4DM contracted to provides spatial modeling support for Niagara Escarpment Crossing Study Class Environmental Assessment, Sept 10, 2012

4DM, as sub-consultant to Hatch Mott MacDonald, was awarded The Niagara Escarpment Crossing Study Class Environmental Assessment.  The Region of Niagara has re-opened a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) to evaluate truck route alternatives across the Niagara Escarpment. In 1997 the Regions of Niagara and Hamilton-Wentworth completed a comprehensive study that sought to address the issue of heavy trucks traveling on steep grades across the Niagara Escarpment through residential areas. The purpose of this study is to review the Class EA completed in 1997 for a new or improved escarpment crossing of the area to accommodate commercial traffic, while minimizing negative impacts to residents and motorists. The project team will build on the available data and update it where necessary to complete an identification and screening of the planning alternatives, followed by the development of design concepts for the preferred alternative.4DM role is provide spatial data and cartography support as well as utilize a multi-criteria decision support spatial model to determine least impact solutions for alternative and preferred crossings.

4DM to conduct a Snowdrifting Assessment on Highway 11, South of Powassan, Ontario.

AECOM has selected 4DM to provide snowdrifting analysis and mitigation services as part of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation assignment to develop a new interchange along Highway 11 at south entrance to Powassan, Ontario Canada. The study area is prone to snowfall and there are public concerns related to hazards associated with drifting and blowing snow in the area. The project will involve a number of tasks including meteorological analysis, snow transport modelling using 4DM’s SnowStream2D model, and cost-benefit analysis of different treatment solutions. Finally, 4DM will recommend a strategy to AECOM and MTO that will reduce winter maintenance costs and safeguard motorists along this stretch of highway and its associated road improvements.

4DM awarded CEATI Project “Water Management Data Dissemination and Reporting”

The Hydropower Operation & Planning Interest Group of the Centre for Energy Advancement Through Innovation (CEATI) has been seeking ways to improve their awareness of how their respective organizations deal with their data dissemination and reporting challenges, specifically to the public. CEATI has awarded 4DM a contract to survey of their member organizations in order to identify the best data dissemination and reporting tools and practices within each organization, and to interpret and document the results of this research. The expectation is that these best data dissemination tools and practices that can then be adopted by all members of the Hydropower Operation & Planning Interest Group, resulting in improved communication with the public.