West Quesnel trial dewatering program providing valuable data

Posted
News Release

QUESNEL, B.C. – The West Quesnel Land Stability Program continues to progress in 2007, with early data from the trial dewatering program now available.

Last spring, two types of dewatering methods were proposed, vertical wells that pump water out of the ground and horizontal drains that allow groundwater to run out of the hill. Four vertical wells and two horizontal drains are now removing groundwater from the study area and some early data shows they may be having an effect.

“We’ve seen a drop in water levels and pressure that can be correlated to when the wells and drains came online,” said West Quesnel Land Stability Advisory Committee Chair Coun. Ron Craigmyle. “We’re a long way from saying we have a solution, but it’s promising to see some tangible results so early on. I’m pleased to be able to work with the Committee and the residents of the affected area, and I thank them for participating in the program.” 

The trial dewatering program is needed in order to design a large-scale dewatering solution. Its purpose is to determine:

  • The rate of change in groundwater pressure during dewatering.
  • How large of an area is affected by dewatering efforts.
  • Which method is most effective.

Funding for the trail dewatering program was included in the commitment made by the provincial government in 2006 when $1.2 million was given to the City to complete analysis of the slippage. The province has repeatedly indicated a willingness to be a partner in finding a lasting solution.

“The West Quesnel Land Stability Program remains Council’s top priority and we’re committed to finding the right solution,” said Mayor Nate Bello. “I’m confident in the work our staff and engineers are doing and I look forward to receiving the full results next year.”

Once the trial dewatering program is complete, the City should have a very good idea as to how best to proceed with a full-scale dewatering program designed to slow the rate of land movement to a manageable rate for current development levels. The City of Quesnel has spent more than $1.9 million on the West Quesnel Land Stability program since 2000. There are more than 750 homes and 2,100 residents in the slippage area.