ATLANTIC CANADA lower Churchill River to remove trees in the reservoir area that could impact the generating facility’s operation. Bulk rock excavation is nearing completion on the river’s south side, to allow for intakes, the powerhouse units and spillways. It has been reported that the quantity of rock being taken from the Muskrat Falls site is equivalent to the amount used to build the Egyptian pyramids. The powerhouse will consist of four units, each hous- ing a turbine and generator. These will be installed se- quentially once its concrete substructure and steel superstructure has been constructed. Rob Murray, An- dritz Hydro Canada Inc.’s business unit manager, says the turbines and generators used here will be among the largest-diameter Kaplan type turbines in the world and certainly the largest in Canada. Turbines at this size and scope are always custom designed, he said. Murray said his company spent the better part of the year on the initial design and is now into the detailed de- sign stage. “There are no identical references anywhere in the world for exactly this need, this location, this set of specifications, so we rely on our team’s engineering expertise and know-how.” Andritz has supplied key hydroelectric facilities around the world and though the project is in line with other’s size and isolation, each has unique aspects. “This project required extra planning,” he said. “There is no quick access for parts or machining and consum- ables have to be shipped in.” Murray says the remote location requires a site-spe- cific health and safety plan including medical staff and ambulances, as well as a dedicated health and safety team. “Health and safety is a number one priority of this project, and of our company. Andritz has very few safety incidents. We record all first aid, all near misses and study everything to see how we could do better.” Andrtiz anticipates needing about 100 workers at peak. “We’ll need millwrights, electricians, carpenters and pipe fitters,” he said. “Because these are skilled trades we’ll look for local people who are interested and hopefully grow some as apprentices within the project, perhaps to take with us to the next project or to support the region once we leave with their newly acquired skill.” Murray says this effort at developing skilled trades will extend to local aboriginal groups, both as a require- ment of the project’s IBA with Innu nation of Labrador, and as the company’s general focus. The site’s two dams will be constructed using differ- ent methods and materials. On the north side the dam will use roller-compacted concrete. Bulldozers spread the high-density concrete, which is then compressed by The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Fall 2013 – 9