Shear Blast Excavation Support

Strategic Coordination and Collaboration

Working alongside professional blasting teams, our crew played an integral role in the overall excavation process. Each blast sequence was carefully planned and executed in approximately 10-foot lifts, allowing for controlled rock removal and reduced impact on surrounding terrain and infrastructure. Coordination meetings were held daily to align timing, safety checks, and operational responsibilities, ensuring every lift progressed exactly as designed.

Our operators provided continuous on-site support during each blast cycle—assisting with area preparation, debris clearance, and post-blast material organization. This direct collaboration with the blasting specialists helped maintain the strict pace of work and reduced downtime between lifts. Effective communication between Despard’s equipment operators, supervisors, and the blasting team was essential to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment while maintaining steady production throughout the excavation phase.

Controlled Excavation and Material Management

Following each blast, Despard’s team immediately mobilized to handle and organize large volumes of fractured rock. Material handling was one of the most critical components of this project. The displaced rock was systematically sorted, relocated, and staged for removal or reuse. Rock sizes and volumes varied greatly between lifts, demanding responsive equipment coordination and on-the-fly adjustments to keep the site organized and accessible.

Our operators made full use of Despard Contracting’s diverse fleet—excavators, loaders, and haul trucks—to move, separate, and manage materials efficiently. Where possible, materials were reused on-site for backfill or structural support, reducing waste and transportation costs. This adaptive approach to material management not only optimized workflow but also contributed to environmental and economic sustainability.

Safety and Precision at Every Stage

Safety was paramount throughout the entire shear blast operation. The combined activities of blasting, excavation, and heavy equipment work demanded clear communication, disciplined site control, and strict adherence to regulatory standards. Before each blast, exclusion zones were established, equipment was cleared to safe distances, and all personnel participated in safety briefings. After detonation, the site was thoroughly inspected before re-entry.

Despard’s team continually monitored conditions to ensure slope stability and maintain safe working grades for machines and crew. Regular equipment inspections and ongoing operator communication helped minimize risk and maintain a high standard of operational control. These procedures are part of Despard Contracting’s commitment to a culture of safety and accountability across all job sites.

Equipment Coordination and Efficiency

Executing multiple sequential lifts required precision scheduling and proactive equipment management. Machines were repositioned as needed to accommodate each blast phase and subsequent material movement. By staging equipment strategically around the site, Despard maintained a continuous cycle of excavation and haul-off, avoiding bottlenecks and ensuring that material handling kept pace with the blasting schedule.

This project showcased the importance of responsive site work management—the ability to adapt quickly to changing site conditions while keeping operations efficient and safe. Despard’s experienced operators and field supervisors worked in unison to coordinate these shifts, ensuring that every machine and crew member was contributing to overall project momentum.

Delivering Specialized Support for Complex Operations

The Happy Valley shear blast excavation support project demonstrates Despard Contracting’s capacity to manage technically demanding site work with precision and flexibility. Supporting specialized industrial operations like this requires not just heavy equipment and technical knowledge, but also strong teamwork and disciplined execution.

From initial planning to final debris clearance, our crew maintained clear communication with the blasting team, upheld rigorous safety standards, and delivered dependable results under challenging conditions. The successful completion of this project reflects Despard’s reputation for reliable, professional support on large-scale excavation operations throughout Vancouver Island.

Whether assisting directly with blasting crews or overseeing post-blast material logistics, Despard Contracting provides the experience, adaptability, and efficiency needed to keep complex excavation projects running smoothly from start to finish.