Project Description

The project involves a comprehensive remediation plan to address the contamination of ground material both onsite and along Lonsdale Avenue. The site’s history as a gas station has resulted in onsite and offsite contamination. To address this, a thorough remedial excavation is underway to remove the contaminated material and replace it with clean backfill for a new development.

• The project’s complexity requires a delicate balance of design and construction coordination, particularly with Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC). The proximity of LEC utilities to the excavation site necessitates meticulous planning to maintain the integrity of these utilities.
• A key aspect of the project involves analyzing ground conditions to determine the most effective excavation and restoration sequencing.
• RAM’s approach includes preparing both concept and detailed designs, integrating stakeholder feedback throughout the process.
• The project also entails the removal and replacement of municipal infrastructure to either meet or exceed existing conditions.

RAM overcame challenges by proposing innovative solutions to the Owner and municipality, significantly enhancing the excavation process. These solutions include minimizing utility supports by temporarily removing utilities through bypasses, which are then reinstated upon completion of the excavation.

Additionally, RAM’s strategy of early stakeholder engagement has streamlined the review process. This proactive approach allowed for the incorporation of stakeholder comments into the conceptual plans, ensuring that the final designs fully reflect their input.

RAM’s Role

RAM was retained by Parsons to complete the civil and geotechnical engineering for the remedial excavation. RAM was responsible for the following:

• Excavation and sequencing site plans including shoring and utility support considerations.
• Replace the existing watermain in the area of excavation due to its age and request by the District of North Vancouver.
• Prepare restoration plans, considering future development construction (i.e., permanent restoration within roadway and temporary restoration in sidewalk and boulevard).
• Coordinate with Lonsdale Energy Corporation to ensure all design and construction aspects maintain the integrity of their utility.
• Coordinate with affected business owners on timing of work and notifications;
• Coordinate with Coast Mountain Bus Company to ensure relocation of their bus stop ahead of construction.
• Coordinate with the municipality and Lonsdale Energy Corporation early in the design phase to ensure their comments are addressed and minimize the review period for formal submissions.
• Coordinate with a qualified Traffic Management Professional to optimize traffic detours and minimize impacts to the public.
• Field inspections during construction to confirm adherence to the engineered design and specifications.