Case Study: Canadian Coast Guard Quebec to Enhance Flood Protection with Garrison’s Stingray Self-Rising Water Dam
From Conquering Coastlines to Coastal Containment
INTRODUCTION:
The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Fisheries and Oceans of Canada (DFO) sought proposals through the Ariba Canadian SOP Procurement Network for the purchase, delivery, and commissioning of a deployable anti-flooding device for the protection of buildings, infrastructure and vessels at the Quebec Base located at 101 Boulevard Champlain, Quebec.
The Stingray Self Rising Water Dam, a deployable robust anti-flooding device was chosen by the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Quebec Base to enhance the flood protection against rapid inundation and overflow from the St. Lawrence River, as well as severe flash flooding and sea level rise. The initiative underscores the critical need for efficient and rapidly deployable anti-flood solutions in the face of increasing climate-related risks.
Led by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), the CCG partnered with Garrison Flood Control for a robust, adaptable, and scalable solution. The resulting deal focused on rapidly deployable flood control to minimize damage from coastal overflow, reflecting proactive risk management.
The CCG Quebec Base chose the Stingray Self Rising Water Dam to enhance flood protection against rapid inundation, highlighting the need for efficient solutions due to increasing climate risks.
BACKGROUND AND CHALLENGES:
The CCG Quebec Base houses critical infrastructure and vessels, and is vulnerable to flash flooding events and coastal overflows from the St. Lawrence River.
Flooding poses a significant threat to the operational continuity of the base and historically has led to substantial physical damage and financial losses.
Source: Canada Interactive Mapping
Source: Brian Tattuinee/Canadian Coast Guard (www.rcinet.ca)
Existing flood protection measures were deemed insufficient to address the growing frequency and intensity of such events, necessitating the procurement and deployment of a more effective and rapid-response anti-flooding system.
By investing in a deployable anti-flooding solution, CCG and DFO aims to mitigate risks related to flooding, which can result in significant damage to federal properties and facilities, underlining the financial prudence of prevention over reaction.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS:
The pressing need for flood protection in light of climate change and increasing flood risks reinforces the importance of such flood risk management initiatives. By adhering to stringent specifications and undergoing thorough training, the project aims to ensure not only immediate protective measures, but also long-term sustainability of critical marine infrastructure in the face of inevitable climatic challenges. The integration of compliance, security, and rapid response illustrates a comprehensive approach to flood risk management.
Additional key requirements must be deployable, self-sufficient, and capable of withstanding hydrostatic water pressure equivalent to three feet.
This project was under a strict timeline, requiring all deliverables to be completed within six weeks of the contract award. Compliance with federal standards was emphasized, along with security protocols for contractors accessing the site.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) outlined several requirements for the specified anti-flood system, including:
Hydrostatic Resistance: Stable protection against a hydrostatic water thrust of 3 feet (36 inches).
Rapid Deployment: Self-deployment capability within a timeframe of less than two hours.
Structural Integrity: Robustness to withstand traffic and impacts from debris, ice, etc.
Storage Efficiency: Total storage volume not exceeding 300 cubic feet.
Perimeter Coverage: Ability to protect a perimeter of 900 linear feet.
Training and Support: Provision of comprehensive training for CCG personnel on the effective deployment, operation, and storage of the system, along with detailed installation and maintenance manuals.
Timeliness: Completion of all deliverables, including the device and training, within six weeks of contract award, highlighting the urgency of flood mitigation measures in the region.
Compliance: Adherence to all applicable federal standards, codes, and DFO directives.
Security: Strict compliance with security protocols and coordination with CCG security personnel for site access.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITIZING FLOOD PROTECTION:
Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, making preventative measures crucial for maintaining operational sustainability.
The Quebec Base, located on the St. Lawrence River, is particularly vulnerable to flooding. To protect its waterfront structures, a robust flood defense system is not just recommended but absolutely necessary.
This will mitigate potential damage, prevent costly repairs, and ensure continuous operation in the face of intensifying climate change impacts.
The Stingray Self-Deploying Anti-Flood System
After a comprehensive evaluation process, CCG selected the Stingray Self-Deploying Flood Protection System by Garrison Flood Control for their proven expertise and innovative flood preventative solutions. This system was chosen for its ease of installation, minimal maintenance requirements, and compliance with Canadian building standards.
ANTI-FLOOD STINGRAY MITIGATION SPECIFICATIONS:
Stingray 48" High x 30ft Flood Dam: Modular sections capable of being interconnected to form a continuous flood barrier. 30 barriers were ordered to provide 900 linear feet of protection.
Interconnectivity and Storage: Sections can be linked together for deployment and stored as a single interconnected run within a container, facilitating efficient logistics.
Stingray 48" High x Outward 90 Degree Turn Units: Components allowing for the creation of continuous perimeter protection around building corners.
Container for Material Storage: Dedicated container for the secure and organized storage of the Stingray system.
Rapid Deployment: Designed for deployment in under two hours, meeting a critical project requirement.
STINGRAY FEATURES:
Weighted Front Strip: Built in weights keep the unit in place when deployed.
Partitions: Reinforced ribbing provides additional strength when water enters the flood dam.
Flotation Section: Top Section has a layer of embedded foam to provide flotation, further assisting in the opening of the Stingray water pockets.
Back Flap with Grommet Holes: Ability to stake down units to keep in place.
Non-Slip Bottom: Located on the underside of the unit, the non-slip bottom prevents slipping to provide further stability.
Velcro Closure: Easily connect multiple units together with our industrial strength velcro.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:
The implementation process involved the following stages:
Procurement: Garrison Flood Control was selected as the provider of the Stingray Self Rising Water Dam System.
Delivery: The Stingray system, including the barriers, turn pieces, and storage container, was delivered to the CCG Quebec Base.
Training: Garrison Flood provided installation supervision and comprehensive training to designated CCG personnel. This training would have covered the correct procedures for deploying, interconnecting, securing, and dismantling the Stingray barriers, as well as proper storage and basic maintenance.
Manuals and Documentation: Garrison Flood supplied detailed installation and operation manuals, ensuring CCG personnel had the necessary resources for future deployments and maintenance.
Source: Canadian Coast Guard Instagram & Credit: CCGS Jean Goodwill @brentg783
OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS:
This commitment addresses immediate flood risks that also align with broader objectives of environmental management and safety in the face of climate change challenges through innovative technologies; fortifying flood defenses while ensuring the safety and resilience of its infrastructure.
Investing in effective flood management is crucial for protecting assets and operational continuity, as demonstrated by the successful collaboration between the Canadian Coast Guard/DFO and Garrison Flood Control.
The successful implementation of the Stingray Flood Protection System at the CCG Quebec Base yielded several benefits:
Enhanced Flood Protection Capability: The base now possesses a robust and rapidly deployable system capable of withstanding significant hydrostatic pressure, providing a reliable barrier against flash flooding.
Reduced Response Time: The system's rapid deployment capability (under two hours) allows for timely action to protect vulnerable buildings, minimizing potential damage and operational disruptions.
Operational Readiness: Comprehensive training ensures that CCG personnel are proficient in deploying and managing the Stingray system, maximizing its effectiveness during flood events.
Efficient Storage: The container-based storage solution allows for organized and space-efficient storage of the flood barriers, ensuring easy access and preventing damage when not in use.
Compliance and Safety: The project adhered to federal standards and incorporated security protocols, ensuring a safe and compliant implementation process.
Long-Term Resilience: By investing in a durable and well-maintained flood protection system, the CCG Quebec Base has enhanced its long-term resilience to water-related risks, safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring operational sustainability.
CONCLUSION:
The implementation of the Stingray Self Deployable Anti-Flooding System manufactured by Garrison Flood Control at the Canadian Coast Guard Quebec Base represents a proactive and strategic approach to mitigating the risks associated with coastal overflow, flash flooding and rising water levels.
By selecting a system that meets stringent technical requirements, CCG demonstrates a commitment to leveraging innovative technologies and best practices in safeguarding government property and marine infrastructure.
Garrison™ Flood Control is a New York-based manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of flood control products. Garrison products contain, divert, and re-route water away from valuable property, equipment, infrastructure, and facilities and help prevent flood damage due to rising water levels.
For additional information about Garrison Flood Control Systems, please call 929-299-2099 or email sales@garrisonflood.com.
