Natural Resources
November 3, 2016

Engineering Supports North Spur Dam Safety

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, is assuring the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that engineering supports North Spur dam safety.

The design solution for the North Spur has been addressed in over 30 engineering studies and the geotechnical conditions at the North Spur are well understood by Nalcor Energy and its engineering consultants. The engineering design for stabilization of the North Spur has been undertaken by qualified geotechnical engineers, and extensive field investigations have been completed. The design for the North Spur has been further validated through independent reviews by MWH Canada (the project's independent engineer) as well as Hatch Ltd.

Adding to the list of engineering evidence, Jim Gordon has publically endorsed the safety of the North Spur dam. In a recent article, Gordon said that "Nalcor has used all the common measures to enhance slope stability, including flattening of the slopes, adding a toe berm, adding two cut-off walls, and improving drainage with wells and finger drains. All sound measures which will result in a stable slopes and a safe dam." Further comments provided by Gordon in relation to the safety of the North Spur can be found on Nalcor's website at //muskratfalls.nalcorenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Jim-Gordon-North-Spur-Safety-Comments-October-2016.pdf

Reports on the North Spur and other related documents, as well as information regarding all aspects of the Muskrat Falls Project, can also be found on this website.

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2016 11 03                                                                            7:00 p.m.