Field Equipment Update for National Security ConcernsCase Study
Shelter Works Acts as Critical Partner in Protecting Our Nation’s Infrastructure
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 changed America permanently, impacting how we approach security measures and how we view our nation’s infrastructure. Shelter Works has always been in the business of protecting our nation’s critical field equipment, but that took on renewed meaning after the attacks of 9/11.
With the American Water Works Association’s standards being revised to accommodate Homeland Security requirements, Mike Mulder, Maintenance Supervisor for East Lansing-Meridian Water and Sewer Authority, was charged with proactively reviewing the security and ensuring the protection of its wells in the East Lansing area. Mike explained, “We considered several metal and fiberglass building options but determined that Shelter Works would provide the best answers to our needs. It was the most practical solution for us. It had all the options we were looking for and looked the nicest.”
They needed a tricky combination of ‘high-tech’ and ‘low-tech’ options: high-tech because every building needed to include certain security features, and low-tech because they wanted a limited electrical package that could be easily disconnected.
Quick connection cables allow the electrical package to be disconnected when they need to replace the equipment. Mike explained, “Because the Shelter Works fiberglass building only weighs 1500 pounds, the whole building can be easily lifted off the concrete pads upon which the equipment sits.”
Skylights provide natural light to the interior of the fiberglass shelter, and fans keep temperatures from getting too high inside the structure. One door is used for entry and the other allows the crew to run pumping tests as needed.
Because the shelters are located throughout East Lansing (sometimes on nature trails), they wanted a building that would blend in and look attractive while still providing the necessary security and vital equipment protection.
Mike said, “We were very satisfied with these buildings, so much so that we have been showing them to some others who have similar needs. We are also talking about our needs for the coming year as well.”
Need to protect your critical field equipment? Give us a call at 800-794-8037.