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Monday February 3, 2025
Tuesday February 4, 2025
Wednesday February 5, 2025 - Plenary
Wednesday February 5, 2025 - Technical Session
February 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. — February 3, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.
Registration and Pre-conference Reception

Join colleagues and delegates for refreshments and an opportuntity to meet prior to the start to the conference.

February 4, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast

Registration will continue on the conference foyer.  A light continental breakfast will be available.

February 4, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 8:15 a.m.
Conference Opening

Alex Ostrop, AIDA Chair will provide welcome remarks to open the conference

February 4, 2025 at 8:15 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Keynote Address: Irrigation Districts Act, 25th Anniversary. How are we doing? - Len Ring, P.Eng., Ring Irrigation Engineering

The 2000 Irrigation Districts Act replaced the previous Irrigation Act.  After 3 years of working with the Act, key amendments were made to further improve the Act.  Minor amendments have been made since then, but the intent of the 2000 Act remains unchanged.  The purpose of the Act is to provide for the governance of irrigation districts in order that the management and delivery of water occurs in an efficient manner that provides for the needs of the users.  Some of the key components of the Act will be discussed in order to show how the Act plays a very important role in the area of overall water management in southern Alberta.

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Len Ring
February 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Session 1: Water Management
February 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 9:30 p.m.
Forecasting the Irrigation Water Supply for the Southern Tributaries - Jollin Charest, Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation

This presentation will discuss the following topics. Water supply for the St. Mary River, Raymond, Magrath, Southwest, Mountain View and United Irrigation Districts comes from the Waterton, Belly and St. Mary Rivers (Southern Tributaries). The flows from these rivers vary greatly from year to year affecting the volume of water that can be diverted for irrigation. Forecasting the potential volume of water expected to be available in an upcoming irrigation season is beneficial for water management decisions.  Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has provided estimates of farm gate water supply since 2001. The forecast estimates the probabilities of available water at the farm gate for the irrigation districts and private irrigation projects that receive water from the Southern Tributaries. The forecast is typically generated monthly from March to July.  The forecast relies on information from the Government of Alberta Water Supply Outlook (https://rivers.alberta.ca/). The Outlook estimates the river flows forecast for the season based on current and predicted precipitation and mountain snowpack. The forecast also accounts for the available irrigation storage volume in reservoirs at the beginning of the period. The forecast factors in the instream flow needs, the non-irrigation licences and losses from seepage and evaporation, as well as irrigation district return flow. 

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Jollin Charest
February 4, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
A Walk in the Park – The Water Management Path and Those Who Join Us in Drought - Christopher Gallagher, LNID

Water management is what we do in the irrigation sector and is a path we take each year in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID). As the most important input in irrigated farm operations, and in supporting human and natural communities, water is monitored, captured, stored, conveyed and delivered by LNID and our water management partners to our water users every year. Our farmers are essential water managers who make seeding, fertilizer, insurance and marketing decisions that hinge on the LNID Board of Directors’ assessment of water supply risk. With LNID staff advice on reservoir storage, snowpack and forecast watershed yield supplied by the Government of Alberta, the Board sets a water allocation to mitigate this risk. Our operations team then administers this conservative, yet dynamic allocation that is adjusted as the water supply situation and forecast demand change through the growing season.

In most years we share the path with a stalwart group of water managers as we walk our yearly route. During drought the path gets rough, and we look to our neighbours to join the team or just cheer us along. Sharing the struggle is rarely requested, but this means a lot for our farmers who take the brunt of the load.

            Chris will walk us through the events leading up to LNID’s 2024 water management year, some of the pitfalls and obstacles we encountered, some of the beautiful views we were rewarded with, and some ideas to upgrade the trail.

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Christopher Gallagher
February 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
Managing Reductions of On-Farm Water Allocation

Craig will provide his experience in managing reduced on-farm water allocations on his irrigation farm during the 2023 and 2024 irrigation seasons.

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Craig Palmer
February 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Networking Break
February 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
2024 Alberta Drought Management - Darren Bourget, Alberta Environment & Protected Areas
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Darren Bourget
February 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. — February 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
A Remote Sensing Framework to Model Alberta’s Late Winter Mountain Snow Water Equivalent - Chris Hopkinson, University of Lethbridge

Alberta’s mountain snowmelt maintains reservoir levels, crop irrigation, municipal and industrial supply, and ecosystem services. As climate and consumption pressures increase, accurate snow water equivalent (SWE) data is crucial for supply forecasts, which can impact allocations and emergency measures. Field snowpack monitoring does not provide spatial basin SWE estimates, and regional-scale uncertainties are proportionally greatest when snowpack is low and drought-risk high. Airborne lidar can map snow depth at high resolution, and combined with density data can produce watershed-scale SWE. The goal of this study was to test lidar sampling and imputation in an operational basin-scale SWE and runoff forecasting framework for southern Alberta. Lidar sensors were flown in March and April 2024, to collect 76 snow depths over the Bow and Oldman headwaters near coincident with field samples at 28 sites. Lidar snow depths were aggregated to 30m and used to train a random forest imputation using satellite imagery and terrain data layers (accuracy > 0.9). Field validation showed a bias of -5% (March) and -10% (April), which is explained by differences in data resolution and sample timing. Field densities were applied to imputed depths to produce a 30m gridded SWE product, which was used as an input to the Raven Hydrological Model. Applying the lidar-imputed SWE to a calibrated model upstream of the Oldman Reservoir enabled a mid-simulation correction in areas where previous SWE estimates were in error. The framework tested enables regional supply forecasting with greatest benefits during times of water stress.

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Professor Chris Hopkinson
February 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
February 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
Session 2: Water Management
February 4, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Irrigation Districts’ Water License Amendments for Other Purpose Uses - - Lorraine Nicol, University of Lethbridge

Beginning in 2003, irrigation districts amended selected water licenses for irrigation water to make such water available for ‘other purpose uses’. These other purpose uses include, for example, municipal, agriculture (such as confined feedlot operations), industrial, and commercial. Closure of the Bow, Oldman, and South Saskatchewan sub-basins in the SSRB to new water license applications in 2007 has meant water available for other purpose uses plays an important role in providing flexibility to ‘closed’ basins via much needed water for population and economic growth. This presentation provides the most recent data on the amount of water for other purpose uses that is licensed through the irrigation districts, and how much is being utilized. Through informal interviews with irrigation district managers, the presentation also provides insights into what purposes the water is used for, the various fee structures, and managers’ views on the ability of water for other purpose uses to fulfill current and future water needs as relates to population and economic growth within their districts.

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Dr. Lorraine Nicol
February 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Water Transfers in Alberta (2007-2025 Market Review) - Davin MacIntosh, Water Transfer Alberta

Through the course of this presentation, we will discuss the rationale for transfer provisions in the Water Act, review of the market for water licences since 2007 and price trends and highlight the SWOT of market function. We will also be talking about what’s next and finishing the session with a Q&A period.

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Davin MacIntosh
February 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion on Shared Water Management
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Tamara Miyanaga
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Jason Miller
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Andre Asselin
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Tracy Scott
February 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Networking Break
February 4, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Provincial Water Availability Engagement

Presented by Alberta Environment and Protected Services

February 4, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
AIDA Annual General Meeting
February 4, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.
Evening Events
February 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Cocktails
February 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
Banquet
February 4, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 8:15 p.m.
Evening Presentation
February 4, 2025 at 8:15 p.m. — February 4, 2025 at 9:30 p.m.
Newman Mentalism
February 5, 2025 at 7:45 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Morning Coffee
February 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Session 3: Keynote
February 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Asset Management and Full Asset Lifecycle Costs

This presentation will cover the some of the principles of asset management, why they are valuable, and how those can be applied over every stage of an assets lifecycle. Key benefits of full cost accounting include better information for decision makers, enhanced options evaluation across the lifecycle, and assurance of good stewardship of the assets.

The presentation will cover why it's important to understand full lifecycle costs of an asset. We'll also explain some of the jargon that is common in asset management. We'll also touch on the basic principles we apply. The presentation will describe the typical lifecycle phases of an asset, and dive into some of the costs you can expect in each.

We'll then discuss elements which effect full cost accounting over time. These are important to consider as we prepare forecasts and apply these to our decision making.

The presentation will include examples for real-world projects.

By the end of this presentation, attendees will have a clear understanding of the importance of full lifecycle cost accounting and how it supports informed decision-making and effective asset management. This knowledge will empower them to better manage assets and ensure their sustainability and efficiency over time.

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Ryan Woodhouse
February 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
Condition Assessment Best Practices for Water Management Infrastructure -- Spencer Hossack, KGS Group

The ongoing monitoring, assessment, maintenance and safe operation of water management and irrigation infrastructure requires owners and engineers to be able to reliably and safely inspect assets. Many components of water management structures contain challenging access conditions including submerged components, areas which have restricted access, confined spaces, or places inaccessible by people either due to size, height or safety concerns. These features and their condition are often critical to dam safety aspects as well as the safe operation of the structures in normal conditions as well as during flooding and other extreme events. The presenters will provide an overview of critical features of structures that often require specialized inspection services namely: low level outlets, stilling basins, and drainage systems for spillway structures on erodible foundations. The available technology and techniques for completing inspections of these areas as well as the planning considerations for both inspection success and safety will be presented. In addition, an overview of best practices and challenges experienced in planning, procuring, and coordinating outside services for these inspections will be highlighted.  

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Spencer Hossack
February 5, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Session 4: Aquatic Invasive Species Management
February 5, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Magnacide H- What it is and How it is Used in Irrigation -- Daryl Brouwers, BRID

In this session we will discuss how Magnicide is used to control aquatic weeds within a canal system.  We will also tak about, what Magnicide is, what its chemical properties are, how it is produced, and why is it so important for irrigation.

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Daryl Brouwers
February 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
February 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Challenges with Aquatic Pesticide Use for Treatment of AIS -- Jay White, Aquality Environmental Consulting Ltd.

Registering aquatic pesticides with the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in Canada involves several challenges that inhibit useful products that could be used in the fight against aquatic invasive species. The PMRA has rigorous guidelines for the registration of pesticides, including those for aquatic applications.  Aquatic pesticides must undergo thorough environmental risk assessments to ensure they do not harm non-target species, including fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants. The PMRA requires detailed information on the potential health risks to humans, including those who apply the pesticides and those who might be exposed indirectly through water use. There are specific labeling requirements and usage restrictions for aquatic pesticides to prevent contamination of water bodies and ensure safe application, which can limit the use of certain pesticides in specific areas. The registration process often involves consultations with various stakeholders, including environmental groups, industry representatives, and Indigenous communities. Balancing these interests can be complex. Finally, aquatic pesticides must comply with not only the Pest Control Products Act but also other federal, provincial, and territorial regulations, such as the Fisheries Act.  

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Jay White
February 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
Chemical Control Technologies for Managing Invasive Aquatic Plants and Mussels -- Terry McNabb, Aquatechnex

In the United States, the US EPA has registered 16 different active ingredients for aquatic use sites targeting aquatic weeds and algae.  They have also issued registrations for aquatic pesticides to target quagga and zebra mussels.  As such we have a fairly expansive toolbox to use when needed to restore aquatic sites impacted by Eurasian Milfoil, Flowering Rush and Quagga Mussels.  This talk would focus on technologies used in the US to target these pests with a few case studies.   

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Terry McNabb
February 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Alberta AIS Program Update -- Nicole Kimmel, AEPA

This presentation will provide a comprehensive update on Alberta's Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program, highlighting key developments in prevention and enforcement activities over the past year. Attendees will gain insights into recent changes to fine structures, highlights from the AIS Task Force, and the expansion of enhanced watercraft inspection stations across the province.  

The presentation will also spotlight some of the program's more challenging and noteworthy interceptions, including the case of barges destined for SMRID’s Chin Reservoir. These real-world examples will underscore the critical role of the AIS program in protecting Alberta’s waterways. Join us for an engaging overview of the strategies, successes, and ongoing challenges in AIS management.  

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Nicole Kimmel
February 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
February 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Session 5: Water Quality
February 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Harmful Algal Blooms and Associated Cyanotoxins in Alberta's Irrigation Districts: Implications for Irrigated Crops - Jonathan Challis

Microcystins, potent hepatotoxins produced by cyanobacteria during harmful algal blooms, pose significant threats to both environmental and human health due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic ecosystems. These toxins can accumulate in various matrices, including plants and soils, raising concerns about their potential impacts on terrestrial ecosystems and human exposure through the food chain. The goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the potential risks posed to soil and crop health when microcystins are present in irrigation water.  

To assess this, a greenhouse experiment was conducted at the AAFC Lethbridge Research and Development Centre using barley and potato crops. Plants were grown over ≈90 days and irrigated with a mixture of three of the most commonly detected microcystins at four concentrations (control, low, medium, and high). Additionally, these same three microcystins were monitored in irrigation water as part of the IDWQ program to characterize the occurrence of these algal toxins throughout the irrigation districts. This presentation will summarize the soil and crop accumulation data from the greenhouse experiments and discuss the IDWQ microcystin measurements in irrigation water.  

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Jonathan Challis
February 5, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Trending Now: Irrigation Water Quality in Southern Alberta -- Janelle Villeneuve, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation

Irrigation is essential for high agricultural production and crop diversity in semi-arid regions such as southern Alberta. With nearly 75% of Canada’s irrigation occurring in Alberta’s irrigation districts, the management and maintenance of irrigation water quality is highly important in this region. The Irrigation District Water Quality program, led by Alberta’s irrigation districts, has been evaluating the quality of irrigation water in southern Alberta since 2006. Long-term trends for 19 water quality parameters, including nutrients, salinity, physical characteristics, Escherichia coli, and pesticides, were recently updated for this 15-year data set.  Parameter-by-site analyses indicate statistically significant decreasing (37%), increasing (1%) or no trends (62%), depending on the site and the parameter. This indicates stability and improvement in water quality during the study period at the resolution of individual sites. Regional (overall) trend analysis revealed trends in 11 out of the 19 parameters tested: nine decreased, two increased, and eight exhibited no trend, which also indicates stable and improving water quality. Continued monitoring is important for areas and parameters showing increasing trends to guide mitigation actions. This information can be used to focus water and land management decisions and direct resources to priority areas and parameters to ensure excellent quality irrigation water for all users. 

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Janelle Villeneuve
February 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Key Highlights of FoodNet Canada Water Surveillance in Alberta -- Hailey Silver, Public Health Agency of Canada

Integrated surveillance and source attribution have been advocated in Canada and abroad to understand and reduce the burden of enteric diseases. FoodNet Canada (FNC), facilitated by the Public Health Agency of Canada, is an integrated, sentinel site-based surveillance system designed to address these objectives. FNC collects data from sentinel communities, conducting active surveillance of enteric pathogens on farms, retail food, and local water sources in the four FNC sites located in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. In parallel and, based on a strong collaboration with local public health units and private and public health diagnostic laboratories, enhanced epidemiological and microbiological data are collected for human enteric disease cases. The presentation will describe FNC water monitoring activities and its integration in farm-to-fork surveillance, as well as highlight the collaboration with the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association and key results from samples collected as a result of this partnership.  

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Hailey Silver
February 5, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Networking Break
February 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Microbiological Analysis of Irrigation Water of Southern Alberta -- Nicole Seitz Vermeer, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation

Incidents of foodborne illness, increasingly associated with irrigated plant-based foods (e.g., leafy greens, raw flour), can be devastating to communities, and cause damaging effects to industry economics and reputation. Generic Escherichia coli (E. coli) belong to a group of fecal coliform bacteria. Although only some species of E. coli cause illness, isolation of this bacteria from food or water indicates potential contamination from feces and possible presence of pathogens such as pathogenic E. Coli O157:H7, Salmonella or Campylobacter species. The Government of Alberta recommends irrigation water contain no more than 100 colony-forming units (CFU) of generic E. coli per 100 mL of water to reduce potential risks to human health associated with the consumption of irrigated raw produce. Generic E. coli, as well as three common intestinal bacterial pathogens were examined in irrigation water of southern Alberta. Assessments of these pathogens are used to characterize overall pathogenic risk of irrigation water, and subsequent risk to crops and human health. This information can be used by industry to develop targeted beneficial management practices to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination of irrigation water. 

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Nicole Seitz Vermeer
February 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Safe Beach Protocol: Recreational Water Monitoring in Alberta

Participating in recreational water activities and enjoying the beaches are summer highlights for many Albertans. Supporting safe recreational waters for the public to enjoy is a shared responsibility between those that operate the beaches and government agencies. The Alberta Safe Beach Protocol was introduced in 2019 following collaboration between multiple provincial agencies, including Alberta Health Services (AHS), and the University of Alberta (School of Public Health). It outlines the provincial program to assess and manage the public health risks associated with recreational waters throughout Alberta. The Protocol not only introduced the cyanobacterial bloom monitoring program and established Enterococcus as the water quality indicator in the province, but provided operators with a useful site assessment tool, a visual guide for cyanobacterial blooms, and an outline for a recreational water safety plan that can be tailored to address ongoing fecal contamination concerns at their sites.

 

AHS – Safe Healthy Environments (AHS-SHE) is responsible for the operation of the provincial monitoring program under the Protocol, and works directly with site operators to provide support in sampling recreational waters, interpretation of results, and consulting on mitigation strategies when issues are identified, including the issuing of advisories as necessary. Supporting our beach operators through their monitoring processes and maintenance of their sites allows Albertans to continue to enjoy our great recreational waters throughout the summer.

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Theron White
February 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 4:10 p.m.
Conference Closing

Thank you so much for attending the 2025 AIDA Conference and we hope to see you next year!

February 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Technical Session
February 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
February 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.
M.D. of Acadia and Special Areas Joint Irrigation Study

An update on Phase 2 of a joint irrigation feasibility study between the M.D. of Acadia and the Special Areas Board.

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Trent Caskey
February 5, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Saskatchewan Irrigation Update

Leah Clark will talk about one of the bigger irrigation project initiatives in Saskatchewan called the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project. In this presentation, she will address the importance of engagement and how the team has built concerns brought forward into the project plan and project outcomes. She will also provide an update on the project and next steps. 

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Leah Clark
February 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
The Chin Chute Project

A technical review on the replacement of the original 1950s Chin Chute Spillway with a modern structure. 

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Travis Geremia
February 5, 2025 at 11:30 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 11:45 p.m.
Innovations for Flow and Level Measurements and Controls for MID Turnouts, Waterton Dam and Carseland Bow River Headworks
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Greg West
February 5, 2025 at 11:45 a.m. — February 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
Springbank Offstream Reservoir - Construction Progress Update

Springbank Offstream Dam and Reservoir (SR1) Project is currently under construction on the Elbow River near Calgary, Alberta. When operational, SR1 project will be used to divert and retain a portion of Elbow River flows within an off-stream reservoir during a flood and release the water in a controlled manner after the threat of flood has diminished.  

Construction of the dam started in April 2022 and is scheduled to be operational in spring 2025. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on the ongoing construction and progress up to date. As December 2024: 5.2 million m3 of dam infill have been placed, 5.6 million m3 of earth has been excavated and 74,000 m3 of concrete has been poured. As of November 2024, several components are completed including the major utility relocations, Highway 22 grade raise including the seeing work, bridges on Highway 22 and Township Road 242, Range Road 40 detour upgrades, emergency spillway, in river diversion gates, The Diversion Inlet gates are installed and first round of commissioning complete. Tower and gate hoist building complete outside of final reviews and minor deficiency repair and diversion outlet control structure. Drainage work behind the walls complete and backfill behind the west wall ongoing. Diversion structure Control building construction complete. Electrical, instrumentation and control work ongoing. Debris Deflection Barrier is complete. Work continues the diversion structure, auxiliary and emergency spillway, dam, Diversion Channel, Flood Plain Berm, and outlet channel. 

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Tamara Georgies
February 5, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
February 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Best Practices for Construction Management of Irrigation Infrastructure Projects

Construction Management can make or break a capital project.  The approach that’s taken to conducting construction management will define your projects outcome.

 

In this presentation we will outline Stantecs’ approach to construction management of irrigation

infrastructure projects.  Which relies heavily on a fluid system of communications.

 

We will introduce the 4 different groups we involve in our projects from start to finish and how the construction management aspect is involved with each.

 

  • Design Team – Construction managers coordinate field design activities such as preliminary surveys, hydrovac exposure of existing utilities, and design changes through construction.  Other activities can include procuring land use agreements, crossing agreements, and other various approvals.  In addition, we have found it very beneficial to engage senior construction inspectors in design “constructability” reviews.  These reviews aim to look at whether designs are practical from a construction and operation standpoint and whether of not there are some design considerations that may have been overlooked.  In addition, construction management personnel often help in the development of technical specifications used in the preparation of tender packages.

 

  • Project Management Team – From the award of tender onward the construction manager works closely with the project manager tracking progress and anticipated schedule.  Our construction manager often develops construction administration documentation, (site instructions, CCN’s, CO’s, Progress claims).  Construction managers keep project managers up to date with the latest developments in the field and

 

  • Construction Management Team – Senior and Junior inspectors monitor field activity, examining installed infrastructure and ensuring what’s being built meets specifications and detailed design. Coordinates with on site contractor, stake holders, landowners, and clients’ representatives.

 

  • Project Safety Team – Construction Managers are connected to the Stantec HSSE team and through our different HSSE processes strive to ensure all construction occurs in a safe manner.

 

The key to bringing all these elements together is effective communication and building relationships at all levels, and the following are ways in which we accomplish this:

 

  • Learn client expectations and the way they like seeing things done.
  • Engage with landowners to increase their comfort level with the projects and perhaps find symbiotic construction opportunities. 
  • Learn how the contractor has structured his crews and their strengths/weaknesses and look for opportunities to increase production efficiencies.

Internally learn how your own team operates. What kind of timelines can you expect for deliverables? Can you coordinate to get things sooner if needed?

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Chris Enslen
February 5, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Provincial Water Storage Assessments

The Alberta Government is taking proactive steps to enhance the province's drought resilience and modernize its water management system. Expanding water storage capacity in the province is one way to reduce the risk of future droughts or water shortages and support a strong economy for years to come. 

Currently, Environmental and Protected Areas (EPA) is conducting the water storage opportunity study. The province-wide study will identify, review and assess potential locations where water storage infrastructure could be most effectively developed to help meet the province's long-term water needs. Various sites will be assessed based on new and existing information regarding hydrology, dam design, environmental, social, and cultural impacts, and the potential costs, benefits and risks or uncertainties for each site. 

EPA is also evaluating the feasibility of constructing a new Ardley Dam and Reservoir on the Red Deer River downstream of the City of Red Deer. Similarly, Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is evaluating the feasibility of constructing a new Eyremore Dam and Reservoir on the Bow River, downstream of the Bassano Dam. The objective of the studies is to assess whether a new dam can be designed, constructed, and operated within the current regulatory environment for a cost that provides value to Albertans and the economy, including benefits to irrigation, drought management, water security, and flood protection.

In September 2024, the Alberta government announced the Bow River Reservoir Options initiative would proceed to the Phase 3 Engineering and Regulatory Approval Process with the Relocated Ghost Dam, located up stream of the Town of Cochrane.  

Overall, these strategic efforts seek to improve long-term water management and increase water availability for Albertans. 

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Santosh GC
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Elizabeth Smith
February 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Alberta Irrigation Modernization Program Update

An update will be provided on irrigation infrastructure projects funded under the Alberta Irrigation Modernization program.  

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Richard Phillips
February 5, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Networking Break
February 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 3:15 p.m.
HDPE Pipe for Irrigation District Projects -- Tony Wikkerink, SMRID

For a number of years, PVC has been the primary pipe material used for Irrigation District rehabilitation projects.  Increased demand for PVC pipe and fittings due to new funding availability has resulted in SMRID investigating other pipe materials.  HDPE pipe has been utilized on several recent District projects, and evaluated as an alternative to PVC on others.  This presentation outlines the SMRID projects where HDPE pipe has been considered (and in some cases, utilized), where it has been successful and where limitations have been noted, and some of the installation- and cost-related considerations that have been identified through these projects. 

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Tony Wikkerink
February 5, 2025 at 3:15 p.m. — February 5, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
Irrican Battery Energy Storage System - Project Review

Irrican Power is implementing an enhanced Batteries and Renewables Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Raymond Hydro facility location.  This session will review the project description, timeline, projected outcomes and lessons learned by Irrican Power embarking on the first BESS for the company.   This will include a review of the Alberta’s electric market and how an auxiliary market has been developed by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) to improve grid stability. We will present an explanation of why the Raymond Hydro site is well suited for interconnection and integration of a BESS site and how the Raymond BESS is well suited for several auxiliary programs. This presentation will also showcase a photo slide deck of construction to explain the site layout and how it integrates with the Hydro facility. 

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David Westwood

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