A bicyclist was left dead after a tree came down on top of her as Storm Conall passed across the Netherlands on Wednesday The incident happened in Lochem just after 7:15 p.m. The woman was identified as a 19-year-old resident of Lochem a small city of just over 34,000 people in Gelderland "She was probably on her bicycle when the tree came down in the storm," police said "Further investigation into the cause will take place tomorrow." First responders were sent to the Koopsdijk the person unfortunately died," police said in a statement The road was still closed two hours after the incident as emergency services workers tried to remove the tree from the roadway the province of Overijssel was under a Code Orange weather warning for strong wind while the neighboring province of Gelderland was under the softer Code Yellow warning Weather records from a nearby monitoring station showed that gusts of wind in the area ranged from about 73 to 76 kilometers per hour around the time witnesses called emergency services about the incident in Lochem Sustained winds were measured at around 46 kilometers per hour Although police were hesitant to definitively identify the storm as the reason the tree toppled over Emergency services crews in the area were racing from one damage report to another as Storm Conall struck the area Storm Conall was officially designated a severe storm It is the sixth storm to hit the Netherlands this year and the second to make landfall during the autumn season A total of 69 severe storms have struck the Netherlands since 1910 when wind records were first monitored regularly The assembly of the new Nettelhorster bridge in Lochem has been completed 10 months after an accident during construction which resulted in the death of two construction workers The bridge components were lifted into place and secured together on the quay along the Twente Canal this week The construction was completed without any issues said a spokesperson of the province of Gelderland One of the bridge arches fell from the hoists of a crane during construction on February 21 Two people lost their lives at the construction site a different lifting technique was used to assemble the five sections that together form the bridge span but it all went well,” said a spokesperson for the province after the job was completed on Friday The structure will be placed over the water next spring It is expected that the 140-meter-long and 25-meter-high Nettelhorsterburg will open to traffic at the end of the summer It will be a part of the N346 provincial road between Achterhoek and the A1 motorway De Arbeidsinspectie en de Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid (OVV), which is the the Labour Inspectorate and the Dutch Safety Board, are investigating why the assembling of the bridge went wrong in February. These investigations are still ongoing There are no statistics available for this player Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here From Lochem with Love: an encounter with hydrogen heating hedonists The Netherlands has long been the birthplace of inventions and initiatives that have had a seismic impact on the world.  Notable mentions might include* The Dutch Masters with my feet toasty warm in hand-carved wooden shoes it is clear as the windmill on the horizon that our Dutch brethren have always been at the pinnacle of progress rather than resting on their tulip-adorned laurels the Dutch have been busy birthing another progressive subculture Whilst some argue it might not be as exciting as the café scene of Amsterdam we learnt that this new movement is just as open-minded and equally forward thinking as the Netherlands is a hotbed of innovation implementing hydrogen for domestic heat.   Alongside a bleary-eyed band of national and trade media we met at 4am in Heathrow to embark upon a whistle-stop voyage of heating discovery to (do your best David Attenborough impression) “see how these boilers behave in the wild” Lochem is a small town in the east of the Netherlands.   The hydrogen pilot consists of 12 houses these houses are being supplied thanks to the successful repurposing of the existing natural gas grid with hydrogen That grid is in turn being supplied via a bespoke depot located just over 1km away from the street  This project is a joint venture between boiler manufacturer BDR Thermea via its brand Remeha; grid operator Alliander a residents’ energy co-operative called LochemEnergie; and utility company Westfalen Gassen Nederland We visit during the first year of a three-year trial and the enthusiasm of the residents we meet is overwhelming.  Ab and Elena Van Beek are a retired couple They aren’t what you might normally associate with the term ‘early adopters’ but the Van Beeks are blazing a trail “Still nothing!” he gleefully exclaims.  Aside from the obvious observation that this is a man very happy with his decision we draw another startling conclusion:  we should all be a little more Ab when it comes to celebrating the small things as we live our lives we are greeted like long lost family – the welcome is as warm as the house and the enthusiastic grins are a wide as the beautiful bay windows The mantra as Rob tours us around his home is simple: ‘Everything works as it should’.  Rob answers our questions over safety and supply.  The report we receive back is compelling in its clinical delivery:  the installation was straight forward; the engineers took one day for the boiler and meter Adjustments have been made but they have been simple and bolstered by the fact that these pilot boilers have been installed with a live internet link that connects back to the Italian factory This is like the ultimate Homecare package – any glitch flaw or repair needed is picked up directly by the manufacturers and fixed immediately.  Rob doesn’t see the fuss: this works of course it does.   Rob tells us he is more worried about society  moving away from testing this is a fundamental part of being human and moving society forward After the end of the three-year trial period the Lochem residents have the choice to either switch back to natural gas or – if supply allows – continue to use hydrogen Participation in the scheme was entirely voluntary and any homeowners in the street who were not interested in participating still receive natural gas via a new natural gas pipeline.  These numbers are dwindling there are a further three homes set to be connected to the pilot this year.   and the local politicians driving this initiative with relentless questions.  Is it safe ‘very safe’.  The safety measures in place are akin to what is used in the existing gas network that has kept people safe and warm for the last 150 years.    The gas pipelines of the homeowners were all checked ahead of install there are hydrogen sensors installed near the gas meters there is an odorant added so the hydrogen smells the same as natural gas and an additional failsafe has been placed in the connecting pipeline that means the gas supply can be immediately cut off should any pipe in the home break and not a hint of any trolling on social media It is a refreshing environment when comparing it to the choppy waters of UK home heating.   Instead of the negativity we have seen here Lochem instead offers an air of careful consideration and willingness to collaborate.   We are reminded by the residents that none of the people taking part have been forced nor do they lack intelligence or are likely to be duped Ab confides in me his age and stresses that he is neither young enough nor naïve enough to have not interrogated and investigated the trial in all its detail before signing up.   The enthusiasm of Lochem’s residents is infectious   Not only are they proud of being at the fore of this trial to test the new technology but there is also a resounding mood of progress and pride that this street in this town is catalysing the future They blend the nervous optimism that comes with ‘going first’ with a acknowledgement of moral duty as they do their bit to future proof their children and grandchildren’s future by trialling low carbon technology “We are the first in Europe to have hydrogen” Rob proclaims Author: Matt Eagles – Head of Engagement – Hydrogen at Cadent Gas READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central Hydrogen on show at the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps A pillar of endurance racing and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s efforts to decarbonise motorsport hydrogen will be highlighted during the forthcoming.. The Trump Administration Climate Plan: Red States Get Hydrogen a hydrogen hub in upheaval as natural gas producer pauses involvement while four others bail on the project South Australia closes Hydrogen Power SA office The state government of South Australia has rolled its Office of Hydrogen Power SA (OHPSA) into the Department of Energy and Mining (DEM) COPYRIGHT POLICY DISCLAIMER TERMS & CONDITIONS PRIVACY POLICY We love meeting interesting people and making new friends GateDrop.com PolicyPlans for world's first hydrogen-heating town flounder amid funding worries despite local supportDutch government brings in IEA expert to assess financial viability of the project while Netherlands' first H2-heating pilot will see homes reverted back to natural gas due to high costs A road bridge under construction in the Netherlands has collapsed killing two workers and injuring two others The bridge was being built to cross over the Twente Canal in the city of Lochem in Gelderland It was being built as part of a new ring road but collapsed on 21 February when a section was being put into place and the cables holding it up snapped Bam was contracted to work on the project and the fatalities have been revealed to be sub-contractors of the firm A criminal investigation has been launched as stated by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate Independent bridge consultant Richard Fish speaking to NCE said: “It looks as if the prefabricated arch was being positioned using a tandem lift and the photos clearly show a broken cable on one of the cranes “It’s too early to speculate but tandem lifts require very close coordination in order not to overload one or both cranes “It’s good to see an investigation is underway and let’s hope those findings can be made public “It should also be a wake up call for anyone responsible for bridge construction that a criminal investigation is also underway.” Mayor of Lochem Sebastiaan van’t Erve said to Dutch news agency AFP: "We’ve been planning this road for 20 years We’ve been developing the construction for five years Bam chief executive Ruud Joosten said: “Management and employees of Royal Bam Group feel great dejection following the serious accident that took place on Wednesday at the project site of a bridge over the Twente Canal in Lochem “Two employees of subcontractors who were assisting Bam on this project lost their lives Two of their colleagues were seriously injured friends and close colleagues of the deceased and injured employees and with all those who witnessed this tragic event on and around the construction site “We wish them much strength and we will offer them support from Bam wherever possible.” Dutch authorities said: “An industrial accident occurred while building a bridge CGI of the bridge that was being constructed NCE has recently been reporting on a series of under construction bridges that have collapsed A similar tragedy occurred in Bangkok, Thailand in July when an under construction road bridge collapsed, killing two. Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here. Tagged with: High Speed 2 (HS2) Ltd has said its work faces delays and… Amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill have been proposed by the… Delivery of London’s Silvertown Tunnel has moved at a pace that is… Ecologists have reacted angrily to an open letter signed by senior representatives… Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb Karolin Schaps Solar Carport Biddinghuizen in Biddinghuizen Solarfields/Handout via Thomson Reuters Foundation is finding innovative places to site solar projects on limited land AMSTERDAM - In the Dutch countryside about 130 km (80 miles) east of Amsterdam an unusual-looking hill towers and glistens above farmhouses The hill - 25 metres (80 ft) tall - is built from 15 years' worth of household and business waste What's remarkable is what's covering it: 23,000 solar panels Dutch solar developer TPSolar opened the array which can produce up to 8.9 megawatts of power The former landfill now generates enough electricity for about 2,500 households The project reflects a wider drive in the Netherlands - which now has more than 48 million solar panels installed - to find innovative places to put new renewable energy capacity With land for renewable energy siting short nearly everywhere around the world the Dutch experience - including putting solar on car parks train stations and airfields - could inspire better siting of renewables globally TPSolar's Barry Lamers (left) and Robert van der Horst (right) at solar park Berkelweide in Lochem "Because we have so little space in the Netherlands it's important to use the ground for multiple reasons," said Bernd Nijen Twilhaar a coordinator at Dutch solar developer Solarfields which manages large solar farms and has installed at least 450,000 panels in the country "We have to be innovative and creative so we can produce the electricity the Netherlands needs to go green," he added The Netherlands today has an average of two solar panels per inhabitant - and installed capacity of more than 1 kilowatt (KW) per person - making it Europe's per-capita solar powerhouse according to industry association Solar Power Europe Solar developers and analysts say the expansion has been driven by a huge drop in equipment prices and ambitious government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions The government aims to make 70% of its electricity renewable by 2030, mainly through expanding solar and wind power capacity as it seeks to cut its emissions as one of Europe's top six polluting countries the Netherlands is cutting energy reliance on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine Dutch solar and wind farms have helped fill the electricity supply gap left by gas-fired power stations that have became unprofitable to run amid record-high gas prices But the Netherlands' farmland is among the most expensive in the EU making finding space for solar plans costly That reality, combined with the country's high population density means solar firms have had to be inventive when it comes to finding space In recent years, the Netherlands has enshrined climate targets like its renewable energy goal into law, vowed to limit onshore gas and oil drilling The nation's 2022 renewable energy budget was 13 billion euros ($13.9 billion) the Netherlands generated 14% of its electricity from solar farms - up from 1% in 2015 - overtaking coal-fired power generation for the first time The proportion of electricity from solar was the highest generated in the EU the country's "net metering" system - set up in 2004 and allowing households with solar panels to offset their green electricity production against their consumption - now has more than two million homes generating renewable power The Dutch government is assessing how site planning and financial support can be altered to encourage more construction of solar farms better integrated into the landscape an energy ministry spokesman said by email who focuses on building green energy projects at waste management company Afvalzorg described the Dutch approach to renewables as "extremely MacGyver-ish" - referring to a 1980s U.S TV show about a resourceful secret agent who assembled ingenious devices from everyday objects "We take the different energy technologies we stack them and we try to make a combination that really works," said Jacobs whose company has teamed up with a local utility to turn disused landfill sites into solar farms "It takes a while but once everybody hops on the train we actually execute relatively quickly in the Netherlands." Nearly 20% of the low-lying country's surface is water and solar power developers including GroenLeven have taken advantage by installing farms on man-made lakes The company has installed more than 500,000 solar panels on Dutch waters leaving the Netherlands behind only China globally in such siting "This idea of floating solar came up in the Netherlands earlier than in other countries," said Benedikt Ortmann global director of solar projects at German renewable energy company BayWa r.e. said it now is rolling out more floating solar sites in European countries such as Belgium Dutch firms are also looking for ways to make solar plants work alongside agricultural production GroenLeven's Maarten de Groot points at the company's Nij Beets floating solar farm at Nij Beets "Rather than having to fight over who's going to get the access to the land we come up with solutions to jointly use it," said Carel Kooij business development manager for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) at the Dutch subsidiary of Swedish utility Vattenfall One so-called "Agri-PV" project involves growing strawberries and raspberries below a solar panel roof replacing the plastic cover traditionally used by farmers project leaders said the plants needed 25% less water because they were sheltered from the sun potentially saving irrigation water in a future where climate change brings hotter and drier summers Dutch solar developers say new projects must be conceived with local interests firmly in mind stipulates that renewable energy projects should aim to allocate 50% of the green energy they produce to local inhabitants developers tend to invest in the community - from sending a percentage of renewable power generated to local energy cooperatives or setting up a socioeconomic fund to make energy efficiency improvements you are always working in someone's backyard," said Robert van der Horst "You always have to talk to the people and discuss what is best for a certain area," he added "Then you try to enhance that with your solar farm."  (Reporting by Karolin Schaps; Editing by Kieran Guilbert and Laurie Goering.) Context is powered by the Thomson Reuters Foundation Newsroom Our Standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles These links open on reuters.com By providing your email, you agree to our Privacy Policy What does a Donald Trump presidency mean for LGBTQ+ rights? Indigenous forest peoples can finally control nature finance Inside Trump's $6mn deportee deal with El Salvador mega-prison Half London councils found using Chinese surveillance tech Portable internet helps Asia's scam centres bypass blackouts How is Bangladesh preparing farmers for increasingly salty soil? Context is a media platform created by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. We provide news and analysis that contextualises how critical issues and events affect ordinary people, society and the environment. Find out more. The Workforce Disclosure Initiative is an investor-backed project to improve the quantity & quality of corporate workforce data via an annual survey & engagement process Trust Conference is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s flagship annual event taking place in the heart of London each year TrustLaw is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono service facilitating free legal assistance to NGOs and social enterprises around the world The Lochemse Hockey Club and other locals in the Gelderland city are shocked by the death of 19-year-old Annemarijn Fett during storm Conall on Wednesday will open its doors on Thursday evening for people to come together and pay tribute to Annemijn The young woman was cycling on Koopsdijk, near the hockey club, at around 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday when a tree blew over and fell right on top of her Emergency services tried hard to resuscitate her “We are deeply saddened by the news that Annemarijn Fett died in a fatal accident It affects us deeply and we have no words for this enormous loss,” the club said in a statement posted on its website on Wednesday night to her family and everyone who loves her.” A spokesperson for the club told RTL Nieuws that they posted the message with permission from Ammerijn’s family Local residents and passersby are just as shocked. “She was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Bert Lindeboom told the Telegraaf shortly after cycling past the accident site “I’ve cycled 30 kilometers today and haven’t come across another tree that has fallen over The fact that one fell over here and she ended up right under it is just terrible bad luck “Normally there is a tree on the [nearby mountain bike trail] after a storm,” he told the newspaper It is really sad that apparently one tree did fall and that the victim ended up under it.” He cannot remember anyone ending up under a tree in Lochem before Management and employees of Royal BAM Group feel great dejection following the serious accident that took place on Wednesday at the project site of a bridge over the Twente Canal in Lochem. Two employees of subcontractors who were assisting BAM on this project lost their lives Two of their colleagues were seriously injured.Our thoughts are with the family friends and close colleagues of the deceased and injured employees and with all those who witnessed this tragic event on and around the construction site. We wish them much strength and we will offer them support from BAM wherever possible.On behalf of the Executive Committee, Ruud Joosten,CEO BAM with its JV partners Ferrovial and SK ecoplant (known as Riverlinx) have completed the Silvertown Tunnel a landmark infrastructure project connecting Silvertown in Newham with the Greenwich Peninsula BAM has started work to transform accessibility at Hither Green station in London - making travel easier quicker and more inclusive for thousands of people every day TenneT has awarded BAM Infra Nederland the civil works contract for the 380 kV high-voltage connection between Moerdijk and Tilburg covering the eastern section of the new connection between Rilland and Tilburg More > Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page Albert charmed Isabelle Poirier and her husband and when they made their decision to buy their first Alberta home Originally unsure if they’d be staying in the province — Van Lochem took a work transfer to Edmonton in 2018 — the couple bided their time started a family and came to the conclusion that they were happy here Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience I knew I was going to move here,” said Poirier “It just stuck out in our minds as the place we thought we would like to live,” said Van Lochem noting that if they tried to talk themselves out of it While they debated between a new build or an existing home Van Lochem said Riverside made the decision easy for them as the houses are affordable and close to virtually everything in the community Albert Trail and its shopping and services just off Ray Gibbon Drive and intersected by McKenney Avenue (with development on each side of the avenue) includes access to 145 acres of lush forest extensive parklands and walking trails by being close to Lois Hole Provincial Park and Big Lake By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc The next issue of Headline News will soon be in your inbox Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. “You literally don’t need to leave St. Albert if you don’t want to,” said Poirier. Once Poirier and Van Lochem zeroed in on Riverside, they soon narrowed down their choice of eight builders in the community to one: Parkwood Master Builder. Parkwood’s Paxton, one of its newer home models, fit their needs and desires. They wanted a home with an open-to-above space, something in the 1,800-square-foot range, and a place that would be their forever home. “We’re only buying one house,” said Poirier. The Paxton, said Lionel Hertlein, Parkwood’s area sales manager for Riverside and West Secord, offers 1,817 square feet with a soaring 18-foot ceiling in the great room, a primary retreat with a full five-piece ensuite and direct access from the walk-in closet to the laundry room. A two-storey house, it’s home to three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. There’s also a large kitchen island with an eating bar and a cozy dining nook off the kitchen. “A fantastic feature,” added Hertlein, “is the ability to build a private outdoor oasis sheltered from the dining nook all while maintaining a spacious backyard for the kids and pets to roam.” The couple, and their daughter Charlotte, moved in early this year. “The floor plan was perfect, it was exactly what we were looking for,” said Poirier. And while they did make a few upgrades, including a coffered ceiling in the dining area to add some character, they didn’t feel the need go overboard in making changes. There are a lot of standard features that might have been upgrades with other builders, said Van Lochem. Design wise, Poirier said they went for a modern farmhouse style with a look reminiscent of Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn that’s neutral — there’s a lot of white — clean, and accented by lots of greenery. “We’re super happy about our house,” said Poirier, adding they love the neighbourhood and that it’s amazing how much it has been built up since the beginning of the year and how many young families with kids are nearby. “We have no family here, so it’s really important to be in an area where there are young families with kids.” Parkwood is currently building front-attached garage homes in Riverside, with prices ranging from around $480,000 for a 1,520-sqaure-foot, three-bedroom home to larger estate homes — 2,800 square feet with triple-car garages, starting around the $830,000 range on a walk-out pond-backing lot. “One of our more popular homes is the Alexandria, offering 2,300 square feet with four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and a secondary spice kitchen, starting around the $590,000 range,” said Hertlein. “We love Riverside for its proximity to nature, located adjacent to the Sturgeon River, Red Willow Park and Grey Nuns White Spruce Park,” added Hertlein. “Located on the western edge of St. Albert you have convenient access from Ray Gibbon and Anthony Henday, along with being minutes to central St. Albert and Mark Messier Trail. Shopping amenities are now open, within walking distance and anchored by Co-Op along with Tim Hortons and Subway.” transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy You can manage saved articles in your account Policy'Unambiguous' | A total of 54 independent studies now say there will be no significant role for hydrogen in heatingHydrogen heating pathways would push up consumer bills says expanded meta-review from researcher Jan Rosenow Netherlands-based company BV Twentsche Kabelfabriek (TKF) has produced its first power cores in its new cable factory in Eemshaven The company produced three power cores for the type test cable which were provided with the welded aluminum screen and PE outer sheath.  The investment in the new factory is part of the strategic investment plan to support electrification “Our new facility allows us to increase our production capacity and represents our ongoing commitment to quality and innovation in the wind and cable industry,” said the company The company started the construction of this cable factory in December 2022, at the Beatrixhaven site. The new facility complements TKF’s existing production in Haaksbergen and Lochem and has a substantially higher production capacity than the facility in Lochem. The 7-hectare site is situated behind the heavy cargo quay in Beatrixhaven. Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC, part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business, is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment. In close cooperation with our customers, we translate experience, science, and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas. The performance of new and existing jack-ups, vessels […] 2024 The white arch which fell on the ground Photo: Persbureau Heitink ANPTwo people have been killed and two seriously injured in an accident during building work on a bridge over the Twente canal near Lochem The work is part of a ring road for Lochem Building company Bam was due to put the arches for one bridge – almost 140 metres long and 25 metres high – in place on Wednesday morning According to a reporter for regional paper De Stentor, the accident happened when one of the arches had been wynched to maximum height between two cranes. “Something snapped and there was a very loud bang. The arch began to swing and then plunged to the ground,” Nieke Hoitink said. As it fell hit hit scaffolding where several workers were standing, knocking some of them to the ground. The accident was seen by between 40 and 50 people who had turned up to watch the arches being lowered into place.  The road has now been closed to prevent sightseers reaching the location. Prime minister Mark Rutte has offered his condolences to the families of the two men who died. The other two victims are being treated in hospital. We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to DutchNews.nl in recent days! We could not provide this service without you. If you have not yet made a contribution, you can do so here. Please help us making DutchNews.nl a better read by taking part in a short survey. At least two people died and two more were injured when a bridge under construction collapsed in the Netherlands on Wednesday, Dutch officials said. "An industrial accident occurred while building a bridge," the regional safety authority wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Unfortunately, this resulted in two fatalities. Two people are injured." Earlier, the authority had said that part of the bridge, under construction in Lochem, in the east of the country, had collapsed. They had initially given a toll of four injured, three of them seriously. It is not clear whether the two dead were part of that original toll. A reporter at the scene, from local newspaper De Stentor, said workmen had been hoisting bridge arches when the accident occurred. "Suddenly there was a huge bang," the reporter said. "The entire arch started to swing. Then the whole thing fell down. We saw two construction workers fall down." According to the Dutch labour inspectorate, cited by local news agency ANP, parts of the bridge fell on at least two people. Images on Dutch media showed rescue helicopters buzzing overhead and emergency vehicles arriving at the scene. The regional safety authority said there was no indication what had caused the accident and that a probe was underway. Max Schurink, project manager of the Gelderland province where the building site is located, said he was "enormously shocked", having seen the accident with his own eyes. "I am seriously concerned for the colleagues who are on site," Schurink told De Stentor.  Around 40 co-workers who saw the accident are being offered psychological support. Schurink said conditions around the site were in order. But he added: "Let's not speculate about the cause. "Concern now goes out to the employees affected by this accident. It's dramatic enough."                  To view comments, please register for free or log in to your account. March snowfall amounts could nearly triple the average for Calgary but likely won’t be enough to put a dent in drought conditions just over 60 centimetres of the white stuff had powdered the Calgary International Airport in March said Environment Canada meteorologist Eric Van Lochem March sees 22.7 centimetres total snowfall on average “If we get a little bit more snow towards the end of the month we could be triple the average for the Calgary area,” said Van Lochem Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links The next issue of Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox Despite receiving above-average amounts he said that this isn’t necessarily abnormal as March and April tend to be “feast or famine” in terms of snowfall Aprils — those are typically the snowiest months — you’ll get some where there’s hardly any snow and then you’ll get other years where there’s big storm after big storm,” said Van Lochem things will look generally quieter weather-wise according to Van Lochem although temperatures will be slightly cooler than seasonal He said there’s about a 50/50 chance of another system coming in on Thursday or Friday which could add a few centimetres onto existing snowpack followed by 2 C on Tuesday and 5 C on Wednesday These temperatures are slightly below seasonal “Certainly after what we had in the middle of the month where we had a number of days that were pushing 15 is getting this snow later in the winter is probably better than having it earlier in the season when it comes to drought and wildfire concerns “I know water issues and fire issues are kind of at the forefront of everyone’s mind in Alberta.” although it won’t alleviate all the problems but “it’s certainly a lot better than having a continuation of what we saw for most of the winter which was well below normal snowfall and well above normal temperatures.” and it is taking steps to reduce water use for city services while urging citizens to do the same Calgary saved 1.5 billion litres of water — equivalent to 606 Olympic-sized swimming pools — through water restrictions between August and October last year the city’s natural environment and adaptation manager said at last week’s event that the dump of snow would be insufficient to break the drought “We need significant above-average snowpack to be able to bring us out of drought conditions,” said Newton Van Lochem said that prior to snowfall last week snowpack and precipitation for areas south of Highway 1 was around normal for this time of year “A few months of near normal precipitation helps a lot but it’s not enough to turn it around at this point,” he said Snowpack north of Highway 1 is still way below normal “The picture is not one of like, ‘Hey it’s bare ground, and we’re not going to have any melt in the spring at all.’ That won’t be the case. There will be melt, and water levels probably will come up somewhat because of what has fallen recently, but it won’t be enough,” Van Lochem said. — With files from Michael Rodriguez, Stephen Tipper, and Postmedia This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy