Conversion of Open Irrigation Channels to a Closed System
This is a non-designated project on federal lands or outside Canada. The listed authorities are responsible for the project assessment.
The proposed initiative involves the conversion of a structurally damaged section of the Towai irrigation canal into a closed steel pipeline system. Approximately 350 meters downstream of the Towai Pump Station will be replaced with an 800 mm diameter, 10 mm thickness steel pipeline. The works include:
- Excavation and trench preparation.
- Welding and jointing of steel pipeline.
- Construction of a 7 × 7 m reinforced concrete valve chamber at the pump outlet.
- Installation of thrust blocks and anchor structures.
- Use of blinding concrete (C10) and structural reinforced concrete (C25) for foundations and chamber walls.
- Construction of a reinforced transition/energy-dissipation structure into the lined canal.
- Backfilling, compaction, hydrostatic testing, welding inspection, and commissioning.
The project will improve water efficiency by reducing seepage and evaporation losses, eliminate swamp formation caused by leakage, protect farmland and nearby households from waterlogging, and reduce mosquito-borne public health risks. The irrigated command area covers approximately 2,500 donums of farmland (250 Ha).
Site and Environmental Setting:
Governorate: Anbar and District: Ramadi – Jazirat Al-Ramadi
Environment: Semi-arid climate, average rainfall 115–150 mm/year, summer temperatures often exceed 45°C. The canal draws from the Euphrates River, supporting cereal and vegetable production. Current damage has caused swamp formation, farmland erosion, mosquito breeding, and damage to rural roads.
Latest update
[November 24 , 2025] – The public comment period on the project is closed. Global Affairs Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects..
Participate
Key documents
| Document number | Document title | File | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Notice of Determination | - | December 8, 2025 |
| 1 | Conversion of the Open Irrigation Channel in Towai irrigation pump station to a Closed System – Public Comments Invited | - | October 24, 2025 |
Contacts
YOO Environment SpecialistsGlobal Affairs Canada
200 Promenade du Portage
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1J1
Email: CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca
Disclaimer
This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.
-
Location
- Canal Connection Point (Outside Canada)
- Towei Irrigation pump station and Canal (Outside Canada)
-
Nature of Activity
- Agriculture
- Water Management
-
Assessment Status
Completed -
Start Date
2025-10-24 -
Proponent
Oxfam in partnership with Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the Directorate of Water Resources (DoWR) – Anbar -
Authorities
- Global Affairs Canada
-
Assessment Type
Project outside of Canada -
Reference Number
89963