Hazard Zone Marked by Sealite Buoys at Log-Sort Operation

 Background

The city of Powell River lies in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, part of a region known as the Sunshine Coast. Despite being a mere 110 miles from Van

couver, one of Canada’s most populated cities, Powell River is remote; it is surrounded by two, steep-sided fjords. The areas jagged mountains and many small inlets have prevented direct road access between the two areas. Vehicular access to the city of Powell River and its surrounding areas is exclusively via ferry.

Because of the area’s old growth timber forests, Powell River has a long history with the paper and pulp industries, dating back to the early 20th century. Today, Powell River is home to a more diverse economy but retains the timberlands management office of a leading producer of Canadian wood products which harvests sustainably managed timber in the area.

The Challenge

Huge, coastal British Columbia tree species are managed by the Powell River wood products company. Harvested timber is floated down nearby Powell Lake and penned within a waterside log-sort area where it is graded, sorted, loaded and stored before dispatch for further processing.

Powell Lake is a pristine body of water approximately 25 miles long by 8 miles wide. In addition to being used to float timber down river, the lake is used by paddle sport enthusiasts, recreational boaters and fishermen. Floating cabins dot Powell Lakes’ shoreline and encourage vacationers seeking solitude and relaxation. To ensure a safe distance is maintained around the log sort area, the timberlands management company installed a demarcation zone to keep boaters away from the potentially dangerous operations.

The Solution

The wood products company maintains a commitment to building and sustaining strong relationships with the local community. Part of that commitment is to ensure the boating public has access to all safe, operable areas of Powell Lake. Installing Sealite’s SL-B2445 Spar Buoys has given lake users a clear line of sight to the restricted log-sort area and keeps them in safe, navigable water. The large Sealite SL-B2445 Buoys with external ballast measure 24 inches in diameter by 45 inches high, delivering excellent stability in current and chop. The buoys were ordered in highly visible yellow and comply with Canadian Coast Guard regulations.

The Benefit

Successful stewardship of the log-sort area by the wood products company showed the Powell Lake users a commitment to operational safety, helping to fuel tourism and economic growth for the remote Canadian area.

“Sealite was able to deliver the right buoy for the right application in the strict time frame required by the end-user. Sealite worked hard to manage a complex shipping situation which helped me deliver the product on time. As a result, the log sort operation was very satisfied with the marking solution provided from Sealite.”

Mark Jeffs Sentinel Marine Group