Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Lethbridge College wishes to partner with Enviro Span Modular Culvert Systems and the City of Lethbridge to test the environmental impact of a new product called the Enviro Span Modular Culvert System (ESMCS). Invented in Canada, the ESMCS represents a new paradigm in both structural and environmental stream crossing technology. The ESMCS takes the old technology of corrugated, galvanized steel, open bottomed arch culverts, and overhauls it with a combination of new material technology and advanced design. This combination allows the stream crossing structure to adapt to change over time in a manner similar to smart material technology. It also allows the ESMCS to be installed with minimal environmental disturbance and degredation. This is significant because there is a pronounced need by private sector resource extraction industries as well as the Federal and provincial governments for clear span, environmentally friendly, arch culverts to protect fisheries and other sensitive ecosystems across Canada. In this project, Lethbridge College will investigate the impacts of the ESMCS on the aquatic ecosystem by installing an ESMCS over Six Mile Coulee Creek which is located on City of Lethbridge property directly behind Lethbridge College. The ESMCS will serve as a permanent stream crossing for the City of Lethbridge's public hiking trail system and as an ongoing aquatic testing and training site for Lethbridge College. The results of this initial project will benefit Enviro Span who will use the research to improve and develop the product for broader application throughout Canada. Resource extraction industries such as forestry, oil & gas, and mining will benefit by having an affordable, environmentally friendly stream crossing that is durable, long-lived, and if needed, recoverable and reusable.