This winter and spring, Energy Alberta carried out environmental field studies to support planning for the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project. One of the key activities completed was a geotechnical drilling program - an important step in understanding the ground conditions at potential project sites.

What Is Geotechnical Drilling?

Geotechnical drilling involved collecting samples from below the ground surface to better understand what the land is made of.

Through this program, crews studied:

• Geology (rock and soil layers below the surface).  

• Geotechnical conditions (how the ground behaves under pressure).  

• Groundwater conditions (how water moves below the surface).  

This information is used to help determine whether a site is suitable for development and what design considerations may be needed.

What You May Have Noticed

During the program, field crews worked within Siting Option 1. Activities included:

• Drilling rigs operating at temporary locations.  

• Survey equipment used to map and measure conditions.  

• Crews collecting and logging soil and rock samples.  

All work was carried out by trained professionals and followed best practices to minimize disturbance to the land and surrounding area.

Why This Work Matters

Understanding what’s beneath the surface is essential for safe and responsible project planning.

The geotechnical drilling program helped:

• Assess the geological stability of potential sites.  

• Identify any geohazards (such as soil movement or instability).  

• Gather data to support seismic assessments.  

• Inform engineering design and site selection.  

The work is part of a review of the potential Project sites to ensure they meet key technical, environmental, social/cultural and safety requirements.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Geotechnical drilling was one piece of a larger set of environmental field studies underway in the Peace Region. Together, these studies help build a clear understanding of the local landscape - from what’s happening underground to water, wildlife and ecosystems above ground.

The data collected through this work will help Energy Alberta:

• Meet regulatory requirements.  

• Protect the natural environment.  

• Reflect the priorities of nearby communities and Indigenous Nations and Communities.  

Looking Ahead

These early studies focused on gathering important baseline information. As planning continues, the findings from this work will help guide decisions about site suitability, project design and environmental protection measures.

More updates will be shared as additional field programs are completed.