Several untried environmentally sensitive erosion and sediment control methods were investigated and implemented into a large scale test site. Bioengineering and biotechnical mitigation designs were sought from specialists and incorporated into an unconventionally structured contract, which included the physical works as well as involving participants in field training and implementation of much of the work. The project success was a testament to the cooperation of the designers, the contractor and the owner. Bioengineering and biotechnical projects involve concepts that are difficult to ‘engineer’ and require significant flexibility in the structure of the contract and willingness of all parties to adapt to changing field conditions in order to field fit the designs With increased use of these methods, it is expected that more consultants will become comfortable with designs they cannot ‘guarantee,’ and contractors will develop skills to implement the designs, accepting the inherent risk of failure and the likelihood that changes will have to be accommodated during construction. The participants in the associated workshop showed high levels of interest and enthusiasm. Course feedback was very favorable, and a follow-up course is being developed for the Fall of 2006. Interaction between Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation (AIT), consultants, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) was especially encouraging, and the casual course setting offered ample opportunity to gain perspectives into each stakeholder’s point-of-view. The project demonstrated to DFO that it is possible to construct along a riverbank without the use of costly isolation techniques. Several consultants indicated that they would try to incorporate some of the bio-designs, where appropriate, into future projects.
Thank you to our Premier Sponsors
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