid-free EcoLogo certified paper, made in Québec, containing 100% post-consumer fibre, manufactured using biogas energy.
2 Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
People with a powerful vision
Nemiscau workcamp
Nemiscau workcamp Its closing and history MEM – The Rupert diversion jobsite is winding down, which is made obvious by the end of work on the Rupert River but also by changes at Nemiscau workcamp. In fact, Nemiscau workcamp will be closing on December 17, 2010, but will be only partially dismantled (most of the dormitories will be moved to the Romaine project and to Eastmain workcamp). The space freed will be used to store surplus assets from Oujeck and Rupert workcamps. Many are amazed to see the three dismantled Bailey bridges, used for in-river work at KP 290 and KP 33. Only a small team of 25 to 30 people from the administration, impoundment, and mitigation measure units, along with site manager Gervais Savard, will be transferred to Eastmain workcamp for 2011.
From July to November 1999, it served as a base camp for land studies that would get the Rupert diversion project off the ground. In 2002, it was expanded from 250 to 400 beds. The road to Eastmain-1 was built, and environmental and technical studies were conducted for the Eastmain-1-A/ Sarcelle/Rupert project until 2005. Finally, in January 2007, once the permits had been obtained, the workcamp mushroomed from 400 to 1,200 beds when work on the Rupert diversion project began. An opportunity to grow! This stage not only marks the end of work on the Rupert, but a transition for everyone. It gives us time us to compile all of our experience and build on it for the future. With the knowledge garnered on the project, we will be able to advance, innovate, and create our own opportunities.
Nemiscau workcamp, established in 1977! There have been several stages in Nemiscau workcamp’s existence. In 1977, it opened for the first time to accommodate the workers building power transmission lines and Nemiscau and Albanel substations. It closed a few years later and remained closed for 10 years before being used during construction of new transmission lines in the ’90s.
Nemiscau workcamp – 2002 Did you know that the July 2002 forest fires burned an area of 131,000 ha (more than twice the size of the island of Montréal), and that Nemiscau workcamp had to be evacuated? In this picture, you can clearly see the charred trees even after 5 years.
Eastmain Magazine, November 2010 3
Nemiscau workcamp
Nemiscau workcamp – 2007 Burned areas from the 2002 fire can be clearly seen.
Nemiscau workcamp – 2008 The workcamp’s expansion is noticeable.
Nemiscau workcamp – November 2010 Dismantling of some modules has begun.
4 Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
People with a powerful vision
Working on two fronts
JL – The end of civil works is a significant milestone at the Eastmain1-A jobsite. The last major contract in this field was completed in early November, when Neilson-EBC finished dismantling the downstream cofferdam, which you may recall had to be completed to finalize the powerhouse tailrace excavation. For its part, at the end of October, Cegerco–Inter-Cité completed Phase II of its powerhouse concrete contract. At press time, only finishing work and concrete repairs at various levels remained to be done. In all, the company poured more than 27,800 m3 of concrete during Phase II, mainly in the turbine area. The more extensive use of precast concrete was also a noteworthy part of the contract. With the end of concrete work at the Eastmain-1-A jobsite, dismantling of the concrete plant began in early November. In all, the plant operated by Construction Polaris produced more than 113,000 m3 of concrete for the Eastmain-1-A project.
November began with Voith Hydro’s turbine assembly team working on two fronts. Two generating units, LC 11 and LC 12, are being assembled in parallel. For LC 11, the team is installing the stator winding using stator bars, installing auxiliary services and assembling the rotor rim, and tightening the bolts of the head cover. The contractor is all set to install the turbine shaft, which will turn the rotor due to the mechanical force exerted by the turbine runner. Rotor assembly for generating unit LC 11 is ongoing in the powerhouse service area. As for unit LC 12, the emphasis is on assembling the stator’s magnetic circuit with installation of the clamping fingers. Meanwhile, in the assembly area, the bottom ring is being assembled and preparations are being made to install the central part of the rotor.
Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
5
THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES
Eastmain-1-A jobsite
End of civil works
THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES
Eastmain-1-A jobsite Continuity is the watchword Continuity is the watchword as the TAP Consortium proceeds with its contract to supply and install equipment and electrical and mechanical systems at Eastmain-1-A powerhouse. This includes the beginning of installation of the generator panels, masonry work, installation of the stairway framework and erection of the steel structure for the eastern inside wall of the powerhouse. For its part, LAR Machinerie is continuing to paint the penstocks.
Acknowledging innovation
An honor roll designed to pay tribute to innovative practices has been installed at the workcamp cafeteria. All successes and new approaches to innovation on the jobsites will be featured! Do you want to be listed on the honor roll and share an innovative approach that you or a co-worker put forward? Contact Jimmy Lavoie: lavoie.jimmy@hydro.qc.ca 819-865-2100 ext. 4159
6 Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
People with a powerful vision
MV – Backfill work was completed after the end of concrete work on the stoplog supports in the storage area, located upstream on the right bank. Now that the tower crane tracks have been installed, they are being concreted. Work on the upstream water level gage is ongoing. The base of this device, which will measure the water level in the headrace, is being installed. The concreting and welding of the trashrack and stoplog slots of the three gates have been completed.
Downstream Concrete work is finished on the downstream gate slots and the service bridge. Insulated sheeting was placed over the downstream wall of the powerhouse to provide temporary thermal protection.
Powerhouse Auxiliary transformers S-1 and S-2 and secondary distribution centres CD 1 and CD 2 have arrived. These devices will supply the powerhouse with lighting, heating, pumping systems and ventilation. The dewatering and drainage pumps and compressors have been installed.
THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES
Sarcelle jobsite
Upstream
Eastmain Magazine, November 2010 7
THE JOBSITE IN PICTURES
Sarcelle jobsite
Generating units Unit 22 has been handed over to civil engineering for the concreting of embedded parts. Unit 21 will be handed over in late December. In turbine manufacturer Alstom’s workshop, the stator winding for LS 23 and stator stacking for LS 22 are ongoing. Distributor assembly is underway in the assembly area of Eastmain-1 powerhouse. Its main components are the inner and outer head covers and the wicket gates. This part will be attached to the stay ring, the sealing ring and the runner chamber.
Switchyard
Profile
The fence and lampposts have been installed. Now that panels and junction boxes are in place, workers are running cables and connecting them.
Brunelle Stoken, a Cree who has made the rounds of the project MV – Brunelle Stoken is a young man of 34 from a family of six children and the proud father of a two-year-old boy. At the age of 11, Brunelle lost his father in a tragic hunting accident. Despite this ordeal, Brunelle remains a bon vivant who appreciates life’s blessings. In 2007, he had the opportunity to be part of the Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project. At that time, he worked for contractor Nabashou on construction of the Muskeg road, where he was assigned to install culverts.
For over a year, he pumped water at the dikes and dams. In April 2010, he was hired to work at Sarcelle by VCC (Vieux Comptoir Construction), a company responsible for camp maintenance. For VCC, he worked as a laborer and a handler, carrying out all sorts of tasks that require strength and fortitude. His co-workers say he is a treasure. Everyone agrees that Brunelle is reliable, enthusiastic, hard working and always ready for a good laugh despite seeming reserved and shy at first.
Then, in 2008, he was hired by CCDC (Cree Construction and Development Company) at Rupert jobsite.
8 Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
People with a powerful vision
Sarcelle Jobsite
Bulb units There are several steps involved in installing the stator winding. MV – One of these is placing bars vertically in the slots of the magnetic circuit. There are 792 bars in a stator. Factory made, these bars are composed of two rows of 23 individually insulated copper strands. A semi-conductive separator is inserted between them; one of its uses is to maintain
an acceptable distance between the two bars so as to prevent discharges from occurring between bars outside the magnetic circuit. At twelve equally spaced locations, the separator is replaced by a platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD). The RTDs measure the temperature of the stator winding when the generator is running. Next, a slot wedge and a ripple spring are installed. These parts keep the bars from vibrating and, in the event of a short circuit, ensure that they stay in place. In the next step, pairs of bars are connected by brazing them to copper plates or a set of serial connections. Brazing is the process of joining two metal parts using a molten filler metal.
Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
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Safety
On the safety front, workers have obligations, too. YC – The Act respecting Occupational Health and Safety defines employers and workers’ rights and obligations.
Employers have 15 obligations, which the prime contractor makes sure are fulfilled. Workers have 6 obligations. Can you name a few? We’ll help! Section 49 of the Act, requires workers to 1. become familiar with the prevention program applicable to them; 2. take the necessary measures to ensure their health and safety; 3. see that they do not endanger the health and safety of other people at the jobsite; 4. undergo the medical examinations required by the Act; 5. participate in identifying and eliminating accident risks; and 6. cooperate with the jobsite committee or any person responsible for safety. Add a liberal helping of common sense and respect and you’ll be safe and sound. The jobsite safety team
Eastmain Magazine onlin online Check out Eastmain Magazine Magazine’s new online format! - Ex Exclusively on the SEBJ Extranet site make reading easier - A format similar to the paper version to mak several days before it comes out - Read it seve
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10 Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
People with a powerful vision
BRAKING
In winter, when the ground is covered in ice or snow, we frequently need to brake under emergency conditions. Here are some basic tips for safe braking.
With an antilock braking system (ABS) Don’t pump the brakes! The ABS system keeps the wheels from locking up when braking suddenly. Just apply steady and constant pressure on the brake pedal, even if it vibrates. Anti-lock brakes reduce the risk of spinning out and give you better control of the vehicle. On the other hand, braking distance on ice or snow is longer than with a traditional braking system. So don’t overestimate your ABS and remember that the effectiveness of the braking system depends on the condition of your tires.
Without an ABS To brake effectively, gradually increase pressure on the pedal to avoid locking the wheels. In an emergency, take your foot off the accelerator and put the vehicle in neutral
then stop by pumping the brakes to keep the vehicle moving in a straight line. This method reduces the braking distance while helping to keep the vehicle under control. Still, you have to find the right balance: pumping too fast will block the wheels, while pumping too slowly will lengthen the stopping distance. It’s a good idea to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you to be able to stop safely. On a dry road, this distance should be as follows: • 28 m when driving 50 km/h • 50 m when driving 90 km/h • 55 m when driving 100 km/h To see if you are maintaining this distance on the road, apply the two-second rule. Choose a reference point and, when the rear of the vehicle ahead of you passes that point, count the number of seconds it takes for your vehicle to reach it. If it takes less than two seconds, slow down—you’re too close! When the road is snowy or icy, and traction is reduced, double or even triple the number of seconds. Claude Perron Section Officer Direction principale – Sécurité industrielle
Funds raised for Ducks Unlimited have tripled since 2006 The Ducks Unlimited dinner auctions at Eastmain workcamp are very popular and every year the nonprofit organization leaves the camp with the wind beneath its wings. JL – Nathalie Bernier, a Ducks Unlimited volunteer, began by saying that she was delighted by her visit to Eastmain workcamp again this year. “It’s really wonderful to see how involved everyone is and it’s nice to pay a visit and discover that people know about Ducks Unlimited.” It must be said that this is not the organization’s first fundraising event at the camp. Since 2006, many dinner auctions have been held. These activities have helped raise nearly $39,000 over the past five years, not to mention the proceeds of previous years. The funds raised have tripled since 2006: 2006: 2007: 2008:
$4,770 $4,455 $4,452
2009: 2010:
$11,440 $13,730
Congratulations! Eastmain Magazine, November 2010
11
End of project activities include the restoration of all areas affected by construction
Site restoration NF – For example, according to the Regulation respecting pits and quarries, land restoration is required at these locations to reintegrate them smoothly into the environment after operations have ceased. The restoration plan usually consists of grading and replacing the topsoil, set aside at the beginning of operations, to facilitate the growth of vegetation. For a sand pit, the slope of the worked surface must be no more than 30° from the horizontal (1.7 H: 1.0 V) to prevent landslides and erosion. In a quarry, a vertical wall must not exceed 10 m; if there are several vertical cuts, they must be separated by horizontal terraces 4 m wide. In addition, all affected sites, including contractors’ areas, must be cleared of temporary facilities, rubbish of any kind and hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. A contractor must return the land where it worked to a state similar to its original condition and, where necessary, restore natural drainage. Finally, all the sites affected, including decommissioned roads, must be scarified to a minimum depth of 20 cm to facilitate revegetation.
KP 290 restoration