Improving dam safety at Little Long

Controlling water levels

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is making dam safety improvements to water control structures at the Adam Creek spillway, and other nearby dams on the Mattagami River.

The Little Long Dam Safety Project will increase the discharge capacity at the existing eight-gate Adam Creek spillway structure located on the Little Long Reservoir in Northeastern Ontario. Located about 90 km north of Kapuskasing, the project will add four new sluice gates and make other reliability improvements.

A sluice gate works like a sliding barrier that dam operators use to control water levels and flow rates in rivers.

Improving safety and generating local economic benefit

The project will ensure extreme floodwater can safely bypass OPG’s four Lower Mattagami River stations (Little Long, Smoky Falls, Harmon and Kipling generating stations) in the event of large-scale flooding in the area. OPG will comply with updated requirements established by the Province of Ontario. The project will also replace end-of-life gates and associated equipment at both the Adam Creek sluiceway and the nearby Little Long Generating Station (GS) sluiceway structure.

Being able to report that the project is nearing completion, on time and on budget, is a testament to the collaboration between various groups, including the OPG team, project contractors, Indigenous communities, local residents, and regulators. Once the remaining sluice gate work is complete, the focus will move to site rehabilitation phase. We will continue to manage water safely at our generating stations and control structures, in accordance with the Mattagami River Water Management Plan.
Tranal Chow
Project Manager

Much of the project involves heavy civil construction. This provides employment and contracting opportunities for Indigenous communities and local businesses in the Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, and surrounding areas. The project’s contractor manages the procurement and employment.

Construction activities are over 96% complete. Activities currently underway include:

  • Concrete pours for items such as post-tension anchors and mud-slab foundation.
  • Site rehabilitation work including East laydown/stockpile area

Future activities include:

  • Continued site rehabilitation and demobilization activities including the demobilization of Dormitory 9
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Report Highlights:
  • Construction progress
  • Indigenous employment update
  • Adapting to climate change

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