GLES was retained by a large highway contractor to provide solutions to a problem that had developed during construction of the new four lane section of Highway 11/17 near Thunder Bay. During clearing operations equipment had entered the headwater area of a small stream that had not been properly identified on design drawings. The GLES scope was to determine the most efficient solution to stabilize the site, protect the remaining habitat and address all regulatory concerns.

GLES visited the site and suggested a temporary geotextile lined bypass to move water away from and around the disturbed area. The system was subsequently accepted and installed. In order to accelerate the construction process and ensure the best possible environmental protection, GLES prepared an additional staging and erosion and sediment control plan to allow the permanent stream realignment to be installed during the winter of 2011. This approach then allowed the contractor to complete the required swamp excavation and backfilling within the previously disturbed area. The plan ensured that the disturbed site was completely protected against erosion during the upcoming spring freshet and allowed the contractor to significantly advance their construction schedule. This approach was reviewed and accepted by regulatory agencies and MTO and work is currently underway to construct the permanent bypass.

As the contractor was satisfied with our initial response and solution for this area, we were awarded additional work to prepare a detailed staging and erosion and sediment control plan for another water crossing on the project. This work has been completed and is currently under regulatory review.

In addition, GLES staff members have been on site to electroshock existing streams in order to relocate all fish species prior to their diversion and excavation.

GLES has worked with contractors on numerous large civil engineering projects such as dams, bridges, highways to assist them with erosion and sediment control and staging plans, obtaining regulatory approvals, conducting site inspections, designing habitat features and providing training.