SG1 has the skills and experience to provide professional services on a broad range of water-related projects and engineering studies for private companies, communities, government entities, and other consulting firms.
We embrace the challenges that often come with working on surface water projects, and take pride in providing our client’s with a deliverable that meets their objectives and needs.
Constantly reminding ourselves that “we are only as good as our last project” helps us to always aim to be and do better on every project.
Hydraulic & Hydrotechnical Design
Our involvement on projects that require the hydraulic or hydrotechnical design of instream structures and facilities provides an opportunity for SG1 to tap into our creative side. We can help you to lay out all of the options and to figure out which one best suits your needs. Given our many years of experience on water-related projects, we have the insight and knowledge to assist in selecting the best approach and methodology for evaluating and confirming the design, whether it requires a desktop analysis, 1D/2D/3D numerical modelling, physical modelling, or a combination thereof.
River Engineering & Hydrology
Understanding how a river behaves is arguably the most important step when it comes to projects and studies that involve living, recreating, or operating near water. SG1’s involvement on river engineering and hydrology tasks stems from over 20 years of hands-on experience on countless waterbodies throughout North America. When it comes to your critical assets, leave it to us to figure out how to mitigate against flood damage, reduce your flood risk, optimize hydraulic performance, navigate the sea of regulatory approvals, and design with long-term functionality in mind.
Recreational Hydraulics
SG1 has been involved in the hydraulic design, evaluation, and instream testing of whitewater parks for over 17 years. We take a unique approach to recreational hydraulic design that strikes a necessary balance between engineering, safety, and fun. Our roles and responsibilities on these challenging yet rewarding projects extend from feasibility studies through to facility commissioning at the end of construction. Learn about our latest whitewater success on the Arkanasas River in Colorado, USA.
Fish Passage & Ecohydraulics
We believe that the success of any surface water management project is measured by its ability to work in harmony with the aquatic environment. SG1 has over 20 years of experience with permitting and regulatory approvals and with incorporating fish passage and exclusion measures into existing and proposed facilities. We’re proud to be one of the pioneers in establishing guidelines for fish screening at raw water intakes in western Canada through application of numerical and physical models.
Engineering Support during Construction
Having SG1 provide engineering support helps to establish the important link between detailed design and construction. When unexpected conditions on a project site warrant field-fitting or deviations from the construction drawings, we are there to support our clients in making the necessary changes without compromising the design intent. Whether it’s a few days installing riprap along the banks of a small creek or several months constructing instream works on a major watercourse, SG1 can help keep the construction phase of your project running smoothly and on budget.
Technical Review & Advisory Assistance
When it comes to water-related projects and studies, our staff at SG1 have seen a lot over the past 20+ years. We’ve learned from past experience what works and what might work better next time. We have a proven track record of providing value to our clients in our supporting roles as technical reviewers and advisors, whether that requires us to act in a third party capacity or to work directly with the project team. The first step we take when conducting reviews and providing advice is to listen, and then listen some more before giving our thoughts and opinions on the matter.
Collaboration With Others
What does SG1 do when an exciting and challenging opportunity comes along that requires a multi-disciplinary skill set that is beyond what we can provide?
Simple. We strengthen our team by reaching out to the independent consultants and the engineering, architectural, and design firms that we’ve developed strong working relationships with over the years. On such collaborative efforts, SG1 will either serve as the Prime Consultant on the project or in a subconsultant role, providing expertise in water resources engineering as required. When it comes to teaming with others, we are happy to do what makes the most sense for the sake of the project and, more importantly, our client.
Multi-disciplinary teaming allows SG1 to strategically pursue opportunities that might otherwise extend beyond our capabilities and resource levels.
Physical Modelling
Having a strong relationship with his former employer, Darren Shepherd of SG1 is able to continue applying his 20+ years of skills and expertise in physical hydraulic modelling. On such projects, SG1 either works collaboratively as the Owner’s Engineer or as part of the engineering team on utilizing physical models to evaluate and optimize hydraulic performance.
Cold Regions Engineering
SG1 utilizes the services of a highly-regarded specialist in cold regions engineering, hydrology, and river engineering on an as-needed basis. This partnership spans more than 15 years and provides SG1 with an unparalleled understanding of river ice processes and ice-related issues. The end product: practical solutions for complex ice-related problems.
Geohazards & Geotechnical Engineering
Resolving hydrotechnical issues on riverine systems often requires the consideration and proper management of geotechnical issues and geohazards. When required, SG1 collaborates with geotechnical engineers and hydrogeologists to develop comprehensive solutions for impacted waterbodies.