Physical Plant Facts
Departments
Physical Plant has the reponsibility of maintaining approximately 120 buildings - with a total of approximately 2,841,233 gross square feet of space on 125 contiguous acres, including most alterations and repairs. Employees number 188, including all the trades -- Automotive mechanics. Boiler Operators, Carpenters, electricians, Grounds-people, H.V.A.C. Technicians and Mechanics, Locksmiths, Masons, Painters, Plumbers, and Roofers; as well as Custodians and Security Officers. Through roughly 15,000 work orders per year, these 13 departments maintain some 18 acres of roof area, 5 miles of steam distribution piping through underground tunnels and conduits, 2 miles of chilled water piping, and 3,400 tons capacity of refrigeration equipment (that would equal approximately 6,800 window air conditioners) to mention just a few areas.
The total operating budget of the Physical Plant for FY 2005-2006 was over $15 million, of which 54% was used to pay salaries & wages, 25% was used for utilities costs, 9% wasa used for special projects (Renewal and Replacement) costs, 8% was used for materials and equipment, and 4% was used for other miscellaneous operational expenses. Some examples that might be used to show utilities useage would be that the college spent $3.20 per minute on electricity, or the amount of fuel consumed by the boiler plant during a cold winter's day could heat the average home for approximately 10 years.
| Academic | Dorms | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilets | 436 | 640 | 1076 |
| Urinals | 51 | 0 | 51 |
| Sinks | 712 | 696 | 1408 |
| Showers | 81 | 488 | 569 |
| Kitchens | 43 | 38 | 81 |
| Drinking Fountains | 80 | 13 | 93 |
| Radiators | 1602 | 2698 | 4300 |
Departments
- Work Control Center
- is responsible for disseminating work orders to the various shops within Physical Plant. ALL requests for work should be directed to this area.
- Building Services
- is responsible for custodial services and its staff in the academic and administrative buildings.
- Business Operations
- is responsible for billing, payroll, budget, and other related areas.
- Central Boiler Plant
- supplies heat to more than 90% of the buildings on campus generated by high pressure steam (125 pounds) boilers that have the capacity to utilize natural gas, #6 fuel oil, or pulverized coal. This department also maintains the high pressure underground steam distribution system.
- Carpentry
- is responsible for all the carpentry related work such as construction work in buildings - from rough to finish carpentry, as well as installing cabinetry, assembling furniture, hanging doors, etc. In addition, the sheet metal & roofing and masonry divisions, and the shade shop are part of the carpentry shop.
- Electrical
- is responsible for all aspects of electrical service on campus, including the high-voltage distribution system, the services to buildings and all connections within the buildings. This department also installs computer connections and maintains refrigeration.
- Engineering
- is responsible for major construction projects and providing engineering support services, as well as storing, maintaining and preserving the plans and construction records.
- Grounds
- maintains the grounds, including lawnmowing, road sweeping, fallen leaves, and snowplowing, as well as excavation work and trash & recyclin removal. Th motor vehicle fleet is also part of grounds.
- H.V.A.C.
- is responsible for maintaining a complex system of heating & cooling equipment, including the intricate controls and an elaborate microprocessor that maintains enviromental conditions and efficiency. The central chiller plant generates chilled water that supplies the centrally cooled buildings on campus.
- Lockshop
- maintains the equipment related to the keying and physical security of buildings on campus.
- Painting
- takes care of all painting and wallpapering, as well as parking space striping, sign painting, window screens, and glass cutting.
- Planning
- is responsible for planning and estimating the day-to-day projects performed by the Physical Plant personnel and outside contractors.
- Plumbing
- is responsible for domestic cold & hot water systems, storm and sanitary drainage, sprinkler, building steam, hot water heating systems, and gas supply distribution within the buildings on campus.
- Recycling
- is administered through the PHysical Plant, with coordination within the buildings on campus.
- Special Events/Set-ups
- are coordinated through the Physical Plant, and ultimately go onto the Building Services department for set-ups. When special events are planned, consideration of the entire physical setup should be made including what will be required for tables, seating, power, etc.
- Travel/Transportation
- services are provided by Physical Pland personnel with arrangements to be made through the Business Operations office.