Petit Cap Wharf Reconstruction and Expansion
Location: Petit Cap, New Brunswick
Client: DFO Small Craft Harbours
Timeframe: 2021-2024
Key Staff: Stephen O’Brien, Vince Goreham, Craig MacIntyre, Nick Thibodeau, Justin Campbell
Project Description
Small craft harbours are the heart of the Maritimes. In 2021, Harbourside was hired by DFO Small Craft Harbours through a Standing Offer to develop two separate tender packages. These were created in order to design and replace the existing marginal wharf structure for the Petit-Cap Harbour, New Brunswick. These projects were designed by Harbourside and the design and construction management were completed by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
Harbourside’s Role
Preliminary Investigation and Consultation, and Options Analysis.
The project was completed in multiple phases. For both phases of this project, Harbourside was engaged as the prime consultant to complete the design of a replacement/new marginal wharf structure for the Petit-Cap Harbour, NB.
Our scope of services included pre-design services involving a site investigation and assessment of the existing conditions. We completed a land-based geotechnical investigation and coordinated an as-built topographic survey of the facility. A coastal study, previously completed by GEMTEC was also reviewed for additional background information. Lastly, we hired Atlantic Data Acquisition Services to collect underwater video of the habitat around the breakwater. This was to support information contained within the review of the environmental impact of the proposed work.
Next, we completed an options analysis of the potential wharf layouts and potential structure types (i.e., cribs versus bulkhead wall) to maximize the number of vessels who could berth at the potential new facility. We determined the optimal layout for the site and concluded that a Berlin Wall- tyle bulkhead wall was the optimal solution due to the bedrock elevation.
Tender Process
Following the options analysis, we completed the detailed design of two (2) tender packages. The first package involved demolition of an existing pier structure, topping up the existing rock breakwater, replacing the electrical infrastructure, and encasing the existing marginal wharf structure with a Berlin Wall. The second package involved the extension of the existing marginal wharf with a new marginal wharf which extended towards the end of the breakwater. For both design packages, Harbourside developed and submitted construction documents (drawings, specifications, and capital cost estimates) at 50%, 99% and 100% completion of the respective tender packages.
During tender, Harbourside provided support to DFO SCH and PSPC by answering technical queries and preparing addendums. After the tender closed, we supported in the review and analysis of the submitted bids.
Phase 1 : Demolition of Existing Structure
Phase 1 included the demolition of an existing timber crib pier, and the partial demolition of a timber crib pier and its encapsulation with a new berlin wall-structure. In addition, dredging of the basin, topping up the armour stone breakwater, and electrical upgrades were also completed in this phase.
Phase 2: Construction
The scope of the Phase 2 work included the construction of a new marginal wharf using socketed berlin wall-style construction. In addition, the electrical system upgrades were extended from Phase 1 onto the new section of marginal wharf. Additional harbour bottom dredging, and some local topping up of the existing armour stone breakwater was also completed.
Throughout construction, Harbourside provided technical support to PSPC through reviewing and approving shop drawing submissions, providing technical support and advice for RFI’s, change orders and claims. In addition, we reviewed the construction schedule and inspected the as-built construction upon request by the Project Manager. The construction phase for this project was completed in the summer of 2024.
Permitting and Applications
As part of this project, Harbourside was involved in supporting DFO SCH with their environmental permit applications. To support DFO SCH, Harbourside obtained topographic survey of the site and underwater video survey of the entire disturbed footprint for both phases of the work. In addition, Harbourside developed environmental drawings which outlined the existing conditions, and the new work. These drawings contained concept level details on the new structures, the disturbed footprint, the intended dredge area and estimated dredge volumes. These types of drawing packages are commonly developed by Harbourside for DFO projects.
Unique Challenges
The main constraint with this project was ensuring harbour activities were uninterrupted during construction. By splitting the work into two packages, and coordinating the work with the Harbour Authority, construction was scheduled around restrictions that respected peak fishing season. This enabled the work to be successfully completed with minimal disturbance to harbour activities. Another challenge of this project was removing the existing pier structure. The end users were concerned with removal of this pier; however, after presenting the results of the coastal study and demonstrating how the new marginal wharf section would provide better protection for vessels, the end users agreed with the proposed plan.
Social Impact
The decaying wharf had become a danger to fishermen, tourists, and local residents. Like many of the other wharves in the region, its state had begun to decline due to its age and damage from nearly back-to-back hurricanes. The federal government recognized these repairs as essential, noting the importance of small craft harbours to rural and coastal communities.
All work that was completed was also done so as to minimize the potential impact on the environment. This was accomplished through thorough investigation, and rigid construction guidelines.