SEBJ Journal Anglais Août-Septembre 09

Sarcelle jobsite

Concrete work and reinforcement are progressing by leaps and bounds!

Rupert jobsite

Transfer tunnel : Water rising

Eastmain-1-A jobsite

Revealing the secrets of concrete

People with a powerfull vision

Vol. 7, No. 2, Juily-August 2009

Mitigation measures for Cree land useVGP – A number of projects have already been completed in connection with the EM-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert project.

Between 2007 and 2009, more than 40 contracts were awarded for mitigation measures and were carried out by the tallymen themselves or their representatives. These contracts run a range from trapping and workcamp relocation to cleaning up wood debris and hauling ramps, to name just a few.

En 2009, e� orts went into building goose hunting grounds, replacing Aboriginal camps, clearing snowmobile trails and gathering wood debris.

Between now and the end of the year, mitigation-related activities will concentrate on building several other snowmobile and ATV trails and carrying out trapping contracts.

2 Eastmain Magazine, August 2008 People with a powerful vision

Supervisor – Public Relations / Magazine Editor: Bionda Miotto / 819 672-2200 ext. 3854 [email protected] Writers : Pascal Dion, Véronique Gagnon-Piquès, Catherine Langlois, Jimmy Lavoie, Liza Perron, Mélanie VachonContributors : Isabelle Marceau, Jean-Maurice Tremblay, France Brûlé, Odette LacombeTranslators : Margaret Kane Savage, Ted Clarke, Paola Ciccone / Reviser: Ted Clarke / Graphics: Paul Salois Design / Photographer: Paul Brindamour / Printer: Imprimerie LebonfonEastmain 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

Eastmain Magazine is printed on chlorine- and acid-free EcoLogo certi� ed paper, made in Québec, containing 100% post-consumer � bre, manufactured using biogas energy.

Planter from Plantation Tommy Neeposh Forestry

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VGP – Fernand Gilbert Ltée (FGL) is also winding up its work in the southern portion of the forebay. Crews have completed almost 90% of the contractor’s activities; the remaining 10% involves cleaning, grading and installation of dike instruments.

The top of dike LR-45 has yet to be completed, however, and back� lling continues at dike LR-51-52, where the placing of riprap (materials ranging from 400 to 1,000 mm in size) will go on until September. After that, the top will be added, � nishing o� the structure… and all of FGL’s permanent work.

A few crews will still be on the job in September to scarify access roads or grade disposal sites and quarries. The contractor should have vacated the site by mid-October.

VGP – The activities of SBC-EMF, the contractor responsible for work in the northern part of the forebay, are nearly done.

Back� lling and � nishing have been completed at dike LR-34, next to the Lemare instream � ow release structure. In addition, concrete work on the weir by the intake channel was � nished at the end of July. The contractor’s crews have just completed a series of other tasks at the site: they cleaned the bottom of the intake channel, removed its access ramp, built spur roads and platforms on either bank at the channel entrance to provide access to the navigation and debris booms, and constructed a commemorative lookout on the right bank.

E� orts are now focused on the dikes, where minor adjustments need to be made. All work is scheduled to end in late September.

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VGP (FGL) is also winding up its work in the southern portion of the forebay. Crews have completed almost 90% of the contractor’s activities; the remaining 10% involves cleaning, grading and installation of dike instruments.

The top of dike LR-45 has yet to be completed, however, and back� lling continues at dike LR-51-52, where the placing of riprap (materials ranging from 400 to 1,000 mm in size) will go on until September. After that, the top will be added, � nishing o� the structure… and all of FGL’s permanent work.

A few crews will still be on the job in September to scarify access roads or grade disposal sites and quarries. The contractor should have vacated the site by mid-October.

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Foundation treatment at dike LR-51-52 Operations at the intake channel control weir

Work at dike LR-34

Eastmain Magazine, August 2009 3

northern partVGP – Activities are winding down in the northern part of the Rupert site, where CRT-Hamel is in charge of the work. The retaining structures are practically complete, with only � nal construction and grading operations remaining.

Cleanup of the bottom of canal C-1 just � nished; the crews are now concentrating on scarifying the roads and restoring disposal sites and quarries. Construction of the permanent road leading to the LR-8 dikes section got under way, as did that of the permanent spur roads. Installation of the instrument shelters and the gauging weirs will be completed in September.

Work in the northern part of the tailbay is expected to wrap up by the end of September.

Tailbay southern partVGP – Work in the southern part of the tailbay is drawing to a close. Contractor CCDC has just � nished the Ruisseau-Arques and LR-28 dikes, and is currently busy with back� lling at Nemiscau-2 dam. At a number of dikes, the crews still have do some � nishing work, complete the tops and install the instruments.

In addition to the dike and dam work, excavation of the rock plug at the outlet portal has been under way since the end of July. The crews should � nish drilling, blasting and hauling away materials in September. The plug needs to be excavated to allow water to � ow into the outlet channel.

The disposal sites used by the contractor are also being restored. Other remaining jobs include resurfacing the permanent road and putting up signs. Work on permanent structures should conclude in mid-October.

Cleaning rock at Ruisseau-Arques dike

Other work proceeding at Ruisseau-Arques dike

Placing riprap at dike LR-13

Foundation treatment at Nemiscau-2 dam


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Tailbay southern partVGP part of the tailbay is drawing to a close. Contractor CCDC has just � nished the Ruisseau-Arques and LR-28 dikes, and is currently busy with back� lling at Nemiscau-2 dam. At a number of dikes, the crews still have do some � nishing work, complete the tops and install the instruments.

In addition to the dike and dam work, excavation of the rock plug at the outlet portal has been under way since the end of July. The crews should � nish drilling, blasting and hauling away materials in September. The plug needs to be excavated to allow water to � ow into the outlet channel.

The disposal sites used by the contractor are also being restored. Other remaining jobs include resurfacing the permanent road and putting

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VGP – EBC-Neilson and its subcontractors Nordex and Euler are back on the job at the Rupert spillway, where the chutes of the two side bays at the toe of the structure have yet to be completed.

The concrete for chute 3 has now been poured and is curing prior to � ooding. This will occur when the gate of Bay 1 is closed, allowing the bottom of the left-side spillway to be dewatered and the chute to be built.

Pending this second phase, which should take place in early September, the Canmec, SEBJ and Hydro-Québec crews are conducting tests in the dry at Bay 3. They must ensure that the surface gate control systems are running smoothly; this operation requires a chute for its execution.

Rupert spillway and dam

Rupert spillway

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VGP subcontractors Nordex and Euler are back on the job at the Rupert spillway, where the chutes of the two side bays at the toe of the structure have yet to be completed.

The concrete for chute 3 has now been poured and is curing prior to � ooding. This will occur when the gate of Bay 1 is closed, allowing the bottom of the left-side spillway to be dewatered and the chute to be built.

Pending this second phase, which should take place in early September, the Canmec, SEBJ and Hydro-Québec crews are conducting tests in the dry at Bay 3. They must ensure that the surface gate control systems are running smoothly; this operation requires a chute for its execution.

Rupert spillway and dam

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Rupert spillway

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VGP – Steady progress is being made at the eight weir sites on the Rupert. Construction of the contractor’s area has been completed at KP 20.4, 110 and 223, and is under way at KP 33 and 170.

The Newco and Denis Lavoie et Fils (DLF) crews are also hard at work on the access roads to KP 33, 49 and 85. The road being built to KP 290 is the responsibility of Nemaska Eenou Company (NEC).

At the KP 20.4, 33, 170 and 223 sites, e� orts are focused on building the jetties and installing temporary, Bailey and forest-type bridges. At KP 110, concrete work on the weir’s wing and retaining walls is � nished on the left bank and is ongoing on the right bank. The secondary dike, which extends for 681 metres along the left bank, was just completed. The main dike on either side of the weir is currently under construction.

Other operations such as installation of banks (KP 170) and co� erdam construction or excavation (KP 223 and 33, respectively) are now in progress, while blasting of rock in the river just came to an end at KP 223.

KP 170KP 170

KP 290

KP 170

KP 110

KP 110

Weir sectionMouth of Rupert to KP 290


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VGP – The Waskaganish drinking water plant is gradually taking shape. Close to 75% of the civil engineering work is complete, including concrete work, erection of the steel structure and the walls of the building, and construction of the reservoir.

The electrical and mechanical work is now 50% complete. This work involves installing pumps, valves, piping, chlorine treatment analysis systems and electrical systems, among other operations.

Around 40 people are currently working on the site for Newco and its subcontractors. The community of Waskaganish will have a brand-new drinking water plant as of the fall.

Waskaganish drinking water plant

Aerial view of Waskaganish drinking water plant under construction

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Aerial view of Waskaganish drinking water plant under constructionAerial view of Waskaganish drinking water plant under construction

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VGP – Water has been constantly rising in the transfer tunnel since winter 2009. This is normal, the result of snowmelt, rainfall and runo� . It was necessary, however, to make sure that the rising water does not hinder work upstream and downstream.

SEBJ surveyors have been checking the water level in the tunnel weekly since February. They have found that it has risen by about 15 m in six months, an average of 0.6 m per week. The water had reached the top of the tunnel at its lowest point, so light no longer travels from one end of the tunnel to the other.

The rate at which water is collecting leaves work crews ample time to complete the remaining jobs. As early as April, Simard-Beaudry Construction (SBC) was back at work, cleaning the bottom of the intake and outlet channels of the tunnel in order to minimize sediment transport once water begins to � ow.

Transfer tunnel: Water rising

After the thaw, SBC crews � nished grouting anchor bolts on the upstream side and removed part of the steel mesh at the intake and outlet portals. The company also mobilized workers to restore all sites disturbed during the work, as required by environmental standards.

SBC-EMF has completed the weir near the intake portal. On the downstream end, CCDE is continuing to drill, blast and haul away the rock plug. The outlet channel will soon be free of all obstructions.

The transfer tunnel is 2.9 km long, 13 m wide and 18 m high. More than 600,000 m3 of rock had to be removed to make the underground passageway.

Water buildup in the transfer tunnel


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VGPconstantly rising in the transfer tunnel since winter 2009. This is normal, the result of snowmelt, rainfall and runo� . It was necessary, however, to make sure that the rising water does not hinder work upstream and downstream.

SEBJ surveyors have been checking the water level in the tunnel weekly since February. They have found that it has risen by about 15 m in six months, an average of 0.6m per week. The water had reached the top of the tunnel at its lowest point, so light no longer travels from one end of the tunnel to the other.

The rate at which water is collecting leaves work crews ample time to complete the remaining jobs. As early as April, Simard-Beaudry Construction (SBC) was back at

Transfer tunnel: Water rising

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CL – The durability of concrete structures is a central concern for SEBJ. “We’re building these powerhouses to last a hundred years,” stated Pierre Warnant, Section Manager – Inspection at SEBJ. The concrete used for the penstocks and the powerhouse has very special characteristics. “In fact, we use a special “recipe”, since we are essentially manufacturing parts— like the draft tubes—of considerable size,” explained Louis Couture, Technical Assistant at SEBJ.

The concrete is composed of a mixture of � ne aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (varying from 5 to 40 mm in diameter), cement powder and water. According to Mr. Couture, “The concrete must set gradually to avoid creating voids or � ssures. Therefore, the secret is in the cement powder, which has a lower heat of hydration than the cement usually used on other projects. This means that the cement powder has to have a slower chemical reaction with water to produce less heat.”

The temperature is also controlled during the pour. In summer, the water in the mixture is replaced by ice to lower the temperature to between 3 and 7 ºC. The idea is to keep the di� erential between the hotter temperature in the middle of the pour and the temperature on the surface exposed to air from exceeding a critical value, to avoid forming � ssures when the concrete sets.

Once construction of the Eastmain-1-A powerhouse has been completed, 106,000 m3 of concrete will have been poured. Neilson-EBC is carrying out Phase 1 of concrete work on the powerhouse while CIC (Cegerco – Inter-cité) is in charge of concrete work at the water intake, penstocks and Phase 2 of concrete work on the powerhouse. Construction Polaris landed the contract for supplying the concrete.

CL – The durability of concrete structures is a central – The durability of concrete structures is a central – The durability of concrete structures is a central concern for SEBJ. “We’re building these powerhouses concern for SEBJ. “We’re building these powerhouses

The concrete is composed of a mixture of � ne aggregate The concrete is composed of a mixture of � ne aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (varying from 5 to 40 mm in (sand), coarse aggregate (varying from 5 to 40 mm in

– The durability of concrete structures is a central – The durability of concrete structures is a central The concrete is composed of a mixture of � ne aggregate The concrete is composed of a mixture of � ne aggregate

Revealing the secrets of concrete


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JL – Just imagine—over 791,000 hours of work on a huge jobsite like ours without any time-lost accidents. That’s what the workers at the Eastmain-1-A jobsite accomplished from October 18, 2008, to May 11, 2009.

To equal that feat would require 270 years of labour for one person working full time. “Its quite something,” admitted Gaston Lepage, who is in charge of occupational health and safety at the Eastmain-1-A jobsite. “For a jobsite the size of ours, those are probably the best statistics in Québec.”

However, Gaston Lepage insisted that it would have been impossible without the involvement of all the workers and contractors. “It’s a matter of teamwork,” he said. “We would never have managed it without everyone’s involvement.

Our jobsite has the best statistics in Québec791,000 hours without a time-lost accident

The workers and contractors complied with the prevention programs and work procedures and collaborated with the mechanisms that had been set up. The workers are very much aware that they are here to earn a living, not lose a life.”

To thank everyone on the project who contributed to this accomplishment, the Société d’énergie de la Baie James

gave each worker a gift and organized a special supper at the cafeteria on July 9.

Congratulations for this feat!

The workers and contractors complied with the prevention programs and work procedures and collaborated with the mechanisms that had been set up. The workers are very much aware that they are here to earn a living, not lose a life.”

To thank everyone on the project who contributed to this accomplishment, the Société d’énergie de la Baie James

Phase 1 concrete work :A crucial step has just been taken!JL – A crucial step has just been taken at Eastmain-1-A powerhouse with the end of Phase 1 concrete work. Overall, Neilson-EBC poured almost 38,000 m3 of concrete for the powerhouse foundations. This major work, carried out in winter and summer, made it possible to erect the draft tubes, service area, mezzanines and peripheral walls.

The powerhouse is going upMeanwhile, a new contractor has taken over construction work at the powerhouse. Construction Proco is in charge of supplying and installing the metal superstructure. At the end of its contract, Eastmain-1-A powerhouse will be completely covered. Another contractor, COH, installed the overhead traveling cranes once the steel structure had been assembled in the service area. This permanent equipment will be used to lift the powerhouse’s signi� cant loads, including rotors that weigh 450 metric tons apiece.


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JL – Concrete work on the water intake and penstocks has been continuing this summer. Joint venture Cegerco - Inter-cité (CIC) is working in two locations at once. As of July 11, 20% of the concrete work on the water intake had been completed. This concrete face will hold three gates and some trashracks. Before the cold season returns, it will

Water intake and penstocksbe necessary to build local shelters to continue the concrete work despite low temperatures.

Meanwhile, concrete work on the three penstocks was 80% complete on July 11. Over the next few weeks, LAR Machinerie Inc. will begin inserting the steel lining that will form a junction with the powerhouse’s scrollcases.

Formwork for concrete pouring at LC-11 facadeFormwork for concrete pouring at LC-11 facadeFormwork for concrete pouring at LC-11 facade

Formwork crew on the job

A donation of $24,300 was made during the Opération Enfant Soleil telethon, which was held in Québec on May 31. The SEBJ Public Relations representative handed over the cheque live during the airing of the telethon on TVA, on behalf of the workers of Eastmain workcamp.

Eastmain workcamp donates $24,300 to Opération Enfant SoleilSince 2004, more than $130,000 has been donated to the organization, which helps sick children. Congratulations and thank you for your generous contributions, year after year!


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Left picture: Sophie Chiasson and Jimmy Lavoie

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MV – Eight concrete pours totalling 1,412 m3 have been carried out in the production area since July 12. There were two major pours on unit 23: one of 554.75 m3 and the other of 498.75 m3.

The service area is taking shape rapidly. A 269-m3 pour was carried out on July 14.

Since the beginning of the project, more than 1000 metric tons of rebar have been installed.

MV – Contractor EBC-Neilson completed its demobilization on July 11.

Five months ahead of schedule, EBC-Neilson completed excavation work on the headrace, powerhouse, tailrace, by-pass canal, co� erdam, as well as carrying out development of spawning grounds and safety measures on dikes OA-2 and OA-3.

Demobilization of contractor EBC-Neilson

Concrete work and reinforcement are progressing by leaps and bounds!


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Once they were in contractor Alstom’s storage area, it took less than a month to assemble the parts in three sections by welding vertical joints. Since each section weighs about 40 metric tons, the armouring was very carefully installed on the semi-trailer to minimize any risks of tipping.

The central section left the storage area and was installed

Installation of draft tube cone 22

on July 12. It was placed on interconnected supports that had been attached to the production area in advance. Contractor Alstom decided to interconnect the supports at the centre to provide better seating and greater stability.

The crane operators of contractor Armand Guay worked e� ciently and precisely to seat the section on the supports. The front and back sections were attached to the central section on August 15 and 18.

The parts for units 21 and 23 will be delivered directly to Sorel-Tracy and should arrive at Sarcelle jobsite on July 22.


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GIFTS LITERATURE


Anyone who has worked for SEBJ since 2002 and has been to James Bay, whether for the Eastmain-1 project or for Eastmain-1-A/Sarcelle/Rupert, has seen him at the airport. Matthew is one of those good-natured, helpful souls who always have a smile on their faces. He may be quiet by nature, but he is always ready to help us get to wherever we need to be. Without his sunny smile, many of our comings and goings would have been very di� erent indeed!

Thank you, Matthew, for all your years of dedication!

Matthew Iserho� Who doesn’t know Matthew Iserho� ?

Congratulation Matthew ! Within the framework of the “SEBJ en équipe” initiative, all the members of the widened SEBJ COGE commited themselves to start a wave of recognition. The team Administration-Ingénierie – Eastmain-1-A / Sarcelle decided to honnor, all year round, a person who by his work knew how to stand out. Therefore, Matthew Iserho� has been chosen as recipient for the honnor board.

we need to be. Without his sunny smile, many of our comings and goings would have been very di� erent indeed!

Thank you, Matthew, for all your years of dedication!

Within the framework of the “SEBJ en équipe” initiative, all the members of the widened SEBJ COGE commited themselves to start a members of the widened SEBJ COGE commited themselves to start a wave of recognition.

The team Administration-Ingénierie – Eastmain-1-A / Sarcelle decided to honnor, all year round, a person who by his work knew how to stand out.

Therefore, Matthew Iserho� has been chosen as recipient for the honnor board.

“Occupational health and safety week” will be held from September 15 to 18, 2009.

There will be presentations on every project jobsite during the week. Safety breaks on the theme “electrical hazards”

will be led by CSST inspectors.

There will also be a guest speaker.

Stay tuned…

Watch out for heatstroke!Summer is a great season for most people:Sun – vacation – heat!

On a jobsite, for most workers it means:Sun – work – heat

Both situations involve the same risk, though:Heatstroke!

How can you avoid it?- Drink a glass of water every 20 minutes.- Wear light and light-coloured clothing—preferably cotton, which promotes evaporation of perspiration.- Keep your head covered when you work outside.- As risks increase, adjust your work rate.- Take breaks, preferably in the shade or in a cool spot.

Symptoms:Muscle cramps, shivers, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, vertigo, unusual or generalized fatigue, headache, confusion, incoherent speech, odd behaviour, aggressiveness, loss of balance, loss of consciousness, vomiting.

What should you do?- Alert a � rst-aid attendant- Transport the person into the shade or a cool place- Sprinkle water on the person- Provide maximum ventilation- Give small amounts of cool water

Yes, you can be a victim of heatstroke—on vacation or on the job!


A few northern � owersIM – Reading about � owers should encourage you to see them... because they are right in front of you, accessible.

Mortals! Take a few moments and give them a closer look! See the colors, the details of these life-giving* organs full of aromas, nectars and magic powders!

At Rupert and Sarcelle, Nemiscau and Eastmain, not to mention Oujek, the latest workcamp, in the summer landscape, you will easily notice the presence of four � owers (plants) which, depending on habitat, � ll our environment.

- One of these, with white � owers, covers humid areas: Labrador tea

- Another, pink, covers well-drained zones: Kalmia angustifolia … it turns all of northern Québec into a garden … - The third, is purple (magenta) and rapidly covers burnt or cleared land (roadsides, the edges of workcamps and borrow pits): Fireweed

- The fourth, white or orange (or brown): Cotton grass

A few characteristics:

“Tea made from the leaves or � owers not only promotes sleep but is also astringent, helps digestion and calms coughs.

“The pollen spreading mechanism is a real marvel…

A female satis� ed by 10 males, one at a time… a feminine harem, look at the � ower closely!This is the � ower of the kalmia.

The � reweed � ower can also, very rarely, be white—the albino form.

Take the time to discover the aromas.

A few northern � owersA few northern � owersIM encourage you to see them... because they are right in front of you, accessible.

Mortals! Take a few moments and give them a closer look! See the colors, the details of these life-giving* organs full of aromas, nectars and magic powders!

At Rupert and Sarcelle, Nemiscau and Eastmain, not to mention Oujek, the latest workcamp, in the summer landscape, you will easily notice the presence of four � owers (plants) which, depending on habitat, � ll our environment.

- One of these, with white � owers, covers humid

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Labrador tea

Lambkill

Fireweed White cotton grassBrown cotton grass

Documents

SEBJ Journal Anglais Août-Septembre 09