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Lower Falls Redevelopment:
What we are doing:
The project involves expansion of the existing Almonte Generating Station to increase the maximum output from 2.4MW to 5.0MW. The existing powerhouse and intake works will be converted to an intake structure. The existing turbines and generators will be removed and two 3 metre diameter penstocks will be constructed linking the intake to a new powerhouse to be constructed below the Lower Falls. The existing turbines will be modified, fitted with larger generators and re-installed in a new powerhouse.
Do you have a question about the project? Send your question by email to: info@mississippiriverpower.com
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Update - November 13, 2008
This week the penstock sections are being precisely positioned and welded together. Drilling for rock anchors at the new Generating Station is continuing. Minor repairs are being done to the intake of the old Generating Station.
Update - November 5, 2008
Three more sections of penstock were installed today.
Also, one of the transition pieces was installed this afternoon. The other transition piece and some smaller penstock sections are scheduled for installation tomorrow.
 
Drilling for rock anchors at the location of the new Generating Station started today.
Update - November 3, 2008
Excavation and blasting are complete.
The first sections of penstock were installed last week.
More sections of penstock arrived today (below - left), as well as one of the transition pieces (below - right) that will connect the old draft tubes (where the water exited the old Generating Station) to the penstocks. These pieces, and two more long, straight penstock sections, are scheduled for installation on Wednesday.
 
Update - October 27, 2008
The first penstocks should arrive tomorrow. They will be dropped in place when they arrive.
Blasting continued today and should wrap up tomorrow.
Update - October 21, 2008
Blasting resumed today, with 3 blasts and will continue tomorrow (Wednesday).
Update - October 16, 2008
Excavation for the new Generating Station building (including blasting) will resume next Monday or Tuesday.
Rock anchors have been installed over the past couple of days. More to come tomorrow.
The last part of the mud slab will be poured tomorrow.
Steel saddles will be bolted to these anchors and the penstocks will sit on the saddles. Penstocks should start arriving for installation next week (possibly Wednesday).
Update - October 9, 2008
The first part of the mud slab was poured on Monday morning (see the before and after pictures below. The remainder of the mud slab will be poured tomorrow.
 
The tailrace work is essentially complete and now the focus is on the transition from the new Generating Station to the tailrace and excavation of the new GS itself.
Blasting will resume at the location of the new GS, either next week or early the week after.
Update - October 2, 2008
Tailrace (where the water exits the new Generating Station) excavation and construction is well underway and should be completed by mid-week, next week.
  
Concrete pouring in the penstock trench will commence early next week. The pour will be a "mud slab", which is basically a smooth working surface (since the rocky bottom of the trench is uneven), that the penstocks will sit on.
Blasting will resume late next week at the location of the new Generating Station.
Update - September 26, 2008
All equipment has been removed from the old GS
The penstock trench has been blasted and excavated to the proper elevation
The tailrace (where water exits the GS) for the new GS will be dewatered early next week, and excavation in that area can begin.
Update - September 23, 2008
Equipment removal at the old Generating Station (GS) is nearly complete. The second turbine/wicket gate assembly/runner chest came out yesterday (pictured below).
  
The picture below shows a view from the floor of the old GS, looking down into the turbine pit. Prior to removal the turbine was at the bottom of the pit, connected by a steel shaft to the gearbox and generator which sat at the GS floor level.
Excavation of blasted rock in the penstock trench is still underway. Blasting is complete in this area, but more will occur at the location of the new Generating Station.
Update - September 12, 2008
Equipment removal continued at the old Generating Station.
Blasting will resume next week.
Update - September 9, 2008
Hoe-ramming continues underneath the bridge.
Excavation of blasted rock continued yesterday.
One gearbox from the old Generating Station was removed yesterday afternoon, the other will be coming out today.
Update - September 4, 2008
Plenty of action on the site this week.
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Excavation of the slope for the new tailrace (where water will exit the new generating station) commenced.
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Hoe-ramming underneath the bridge continued.
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Blasting started this morning. The first blast was around 8:00am, three others followed throughout the day. Blasting should continue for about two weeks. Upon completion of blasting, hoe-ramming and excavation, the penstocks will be placed in the trench and covered in concrete. Rock salvaged from the blasting, will then be placed in the top layer of concrete in an effort to restore (as much as possible) the look of the riverbed. Work on the foundation for the new station will be happening concurrently with the penstock installation.
 
 
Update - August 13, 2008
What will the new Generating Station look like?
Update - August 7, 2008
The Sod-Turning ceremony to officially commence the project, took place on July 22, 2008.
There is a great deal of work happening on the site this week, including:
- Construction of the access road
- Sealing of the coffer dam to divert the flow of the Mississippi River down the North Channel
- Trees have been removed and stumps are now being pulled
Rock excavation should commence in the next couple of weeks.
Update - July 21, 2008
General Contractor, M. Sullivan & Son Ltd., have erected construction fencing in Metcalfe GeoHeritage Park and are continuing with prepatory work. Construction is expected to commence within the next couple of weeks, and will last throughout the summer/fall/winter, with an expected completion date of spring or early summer.
PRESS RELEASE
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Prior to proceeding with this project, MRPC had to go through the Environmental Screening Process (similar to an Evironmental Assessment). Please click on the links below to see various stages of the Environmental Screening.
Notice of Commencement
Notice of Completion
Environmental Screening Report
Attachments:
Figures 2.1 - 2.4
Figures 5.1 & 5.2
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On October 16, 2006, Mississippi River Power Corp. received authorization from the Town of Mississippi Mills Council to proceed with the detailed design and tendering process.
Turbine/Generator bids were accepted during the month of February 2007. The contract was awarded to local firm - Canadian Hydro Components. Bids were accepted on the General Contract in March of 2008. The General Contract was awarded to M. Sullivan & Son Limited (Arnprior).
Construction on the project, should commence in July of 2008.
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