Kemano Backup Tunnel
Kitimat, BC, Canada | Rio Tinto Alcan - 2014-2018 | DBB | CAD $45 million
Project Description
The Kemano Backup Tunnel Project was part of a major hydropower infrastructure program supporting the Kemano hydroelectric generating system in British Columbia, Canada. The project involved the construction of critical underground infrastructure designed to improve the operational reliability and safety of the hydroelectric water conveyance system.
The scope included the construction of approximately 200 meters of penstock tunnels, two interconnection chambers, and a new valve chamber with associated access adits. These works were designed to enhance redundancy within the water conveyance system and support the continued reliable operation of the hydroelectric facilities.
The project formed part of broader efforts to modernize and strengthen the Kemano hydropower system, which supplies electricity to industrial operations and regional power infrastructure in northern British Columbia.
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Location: British Columbia, Canada
Owner: Rio Tinto
Delivery Method: Design-Build
Construction Cost: Approx. CAD $600 Million (program level)
Award – Completion: 2014 – 2018
Contractor: Bechtel
Lead Designers: Hatch, Bechtel
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Design Management & Technical Oversight
Design Due Diligence & Compliance Review
BOQs Preparation & Supervision
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Magnitvde’s Principal participated in the Kemano Backup Tunnel project while serving in a previous role prior to founding Magnitvde.
In this capacity, the Principal supported the project team by contributing to design management and technical oversight activities during the project development phase.
Responsibilities included assisting with design due diligence and compliance verification, ensuring that design development aligned with technical specifications, safety standards, and project requirements. The role also involved supporting the preparation and supervision of Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and coordinating technical inputs across engineering disciplines to support the development of a technically compliant and constructible design solution.