Project Overview
Location: Carpenter Lake, British Columbia
Sector: Utility / Power Distribution
Timeline: 2024 (Completed)
Scope: Remote Foundation Preparation, Rigging, and Specialized Rescue Standby
Maintaining power infrastructure in the rugged terrain surrounding Carpenter Lake requires more than standard utility equipment. BC Hydro partnered with Global Rock Works (GRW) to facilitate the installation of power towers and poles in locations where traditional access was impossible.
The Challenge: Enabling Work in Vertical Terrain
The project involved replacing or installing power distribution assets on steep, technical slopes. This created a dual challenge:
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Inaccessible Foundations: Creating stable post holes and anchor points on rock-slopes where heavy machinery could not reach.
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Lineman Safety: Providing a safe working environment for BC Hydro linemen who are experts in electrical work but require specialized support for high-angle positioning and fall protection.
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Remote Logistics: Operating in the Bridge River system area, requiring self-sufficient teams and precise coordination.
Our Solution: The “Advance Team” for Utility Crews
GRW acted as the specialized advance and support team, ensuring all site preparations were complete and safety systems were “live” before the electrical work began.
Key Work Streams:
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Geotechnical Preparation: Hand-drilling and excavating post holes in challenging rock and soil profiles to prepare for pole setting.
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Rigging & Anchor Systems: Installing certified rock anchors and rigging high-angle access lines to allow linemen to move safely across the slope.
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Integrated Safety & Rescue: Providing dedicated two-person teams to facilitate access and remain on High-Angle Rescue Standby throughout the pole installation phase.
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Site Optimization: Clearing debris and stabilizing work pods to create a level, safe environment for the technical distribution work.
The Results
The Carpenter Lake project demonstrated how GRW’s specialized skill set minimizes risk for utility owners:
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Efficient Project Flow: By handling the “mountain work,” GRW allowed BC Hydro’s distribution teams to focus entirely on their core electrical tasks, significantly speeding up the install timeline.
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Zero Incidents: Total commitment to safety, with specialized rescue plans in place and zero reported injuries.
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High-Margin Execution: Proved the value of a small, highly skilled 2-person team in solving complex access problems that would otherwise require massive infrastructure investment.
