Events

We learned about how geotechnical engineers participate in emergency response and safeguard society against geohazards.

In late July, a large landslide completely blocked the Chilcotin River approximately 285 kilometres north of Vancouver. The landslide dam was overtopped around a week later, resulting in a surge of backed up flow which triggered evacuation orders and flood warnings in downstream communities. In Metro Vancouver, some municipalities closed their waterfront spaces and warned residents about high streamflow in the Fraser River. The landslide also disrupted the migration of Pacific Salmon, and fish stocks will likely take years to fully recover.

Andrew Mitchell, a senior geotechnical engineer at BGC, discussed the geotechnical aspects of the landslide and outbreak flooding, including follow-up work to assess the longer term effects. He also describes some of the career experiences that led to his involvement in the project. This case study provided insight into how geotechnical engineering is applied in emergency response situations and the role that geotechnical engineers play in safeguarding communities against geohazards.

We attended Omega Drilling's annual demonstration day, where we got to see field demonstrations of geotechnical drilling, hydrovac excavations, and utility locates. The event was also a great networking opportunity for students to meet professionals from local consulting and contracting firms.