CASE STUDY:
Detroit Skyline Decommission
Client: Verizon Detroit
Industry: Telecommunications
Services Provided: Project Management, Oversight, Decommissioning, & Asset Recovery
Project Overview
LEL Decom was contracted to manage the decommissioning of Verizon's telecommunications infrastructure located within the Penobscot Building at 645 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226. This project involved the removal of rooftop equipment and the decommissioning of a 3rd-floor data center that had outlasted its lifecycle. The entire scope of work took eight weeks to complete.
CHALLENGES
- Limited Access: The only access to the 3rd-floor roof deck where the equipment was located was through a window leading out to the platform.
- Safety Concerns: Ensuring the safety of other tenants’ equipment in the work area and coordinating safe road closures for crane operations.
- Complex Crane Operations: Using a 100 Ton Grove crane with a 227ft boom to lift equipment from a confined space between buildings.
SOLUTIONS
- Detailed Planning and Coordination: Conducted a thorough traffic study and site safety survey, gaining necessary approvals from the city traffic engineer department for road closures.
- Rigorous Safety Protocols: Protected other tenants’ equipment and implemented strict safety measures throughout the decommissioning process.
- Expert Crane Operations: Set up the crane on Shelby St on October 16th at 6 AM, with operations starting by 9 AM. The crane was operated via radio communication to navigate the blind opening between buildings and safely lift the equipment.
EXECUTION
- Crane Setup and Operation: The crane, with its 227ft boom, reached over the State Savings Bank Historical Marker to the 3rd-floor deck of the Penobscot Building. Equipment such as A/C cooling units, domestic CRAC units, rooftop units, pump packages, and associated piping were lifted out and live-loaded onto recycling transportation trucks.
- Efficient Workflow: The crane operations were completed by 7 PM, with the crane disassembled and removed from the site.
RESULTS
- Successful Decommissioning: All specified equipment was safely removed, and the project was completed within the planned timeframe.
- Environmental Compliance: The removed equipment was live-loaded and transported for recycling, adhering to environmental regulations.
- Client Satisfaction: The project was executed with precision and minimal disruption to the building’s other tenants, resulting in a satisfied client.
CONCLUSION
The Detroit Skyline Decommission project demonstrates LEL Decom's expertise in managing intricate decommissioning projects in challenging environments. Their commitment to safety, detailed planning, and efficient execution ensures high-quality results for their clients.
