SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Increasing business opportunities in the North have prompted international engineering and project management company AMEC to reopen their materials testing laboratory in Yellowknife.

AMEC environmental scientist Alex Eriksen tests soil on June 13 in the international engineering and project management company's recently opened laboratory in Yellowknife. - Thandiwe Vela/NNSL

The geotechnical laboratory was never closed, but has returned to full operation in the North after the last earth and infrastructure lab technician moved away from the city almost ten years ago.

Serving the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the lab, helmed by environmental scientist David Wells, is now handling soil composition and classification analysis that previously would have been sent south for testing at one of AMEC's Alberta offices, spokesperson Brad Christensen said in a released statement.

"Being stationed here and working in the North gives us solidarity with our Northern clients," lab technician and environmental scientist Alex Eriksen said, adding the company will have a greater edge on competition in the south by their ability to provide a quicker turnaround time for Northern testing.

"The Yellowknife lab offers greater convenience, reduced project cost and time savings," Christensen said.

The environmental scientists test the moisture content, article size, plasticity and density of soils for engineering and environmental projects. Road construction, building foundation design, bridges, pipelines, and other infrastructural projects are some areas in which the company works, in addition to their environmental consultation, Eriksen said. Their environmental expertise is called upon to mitigate or control the environmental affects of various projects, or for remediation in case contamination occurs.

Most of the company's work in the North has been with the government, including a current temporary station in Fort Good Hope, where AMEC is working with the GNWT transportation department on a highways project.

The climate and landscape of the North presents challenges, Eriksen said, adding the company will develop more expertise working with Arctic and frozen landscape, and branch deeper into the private sector working with engineering firms and development companies.

Christenson said AMEC is anticipating their Northern presence will translate into increased opportunities with the government, in addition to diversification of their client base.

Regional revenue data has not yet been released for AMEC's operations in the North but the company operates in 40 countries, with annual revenues of more than $4.8 billion.

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