Hudson’s Hope Shoreline Protection Berm

Project Highlights

The Peace River is the site of BC Hydro’s Site C dam and hydroelectric generating station.  To protect the shoreline of Hudson’s Hope from the effects of the constructed reservoir, KWL was retained by BC Hydro to develop preliminary and detailed designs for the shoreline protection berm, an access road, a day-use recreation site, and a boat launch at the recreation site.

Following project initiation in 2017, a geotechnical assessment was completed, along with a public meeting with the District of Hudson’s Hope.  KWL completed the preliminary design in October 2017, and the detailed design in July 2018.  Construction of the berm began in 2020 and was completed in 2022, followed by the construction of the DA Thomas access road and recreation site in 2023, with project completion in 2026.

The berm is 2.7 km long and over 10 m high and was designed to protect the reservoir shoreline against wave attacks once the reservoir had been filled.  The berm’s 4m wide crest provides operations and maintenance access, as well as drainage ditches and culverts to convey upslope drainage.

The 0.6 km DA Thomas access road to the recreation site traverses a steep riverbank, requiring a 400 m long retaining wall varying in height from 3 to 9 m.  The road is a two-lane paved road with a total width of 9.5 m, including a 1.5 m paved pedestrian path on the westbound side.

Project challenges included coordination with multiple stakeholders throughout a complex and lengthy project, as well as considerations for tufa seeps in the design.  KWL adapted to changes throughout the project, maintaining close coordination with BC Hydro and subconsultants to ensure work was completed in alignment with the design objectives.  To address the tufa seeps, KWL incorporated various mitigation measures into the design, such as an impervious liner, a smooth culvert interior to limit turbulence and tufa deposition, and grouted riprap at culvert outlets to further limit turbulence.

Beyond preliminary and detailed design, KWL delivered tender-ready drawings and technical specifications to support BC Hydro with construction procurement.  Further, KWL provided Engineer-of-Record construction services. The outcome is a successful, resilient shoreline protection berm, with an accessible day-use area for the surrounding community.