SAO Boiler

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District requires construction services for replacement of the boiler system in the Steam Plant Building, at the Soo Locks, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. At 20 years old, the existing natural-gas-fired boilers are near the end of the typical service life for this type of boiler. This project replaces the existing boilers and supporting equipment while providing improvements to the system as far as efficiency and controls. Work includes demolition and removal of the existing boiler system electrical and mechanical equipment, and backup propane tanks. The new boiler system consists of 3 natural-gas-package boilers, approximately 5,000,000 Btu/hr output each, a larger condensate return tank, building ventilation improvements, automatic chemical treatment, feed water heating, a new make-up water connection, and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system with tie in to the existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Upgrades to the Steam Plant Building include, fire alarm system, electrical unit heaters, surge protection system, lighting, and replacement/additions of the Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) and limestone façade associated with ventilation changes.
This project is logistically challenging because the Steam Plant Building is located between the Poe and Davis Locks. It's anticipated that marine activities will be required for delivery and removal of construction equipment and the boilers.
Option 1 work includes the addition of a utility tunnel and trench that connects the Steam Plant Building to the Poe lock gallery for gas, steam, and condensate piping as well as electrical and communication cable routing.
Option 2 work includes replacement of the Steam Plant Building roof.