:: Kincolith Sedge Platform

The environmental challenges of the Kincolith Extension Project were immense. Set in prime grizzly bear and salmon habitat, the project had very restrictive environmental constraints. These ranged from 'windows' for work to be completed to habitat construction and compensation.

A major compensation item was the construction of a lignum sedge platform. A large earthen platform was placed in the Nass River and armoured with large rock. Sedge grass was harvested from various locations along the project using specialty equipment and barged to the transplant site. The grass was transplanted and interspersed with river substrates and natural rock to create a thriving new habitat.

Emil Anderson Construction completed the Garcia Lake to Courtney Lake project in July 2007. This project involved grading, gravelling and paving 8.5 km of highway 97C; expanding to four lanes the remaining two-lane portion of the Okanagan Connector.

The Ministry of Transportation listed an available gravel source at Homestead Pit, approximately 22 km from the jobsite. In order to shorten the haul distance from the government pit, EAC made an agreement with local landowners to develop a gravel pit, extract material and then reclaim their property to a condition suitable for horses.

The mining operation and reclamation work provided the Rosses with flatter, more usable fields, better vegetation and revenue from the gravel sales. EAC received a Citation from the Ministry of Energy and Mines for Outstanding Reclamation Achievement.

The School House Diversion on the Coquilhalla River was the first major river diversion undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation. This award-winning project was recognized by the Association of Professional Engineers of BC and was successfully constructed in a major steelhead trout river.

The work involved realigning the river for a 700-metre length. The new channel was 'complexed' with boulders and the banks armoured resulting in significantly improved habitat.

The Manager of the Environmental Services of the Ministry of Transportation has stated that highway grading projects have benefited enormously from the new environmental procedures as demonstrated by Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) Inc.