Professional Documents
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17.
17.1
Introduction
17.2
Construction Stage
17.2.1
Construction Activities
The Projects major construction activities will be associated with completion of the
elevated, at-grade and underground guideway, stations, traction power substations, the
potential Vehicle Storage and Maintenance Facility (VSF), train operating systems, and
additional construction elements such as new park-and-ride facilities, passenger pick-up
and drop-off areas, and bus integration at stations. Project construction may require
ancillary support facilities, which may or may not be located off the alignment, including
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pre-cast yards for fabrication of guideway segments and tunnel ring segments and the
excavated box structure used to launch the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
Stations, traction power substations, and the VSF will likely be constructed from a
combination of pre-cast and cast-in-place concrete, structural steelwork, roof systems,
glazing, and finishing materials, together with mechanical and electrical systems, as
necessary.
Therefore, Construction activities associated with the Evergreen Line are expected to
include:
Installation of caissons, pilings, or spread footings for areas characterized by poor soil
foundation;
Paving of bus and passenger pick-off and drop-off areas, and parking areas;
Construction and decommissioning of ancillary construction facilities including precast yards, steel fabrication and electrical system installation facilities;
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17.2.2
The potential for accidents and malfunctions to occur during construction of the Project
is minimized by adherence to the Construction Environmental Management Plan
(Construction EMP). The Construction EMP includes a number of component plans that
address key issues during the construction stage of the Project. Component plans to be
incorporated in the Construction EMP include:
Potential accidents and malfunctions that may occur during construction of the Project
include accidental spills of hazardous substances, sediment-control failure, fire, trafficrelated accidents and third party damage.
17.2.2.1
A spill is defined as any release or discharge into the environment, not authorized under
the Environmental Management Act, of a substance in an amount equal to or greater
than the amount specified in the Spill Reporting Regulation (Province of BC 2008). Fuel
storage and machinery associated with the demolition, clearing, removal and
construction of the proposed Project has the potential to accidentally discharge a
deleterious substance, such as hydrocarbons or concrete, into the surrounding
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Prior to construction, a Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan will be prepared
as a component of the Projects Construction EMP (see SECTION 22.4: CONSTRUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM) to address potential construction-related
environmental emergencies. The Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan will refer
to the BC Guidelines for Industry Emergency Response Plans (Ministry of Environment
(MoE) 2007) and the Canadian Standards Association Emergency Planning for Industry
(CAN/CSA Z731-03). The Plan will incorporate best affordable management practices
(BAMPs) derived from A Field Guide to Fuel Handling, Transportation and Storage
(Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 2002) and Develop with Care: Environmental
Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia (MoE 2006).
The Plan will include pre-emergency planning measures, emergency organization and
communication responsibilities and spill reporting procedures to be followed in the event
of emergency. Emergency response measures will be defined, including: the role of site
security; local emergency contact information; emergency classification and location;
and details of emergency response equipment (i.e., spill containment kits). Designated
Emergency Spill Response Kits containing the required absorbent materials will be kept
operational and maintained in accordance to the BC Environmental Management Act,
Contaminated Sites Regulation. All spills will be immediately reported to the Provincial
Emergency Program, as required by the Environmental Management Act, Spill Reporting
Regulation. All equipment and machinery will be maintained in good working order, free
of leaks, excess oil, and grease. All materials will be properly handled and stored during
construction works in accordance with the Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products
and Allied Petroleum Products Regulation (Environment Canada 2008). Hydraulic
machinery that is to be used in or adjacent to a watercourse will use non-toxic,
biodegradable hydraulic fluids. All works involving the use of concrete, cement, motar,
grout or other Portland cement, or lime-containing materials, will be conducted in
accordance with BAMPs and in a manner that prevents the accidental loss of sediments,
debris, concrete and concrete fines, wash water and contact water into any
watercourse.
17.2.2.2
Consistent with other projects that involve significant earth works, erosion control will be a
primary concern during construction of the Evergreen Line Project. For the purposes of
this discussion, a sediment control failure is defined as the failure of any device designed
to eliminate or reduce sedimentation and erosion into a watercourse or wetland. An
accidental influx of sediment may have adverse affects on water quality, and aquatic
and riparian habitats and organisms. Of particular concern are activities in proximity to
South Schoolhouse Creek, Pigeon Creek, Suterbrook Creek, Scott Creek and Hoy Creek,
which are located beneath or in close vicinity to the guideway (see Section 6: Fisheries
and Aquatic Habitat Assessment).
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Site-specific erosion and sediment control measures will be installed in areas of the
Project site located in proximity to watercourses and wetlands, prior to commencement
of construction. The Contractor shall incorporate all permanent soil erosion control
features into the Project at the earliest practicable time, and shall be responsible for
temporary erosion and sediment control measures. These sediment control measures will
be routinely monitored and maintained, with emphasis on monitoring immediately prior
to, during and after high rainfall events, and immediately repaired, as necessary,
throughout Project construction. Further measures to control sediment infiltration into
watercourses are included in the Surface Water Quality and Sediment Control Plan (see
Section 22.4: Construction Environmental Management Program).
17.2.2.3
Contaminated Sites
Excavation activities associated with construction will require the disposal of tunnel spoils
and/or other excavated materials and may uncover contaminated soils or groundwater.
Planning and management activities to address the handling and disposal of
contaminated sites and groundwater will be consistent with the Environmental
Management Act, Hazardous Waste Regulation. Hazardous materials handling will also
be in accordance with the National Fire Code of the Canada, the BC Fire Code, and the
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and its regulations. A Contaminated Sites
Management Plan and a Hazardous Materials Management Plan will be included in the
Construction EMP (see Section 22.4: Construction Environmental Management Program).
17.2.2.4
Fire Risk
Due to the urban setting of the Project and the high percentage of impermeable surface
areas present, the risk of fire is low. However, the use of a range of machinery involved
with the demolition, clearing, removal and construction of the Project creates a
possibility of initiating localized fires that may have an adverse affect on the surrounding
soil, vegetation, existing structures and worker and public safety. Particularly high risk
activities include the preparation and use of explosives, rock drilling, metal cutting,
grinding or welding, use of fire- or spark- producing tools or saws, log skidding or yarding,
and debris pulling.
The urban setting of the Project excludes it from the majority of regulations under the
Wildfire Act. Emergency response measures required in the event of an emergency,
such as fire, are included in the Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan (see
Section 22.4: Construction Environmental Management Program). The Spill Prevention
and Emergency Response Plan includes: pre-emergency planning and emergency
organization and responsibilities in addition to emergency and evacuation protocols.
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17.2.2.5
Traffic Issues
Along most of the alignment, construction access to the Project will be via public
roadways or facilities. Exceptions will include the area from the east end of Aberdeen
Avenue to the Coquitlam West Coast Express Park and Ride and just east of the Port
Moody West Coast Express Station, where access will be gained through existing
industrial sites and the construction right-of- way. Special measures also may be required
for construction access near South Schoolhouse Creek. Further assessment will be carried
out during the detailed design stage to define construction access requirements (see
Section 9: Socio-community Assessment). Options that result in minimal traffic delays or
congestion during construction will be selected and measures will be taken to ensure
safety and security for construction personnel and the public during Project construction.
Increased volumes of construction-related traffic and alternative routes for existing traffic
increase the probability of traffic-related incidents during construction.
Prior to commencement of construction, the Contractor will prepare and submit a Traffic
Management Plan. The purpose of the Plan will be to describe the procedures and
practices to be followed to minimize the Projects interference with the flow of public
traffic and avoid safety-related impacts associated with the movement of construction
equipment and vehicles. It will also address access requirements for emergency
responders, including the RCMP, ambulance and fire-fighting services (see Section 22.4:
Construction Environmental Management Program).
17.2.2.6
17.3
Operations Stage
17.3.1
Activities during the operations of the Evergreen Line will include train operations, vehicle
and track maintenance, and administrative functions. Operational activities associated
with the Evergreen Line will include:
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operation of ancillary facilities (e.g., bus, passenger pick-up and drop-off, and Parkand-ride facilities).
The electric-powered propulsion system used for the Evergreen Line will not involve any
rotating motors or gearboxes. This system will not generate the typical waste and air
emissions associated with modes of transportation utilizing mechanical motors and fossil
fuels.
Maintenance activities to ensure effective and efficient operation of the Evergreen Line
include:
maintenance of rolling stock, stations and power supply facilities, and trackage and
guideway structures
maintenance of the passenger cars and rail system (e.g., de-icing of cars during
winter months, rail grinding)
maintenance of ancillary facilities such as the park-and-ride facility and other power
substations
emergency repairs
occasional switch and power rail de-icing activities during the colder months
All heavy vehicle maintenance activities will be carried out at the existing SkyTrain
Operations and Maintenance facility located near the Edmonds Station on the Expo Line
in Burnaby. Since this facility is currently operating, existing maintenance activities will not
be included in the accidents and malfunctions analysis. A VSF located in the vicinity of
Falcon Street in Coquitlam is being considered as part of the Project, to provide
additional SkyTrain storage and light vehicle maintenance (e.g., vehicle cleaning) for the
Evergreen Line. An analysis of the need for the VSF will be undertaken.
De-icing activities will be required for the safe operation of the Evergreen Line during the
colder months and will be based on over twenty years of SkyTrain operations experience
this will likely include:
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17.3.2
During final design, the Contractor, with support from BCRTC, will prepare an Operations
Environmental Management Plan (Operation EMP) describing the environmental
management measures and BAMPs to be used during Evergreen Line operation.
Adherence to the Operation EMP is expected to minimize the potential for accidents
and malfunctions. The Plan will address operation and maintenance activities that may
negatively affect environmental and socio-economic/socio-community resources,
including but not limited to the following:
waste management;
energy management;
line de-icing;
rail grinding;
vegetation management
17.3.2.1
Apart from some additional vehicle storage and light maintenance that is proposed for a
new facility in Coquitlam, most large scale vehicle maintenance activities are currently
expected to be carried out at the existing SkyTrain Operations and Maintenance facility
located near the Edmonds Station on the Expo Line in Burnaby. Since this facility is
currently operating, existing heavy maintenance activities will not be included in the
accidents and malfunctions analysis. The incremental addition of various controlled
materials, such as cleaning agents, hydraulic fluid and oil, fuels, grease and solvents, is
not expected to increase the probability of an accidental spill at the Operations and
Maintenance Centre.
It is expected that in addition to the stations located along the Evergreen Line,
automated power substations will be required every two kilometres. These substations will
require only periodic maintenance visits and will only house electrical equipment. No oilSection 17.0 Accidents and
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cooled transformers will be used within these power substations or the stations; however,
battery banks, considered a controlled substance, will be located on-site and will require
replacement and removal.
Glycol used occasionally along the guideway for safe winter operation of the Evergreen
Line in the event of ice build-up on switches and power rails, has the ability to leak and
contaminate surrounding soil and water. Glycol may be dispensed manually or from
train-mounted or guideway-mounted de-icing applicators during periods of frost and
predicted snow. However, given the small quantity of glycol applied via train-mounted
or guideway-mounted during de-icing operations and the infrequency of application,
this threat is relatively small. Urea will be used on pedestrian walkways within stations to
minimize falling/slipping hazard; however, drainage catchment built into station design
will minimize any potential adverse effects.
The pH levels in any wastewater discharges from the operations and maintenance
centre, the stations or power supply facilities will be monitored and neutralized prior to its
release. The Operation and Maintenance Centre is currently equipped with an oil/water
separator within the storm drain system that provides secondary containment for
hazardous materials storage. All staff at the Operations and Maintenance centre
receive ongoing training on handling and storing hazardous, toxic materials or controlled
substances, as defined by WHMIS and the Transportation of Goods Act.
Given the relatively small amounts of glycol applied during de-icing operations, no
recycling or collection system will be implemented. Guideway drainage design
measures will ensure that glycol discharge is directed away from surface drainages,
either through a connection to the sewer or by infiltration to the ground. The guideway
drainage system will be designed to more than adequately handle the small amounts of
residual glycol that may be deposited on the guideway. Should an additional de-icing
station be added to the existing guideway mounted de-icing stations at Waterfront and
Columbia, BAMPs will be incorporated.
17.3.2.2
Fire Risk
Some threat of fire exists within the control rooms of the stations and within the power
substations located every two kilometers along the Evergreen Line. While both areas
have restricted access, the possibility of fire ignition as a result of human error or
mechanical error remains.
To ensure operating efficiency of the track, periodic rail-grinding is required at select
locations, as determined by monitoring. Grindings created as a result of this process will
be contained within the guideway, and any accumulated material will be contained in
the blow-down catchment area, which will be periodically cleaned by a licensed
contractor. There is, however, some fire risk associated with the sparks created during
the grinding process.
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During operations, third Party Damage to the guideway, stations and power substations is
unlikely. All entrances and exits accessible to the public will be secured and protected
by a security alarm to deter and prevent vandalism and tampering. Consistent with best
practices learned from over twenty-years of SkyTrain operation, station designs will
incorporate the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), an
approach to planning and development of the physical environment that reduces
opportunities for crime. For example, open and uncluttered spaces that are easy to use
and that have no hidden or dark corners provide people with an enhanced sense of
safety. Appropriate lighting, good sightlines, video surveillance and access control are
other measures that can enhance safety and that will be considered during Project
design.
The site-specific application of such features will help to ensure that the design of the
public realm increases users sense of security and safety, while discouraging unwanted
and negative behaviours.
17.3.2.4
Collision Risk
While unlikely, accidental train derailments and vehicle-SkyTrain collisions may occur
during operations. Such incidents have the possibility to damage infrastructure and pose
a threat to public safety. Train derailments may occur as a result of debris accumulation
on the at-grade and elevated portions of track. In particular, trees in vicinity of the
Evergreen Alignment may pose a hazard to public safety and operation of trains along
the guideways. Vehicle-SkyTrain collisions could potentially occur on the at-grade
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portions of the track and may include collisions between private or commercial vehicles,
particularly those associated with the CPR Right-of-Way (ROW).
To mitigate the risk associated with derailments as a result of failing tree debris, BCRTC will
periodically undertake arboricultural surveys and trim trees located along the alignment
to prevent any interference with guideways. As appropriate, private landowners will be
advised of trimming and removal requirements. To mitigate risk associated with vehicleSkyTrain collisions, BCRTC will take all appropriate security measures to ensure that
fencing and signage around the at-grade portions of the guideway is sufficient and
provides a physical barrier to entry, as appropriate.
17.4
Conclusion
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17.5
References
Environment Canada. 2008. Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied
Petroleum Products Regulation. [Online] Available at:
http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2008/2008-06-25/html/sor-dors197-eng.html
(Accessed on 15 March 2010).
Ministry of Environment. 2002. B.C. Guidelines for Industry Emergency Response Plans
(revised from 1992). [Online] Available at:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/eemp/resources/guidelines/bc.htm#preface
(Accessed on 15 March 2010).
Ministry of Transportation. 2008. 2009 Standard Specifications for Highway Construction
Volume 1. [Online] Available at:
http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/const_maint/contract_serv/standard_spe
cs/2009_Stand_Specs_Vol_1.pdf (Accessed 16 April 2010).
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2002. A Field Guide to Fuel Handling,
Transportation and Storage (3rd ed.). [Online] Available at:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/industrial/oil_gas/pdf/fuel_handle_guide.pdf
(Accessed on 15 March 2010).
Province of BC. 2008. Environmental Management Act: Spill Reporting Regulation B.C.
Reg. 263/90. [Online] Available at:
http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/freeside/--%20E%20-/Environmental%20Management%20Act%20SBC%202003%20c.%2053/05_Regulati
ons/46_263_90.xml (Accessed
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