Androscoggin Valley Hospital Biomass Expansion

Scope of Work

To drill and blast approximately 600 cubic yards of rock for the construction of a new biomass plant to convert the hospital's energy source.

Challenges

The Berlin NH AVH Biomass project entailed blasting within 20 feet of the occupied hospital. We blasted approximately 600 cubic yards ranging from 2 feet to 12 feet in cut depth. Each blast had to be coordinated with the Site Contractor, General Contractor and Facility Manager of the Hospital. The concerns were coordinating the blasts so that the hospital could still function on a daily basis, and that the ambulance entrance road be accessible at any moment.

Outcome

Our team met weeks prior to the start and discussed the site security issues and the Hospitals concerns in depth. We were able to have a plan in place that was suitable for all of us. At the end of the project, the Hospital managers and the customer were very pleased with a job well done.

Customer Comment

Recently we had the pleasure of working with Maine Drilling & Blasting on our jobsite at Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, New Hampshire. The blasting portion of the project was unique being within such a close proximity to the hospital, and was executed without incident and with minimal impact to the hospital's operations. MD&B had excellent communication with project management and hospital staff. In addition, they were reliable and flexible with the hospital's schedule and made safety of the general public and onsite personnel a first priority."

Robert Grafton, Superintendent