'We had to prepare for the worst-case scenario' says project manager
In the remote wilderness of northwestern British Columbia, the Atlin Ruffner Mine remediation project needed to overcome health and safety challenges. Spearheaded by Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc., the initiative tackled environmental and logistical hurdles, all while safeguarding workers and the local ecosystem.
Navigating remoteness
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the site’s remoteness posed the greatest safety challenge, according to senior project manager Wayne Harris. “Being so far from medical aid, we had to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” Harris says. The team’s solutions included sending their superintendent to a comprehensive first aid course to act as a medic and renting a fully equipped ambulance for on-site emergencies. They also coordinated with paramedics in Atlin, the closest town to the old silver mine, to establish a streamlined evacuation plan.
Harris recounts, “we worked out a system where we could evacuate an injured worker from the project site and transfer them to emergency responders at a designated highway point.” Despite these plans, unpredictable road conditions often forced the team to improvise during emergency drills, underscoring the importance of adaptability.
Engineering safety into the environment
The silver mine’s legacy of contamination, with leaking tailings ponds and polluted water streams, added an environmental dimension to the team’s safety efforts. Harris explains, “our project was to intercept contaminated water and divert it away from the mine site.” The team installed a siphon pumping system and an HDPE pipeline to redirect water, along with trenches and geomembrane barriers to prevent infiltration.
These measures were crucial for protecting both workers and the surrounding environment. “By controlling water flow, we minimized risks of contamination while ensuring a safer workspace,” Harris says.
Community collaboration enhances safety
Local partnerships proved instrumental in overcoming logistical hurdles. Milestone engaged the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) and the Atlin Tlingit Economic Limited Partnership to provide workforce and equipment. “The community supplied about 80% of the workforce and resources,” Harris notes.
This collaboration not only advanced the project but also created economic opportunities. Harris emphasizes, “we wanted to ensure there was an economic benefit to the community, along with training and experience for the local workforce.”
Drills and redundancy: Preparing for the worst
Emergency preparedness was tested through realistic drills that revealed crucial insights. “In one mock emergency, we got the ambulance stuck in the mud, just as we anticipated,” Harris recalls. The team quickly adapted, using a dozer to tow the ambulance and carrying a stretcher to safety. “These exercises proved the effectiveness of our backup plans and reinforced the importance of having multiple layers of contingency,” he adds.
Satellite communication systems ensured connectivity in an area with no cell service, a critical component of the emergency response plan. “Strong communication was non-negotiable,” Harris says, highlighting the need for reliable systems in remote sites.
Lessons for future projects
Reflecting on the project, Harris underscores the importance of preparation and flexibility. “Road conditions can deteriorate quickly, so always have a backup plan,” he advises. From dealing with sudden weather changes to maintaining access routes, the project offered a blueprint for safety in challenging environments.
“Redundancy is key—whether it’s equipment, emergency plans, or personnel training,” says Harris.
The Atlin Ruffner Mine remediation not only resolved environmental hazards but also set a precedent for integrating health and safety into every aspect of remote project planning.
