Pleasant Valley Schools

The primary challenge was navigating an outdated coal-fired heating system. The coal boilers and coal augers were complex, large pieces of equipment that needed to be meticulously disassembled. Along with demolishing and removing the previous system, existing coal bins needed to be infilled with steel, and ground level coal shoots needed to be closed off with concrete. A greater challenge was presented in the middle school, where the mechanical room was in the basement. This meant that new systems needed to be carefully rigged and lowered into place. This took careful planning and organization between MYCO’s logistics department and on-site team. The challenge of staffing and coordinating multiple site projects like this also presented hurdles throughout the busy summer period. Though challenging, MYCO’s team brilliantly navigated and worked through each bump in the road toward success.

Beginning in each school’s mechanical room, MYCO’s Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) department used Trimble X7 high-speed 3D laser scanning systems to map out the spaces. This allowed each mechanical room space to be fully mapped out with precision. From there, new systems were able to be cleanly mapped out in their precise locations. This proved to be extremely helpful in streamlining the installation, particularly in the middle school where the layout of the boilers was rearranged so that the new boilers would all face each other for ease of access. The use of this technology makes this a standout project for its accuracy and efficiency. These tools were invaluable for MYCO and streamlined processes enough to allow the project to finish ahead of schedule.

For the elementary school, MYCO began by demolishing and removing the entire existing boiler room system. From there, the mechanical room was fitted with two new LP condensing boilers and two new cast-iron oil-fired boilers, along with four new building system pumps and new LP tanks. New mechanical piping and insulation was installed between the new equipment and piping throughout the existing building. The middle school involved a similar working process, again beginning with the demolition of the existing boiler room system. Mechanical systems, however, were slightly different in this school, as it was designed with six new LP condensing boilers, four building system pumps, and new LP tanks. From there, new piping and insulation was also installed and tied into existing piping to dispense heat throughout the building. The rearrangement of this equipment greatly improved the amount of space available in this more compact mechanical area.

Overall, this project serves as a testament to MYCO’s efficiency in both construction and, more specifically, the plumbing and HVAC trades. Construction came together excellently, with the team keeping things regularly ahead of schedule. This will be a huge benefit to both schools for many years to come. With these updated systems, the Pleasant Valley School District will be able to heat their facilities in a modern, more efficient manner that will greatly benefit the students.