Teck Resources Limited was interested in increasing the coal handling capacity of Neptune Bulk Terminals. Through multiple feasibility studies conducted in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2017, they determined constructing a new tandem dumper, adding an additional inner loop track, and replacing one of the existing coal handling ship loaders would increase terminal throughput from 12.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) to almost double at 22 MTPA.
To help facilitate construction, a new site interior overpass was constructed to allow construction movements into the site’s inner rail loop – which was initially a limiting factor for construction efficiency and progress.
From 2017 to 2020, Binnie acted as a sub-consultant to CWA Engineering Inc. and Fluor Corporation. Binnie provided:
- feasibility review and capital expenditure planning updates
- detailed design
- procurement and construction support services for underground utility removals
- relocations and new services to support the new infrastructure
- coal wastewater washdown and runoff collection sumps and conveyance pumping systems within the new dumper for the conveyors’ spill catchment
- site coal pile and a new overpass
- grading
- paving
- a new wheel wash system for outbound vehicles exiting the terminal
Underground services included storm, sanitary, water, coal wastewater piping, dust suppression piping, and fibre protection.
Binnie also provided water modelling support to the project to confirm site pressures under specific water demands and determine if the site required water supply upgrades from the City of North Vancouver.
The project site’s underground utilities records were poorly kept, and as such, their site maps were not dependable. Fortunately, due to previous experience onsite in the late 80s and early 90s, Binnie (as Omni Engineering Inc.) had collected an array of historic old site plans and recorded information that could be put to good use.
By using the GPR survey, combined with a pre-locate program referenced to old documentation, Binnie staff were able to minimize site disruption by incidents resulting from underground utility strikes and emergency isolations. Neptune’s site staff appreciated the historical knowledge, which clarified old mystery piping they’ve encountered over the years.
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