TransAlta is expected to conduct a significant cleanout operation of its Kananaskis forebay in the next few weeks to remove debris deposited by last June’s floodwaters.
Spokesperson Leanne Yohemas said the project is moving forward to restore the forebay, which holds water back at its Seebe dam operation, to pre-flood conditions.
“There is sediment and debris and trees, so this is a normal procedure and one that will help us maintain safe and efficient operations of our infrastructure,” she said. “It has been approved by Alberta Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
“We are anticipating it will be able to start fairly soon and will take about two weeks to complete.”
Yohemas explained the plan is to dredge two channels that are 20 metres wide, 2.5-metres deep and about 200 metres long.
“It is fairly typical work when channels get clogged up in this manner,” she said, adding an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 cubic metres of sediment is expected to be removed.
They hydro-electric company also operates Cascasde, Horseshoe, Interlakes, Pocaterra and Rundle plants in the Bow Valley, which were also affected during the flood.
