Nalcor Energy’s Lower Churchill Project to create thousands of construction jobs over five years ATLANTIC CANADA SNC-Lavalin co-ordinates 824 MW Labrador project RENDERING BY NALCOR ENERGY Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer Nalcor Energy’s Lower Churchill Project, 30 km. west of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, is the province’s second largest hydroelectric initiative and will create thousands of jobs through the next five years. SNC-Lavalin has been hired as the engineering, pro- curement and construction management (EPCN) con- sultant for the 824 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric generating facility, consisting of two dams and a power- house, including: • Muskrat Falls hydroelectric generating facility • Labrador-Island • Strait of Belle Isle marine cable crossing • Labrador transmission assets The project is expected to employ about 1,500 people in more than 70 trades and occupations yearly, peaking with an estimated 3,300 people in 2015. Construction work is scheduled to take place seven days a week over two 10-hour shifts. A project Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA) be- tween Nalcor and Innu nation of Labrador and a benefits strategy have been developed. Together, these agree- ments guide employment and business activities, with gender equity and diversity programs. Gilbert Bennett, Nalcor’s vice-president for the Lower Churchill project, says many work contracts have been awarded, but there are still some to come throughout the latter part of 2013 and into 2014. “We’ve contracted Andritz Hydro for the turbines and generators and awarded the contract for the underwater marine cable to Nexans out of Norway,” he said. “The reservoir clearing is being undertaken by a local com- pany – Johnson’s Construction.” Bennett says Nalcor is relying on full and fair compe- tition to put together a supply chain ranging from local to global companies, ensuring contractors meet its safety, environmental and technical requirements while providing the best value to the project and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Site work began in 2012 with infrastructure develop- ment including access roads, a temporary work camp and the water, waste management and technology sys- tems it requires, temporary office facilities and site power set-up. Bennett says the starter camp, which opened in April 2013, houses up to 300 workers. A permanent camp that can accommodate 1,500 workers is being installed to meet the expected and continually growing workforce. Assembled on site, the modular camp will provide qual- ity accommodations, recreation and food services. “Good accommodation is very important,” he said. “Many people will be working on rotational shifts, and accommodation is definitely a consideration people look at when they’re deciding where they will work.” Workers living in the area can get home at the end of their shift through a co-ordinated transportation system. Clearing activities are required on both sides of the The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Fall 2013 – 7