PANGNIRTUNG, NUNAVUT, BAFFIN ISLAND
PROJECT – PUBLIC WORKS & GOVERNMENT SERVICES CANADA
The most recent of our major projects was in September/October of 2009 when we ventured to Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, Nunavut. It was here that we performed a geotechnical drilling investigation for a new wharf construction, and inlet dredging project for Public Works & Government Services Canada (PWGSC). We were the first phase of the project, brought in to outline the geological characteristics of the project area.
We mobilized our trailer mounted CME 55 drill rig, personnel, and all necessary tooling in a Buffalo DC-3 aircraft out of Yellowknife, NWT, and demobilized all equipment through the DeHavelan Sea Lift service to Montreal.
The most challenging part of this project was the fact that the majority of the holes were below sea level, on the ocean floor. We had 2 windows of 6 hours each day where the tide would run out. when the tide was out, we would drive the drill rig out on the ocean floor and continue drilling operations until the water began advancing back to shore. We hired on two local Inuit who acted as drill helpers for day/night crews. The cultural integration was a great learning experience for everyone involved.
This drill program is a true testament of what Determination Drilling is capable of, as we completed this large scale, logistic intensive drill program safely, efficiently, effectively, on time, under budget, and had a great time doing it!
