Senior Lettis Consultants International (LCI) professionals contributed to a pioneering Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) project for BC Hydro that fully implemented the Senior Seismic Hazard Analysis Committee (SSHAC) Level 3 methodology for seismic source characterization. The SSHAC methodology was originally developed to ensure that uncertainty is fully captured in PSHA for nuclear power plants. The cutting-edge BC Hydro study applied SSHAC methodology to a system-wide PSHA for 41 hydroelectric dams distributed across much of British Columbia, addressing seismic hazard over a broad and geologically diverse region.
Comprehensive Seismic Source Characterization Across British Columbia
The SSHAC study region extends beyond BC Hydro’s dam locations and provincial boundaries to capture all seismic sources that could affect critical infrastructure. To address the regional complexity, the project organized dedicated sub-teams focused on the plate boundary, coastal, and interior regional seismic source zones, each with unique tectonic issues and data availability.
The seismic source team integrated a wide array of geologic, geodetic, geophysical, and seismicity data to develop an inclusive and robust Seismic Source Characterization (SSC) model. This model incorporates a full spectrum of credible seismic sources and introduces innovative analytical approaches for forecasting future earthquake activity, including the highly active Cascadia subduction zone and seismically complex interior regions with sparser data.
LCI’s Leadership and Technical Contributions
- Project Management & Cascadia Model Lead: Mr. Ivan Wong spearheaded the Cascadia subduction zone source model development.
- Crustal Seismic Sources Team: Dr. William Lettis and Dr. Jeffrey Unruh contributed extensively to crustal seismic source characterization.
- Tectonic Framework Development: Dr. Unruh led the creation of the comprehensive regional tectonic framework foundational to the seismic hazard model.
- GIS Database & Analysis: Mr. Serkan Bozkurt managed the GIS database and generated detailed maps and visualizations, providing critical spatial support to the technical integrator team..
Enhancing Seismic Risk Management for Critical Infrastructure
The SSC model developed in this Level 3 SSHAC study serves as a fundamental input to the probabilistic seismic hazard assessments applied across BC Hydro’s infrastructure network. The participation of LCI professionals reflects international recognition of our deep expertise in advanced seismic hazard modeling and collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects that support safe, resilient energy assets in seismically active regions.