Preliminary design of the muskeg drainage system at Onakawana, Ontario

Development of a lignite deposit at Onakawana in northeastern Ontario requires extensive drainage of the muskeg blanketing the proposed mine area. Dewatering of the muskeg is necessary prior to its stripping. Muskeg drainage systems must also efficiently handle surface runoff due to rainfall and snowmelt. A hydrological analysis of the muskeg and a hydrologic design for its drainage system are presented. Surface runoff quantities were estimated by means of the rational method and a kinematic wave model of overland flow. A modified Glover–Dumm equation was used to calculate the diteh spacing required for dewatering. A preliminary drainage system layout is discussed.