Quesnel, B.C. – The dewatering program that is part of West Quesnel Land Stability plan is moving forward. Fourteen vertical pumping wells will be drilled this spring as part of Phase 1 of the West Quesnel Stablity dewatering program which is an effort to stop the ground movement in that portion of the City.

 

The Uplands area of West Quesnel  has experienced ground slippage for several years, amounting to about 2 to 7 centimetres each year. Some buildings  and municipal infrastructure have been seriously impacted by this slippage.

 

Engineering studies have determined  the boundaries of the impacted area and that the ground movement is very deep, ranging from 28 to 68 metres (100-300 feet) below the surface. The studies have also determined the ground slippage will continue if groundwater levels are not reduced.

 

The well drilling is part of Phase 1 of the project to stabilize the area. The estimated cost for this portion of the program is $566 thousand dollars which includes the cost of drilling, engineering costs , pumps and installation. 

 

The full project cost is $4.7 million  and  will see the installation of not only the 14 vertical pumping wells, but the development of nine horizontal drain sites consisting of more than 70 drains, and storm water system improvements for West Quesnel and area residents.

The City of Quesnel has committed more than $1.5 million to the project, with the Federal and Provincial Governments providing more than $3.1 million.

 

The area is home to nearly 25% of Quesnel’s population. The total value of the land, improvements, services and infrastructure in the area exceeds $100 million.