DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol Research and Production Facility

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Description:

The DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol Research and Production Facility is a new, state of the art, research and production facility which converts switchgrass and other organic matter into ethanol. The 74,000 square feet plant is the initial phase which will eventually become a commercial production facility that will provide up to 50-million gallons of fuel annually. The facility and surrounding infrastructure consisted of:

Six separate structures including an administrative building, research laboratory, and multi-story production facility.
Parking and access from adjacent roadway.
an internal loop road system consisting of asphalt pavement, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and parking areas
a heavy duty delivery road system to accommodate tractor trailer service
initial rail spur grading for future rail delivery of biomass
a storm water management system consisting of dry ponds, curb and yard inlet structures
a potable water system including main and laterals with future expansion areas
extensive pipe bridge and underground piping for product transfer

The total project cost exceeded $50-million.

GEOServices Services:

GEOServices was responsible for all geotechnical recommendations as well as CQA testing for the infrastructure, utilities, and structures. GEOServices conducted all materials testing services including soils testing (field and laboratory), concrete testing (field and laboratory), foundation observations, pile inspection services, reinforcing steel inspections, structural steel inspections, aggregate testing, and asphalt testing. GEOServices also provided permitting, engineering oversight, and field inspection of the remediation of several large sinkholes which developed at the site during construction of the facility.