The Challenges of Dams in Cold Climates

Design, Construction, Permitting and Environmental Issues
focusing on
Alaska, Canada and High Elevation Dams

This USSD Workshop will be held in collaboration with the National Hydropower Association, following the NHA-Alaska Regional Meeting. Participants are encourage to attend both events (Registration is separate).

September 19: NHA Alaska Regional Meeting
September 19: NHA/USSD Welcome Reception 6 pm - 7 pm
September 20-21: USSD Workshop on the Challenges of Dams in Cold Climates
September 22: Optional field trip to Lower Eklutna Dam Removal Site

Agenda -- Download Here

Why You Should Attend

• Engineering, construction and environmental issues in cold climate and high altitude regions are topics that are not often presented in dam industry workshops and conferences. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to discuss these important topics with industry experts.
• A training session on the International Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol will be presented for the first time in the U.S.
• Case histories will be presented by top experts from around the world, reviewing some of the most high-profile projects in North America, including Site C Dam (British Columbia), Muskrat Falls Dam (Labrador), Susitna-Watana Dam (Alaska), Keeyask Dam (Manitoba) and many more small and large dams in the US, Canada, and Alaska.
• It's cost effective! During the "shoulder season" in Alaska, airfares and car rental rates are very reasonable. And the rate at the Hotel Alyeska is a fantastic $109/night, including required fees.      
  

Workshop Description

The Workshop will bring together design and construction experts from the U.S. and Canada and is aimed at both seasoned professionals and those in the earlier stages of their careers. The two-day workshop will include presentations by experts as well as breakout groups and discussion. Following the Wednesday morning Plenary Session, breakouts will feature two tracks: 

• Track A: Investigation, Design, Construction, Operations

• Track B: Getting to Construction – studies and permits for environmentally sustainable dams in Alaska.

Track B will include a one-day special training session. On Thursday, Dr. Joerg Hartmann will lead a training session on the International Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol. This is the first time this topic has been presented in the U.S. Dr. Hartmann was part of the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Forum, which developed the Protocol, and he is now an accredited lead assessor and has applied the Protocol on more than 20 hydropower projects worldwide. This leading-edge training session is not to be missed.

The Workshop is championed by Robert Cannon of Schnabel Engineering, with the assistance of Denise Bunte-Bisnett of Santee Cooper.

Learning Objectives

Track A:  Investigation, Design, Construction, Operations

• Learn from Case Histories for Cold Climate Dams
• Consider the Logistic and Costs of Investigations in Remote Territories
• Address Diver Issues and Solutions in Freezing Water to Recognize Required Costs
• Learn of Special Design Issues in Cold Climates
  
• Recognize the Special Issues and Lessons-Learned for Cold-Climate Dams
• Solve Unique Cold-Climate Challenges during Life-Cycle of Dam Projects
• Learn of State-of-the-Art RCC Technologies

• Air-Entrained RCC (AERCC)
• Internally Vibrated RCC
• Protection of Placed RCC in Extremely Cold Conditions
• Mix Technology

• Recognize Cold Weather Concrete Technology Options
• Address Special Construction Issues for Earthen Dams
• Estimate Construction Cost Issues on Frozen Ground and Permafrost
• Estimate Cost Implications for Remote Locations and Short Construction Seasons
• Resolve Construction Issues on Severely Size-Constrained Sites
• Select Alternative Impermeable Barriers for Dams in Cold Climates (Dense Asphaltic Concrete and Geomembranes)
• Determine Appropriate, Cost-Effective Dam Types for Cold Climate/Poor Access Sites
• Hear FERC Perspectives on Special Issues for Cold Climate Hydroelectric Dams
• Find Unique Solutions for Mine and Mine Tailings Dams
• Ask Questions of the World’s Top Experts

Track B:  Getting to Construction – studies and permits for environmentally sustainable dams in Alaska

• Recognize Special Permitting and Environmental issues in Alaska and Canada
• Examine Unique Issues for Cold Climate Dams
• Compare Issues for New & Existing Dams
• Understand the Hydropower Sustainability Protocol

Featured Projects:

A variety of dam types (earth, concrete, RCC, DAC lined and DAC core, geomembrane lined dams) in various cold-climate locations will be discussed, including:

• Susitna-Watana Dam, Southcentral Alaska
• Site C, British Columbia, Canada
• Muskrat Falls Dam, Labrador, Canada
• Keeyask Dam, Manitoba, Canada
• Sweetheart Dam, SE Alaska
  
• Terror Lake Hydro Project Hidden Diversion Project, Kodiak Island, Alaska
• And many more

Field Tour

An optional field tour will take place on Friday, September 22, to a dam removal project just north of Anchorage. The project involves the demolition of the 61-foot high concrete Lower Eklutna Dam. The tour also includes a visit to a smaller dam on the glacial Upper Eklutna Lake in a scenic glacier-carved valley. The lower reservoir is filled with sediment, and the dam is obsolete. is intended to reestablish a salmon run in the Eklutna River. At the time of the field trip, the dam will be about 50% demolished.

For those who want to walk down to the dam site, it is a strenuous climb down and back up a 400-foot flights of aluminum stairs, as shown in the aerial photo.  Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots are required; steel toe recommended.

The field trip will leave the Hotel Alyeska at 8:00 a.m. and will return to the hotel by 4:00 p.m. Arrangements will be made for those with rental cars to leave their cars in Anchorage during the tour, and/or to take participants at the Anchorage airport by 3:00 p.m.

Note:  USSD reserves the right to cancel the field trip for any reason, including inadequate attendance, weather, or site conditions that might affect the ability to tour the site. If the site tour is not possible, USSD will give as much advance notice as possible, and may be able to arrange a visit to cultural sites in the area in lieu of the site tour.

Venue and Hotel Reservations

The beautiful Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska, is located just 40 miles SE of Anchorage and the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The hotel is nestled in the Chugach Mountains on Alaska’s south central coast.  Discounted group tram tickets will be offered during the Workshop for only $20 (regular price $29). Take the 60-person gondola ride to the bar and restaurant at the top of the mountain, or to enjoy the gorgeous views from the observation deck. 

The special group rate for single or double accommodations is ONLY $99/night (plus tax), plus a required $10/night resort fee which provides access to the pool and fitness center and wireless internet access. The room block rate is guaranteed only through August 28, or until the room block fills. Reservations after the room block fills, or after August 28, will be at the prevailing room rate, subject to availability.

Hotel Reservations

Call the Hotel Aleyeska at 800-880-3880 to make your reservations. Mention that you are with the NHA/USSD meeting to ensure the special rate.

Travel and weather

Fly to Anchorage (ANC), the most accessible airport in Alaska, with direct flights from large U.S. cities at attractive off-season rates during September. Alaska Airlines is offering a 7% discount off Alaska Airlines published fares (except companion and other promotional fares).  Go
online to alaskaair.com and input the Discount Code ECMX977 when searching for flights. Beginning Travel Date: September 16, 2017. Last Travel Date: September 24, 2017).

The most economical option for transportation to and from the airport and the hotel is rental car. Rental cars are priced as low as $9-13 per day plus taxes (cheap off-season rates!); taxis are a more expensive alternative.

The average high temperature in the area in September is 54 degrees; the average low is 39 degrees.

Exhibition

Space is available for a limited number of 10' by 10' booths around the perimeter of the room where the plenary session, continental breakfasts, lunches and breaks will take place.  In addition, a reception in the room be held on Wednesday evening to provide even more opportunities for face-to-face contact between exhibitors and Workshop participants.

The exhibitor fee is $1000 and includes one full Workshop registration. The fee includes one six-foot table, two chairs and access to electricity. No backdrops or booth dividers will be provided. Exhibitors may setup on Tuesday evening from 7 - 9 pm, or on Wednesday morning from 6 - 7 am. Teardown will be after the afternoon break on Thursday. (Note: during the Wednesday evening Reception/Exhibition, the workshop tables and seating will be removed to allow more comfortable interaction with exhibitors.)

To reserve a booth, complete the Exhibitor registration form to your left.

Current Exhibitors

Booth Number	Exhibitor
3	Worthington Products, Inc.
4	Global Diving and Salvage
5	Barnard Construction Co., Inc.
6	SNC-Lavalin Inc.
7	Hydro Component Systems LLC
8	Schnabel Engineering, Inc.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships provide an excellent opportunity to promote your company during the Workshop, while supporting the USSD mission.  The sponsorship fee is $400 and includes:

• Company name and logo on all marketing materials and communications
• Link to your website from this event web page
• Logo on sponsor signs and powerpoint slides during Workshop
• Recognition during event functions
• Pre- and post-event attendee lists with contact information
  
• Table space to display company brochures and handouts during Workshop (if not an exhibitor)
  

To reserve your sponsorship, complete the appropriate registration category to the left (member, non-member, speaker/presenter, young professional), and select the sponsorship option at the end of the registration form.

Registration

Note: Click here to register for the NHA Regional Meeting (USSD Members may register at the NHA Member rate).

Registration categories and fees:

USSD or NHA Member -- $500
Non-Member -- $550
Workshop Speaker/presenter -- $400
Young Professional (age 35 and under) -- $350

The registration fee includes:

• NHA/USSD Welcome Reception Tuesday evening

• Access to Workshop powerpoint presentations after the Workshop
  
• Continental breakfasts, lunches and breaks on Wednesday and Thursday
  
• Exhibitor Reception Wednesday evening
• Optional field tour to Lower Eklutna Dam Removal Project on Friday, including transportation and box lunch
• Opportunity to purchase discounted Alyeska Resort tram ticket for $20 at the USSD registration desk

Cancellation Policy: You may transfer your registration at any time at no cost. Cancellations received in writing by September 1 will be refunded less a $50 administrative fee.  Cancellations after this date cannot be refunded.

CEUs and Professional Development Hours

Colorado State University, Division of Continuing Education, will grant CEUs after successful completion of the Workshop.The cost is $50, payable to CSU.  PDH certificates will also be issued during the Conference (no charge). More information will be available at the Workshop.

More Information

For more information about the Workshop, contact Sue Anderson, sanderson55@comcast.net, 970-231-2274.