Utilities
Dig Safe
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst contains a vast underground network of utilities which include electric and fiberoptic conduit, telecom and televison lines, water, steam and sewer lines. These various utility lines are the hidden lifeblood of this university. In order to maintain the miles of utilities, and to protect the public and the workers, a Dig Safe system, which is Massachusetts law, is in place.
Anytime ground is to be broken on campus, a Dig Safe permit is required. This runs the gamut from major construction to simply putting up tents and signs. The University maintains a Dig Safe office in the Physical Plant through which these requests are processed, Dig Safes are entered into the system, sites are premarked and the utilities located and marked with the appropriate colors.
Additional information:
Central Heating Plant (CHP)
Plant Manager: Jeff Bryan
Responsibilities: Provides steam heat and electrical power to campus by means of a combine cycle plant. The Central Heating Plant has three boilers, capable of firing natural gas and ultra-low number two fuel oil at 125,000 pounds per hour each and one heat recovery steam generator for an additional 100,000 pounds per hour. Total annual steam generated approaches 1.2 billion pounds. Electrical power is supplied by two generators that can produce a total of 14 megawatts. One generator is driven by a combustion turbine; the other is driven by a steam turbine.
Electrical Maintenance
Electrical Supervisor: John Ghidinelli
Responsibilities: Provides oversight of exterior electrical distribution system for all campus buildings involving the distribution of 20 Megawatts of power with an an approximant yearly usage of 112,000,000 kwh at an annual cost of roughly $7.7 Million. Provides maintenance and repair of all system components: transformers, switches, poles, street lights, traffic lights, breakers, transfers, and associate equipment. Works closely with off-campus utilities (Western Electric) to insure continuity of quality and quantity of power is maintained.
Mechanical Maintenance
Mechanical Supervisor: Tom Fydenkevez
Responsibilities:
- Steam: Maintains and repairs the 26 miles of the Campus steam distribution and condensate return systems. Replace steamlines. Perform the annual steam shutdown maintenance project.
- Water: Maintains and repairs the 35 miles of the Campus water distribution system. The system is from the five Town of Amherst water meters to the building services. Provide all backflow prevention protection for the Campus. Maintain and repair Campus irrigation systems. Maintain and repair Campus fire hydrants.
- Sewer: Maintain and repair Campus sewer system from the building outlet to Town of Amherst sewerage treatment plant.
- Storm water: Maintain and repair Campus storm water piping and catch basin system. Works with Facility Planning Department on new capital projects, (ie steamline replacement, roadways, and new buildings.)
Campus Electrical Utility Engineer
John LaValley
Responsibilities: Monitoring and analysis of campus electrical energy and power quality, engineering in support of campus electrical systems maintenance and operation, building commissioning, and Electrical Utility Design Standards.
Campus Energy Engineer
Jason Burbank
Responsibilities: Monitoring and analysis of campus energy and water consumption, engineering in support of campus utility systems maintenance and operation, energy management system design and operation, building commissioning, HVAC design standards. Responsibilities: Monitoring and analysis of campus electrical energy and power quality, engineering in support of campus electrical systems maintenance and operation, building commissioning, and Electrical Utility Design Standards.
Campus Metering and Controls Engineer
Steve Grden BSEE
Responsibilities: Install, calibrate, and maintain campus electrical metering systems. Provide monthly campus utilities usage. Engineering Design, and Project Management, of campus controls systems. Provide electrical controls system support to Central Heating Plant.
Construction Maintenance Engineer
Ben Caron
Responsibilities: Manager of the campus Dig Safe program for on campus Dig Safe request. Provides project support for Physical Plant, Utility and Energy related projects. Manage campus wide water treatment program for building heat and cooling systems. Responsible for the operation of the Effluent Reclamation Project.
Campus Water Treatment
Janie Szelewicki
Responsibilities: Janie Szelewicki, Technical Specialist II for the Physical Plant Utilities Dept. Janie collects water samples from the Isenberg School of Management's new air conditioning system. Janie bioscans the cooling system water of every building on campus for bacteria each week and invites anyone who would like to take a tour of the water treatment program to call her at 545-3454.
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The Non-Standard Discharge Form can be found here. Please note that a UMass NetID and password are required to access the form. |
