Construction of the most recent diesel fuel recovery trench hit a snag this week when it was determined a Centra Transmission Holding’s gas line will keep KGS contractors from building an extension on the south trench as initially planned.
Instead, contractors will build a fourth trench running east and west on town property on the north side of the sewage lift station.
The town council already approved building the extension so there is no need to get permission.
“The original plan was to bring the trench from the north, cross the [gas] line, and jog east [making an L-shape],” explained Jim Feeny, director of public affairs for CN.
“Now we’re coming down from the north before we cross the gas line and we’ll jog east [moving parallel with the gas line],” he noted.
The gas line follows the west side of Central Avenue, then cuts across in a L-shape between town and CN property. KGS first intended to dig around and under the pipe but decided it was safer to ignore it altogether.
The pipe is the main feeder line for the area. Built in 1971, it is 12 inches in diameter and carries 400 psi of natural gas.
“It was the contractor’s decision not to expose the pipe. We wouldn’t have seen [digging around it] as a major hindrance,” said Elizabeth Havelock, a spokesperson for Centra Transmission Holding.
Eric Zakrewski, environmental co-ordinator with KGS, said construction on the extra trench should be completed by Friday.
He also said if council gives the approval for the third trench, slated to be built under the sidewalk in front of residents’ homes, construction would begin within two weeks.
Council is expected to make its decision at next Monday’s regular meeting.
In related news, George Drazenovich and his wife, June, have joined the Grays and the Sawkas at the Red Dog Inn. The couple spent Monday night there because of the increased noise and odour resulting from trench construction.
But there is no more vacancy at the Red Dog Inn, forcing CN to make other arrangements.
Last Wednesday evening, CN claims manager Jim Junod called Central Avenue residents to tell them the company had agreed to temporarily relocate residents to the Red Dog Inn.
“We will take care of some people, depending on what their needs are,” Junod told the Times on Thursday.
“It was a nice gesture on the part of CN,” Drazenovich said.
The Suttons spent last night at home after staying at the Red Dog on Friday. Bev Sandmoen and the Lawsons remain in their homes despite the diesel fumes and noise.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
