Joint Comprehensive Plan

Borough of Waynesboro and Washington Township 

Franklin County, Pennsylvania

Identifies Commercial Enhancement Areas, Downtown Revitalization Areas, Industrial Reinvestment Areas and Residential Reinvestment Areas.

Establishes Priority Action Items, including:

• Providing flexibility for re-use of commercial buildings through the zoning ordinance.

• Providing financial incentives for re-use of buildings.

• Securing land and buildings for industrial development.

• Remediating and redeveloping Brownfield properties.

• Enhancing heritage tourism.

• Working with Main Street Waynesboro to secure appropriate re-use and infill of vacant and underutilized properties.

• Implementing the Downtown Master Plan by recruiting appropriate retail, creating gateway signage, preparing streetscape plans, improving pedestrian linkages between parking areas and Main Street and adding pedestrian-friendly outdoor use area along linkages.

Boiler Replacement Design

Confidential Client - Data Center

New York

SSM prepared construction documents for the installation of a dual fuel 1,200 HP boiler to replace a 67 year old water tube boiler. The new boiler will provide a better energy efficiency and turndown ratio for off-peak conditions. The project included replacement of two 75,000 lb/hr deaerators with custom deaerators that could be modified to fit the available space.

SSM utilized high definition laser scanning to document existing conditions in the 3 level boiler building. SSM mechanical engineers prepared a detailed flow diagram of existing piping and instrumentation.

The structural scope included design of a boiler access platform, roof modifications for the new stack, and structural support of the economizer located on the third floor. The existing steel was detailed using 3D laser scanning and field measurements to identify scope of removal and replacement of deaerators located on the third floor.

The electrical design included power, instrumentation, and controls. SSM electrical engineers provided a short circuit analysis and breaker coordination study for replacement power systems. The instrumentation and controls was designed to integrate with owners legacy building management system while maintaining owners preferred boiler combustion controls, boiler water level controller, valves, and sensors.

Energy Audit and Systems Design

Children’s Beach House

Delaware

The Children’s Beach House is an approximate 20,000 square foot, two story facility that holds summer and weekend camps for children with communicative disabilities and other special needs.

SSM conducted a survey and performed an energy audit of the existing facility in 2010 and suggested several no cost and low cost strategies for saving energy as well as some capital improvement project that would have an impact on energy efficiency. In 2011 SSM expanded the energy audit to further investigate other energy saving strategies such as converting the existing heat pump system to a geothermal heat pump system, installing a wind turbine power generator, and installing a PV solar array.

After implementation of several energy conservation measures, SSM again was asked to evaluate more energy saving strategies for the facility with the consideration that the existing mechanical equipment was reaching the end of its useful life. SSM performed a life cycle cost analysis of the HVAC systems to compare replacement in kind with a geothermal heat pump system and a variable refrigerant system (VRF). The VRF system offered the lowest overall lifecycle cost and was recommended to the client. SSM is assisting the Children’s Beach house in completion of grant applications to fund the project and will design the HVAC renovation.

Conversion of 2 Dormitory HVAC Systems from Two-Pipe to Four Pipe Systems

Marymount University | Berg Hall & Rowley Hall

Arlington, VA

Berg Hall and Rowley Hall are both dormitory buildings located at Marymount University in Arlington, VA.  The existing dorm rooms in each building were served by fan coil units supplied by a two-pipe heating and cooling system.  The scope of the project was to replace the existing fan coil units, greater than 270 individual units, and upgrade the existing two-pipe system to a four-pipe system in each building.  Work in Berg Hall also included replacement of the existing air-cooled chiller with two new 35 ton water-cooled heat recovery chillers, and the addition of a dry cooler.  The existing boilers were also replaced with a new 600 MBH boiler, and new pumps were provided for the heating system as well as the cooling system.   

SSM performed a detailed field survey of each building.  The existing fan coil units were located in extremely tight spaces above the ceiling.  Converting the system from a two-pipe system to a four-pipe system required detailed coordination with existing architecture and other utilities. 

This project was more complex due to the expedited design and construction schedule.  SSM conducted the field survey over the Winter break while students were not on campus, and then quickly completed the design to meet the aggressive permit submission deadline.  During the construction phase, SSM worked closely with the owner and the contractor to facilitate completion of the project.   

Structural Assessment for Coal Breaker Reconstruction/Stabilization

ECKLEY MINER'S VILLAGE

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Eckley Miner’s Village, Weatherly, PA

SSM's structural engineers assessed the existing condition of the timber-framed structure and provided engineering analysis and design to replace or reconstruct a portion of the coal breaker, called the tipple. (A tipple is a structure used at a mine to load the extracted product (e.g., coal, ores) for transport, typically into railroad hopper cars). SSM provided detailed structural designs, technical specifications, STAAD models for the tipple frame for the breaker and for the pole structure. In addition we provided construction services.

Founded in 1854, Eckley is an example of a planned nineteenth century coal mining town. It is a community, or coal “patch town,” which provided mining families with the basic necessities such as housing and medical care, as well as basic amenities like a store, a school and churches. Companies often designed and constructed industrial communities to house their employees in close proximity to the collieries, or mining operations, for which they worked. Such mining towns were built to attract other mining families to live and work among the coal fields of northeastern Pennsylvania. While the company greatly influenced the lives of its village residents, and each family member faced challenges and difficulties every day. The way in which they faced these challenges is the history of the region that is studied, preserved and interpreted.

Since 1970, Eckley has been owned and operated as a museum by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The Molly Maguires a 1970 film was filmed in Eckley in 1969. The wooden "coal breaker" featured heavily in the film. The filming of the movie resulted in the town's being saved from demolition, and it was afterward turned into a mining museum under the control of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Structural Assessment for Pier Certification

PIER #5

Rhoads Marine Industries

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pier #5 | As required by ordinance in the City of Philadelphia, waterfront structures are subject to triennial inspections to ensure there are no hazards to occupants of non-vacant piers.  SSM commenced this process using three-dimensional scanning of the surface of the pier to locate and identify the magnitude of surface irregularities in pier.  The framed construction of the pier requires inspection of the underside via boat at favorable tide and dive monitoring for the supporting piles.

New Office Building Construction

Cathers and Associates, Inc.

IKEA

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Facility engineers provided complete facility services including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the three-story, 75,000 square foot corporate headquarters. The building reflects IKEA brand - functional, attractive, and simple design. The architecture is primarily open office concept with a central core utility system. SSM's LEED-Certified engineers incorporated sustainable concepts and IKEA is presently seeking LEED Silver Certification for the building.

Structural Engineering for Adaptive Residential Reuse of Social Center

AFTER: ALICIAN SENIOR APARTMENTS

Alician Senior Apartments

Kramer Marks Architects

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

Assessment of a 1950s Social Center for re-use as apartments. Extensive documentation and evaluation of the existing clear-span steel and concrete structure required for addition of new level.  New construction included the added wood-framed floor and roof, infill of the original mezzanine level and full height elevator core.  In addition to structural engineering, the project included preparation of drawings, specifications, submittal reviews and construction oversight.

Originally utilized by the adjacent school as a gymnasium and hall, St. Alice’s was a popular gathering place for teens and young adults for dancing, roller skating, bingo and big band nights.  Located in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, this project involved the development of 53 units of affordable, senior housing.  The project features the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of the original ground floor and original second floor. The original first floor mezzanine overlooking the gymnasium was filled in to complete the level.  The original roof structure was reinforced and repurposed to become the new fifth floor, while adding a new roof structure.

BEFORE: St. Alice's

Multi-Discipline Engineering for New Fitness Center

GATEWAY MOTION AND FITNESS

Gateway Motion and Fitness

Lewes, Delaware

Spotts, Stevens and McCoy has been engaged with the Owners of Midway Fitness since 2012, performing a building energy audit, expansion feasibility projects for their existing facility located in Rehoboth DE. After their decision to relocate, SSM was engaged to provide due diligence and concept planning for alternate sites with existing structures and ultimately, the greenfield site selected for development of a new facility, Gateway Motion and Fitness. Due diligence and concept planning included site and civil engineering, and multi-disciplinary building systems.

SSM is partnered with Ambit Architecture to provide professional services to develop new building design from Programming through Construction Documentation and has been further engaged as the Owner’s representative and Project Manager. The project is currently in Design Development Phase. Basis of Design calls for a 48,000 square foot multi-level facility with diverse programmatic needs for fitness, aquatics, physical therapy and administration.

SSM technical services include: structural design, mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and electrical design and Project Management services to coordinate the efforts of the architectural design work of Ambit Architecture, the engineering design teams and the pre-construction services of Wohlsen Construction.

Structural Engineering for New Animal Hospital

ANIMAL CARE HOSPITAL HUMANE SOCIETY OF ST. THOMAS

Humane Society of St. Thomas Animal Care Hospital

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

SSM's engineers provided structural engineering for multiple buildings at this complex to meet the challenging wind and seismic conditions demanded by the project location. Our structural engineers worked worked closely with the rest of the design and construction team (consisting of SSM, Caribbean and California-based architects and consultants).

The structural design included extensive retaining wall design for this hill top site, as well as 3 large underground cisterns to hold water for the entire complex.

Working with Caribbean and California-based architects and consultants, SSM carried out a structural design that included extensive retaining wall design for the hill-top site, as well as three large underground cisterns to hold collected rainwater for the entire complex.

Landscape architects and civil engineers provided site and civil engineering services, integrating the architectural plans with the site in terms of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, landscaping, and exterior site features. In addition, provided sewage treatment plant design and collection system design.

ANIMAL CARE CAMPUS HUMANE SOCIETY OF ST. THOMAS

Asbestos Management Services

Frens and Frens Restoration Architects

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Strasburg, Pennsylvania

Asbestos abatement oversight operations at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. This project involved the removal and disposal of asbestos from eight historic steam engines and one passenger train car and the subsequent re-painting of the steam engines with a protective coating. The project included meetings with Museum employees and contractors updating progress and budgetary concerns. Added to this project were oversight operations for the removal of asbestos from two Steam Traction Engines at the Landis Valley Museum located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Master Plan, Phase I Restoration and Phase II Construction Documentation

WHITE HAVEN COMMUNITY LIBRARY

FRENS & FRENS, LLC RESTORATION ARCHITECTS

White Haven Community Library

White Haven PA

The West Chester-based architectural firm of Frens and Frens, LLC was initially engaged to prepare a Master Plan to identify the feasibility of the adaptive re-use of the 1864 Lehigh Railroad Engine House for the White Haven Area Community Library. As SSM has done with several projects with the firm, we were responsible for land surveying; the assessment of the building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural; site design issues related to zoning, stormwater management and; evaluation potential site environmental concerns.  At this stage, schematic plans were prepared to identify budget and gain community support for the conversion.

SSM continued to support the team on subsequent phases. Phase 1 has been completed and was undertaken to stabilize and improve the building’s masonry envelope and steel structure. 

Phase 2 is currently underway and includes the design for site improvements and documentation for the new building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. A significant effort was undertaken to identify the feasibility of utilizing alternative energy opportunities, including geothermal systems.  After identifying potential geothermal systems appropriate for the specific site geology, site design constraints and permitting our mechanical design staff worked in concert with SSM’s environmental staff to conduct a well boring and thermal conductivity testing.  SSM prepared probably cost estimates and payback.  The outcome of these efforts has led to funding of the system installation, and the project is currently out for bidding.

Ventilation Studies

NESTLE WATERS NORTH AMERICA

Nestle Waters North America

Poland Springs ME, Breinigsville PA, Zephyr Hills Florida

NWNA is a business unit of Nestlé Nestle Waters North America (NWNA) S.A. The Nestlé Waters business represents 10% of Nestlé, S.A. global sales and holds the number one leadership position for bottled water brands in the world. Nestlé Waters North America represented 36.4% ($)of the bottled water market in 2010 producing water under the brand names of Perrier, Aqua Panna, S. Pellegrino, Deer Park, Arrowhead, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, Zephyrhills, Poland Spring, re-source, and Nestle Pure Life.  SSM has worked with NWNA at several sites throughout the United States including Poland Springs ME, Breinigsville PA, and Zephyr Hills FL.

Our services have included providing ventilation studies at these three facilities to evaluate airflow, contaminant migration, and temperature control.

A key element and driver of the study at two of the facilities involved area carbon monoxide levels above the OSHA guideline. SSM performed both spot and time-history testing of carbon monoxide levels as well as space temperature and observed operating procedures within the facility.  The studies provided recommendations for modifications and additions to the ventilation systems including recommendations for ventilation control systems to achieve the desired results while minimizing energy consumption.

Subsequent projects included the design of those ventilation systems and the design of the ventilation control systems including heat recovery. 

Other projects have included the design of new ammonia chiller cooling systems, HVAC design for clean manufacturing areas, ventilation system validation, and arc flash studies and training.

Concept Design for Probable Maximum Flood

Reading Area Water Authority

Reading, Pennsylvania

LAKE ONTELAUNE DAM | READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY

Lake Ontelaunee Dam, built mid-1920, has stood for over 90 years supplying drinking water to the City of Reading and surrounding areas. Pennsylvania Code (Chapter 105) now requires most dam owners to upgrade to new flood standards or breach their dams. 

SSM’s team of professional engineers (hydrologist, geotechnical and civil), geologists (geophysicist, structural and hydrogeological), surveyors, GIS technicians and construction specialists completed a Concept Design to fortify Lake Ontelaunee Dam to safely comply with design criteria for a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF).  The Concept Design was prepared for the Reading Area Water Authority in response to the PADEP – Division of Dam Safety’s requirements to bring Lake Ontelaunee Dam into compliance. 

The dam consists of a 544 foot uncontrolled ogee crest concrete spillway and a 2,890 foot earthen embankment section.  Under the PMF criteria, the earthen embankment will perform as an emergency spillway.  To fortify the embankment and prevent it from eroding away during a PMF event, its upstream face needs to be thickened and its downstream slope requires hardening with Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC).  However, prior to RCC installation, subsurface soils need to be stabilized to support the proposed overtopping engineering controls and subjected PMF forces.  In addition, the team addressed complications created by State Highway 73 which traverses the top of the dam with its guiderail system that raised the PMF.

In developing the most cost effective solution for the Authority, SSM evaluated several technologies and their subsequent costs or risks in addition to RCC including:  articulated concrete block, 1,000 linear feet of culvert beneath Route 73, dam height reduction, a parapet wall option and a hardened artificial turf like system. Stability analysis, geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments, underwater dam inspections, and geophysical and hydrogeological studies were included with the Design Concept.

LAKE ONTELAUNEE | READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY

Multi-Disciplined, Indefinite Delivery Contract

WASHINGTON CROSSING | PA HISTORICAL MUSEUM COMMISSION

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum CommissionWashington Crossing Historic Park

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Pidcock Creek Stone Bridge | prepared design plans and technical specifications for the construction requirements, including site excavation and backfill, grading, gabion installation, bridge deck repairs and paving, stormwater conveyance, and significant amount of masonry repairs.  

Repairs to Dam #1 | Prepared drawings and specifications. Repairs included the rebuilding of sections of the stone and concrete dam crest, the replacement of the valve on the outlet pipe, the removal of sediment deposited in the vicinity of the inlet gate; and stream bank stabilization.

Repairs to Canal Bridge | Prepared and submitted a Pa DEP General Permit #11, including the permit application and meetings with Pa DEP. Prepared design plans for the re-construction of the roadway and bridge including plan and profile designs and grading.

Heritage Trail | Coordinated with the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor and the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve to replace a stone trail to connect the Delaware Canal to the Thomson Neely Grist Mill. Conducted a topographical survey of the area and designed a conceptual alignment of the redesigned trail to meet ADA/ABA accessibility standards. The alignment of the revised design, situation behind the mill, also provided a lower impact on the historic significance on the site.

Wastewater Treatment, Collection and Management | Obtained the PA DEP NPDES permit renewal and provided recommendations for equipment/process rehabilitation and/or replacement required to resume operations and discharge at the Lower Park Wastewater Treatment Plant. Provided recommendations and cost estimates for repairs, replacement, and improvements.

Lumber Museum, Galeton PA | Sewage System Evaluation and Design | Evaluated alternative methods of wastewater disposal. The methods were (1) to collect the wastewater and treat on-site by equalization storage, septic tanks with effluent filter, followed by a drip irrigation method of soil absorption, including further filtration and distribution to woodland soils, and (2) collect the wastewater, and pump it to the Denton Hill facility located across U.S. Route 6, and Nine-Mile Run stream. SSM subsequently designed a drip irrigation wastewater system as an alternative to the inadequate system. The process involved land surveying, preparing drawings and specifications for the preliminary and final designs, securing permits, providing bidding assistance, and overseeing construction services.

Valley of Concentration | Well Replacement | SSM located well site located, coordinated well drilling activities with Upper Makefield Township Department of Code Enforcement and the well driller, collected hydrogeologic data during drilling, and collection and reporting of water level data collection for PA DEP permit application.