industry insights

GPRS can assist in locating utilities, identifying migration pathways, and supporting remediation efforts to address contamination efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) site?

A LUST site refers to a location where an underground storage tank (UST) has leaked, releasing hazardous substances such as petroleum products or chemicals into the surrounding soil, groundwater, or both. These leaks can result from corrosion, improper installation, or operational failures. LUST sites can pose significant environmental and public health risks, including contamination of drinking water sources and soil.

How are LUST sites identified and assessed?

LUST sites are typically identified during environmental site assessments (ESAs) conducted as part of property due diligence. Phase I ESAs may uncover recognized environmental conditions (RECs) suggesting potential LUST issues, while Phase II ESAs involve soil, groundwater, or vapor sampling to confirm contamination. Advanced equipment and methodologies, such as utility locating and subsurface investigation, are used to ensure accurate and safe assessments.

What happens if contamination is found at a LUST site?

If contamination is detected above regulatory cleanup levels, further investigation and remediation may be required. This can involve removing contaminated soil, treating groundwater, or monitoring vapor intrusion pathways. Regulatory authorities may oversee the process to ensure proper cleanup and to minimize environmental and health impacts.

GPRS Utility Locating & Video Pipe Inspection Services Support Safe Demolition of Las Vegas Hotel

GPRS utility locating and video pipe inspection services ensured that a nearly 70-year-old hotel in Las Vegas could be demolished safely and without disrupting utility services to nearby businesses on the busy Las Vegas Strip.

It’s not every day that a 70-year-old hotel on the Las Vegas Strip needs to be demolished.

But when one did, GPRS was there to ensure the project stayed on time, on budget, and safe.

GPRS Project Managers Armando Gonzalez and Arthur Formoso mapped the buried utilities and inspected underground sewer lines in and around the historic resort to mitigate the risk of damaging this infrastructure during demolition. They completed their work while the hotel was still operating, and provided accurate data that not only ensured a safe demolition but will also be provided to the contractor selected to build on the site in the future.

“It was important for us to find everything so they could start the demolition and get on the right track,” Formoso said. “They didn’t want any surprises.”

A GPRS Project Manager uses an electromagnetic locator and spray paint wand in a field. — GPRS Project Managers utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating to identify and map all buried utilities on a job site.

Gonzalez utilized ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating to identify and map all buried utilities on the property.

GPR is a non-destructive detection and imaging technology utilized in the construction industry for locating items such as utility lines, underground storage tanks (USTs), and rebar underground or within concrete slabs. A GPR scanner emits a radio signal into the ground or a slab and detects the interactions between the signal and any subsurface elements. Those interactions are displayed in a GPR readout as a series of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape depending on the type of material located.

Professional utility locators like GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers are specially trained to interpret this data, so they can determine what was located and provide an estimated depth for the buried obstructions.

EM locating compliments GPR by detecting the electromagnetic signals radiating from metallic pipes and cables rather than the utilities themselves. These signals can be created by the locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe, or from current flow in a live electrical cable. They can also result from a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields (detected by the EM locator functioning in Power Mode) and communications transmissions (Radio Mode).

Signals are created by the current flowing from the transmitter, which travels along the conductor (line/cable/pipe) and back to the transmitter. The current typically uses a ground to complete the current. A ground stake is used to complete the circuit through the ground.

At the hotel in Las Vegas, Gonzalez’s utility locates provided 99.8% accurate data for the demolition contractor to use for their planning.

“They already had as-built plans, so they kind of had an idea where everything was at,” he explained. “Once we came out, they kind of compared our locates to the drawings they already had. There were things that we were able to explain to them, like ‘this is what this is here,’ and stuff like that…”

Because of its age and the numerous renovations and expansions that had occurred at the hotel over the decades, the buried utilities on the property were a tangled web of both active and abandoned utilities. By utilizing EM locating, Gonzalez was able to verify which buried utilities were in use and which were inactive.

“The fact that we did our due diligence, even with things that seemed like they were abandoned or that they weren’t looking for, that’s what helped them realize ‘OK, we hired the right people,’” he said.

A GPRS Project Manager lowers a remote-controlled sewer inspection rover into an open manhole. — GPRS utilizes remote-controlled sewer inspection rovers and push-fed sewer scopes to inspect and map buried sewer lines.

Formoso utilized a remote-controlled sewer inspection rover and push-fed sewer scope to map and inspect the integrity of the hotel’s buried sewer pipes. Both the rover and scope were equipped with CCTV cameras and sondes: instrument probes that are detectable from the surface using EM locating and allow for the mapping of buried wastewater utilities.

Because of the extraordinary depth of some of the sewer lines, Formoso also equipped his rover with a Prototek DuraSonde Transmitter. Colloquially referred to as a ‘super sonde,’ this 10 ¼ inch-long, 8 KHz frequency transmitter is detectable in nonmetallic pipes buried up to 50 feet down into the earth. By comparison, the rover’s internal sonde can locate pipes up to 15 feet deep.

Formoso was able to provide the client with a NASSCO-certified inspection report detailing the condition of the sewer system and providing photo and video evidence of all identified defects.

“There was just a lot of hidden stuff and vaults that we identified,” he said. “We saw a lot of as-intended maps, but they just kind of said ‘there’s something around here,’ and it was something that we had to actually find on the VPI side.”

Gonzalez, who lives near the hotel, personally witnessed the demolition, which occurred at 3 a.m. and was accompanied by a drone show.

“Even though they were going to demolish everything, [the client and the property owner] didn’t want to come across something that they didn’t know was there during demolition,” Gonzalez said. “The plans that they might have had could have varied from what was there because they’d changed it two to three times since the property was open. So, presenting a good, clean map of the property that was as detailed as possible to then give to the next client, that was important.”

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can ground penetrating radar locate PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a video pipe inspection (VPI)?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our Video Pipe Inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. GPRS Project Managers not only inspect the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes – they can also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.

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Confusion Over Head Protection Poses Construction Safety Risk

A recent collaborative study by J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has highlighted how significant confusion and lack of clarity regarding head protection terminology and practices poses substantial safety risks on construction sites.

Head protection is a fundamental aspect of worker safety in the construction industry, designed to shield individuals from hazards such as falling objects, electrical risks, and impacts.

But a recent collaborative study by J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has highlighted how significant confusion and lack of clarity regarding head protection terminology and practices poses substantial safety risks on construction sites.

A group of people pose for a photo while wearing hard hats. — Head protection is a fundamental aspect of worker safety in the construction industry, designed to shield individuals from hazards such as falling objects, electrical risks, and impacts.

Understanding the Terminology: Hard Hats vs. Helmets

The study, titled “A Turning Point for Head Protection,” reveals that while many safety professionals believe they understand the distinctions between various types of head protection, there is considerable confusion and oversimplification concerning the differences and similarities between hard hats and helmets.

This ambiguity can lead to the selection of inappropriate protective equipment, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Traditionally, hard hats have been the standard in construction, offering protection against falling objects and limited lateral impact. In contrast, helmets, often used in activities like climbing or cycling, provide enhanced protection against impacts from multiple directions and may include features such as chin straps for a secure fit. The evolving landscape of head protection has introduced a variety of options, which, while beneficial, has also led to confusion among safety professionals and workers.

Challenges Faced by Safety Managers

Safety managers are encountering multiple challenges in managing head protection effectively:

Navigating a Complex Decision-Making Process: With an increasing array of head protection options, selecting the appropriate equipment for specific tasks has become more complicated
Ensuring Consistent Usage: Encouraging workers to consistently wear head protection remains a significant hurdle, often due to discomfort or lack of awareness about the importance of proper equipment
Addressing Fit and Comfort Issues: Finding head protection that fits well and is comfortable for all employees is essential, as ill-fitting equipment can lead to non-compliance and reduced effectiveness

The Role of Standards and Education

The study emphasizes the need for standards organizations, manufacturers, and other experts to provide clarity, guidance, and education to address the evolving landscape of head protection.

"Addressing these challenges head-on and clarifying the most effective solutions and standards will ensure better protection and safety for all,” said ISEA President and CEO, Cam Mackey.

Educational initiatives can help demystify head protection terminology and inform safety managers and workers about the appropriate selection, use, and maintenance of head protection equipment. This includes understanding the specific hazards present in their work environment and choosing equipment that meets the necessary safety standards.

Implications for Worker Safety

The confusion surrounding head protection terminology and practices has direct implications for worker safety:

Increased Risk of Injury: Selecting inappropriate head protection can leave workers vulnerable to injuries from falling objects, electrical hazards, and impacts
Non-Compliance: Misunderstanding the requirements for head protection can lead to non-compliance with safety regulations, resulting in legal and financial consequences for employers
Reduced Effectiveness of Safety Programs: A lack of clarity can undermine the effectiveness of safety programs, as workers may not fully understand the importance of proper head protection or how to use it correctly

Recommendations for Improving Clarity and Safety

To mitigate the risks associated with confusion over head protection, the ISEA and J.J. Keller recommend the following steps:

Standardization of Terminology: Develop and promote standardized terminology for head protection equipment to ensure a common understanding among safety professionals and workers.
Comprehensive Training Programs: Implement training programs that educate workers on the differences between various types of head protection, their specific uses, and the importance of proper fit and maintenance.
Collaboration with Manufacturers: Work closely with manufacturers to design head protection that meets the diverse needs of the workforce, focusing on comfort, fit, and suitability for different tasks.
‍Regular Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular audits of head protection practices on construction sites to identify areas of confusion or non-compliance and address them promptly.
Clear Communication of Safety Standards: Ensure that safety standards and guidelines are communicated clearly and effectively to all stakeholders, including safety managers, workers, and equipment suppliers.

GPRS Committed to Worker Safety

The construction industry is at a critical juncture concerning head protection practices. The confusion and lack of clarity identified in the J. J. Keller and ISEA study highlight the urgent need for standardized terminology, comprehensive education, and collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance worker safety.

By addressing these challenges proactively, the industry can ensure that workers are adequately protected, reducing the risk of injury and fostering a culture of safety on construction sites.

GPRS sponsors numerous safety initiatives each year designed to provide construction workers with the resources they need to stay safe on the job site. These include Construction Safety Week, to Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week, and Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week.

Long-Delayed San Francisco Airport Expansion Begins

Longtime GPRS safety partner Turner Construction broke ground this summer on the $2.6-billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project.

A long-delayed expansion to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is finally underway.

Longtime GPRS safety partner Turner Construction broke ground this summer on the $2.6-billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project, which will renovate the existing 650,000-square-foot western half of SFO’s Terminal 3, including a seismic retrofit, an expanded security checkpoint and new passenger amenities.

According to an SFO press release, the project will also create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing for expanded food, beverage, and retail concessions. The expansion is expected to open in fall 2027.

“For millions of people around the world, SFO creates their very first impression of the San Francisco Bay Area,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “We want our residents to be proud of their hometown Airport and for visitors to experience what makes our region great the moment they step off an airplane. This Terminal 3 West Modernization project is another major step that will ensure SFO continues to reflect the innovation, sustainability, and diversity that make San Francisco such an amazing place.”

Interior of San Francisco International Airport. — (*Photo courtesy of San Francisco International Airport / Karl Nielsen*) Longtime GPRS safety partner Turner Construction broke ground this summer on the $2.6-billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Turner is leading the design-build team alongside San Francisco-based architects Gensler and TEF Design. According to an article in Construction Dive, the project is part of the airport’s larger, 10-year expansion plan which began in 2019.

SFO is targeting LEED Platinum certification for this project, with planned sustainability features including daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, on-site photovoltaic cells, waste heat recovery, low carbon steel and concrete, energy smart baggage handling, dynamic glazing, recycled water, hydration stations, health-friendly materials and green building education.

At its peak, the project is anticipated to employ 500-600 workers, and is targeting to award over $173 million in contracts to Local Business Enterprises (LBE).

“We are always looking for ways to continue growing our operation in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we are thrilled that these state-of-the-art improvements to airport facilities will entice even more people to visit us here,” says Lori Augustine, Vice President of Airport Operations for United’s SFO Hub. “We’ve had an incredible partnership with the airport for many decades, and our work with them on the T3 West project is a symbol of our commitment to San Francisco and the faith we have in this city as one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit.”

About the Design-Build Process

Traditionally, construction projects follow a design-bid-build (DBB) model. In this framework, the owner first hires an architect or designer to create detailed plans. Once the design is complete, contractors bid on the project, and the selected contractor executes the construction phase. While this approach provides clear delineation between roles, it often leads to fragmented communication, cost overruns, and extended timelines.

The design-build process, on the other hand, merges design and construction into a unified workflow. A single entity—typically a design-build firm or a consortium of design and construction professionals—takes full responsibility for all aspects of the project. This streamlined structure eliminates the silos of responsibility, paving the way for more efficient and effective project delivery.

Key Benefits of the Design-Build Process

1. Streamlined Communication and Collaboration

One of the standout advantages of the design-build approach is the seamless communication it fosters between design and construction teams. With both disciplines working in tandem from the project's inception, potential conflicts or misunderstandings are addressed early in the process. This collaborative environment ensures that the design is both aesthetically pleasing and practically feasible, reducing the likelihood of costly changes during construction.

For the owner, having a single point of contact simplifies communication. Rather than coordinating between separate design and construction entities, the owner engages directly with the design-build team, creating a cohesive and transparent relationship.

2. Accelerated Project Timelines

The integration of design and construction allows for overlapping phases, a practice known as "fast-tracking." For example, site preparation and foundation work can begin while design details for upper levels are still being finalized. This overlap minimizes downtime and significantly reduces overall project duration.

Moreover, the streamlined communication inherent in the design-build model helps to avoid delays caused by design discrepancies or disputes between stakeholders. With everyone on the same team, decisions are made more swiftly, keeping the project on schedule.

3. Cost Savings and Budget Control

By aligning design and construction under one contract, the design-build process provides a more accurate estimate of costs early in the project. This holistic approach helps owners avoid the budget surprises that often plague traditional DBB projects.

The design-build team is incentivized to stay within budget because they are responsible for both the design and construction phases. Additionally, the collaborative environment allows for value engineering, where cost-effective solutions are identified and implemented without compromising quality or functionality.

4. Reduced Risk for the Owner

In traditional DBB projects, the owner assumes the risk of coordinating between designers and contractors. If conflicts arise—such as a design that is impractical or incompatible with the construction plan—the owner often bears the burden of resolving them.

In the design-build model, the design-build team assumes full accountability for the project's success. This single-source responsibility reduces the owner's exposure to risk and simplifies dispute resolution, as there is no ambiguity about who is accountable for meeting project objectives.

5. Enhanced Innovation and Flexibility

The integrated nature of design-build fosters a culture of innovation. Designers and builders collaborate from the outset, pooling their expertise to develop creative solutions to complex challenges. This synergy often results in unique design elements, improved construction techniques, and more efficient use of materials.

Furthermore, the flexibility of the design-build model allows for adjustments to be made mid-project without disrupting the workflow. Because the team is unified, changes can be quickly assessed and implemented, ensuring that the project adapts to evolving needs or unforeseen circumstances.

6. Improved Quality Control

With a single team responsible for the entire project, quality assurance is built into every stage of the process. The design-build team is motivated to deliver high-quality results because their reputation and financial incentives depend on the project's success.

Additionally, the close collaboration between design and construction professionals ensures that the final product aligns with the owner's vision and meets all performance standards.

Real-World Applications of Design-Build

The design-build approach is well-suited for a wide range of projects, from large-scale infrastructure developments to custom residential builds. Its versatility has made it a preferred choice in industries such as healthcare, education, and transportation, where complex requirements and tight deadlines are common.

For example, many municipalities use design-build to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure, such as bridges and water treatment facilities. Similarly, private developers often rely on this method for commercial projects, where speed to market and cost efficiency are paramount.

How GPRS Supports Design-Build Projects

The design-build process represents a transformative shift in how construction projects like SFO’s expansion are delivered. By integrating design and construction into a cohesive and collaborative workflow, this approach offers substantial benefits, including faster timelines, lower costs, and improved quality.

GPRS provides accurate as-built site data to help design-build projects move seamlessly through the design and construction process.

Our utility locating, precision concrete scanning, pinpoint leak detection, and NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection services help you prevent subsurface damage and provide you with an accurate, complete picture of the subsurface infrastructure on your job site.

And our 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, and SiteMap^® (patent pending) infrastructure mapping software provide existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services to help you plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

What can we help you visualize?

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The Evolution of the Facilities Audit Process

Facility management plays a critical role in maintaining the value, efficiency, and safety of buildings and campuses.

A significant component of this management is the facility audit—a structured, thorough evaluation of a facility's physical assets, including its infrastructure, policies, and procedures. Facility audits have evolved in recent years, moving from traditional paper-based reports to dynamic digital resources that provide ongoing value. Let’s explore this evolution and see how modern tools and technologies have redefined facility audits for today's needs.

Two people in hard hats and high-visibility vests look at a tablet and the outside of a facility. — Facility management plays a critical role in maintaining the value, efficiency, and safety of buildings and campuses.

Understanding the Basics of a Facility Audit

A facility audit is an in-depth examination designed to assess the physical condition and operational efficiency of a building or campus. This process encompasses a broad range of elements, including HVAC systems, structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and safety protocols. Facility audits may also involve an analysis of documentation related to maintenance procedures, operational policies, and the current usage of space.

Traditionally, facility audits served two primary purposes: to inform maintenance planning and to identify any immediate repairs necessary for building functionality or safety. The data gathered would typically be recorded in lengthy, paper-based reports or static files that were updated only at set intervals. As demands and expectations around operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness have grown, so has the scope of these audits, along with the tools used to perform them.

The Traditional Facility Audit: Static and Labor-Intensive

Historically, facility audits were conducted manually by facility management teams or outsourced consultants. Professionals would physically inspect each component of a building, noting any maintenance needs, structural issues, or compliance gaps. The resulting data would be compiled into a comprehensive report, detailing each finding and providing recommendations. This report often took weeks, if not months, to complete, especially for larger facilities with complex infrastructure.

One major limitation of this traditional approach was that the reports quickly became outdated. A facility audit would typically only be performed every three to five years, or even less frequently, leaving significant gaps in information. Buildings are dynamic spaces, subject to wear and tear, renovations, and changing usage patterns. In the time between audits, facility managers would often rely on their memory or ad-hoc records, increasing the likelihood of overlooked repairs and unanticipated costs.

The Transition to Digital Solutions

The first significant shift in facility audits came with the rise of digital record-keeping. With the advent of spreadsheets and digital databases, facility managers could more easily store, sort, and retrieve information about maintenance schedules, repairs, and building inspections. This helped streamline data collection, reducing some of the administrative burden associated with traditional paper reports.

However, while digital records made storage and access more manageable, the core process of facility auditing remained largely the same—facility managers or auditors still conducted manual inspections, documented findings, and updated the records on a periodic basis. The information was still static, representing only a snapshot in time. For a more proactive, real-time understanding of building conditions, a new approach was necessary.

The Role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D Scanning

In recent years, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D laser scanning technology have revolutionized the facility audit process. BIM enables the creation of digital models that represent every aspect of a building, from structural components to mechanical systems. With BIM, facility managers can maintain an up-to-date digital representation of their building, incorporating real-time data on asset conditions, space usage, and maintenance history.

3D laser scanning technology has enabled auditors to capture detailed, precise representations of a building’s physical conditions. These scanners use laser technology to generate a high-resolution, three-dimensional model of a facility’s interior and exterior spaces. By creating a digital twin of the building, facility managers and stakeholders can perform virtual walkthroughs, assess structural details remotely, and even simulate potential modifications.

The integration of BIM and 3D laser scanning marks a dramatic departure from the traditional facility audit model. Instead of relying on sporadic, labor-intensive physical inspections, facility managers can now perform continuous, real-time assessments. This dynamic approach allows them to detect and address issues before they become critical, improving overall building performance and extending the life of assets.

Continuous and Data-Driven Audits

Today, facility audits have evolved into an ongoing, data-driven process, thanks in large part to advancements in cloud computing and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. IoT sensors can be embedded throughout a building to monitor everything from temperature and humidity to structural integrity and occupancy levels. This data is sent to a central platform, which can be accessed by facility managers and other stakeholders in real time.

By combining IoT data with BIM and 3D scanning, facility managers can now create a “living” audit—a constantly updated digital model of a building that reflects its current conditions and usage patterns. This approach allows managers to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) continuously, ensuring that any deviations from optimal conditions are promptly identified and addressed. For example, if an IoT sensor detects that the temperature in a storage area has risen beyond acceptable levels, facility managers can investigate immediately, preventing potential damage to sensitive equipment or materials.

Continuous, data-driven facility audits also allow for predictive maintenance. By analyzing trends and patterns in the data, facility managers can anticipate when certain assets are likely to fail or require maintenance, allowing them to schedule repairs before issues arise. This proactive approach not only minimizes downtime but also reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of critical building systems.

Benefits of the Evolved Facility Audit Process

The modern approach to facilities auditing provides a range of benefits, making it a valuable tool for organizations of all types and sizes. Some key advantages include:

Enhanced Accuracy: With BIM, 3D scanning, and IoT, facilities audits provide a precise and comprehensive view of a building’s condition. This accuracy enables more informed decision-making, helping organizations allocate resources more effectively.
Increased Efficiency: By replacing manual inspections with digital models and automated monitoring, facility managers can conduct audits more quickly and with fewer disruptions to building occupants.
Proactive Maintenance: Continuous, real-time monitoring enables predictive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of equipment failures and emergency repairs.
Improved Compliance and Reporting: Regulatory compliance is a major concern in many industries, and the detailed documentation provided by modern facilities audits can help organizations demonstrate adherence to safety and operational standards.
Enhanced Space Management: With real-time data on occupancy and usage patterns, facility managers can optimize space allocation, making better use of available resources.

The Future of Facilities Audits: Digital Twins and AI

Looking ahead, the future of facilities audits will likely involve even more sophisticated technologies, such as digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI).

A digital twin is a highly accurate, virtual replica of a physical building, capable of simulating different scenarios and predicting the impact of various changes. Digital twins can integrate data from multiple sources, including IoT devices, 3D laser scans, and BIM, to provide a truly comprehensive view of a facility’s conditions.

AI has the potential to enhance facility audits by analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns that might not be apparent to human auditors. For example, AI algorithms can analyze historical data to identify trends, optimize maintenance schedules, and even recommend energy-saving strategies. As these technologies continue to develop, facility audits will become even more valuable, empowering organizations to manage their buildings with unprecedented precision and foresight.

GPRS Project Manager operating a 3D laser scanner with a tablet. — GPRS’ 3D Laser Scanning Services support the modern facility audit process by providing comprehensive, 2-4mm accurate data on your facilities and campuses.

GPRS & SiteMap^® Enhance Facility Audits

Through BIM, 3D laser scanning, IoT, and emerging technologies like digital twins and AI, facility audits are evolving into continuous management systems, offering a living snapshot of building conditions that can be updated and optimized over time.

GPRS’ 3D Laser Scanning Services support the modern facility audit process by providing comprehensive, 2-4mm accurate data on your facilities and campuses. We capture accurate as-built documentation of buildings and infrastructure with Leica laser scanners to deliver point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models that expedite project planning and execution.

All this accurate, field-verified data is securely accessible 24/7 through SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

SiteMap^® is a single source of truth for your critical infrastructure data, eliminating the mistakes caused by miscommunications and allowing you to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

GPRS is currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos. Click below to schedule your demo today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What deliverables can GPRS provide when performing 3D laser scanning services?

We can provide 3D modeling in many formats such as:

• Point Cloud Data (Raw Data)

• 2D CAD Drawings

• 3D Non-Intelligent Models

• 3D BIM Models

• JetStream Viewer

Customizable deliverables upon request include:

• Aerial Photogrammetry

• Comparative Analysis

• Deformation Analysis

• Digital Drawings of GPR Markings

• Floor Flatness Analysis/Contour Mapping

• New Construction Accuracy Analysis/Comparative Analysis

• Point Cloud Modeling Training Webinars

• Reconciliation of Clients 2D Design Drawings

• Reconciliation of Clients 3D Design Model

• Structural Steel Shape Probability Analysis

• Template Modeling

• Volume Calculations

• Wall Plumb Analysis

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap^® allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user. More information can be found at SiteMap.com.

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Existing Conditions, a GPRS Company, Provides 3D Laser Scanning Services for Innovative Facility Audit

Existing Conditions, a GPRS company, collaborated with LLB Architects and Pragmaticam to provide revolutionary existing conditions documentation for Dexter Southfield School.

In 2023, Dexter Southfield School’s new facility director sought a holistic review of the Brookline, Massachusetts private school’s 36-acre, 58-year-old campus. The school also wanted a virtual walkthrough of its property to use in marketing material.

A contractor Dexter Southfield had previously used put the facility director in touch with LLB Architects, which along with their partners at Pragmaticam had developed a different approach to what has traditionally been known as a “facilities audit”: a detailed review of a facility’s assets, policies, procedures, and components.

LLB and Pragmaticam sought to take the facilities audit process from its traditional roots of static, periodic updates into a future where as-built information was stored in a dynamic, continuously updatable database format accessible whenever, and wherever the information is needed.

They partnered with Existing Conditions, a GPRS company, which utilized its professional 3D laser scanning and 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) services to provide Dexter Southfield with a comprehensive interior and exterior existing conditions model, and virtual walkthrough of its 36-acre campus.

A 3D laser scanner situated above a football field with people on it. — Existing Conditions, a GPRS company, collaborated with LLB Architects and Pragmaticam to provide revolutionary existing conditions documentation for Dexter Southfield School.

About the Project

Pragmaticam is led by former LLB Principal, Neal Bijlani, who spent nearly two decades with the architecture firm and was a key part of the team exploring a dynamic alternative to the traditional facilities audit model.

“There was an opportunity to spin that division off, and so I’m acting as principal for the Pragmaticam group and still collaborating pretty closely with LLB,” Bijlani said.

Formerly known as Lerner Lads Bartels, LLB specializes in educational institutions and research facilities in the New England area.

“We strive to do projects that are highly contextual, focused around people and are innovative in terms of detailing and integrating technology into the process,” said LLB Principal, Enno Fritsch.

LLB Architects is a longtime Existing Conditions client. That relationship has evolved over time.

“It’s only gotten better and more efficient in understanding what deliverables Existing Conditions provides, and then how we help to supplement and really craft the scope of work between our teams,” Bijlani said. “…[At Dexter Southfield], we needed to use our resources at the firm for different purposes. We needed to focus more on the design, architecture, and planning aspects of the project, and so having an independent and more experienced team in the field to do field verification just made the project be able to be on time and on budget.”

Like LLB and Pragmaticam, Existing Conditions was exploring innovative ways to document project sites and store that information so that it could be easily accessed and regularly updated.

“It’s about having their most important assets documented and setting up a system that enables us and Pragmaticam to work together to almost be their CAD and BIM department,” said GPRS/Existing Conditions Senior Account Executive for Reality Capture, Mark Catalano. “These facilities groups wear a lot of different hats, and they’re constantly making sure that these facilities are up to date. There’s a lot of maintenance and day-to-day things required with that, but something that oftentimes gets left at the wayside is making sure that their assets, the buildings, are documented properly, the changes that come with them, making sure they have the accurate drawings in a file management system format where they can ensure that they have the most accurate and up-to-date drawings of their campus.”

A point cloud model with BIM overlay. — Once 3D laser scanning was complete, Existing Conditions’ in-house Processing Team compiled the data into the virtual walkthrough and other drawings & models requested by LLB Architects, Pragmaticam, and Dexter Southfield.

In the summer of 2023, Existing Conditions deployed its Project Managers to the school to 3D laser scan its 15 buildings and the surrounding grounds. The on-site work had to be completed in the relatively tight window when students were not on campus.

“It’s really important to be able to get as many of our field crew guys there at one time, so that we can really minimize the amount of time that we are on site,” explained Holly Vaillancourt, Director of Operations for GPRS and Existing Conditions’ Client Solutions Team. “I worked really closely with our Field Operations Team, and we had anywhere from one-to-five guys at the campus at any given point to get us through all of the buildings effectively and efficiently.”

Beyond having to complete the 3D laser scanning during the summer break, the Existing Conditions team also had to navigate around ongoing construction work on campus.

“A lot of campuses like to do their painting and rehab work, or renovations and updates, during those summer hours as well,” Vaillancourt said. “So, there was a little bit of a challenge in working around existing contractors being at the campus as well, but we managed and, if we had to go back and revisit a [building or room] after the renovations were complete, we certainly did do that…”

3D laser scan data with a BIM overlay. — The school’s new facility director received a comprehensive assessment of the campus and its buildings that he needed to responsibly allocate resources for operations & maintenance (O&M).

Once 3D laser scanning was complete, Existing Conditions’ in-house Processing Team compiled the data into the virtual walkthrough and other drawings & models requested by LLB Architects, Pragmaticam, and Dexter Southfield.

The school’s new facility director received a comprehensive assessment of the campus and its buildings that he needed to responsibly allocate resources for operations & maintenance (O&M). And the school received the virtual walkthrough that will allow prospective students and their families to tour the campus from anywhere in the world.

“I think the walkthrough is an example of how to leverage a deliverable,” Fritsch said. “It’s done to support the modeling, but then you can also use it so that the client can leverage it for their use and their marketing purposes. So, that’s like you get a double benefit. And of course, leveraging the data that Existing Conditions generated and merging it with the assessment work done by us and the consultants in a comprehensive database, which is then part of the deliverable for the client going forward to manage, that is how you leverage that technology going forward so it’s going to be a useful set of information for years to come. And they can update it as they go, and buildings are renovated, so it’s the basis for future improvement for years to come, rather than just having one report.

“This will change the way they manage their facility.”

How SiteMap^® Aids Project Management

Existing Conditions, LLB Architects, and Pragmaticam’s vision of a living facility assessment echoes the accurate, above and belowground existing conditions documentation that GPRS offers through SiteMap® (patent pending), our facility and project management platform.

SiteMap^® takes the accurate, complete, & field-verified data collected by GPRS’ SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers and puts it in one secure, yet easily accessible platform. From any computer, tablet, or smartphone, you and your team can plan around the same set of data points, eliminating the costly and potentially dangerous mistakes that come from miscommunications.

GPRS team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos. To learn how SiteMap^® can help you and your next project, click below to schedule your demo today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is an industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs any as-built documentation project for you.

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

GPRS Video Pipe Inspection Services Support Expansion of Colorado Mine-Water Remediation Site

GPRS utilized its Video Pipe Inspection, and utility mapping services to inspect and map buried infrastructure related to a groundwater remediation system at a disused mine in Colorado.

An engineering and environmental consulting firm hired to evaluate the groundwater remediation system of an abandoned mine in Colorado looked to GPRS to help map and investigate the integrity of the buried portions of this critical infrastructure.

GPRS Project Manager Conner Sorensen was tasked with locating, mapping, and inspecting the lines that pump contaminated groundwater out of the disused mine and into retention ponds, where the hazardous material can be removed from it.

Screenshot of footage inside a drain water pipe. — GPRS Video Pipe Inspection, and utility mapping services located and ensured the integrity of a groundwater remediation system at a disused mine in Colorado.

Underground abandoned mines pose a serious threat to community water supplies, rivers, streams, and aquatic life. When rainwater fills these chambers, it becomes contaminated with the leftover metals or other material that was being mined and any hazardous material used during the mining process. If not properly remediated, this contaminated groundwater can seep into the soil, poison waterways, and more.

That‘s what happened in 2015, when pressurized water began leaking out of the EPA-owned Gold King Mine near Silverton, Colorado. As the organization was investigating the ongoing remediation of the mine, excavation activities led to roughly 3 million gallons of mine wastewater and tailings – including heavy metals - spilling into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River. According to an article in the Colorado Encyclopedia, the contaminated runoff turned the normally green waters of the Animas a bright orange-brown as it made its way downstream through Durango to the San Juan River and, eventually, to Lake Powell.

Studies of the Animas River found that the spill had little to no long-term effect on the waterway – largely because it had already contained high levels of heavy metals from thousands of old mines in the region. This contamination, according to Colorado Encyclopedia, causes stretches of the river to be virtually devoid of aquatic life and renders the fish populations inhabiting the river near Durango incapable of reproducing.

The Gold King Mine disaster served as the catalyst for establishing the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund Site, enabling access to federal funding and resources to address the issue of mine drainage.

Sorensen explained that the owners of the mine where he was working were planning expansions to the remediation infrastructure and contacted the engineering and environmental consulting firm for help properly assessing their existing system prior to beginning any excavation.

“Basically, I was just locating everything so that, moving forward, when they begin construction and expand the remediation site, they can do so without hitting anything and they won’t be putting new stuff on top of old, bad pipe,” Sorensen said.

A GPRS Project Manager lowering a sewer inspection rover into an open manhole in a parking lot. — GPRS Video Pipe Inspection services help ensure the safety of buried storm and wastewater systems.

Sorensen began by deploying a remote-controlled pipe inspection rover and push-fed scope, both of which were equipped with sondes: instrument probes that allow GPRS Project Managers to map buried infrastructure from the service utilizing electromagnetic (EM) locators.

EM locators detect electromagnetic signals radiating from the sondes, or from metallic pipes or cables. They can measure the depth of the buried utility as well as locate it.

The rover and scope Sorensen utilized were outfitted with CCTV cameras which captured video and photographic evidence of the condition of the buried water lines. Sorensen used this evidence to compile a detailed report for our client.

“No defects were found to exist in the system,” he said.

In addition to marking the locations of the buried lines on the surface using flags and spray paint, Sorensen provided the client with a digital, geolocated map of his findings via SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS facility & project management application designed to provide existing conditions documentation to protect our clients’ assets and people.

A partially buried access point to an underground groundwater remediation system. — GPRS identified all access points to the groundwater remediation system.

The utility map identified all access points to the remediation system, correlated that information with the captured video of the interior of the pipes, and indicated the size, material, and depth of each section.

“The report was helpful in documenting the existing condition of the system,” Sorensen said. “And the SiteMap^® deliverable was helpful to have the locations recorded for future reference.”

From environmental due diligence projects to new construction, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Video Pipe Inspection (VPI)?

Video Pipe Inspection or VPI is a sewer inspection service using CCTV video cameras to mitigate or prevent infrastructure damage by inspecting underground water, sewer lines, and lateral pipelines. GPRS's NASSCO certified technicians can locate clogs, investigate cross bores, find structural faults and damages, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections.

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a VPI?

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our NASSCO-certified Project Managers can inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

The Surfside Bill and Its Impact on Florida Condominiums

Florida’s Surfside mandate means substantial increases fees or special assessments, with some individual assessments reaching as high as $400,000.

This article provides an update on the ways in which the Surfside Bill is impacting Florida condominium communities. Our original article can be found here.

Waterfront condominiums like these along Miami’s Bal Harbour, Surfside, and North Beach communities, all must undergo structural analysis testing before the end of 2024.

In the aftermath of the tragic Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, the state legislature enacted sweeping reforms to condominium safety and maintenance standards, collectively known as the "Surfside Bill." This legislation, which came into effect in 2024, brings significant changes to building inspections, reserves, and insurance requirements, impacting owners, developers, and industry professionals across the architecture, engineering, concrete, and construction sectors. As Florida’s aging coastal condominium infrastructure faces increasing scrutiny, industry stakeholders must understand how these new regulations will shape the future of construction, management, and market dynamics for multi-story residential buildings across the state.

Key Components & Changes in the Surfside Bill

Mandatory Inspections for Aging Buildings

Under the Surfside Bill, Florida law mandates that condominiums that are 30 years old or older (or 25 years old if located within three miles of the coast) undergo milestone structural inspections every 10 years. This rule reflects Florida's recognition of the risks posed by aging infrastructure in coastal regions, where buildings face heightened exposure to saltwater corrosion and extreme weather conditions. According to the University of Florida, these inspections must be performed by licensed engineers or architects and are designed to identify structural deficiencies before they lead to catastrophic failures.

For the industry, this means a steady increase in demand for qualified inspection professionals and concrete specialists capable of addressing the unique challenges posed by saltwater-exposed structures. Building materials and maintenance practices that withstand harsh coastal conditions will likely see greater adoption, driving innovations in materials science and engineering.

Reserve Fund Requirements

The Surfside Bill also imposes strict reserve fund requirements to ensure that condominium associations are financially prepared for major repairs. Condominium associations must now maintain sufficient reserves for "structural integrity reserve items," which include critical components such as roofs, waterproofing systems, windows, and load-bearing walls. For many associations, this new mandate has meant substantial increases in monthly fees or special assessments, with reports of individual assessments reaching as high as $400,000 in some communities.

This requirement represents a departure from previous practices, where associations could waive reserve requirements with a majority vote. Now, associations must fully fund their reserves by 2025, creating a strong financial foundation to support ongoing maintenance needs. However, the associated costs have proven a financial strain on many owners, with property sales in some areas decreasing by 7% according to a recent report from Naples Daily News. This decline in market activity reflects the growing burden on current and prospective owners who must now contend with the high cost of maintaining older buildings under the Surfside Bill’s regulations.

Insurance Premium Increases

Rising insurance premiums have further complicated the financial landscape for condominium owners and associations. The new law’s requirements for regular inspections and full reserve funding have led insurers to re-evaluate their risk assessments, particularly for older buildings. Consequently, premiums have skyrocketed, with some policies increasing by over 30% for coastal properties. Many owners have reported being unable to secure affordable insurance coverage or facing policy cancellations as insurers withdraw from the Florida market due to the elevated risks associated with climate change and structural deterioration in older buildings.

These insurance challenges present significant obstacles for industry stakeholders. For developers, understanding the evolving insurance requirements is essential to managing risk for future projects. Design firms and contractors may also face more stringent demands for building materials and methods that are resilient against environmental wear and extreme weather events. Additionally, associations and management companies are now focused on educating residents about insurance implications, as these rising costs directly affect property affordability and accessibility in the long term.

Honeycombing and rust like on the wall depicted here, are obvious indicators of potential structural damage. Other types of damage have little to no visible signs.

Impact on Real Estate Market and Condominium Sales

The Surfside Bill has led to a notable shift in Florida’s condominium market. As assessments, reserve requirements, and insurance premiums continue to rise, many prospective buyers are deterred by the increased costs associated with owning a condominium in Florida. Real estate professionals report a slowdown in condominium sales, especially in older buildings where the costs of compliance are higher.

According to Urban Land Institute, assessments in some cases exceed $100,000, and insurance hikes further contribute to decreasing demand. In response, some condominium boards are considering conversion options, transforming residential units into rental properties to distribute maintenance costs across larger tenant bases. This trend is reshaping the investment landscape, making Florida condominiums less attractive to traditional homeowners while appealing to institutional investors seeking rental income.

Structural and Engineering Innovations in Response to Compliance

The construction and engineering sectors have accelerated their adoption of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. Structural engineers and concrete specialists are revisiting traditional building techniques to increase resilience in aging structures. Innovations such as corrosion-resistant concrete, waterproof coatings, and anti-salt corrosion materials are gaining traction, especially in coastal properties. Additionally, real-time monitoring systems are being installed to provide early warnings for structural anomalies, allowing for proactive maintenance and compliance.

The Surfside Bill’s inspection requirements have also amplified the role of photogrammetry, drone imaging, and 3D modeling in the inspection process. By integrating advanced visualization and data analysis tools, engineers can better assess structural integrity, prioritize repairs, and create accurate records for compliance. As these technologies become more central to regulatory compliance, they offer opportunities for AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) professionals to enhance service offerings, meet demand, and play a critical role in maintaining safe, resilient buildings.

GPRS can support structural analysis testing by providing ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning & imaging for concrete slab structures.

Long-Term Industry Implications

Looking forward, the Surfside Bill will likely influence building codes and construction practices beyond Florida’s borders. As the U.S. grapples with the effects of climate change on coastal infrastructure, other states may adopt similar legislation mandating regular inspections and reserve funding for high-rise residential buildings. Florida’s experience could serve as a blueprint for nationwide policies aimed at mitigating risks associated with aging and environmentally exposed structures.

The bill also underscores the importance of collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors to create sustainable, resilient communities. Moving forward, industry professionals will need to prioritize durability and climate resilience in design and construction, especially in high-risk areas. For real estate developers, adapting to these standards means building new condominiums that can withstand Florida’s challenging climate while meeting residents’ safety and financial needs.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® for customers nationwide. What can we help you visualize?

Frontier-Kemper Takes on NY’s Kenisco-Eastview Connection Project’s Unique Challenges

Digging a two-mile tunnel that can withstand 2.6 billion gallons of capacity daily requires careful planning and exceptional dig policies

The Kenisco-Eastview Connection (KEC) Tunnel Project has a contractor: Frontier-Kemper Constructors, according to information published in Engineering News-Record.

The parent company of Frontier-Kemper is Tutor Perini Corporation, who announced that they’d won the contract from The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on October 23, 2024. The project is one of DEP’s $3 billion in capital commitments throughout Westchester County “that will improve the nation’s largest municipal water supply system.”

The KEC Tunnel Project’s Groundbreaking with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection took place in July 2024.

That system serves some 9 million people in New York City and Westchester County, and its Kenisco-Eastview tunnel will be the most expansive tunneling project in the area since the 1940s. It will run approximately two miles and is expected to transport 2.6 billion gallons daily from the Kenisco Reservoir to the Catskill/Delaware Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Facility (CDUV) in Eastview.

The project’s groundbreaking took place in July of 2024 and one of its benefits, according to DEP, is that the tunnel will give them the ability to take other facilities offline for maintenance and inspection while still meeting the region’s water needs.

“Creating additional redundancy in our vital water system is an essential investment for the long-term resilience of the remarkable feat of engineering that provides more than 9 million New Yorkers with a reliable source of pristine tap water,” said DPE Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwalla.

The mechanics of boring and creating a two-mile long tunnel that can withstand the wear of 2.6 billion gallons per day in volume is momentous. The powerful tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that will be used will excavate horizontally, removing the excavated material behind them. It is a process fraught with complications even through a clear expanse of ground, but in the case of the KEC tunnel, it has to traverse developed land, uneven terrain, and multiple highways and roads.

The proposed route of the KEC Tunnel as depicted by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Anyone deploying a TBM, which is often referred to as a “mole,” needs to be certain that their bore hole will not intersect any underground utilities, or other subsurface facilities.

For instance, typically, utilities are run alongside roadways or in the berm of a highway. When those roads are expanded or moved, which happens often, the utilities often move too. However, the as-builts – updated existing conditions drawings and utility maps – are not updated.

That means that just like when utilizing trenchless technology to install fiber lines, the mole could easily hit and/or sever a utility line, causing service interruptions, hazardous sanitary sewer or gas leakage in the surrounding area, or a serious accident.

And with a project as large as the KEC, having the ability to immediately update, share, and communicate those utility maps and as-builts is of paramount importance. That’s why a geolocated GIS layered utility map is vital to a successful excavation, whether for a tunnel or a straight dig.

How Does Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Work?

Ultraviolet Light Disinfection is one of the primary water treatment tools to fight waterborne pathogens and infectious agents. Just a few of the pathogens that could be found in untreated water include E coli, Salmonella, Enteroviruses like polio, coxsackie, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, and other viruses that can cause meningitis, cholera, and dysentery, among other serious illnesses.

“The effectiveness of a UV disinfection system depends on the characteristics of the wastewater, the intensity of the UV radiation, the amount of time the microorganisms are exposed to the radiation, and the reactor configuration,” according to the EPA’s Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet.

The mechanics of the system are designed to transfer electromagnetic energy to the genetic material of an organism – either its RNA or DNA – via a mercury arc lamp/mercury vapor. Upon penetrating the organism’s cell wall, it destroys the cell’s reproductive ability. The UV radiation that is generated by discharging electricity via mercury vapor, penetrates the cell’s genetic material and “retards their ability to reproduce,” according to the EPA Fact Sheet.

The efficacy of UV disinfection is depends on a variety of factors:

Characteristics of the wastewater itself (concentration of colloidal and particulate materials)
Intensity of the UV radiation applied
The length of radiation exposure
The configuration of the reactor

The basic composition of a UV light disinfection system consists of mercury arc lamps, a reactor, and ballasts. The radiation source is a low pressure or medium pressure mercury arc lamp that has high and low intensities. There are many specificities about the optimum light wavelength and intensity, which can be found within the EPA’s Fact Sheet.

Two reactor configurations make up the bulk of the UV system reactors: contact type reactors or non-contact type reactors. You can see the basic make up of the UV light system in this diagram:

Graphicfrom the EPA’s Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet depicting two types of UV lightdisinfecting systems.

A Brief History of UV Light Disinfection for Water Treatment

UV light disinfection has been around since the early 1900s and was first used municipally in France, either at Anon in 1906 or Marseilles in 1909. It began gaining acceptance in the 1970s as wastewater treatment plants looked for alternatives to disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formed in chlorinated water disinfection. The U.S. EPA approved UV in 2003, which led to more widespread adoption.

UV Water Treatment Market Outlook for 2024 and Beyond

While there is no reliable information on the number of physical UV light disinfection water treatment facilities in the U.S., the market appears to be booming. According to industry watchers and publications like Water Online, the UV water treatment market was considered “highly consolidated” and “saturated” in 2019, with a value of $145 million, yet the overall UV disinfection sector (that includes applications other than water) grew to $510 million in 2023, and is expected to top out in excess of $580 million in 2024. The significance of COVID-19 on the market explosion cannot be overstated, but is anticipated to reach more than $2 billion by 2034.

When it comes to municipal water and wastewater, GPRS helps customers lead the safety charge by Intelligently Visualizing The Built World^® with utility mapping, NASSCO-certified CCTV video pipe inspections, and accurate subsurface existing conditions capture. Thanks to our national footprint, you can always find a GPRS utility locating Project Manager near you, and our Rapid Response deployment means you can have interactive, layered, and accurate utility maps, often within 48 hours of your call.

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GPRS Company Uses 3D Laser Scanning to Aid Award-Winning Airport Expansion

Existing Conditions, a GPRS Company, proudly supported the award-winning Terminal E expansion project at Boston Logan International Airport.

Every year since 2015, the Prix Versailles awards have celebrated outstanding achievements in architecture and design on a global scale.

AECOM and luis vidal + architects’ striking Terminal E expansion at Boston Logan International Airport was one of six projects recognized in the Prix Versailles list of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports for 2024 for their aesthetic qualities and impact on the travel experience of users.

Existing Conditions, a GPRS Company, proudly supported this project with our architecture-grade 3D laser scanning and modeling services, meticulously documenting the airport’s existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems and a conveyor system, and verifying the flatness and levelness of a newly poured concrete floor.

Shot of Logan Airport’s Terminal E at night. — (Photo courtesy of Massport) AECOM and luis vidal + architects’ striking Terminal E expansion at Boston Logan International Airport was one of six projects recognized in the Prix Versailles list of the World’s Most Beautiful Airports for 2024 for their aesthetic qualities and impact on the travel experience of users.

Compared to a ruby-red, intergalactic spaceship due to its prismatic red roof that subtly changes color depending on the light, Terminal E features four additional gates, restaurants, a duty-free shop, and one of Delta Air Lines’ posh Sky Clubs: lounges reserved for Delta’s first or business class passengers and those flying on partner airlines.

Beyond its distinctive aesthetic, the terminal integrates green technologies like photovoltaic glass, which converts ultraviolet and infrared light into electricity, and uses recycled materials to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key infrastructure is elevated above the floodplain for added resilience, while the roof and envelope are engineered to exceed code requirements, withstanding heavy snow, ice, rainwater, and the extreme winds of a 500-year storm. Additionally, the building’s design functions as a noise barrier, lessening sound from planes and airport activities for nearby East Boston residents.

AECOM’s website notes that the terminal’s energy-efficient features resulted in a 25% reduction in energy consumption, exceeding Massachusetts Energy Code standards.

“Massport (Massachusetts Port Authority) conceived the new Terminal E as a modern, iconic, international terminal that elevates Logan Airport’s reputation for providing an enhanced passenger experience,” AECOM Principal Architect and Senior Vice President Terry Rookard told Engineering News-Record.

Suffolk Construction, the pre-construction and construction management firm on the project, initially contracted Existing Conditions to perform 3D laser scanning and create a 3D Revit model of a basement area housing the airport’s baggage conveyor belts. The challenge was that the scanning had to be completed while the airport remained operational, and in a work area densely packed with not just the conveyor belts, but also MEP lines.

Our Project Managers used the compact BLK360 laser scanner to navigate these tight spaces.

Following this initial phase, Suffolk enlisted Existing Conditions for several additional stages of work. In Phase 2, we scanned above the main concourse ceiling to map MEP lines. Next, we conducted further scanning near the original basement area to locate all existing MEP lines, ensuring new lines could be installed without interference.

In Phase 4, Suffolk asked Existing Conditions to scan the new construction after MEP lines were installed but before sheetrock, meeting a Massport requirement for precise as-built documentation. Existing Conditions also deployed a P50 scanner to verify the levelness of a concrete floor prior to the installation of terrazzo flooring on top. Lastly, we scanned a mechanical area above the terminal where equipment was set for demolition and replacement.

“There weren’t any surprises to the data that we captured,” explained Brian Ely, GPRS Service Line Leader for Reality Capture. “But the speed of our work, ease of working with both the construction company’s timeline and interfacing with the airport and their security teams led to more and more work at this project. It started with a very small area that we scanned in the basement and led to us scanning the entirety of the new terminal.”

3D laser scanning employs LiDAR technology to gather spatial data by emitting laser beams toward an object or structure and measuring the return time of the laser pulses. This timing, combined with angular data, allows the scanner to calculate the precise distance and orientation of each point on the object’s surface. Scans are taken from various angles to generate a dense collection of 3D coordinates, forming a point cloud representation of the site. This point cloud can then be transformed into 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 2D CAD drawings.

Accurate and comprehensive as-built data is a valuable tool for architects and engineers because it offers a detailed record of the building’s current state prior to renovations and expansions.

3D laser scanning captured highly detailed and accurate digital measurements of Terminal E’s infrastructure to assist with the safe and successful expansion of the structure. Suffolk Construction and its partners were able to reference this accurate site data as they completed their work, and it will be preserved for future O&M purposes.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS and Existing Conditions Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of 3D laser scanning?

‍Millions of real-world data points—A single laser can capture up to a million 3D data points per second, providing incredibly rich detail of every aspect of your project
‍Eliminate error—Individual measurements acquired by tape measures or hand-held devices are subject to errors. Laser scanning is the most accurate form of measurement available, delivering accuracy of a few millimeters or less
‍Answers unanticipated questions—How many times have you left the job site only to discover you need a few more measurements? A 3D BIM scanning will capture extra data, eliminating the need to return to the project to answer unanticipated questions
‍Reduce change orders and waste—The cost of a laser scan pales in comparison to the cost of change orders and construction delays. Incorporating a laser scan into the design of your project assures accurate and complete information, avoiding costly headaches, clashes and wasted material during the construction phase
‍Minimize shut-down times—Laser scanning is quick, safe and non-intrusive – eliminating or minimizing operational shutdowns and client inconvenience
‍Increase safety—3D scanning can obtain measurements in hazardous locations while keeping workers out of harm’s way

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Amazon’s Nuclear-Powered Data Center Project Encounters Regulatory Speed Bump

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected an amended grid connection agreement that was critical to Amazon’s plan to build a data center next to Talen Energy Corp.’s Susquehanna nuclear plant and draw power from it.

The 2-1 decision killed a proposal that would have allowed the plant’s operator, PJM Interconnection LLC, to increase the amount of power available to the data center through a direct connection.

According to reporting by Engineering News-Record, the FERC found that the applicants “failed to meet the high burden” for proving the amended provisions are necessary. In its order, written by Acting Deputy Secretary Carlos Clay, FERC questioned whether PJM intends to offer the terms to similarly situated interconnection customers, even though the company had stated that the proposed amendments were developed to address the circumstances of the Amazon project.

Talen Energy told ENR that it can still develop the first phases of the planned Amazon Web Services data center at the site of its plant despite the energy regulator’s ruling.

Susquehanna Nuclear Plant. — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected an amended grid connection agreement that was critical to Amazon’s plan to build a data center next to Talen Energy Corp.’s Susquehanna nuclear plant and draw power from it.

“Talen believes FERC erred and we are evaluating our options with a focus on commercial solutions,” the energy firm said in a statement.

The company previously reached a $650 million agreement to sell its data center campus to Amazon, along with a commitment to provide power to the facility. According to Talen’s shared plans, Amazon may develop the campus to support up to 960 MW. Talen noted it would seek approval of the updated ISA as development of the project’s initial phases continues with the available 300 MW of co-located capacity.

FERC did not address other concerns raised during the process, such as whether agreements like this might impact grid demand or result in costs for other power customers.

The commissioners’ decision coincided with FERC’s technical conference on large power loads co-located at generating facilities. In a statement, Talen described the co-location arrangement with Amazon as “part of the solution” to the issues discussed at the conference.

“This approach delivers service to the customer quickly and without the need for costly transmission upgrades to support large-load demand,” Talen added.

Amazon and Talen’s project is not the only ongoing attempt to use nuclear power plants to power new data centers in the U.S. Constellation Energy Corp. And Microsoft Corp. recently entered into a 20-year agreement which would see Three Mile Island Nuclear Station’s unit 1 in Middletown, Pa., restarted to power Microsoft’s growing arsenal of data centers.

According to ENR, Constellation’s president and CEO, Joseph Dominguez, said on a quarterly financial results call on Nov. 4 that the FERC ruling “is not the final [agency] word on co-location,” and that he expects it will provide more guidance, arguing that co-location “remains one of the best ways for the U.S. to quickly build the large data centers that are necessary to lead on [artificial intelligence].”

Dominguez also outlined his vision for how co-location should work, saying that the power should always go to the grid first during an emergency and, if a co-located load has backup power, it should be able to offer that power to the grid, subject to permitting rules. He said the co-located load should also have to pay its share of grid costs for what it uses.

“Frankly, I think part of the issue with the [agreement] proceeding is that it did not bring these issues together and, understandably, some of the commissioners want to see the complete package,” Dominguez said.

Data Center Boom

These attempts to use nuclear plants to power data centers are a result of the ongoing boom in data center construction – and the subsequent energy needs of those facilities.

The U.S. has more data centers than any other country in the world. As of March 2024, there were 5,381 data centers operating on American soil, according to data from Statista.com. For comparison, Germany has the second-most data centers of any country in the world with just 521.

Every one of those data centers demands an extraordinary amount of energy to power it, which has placed added pressure on the U.S.’s aging electrical grid.

“The exponential growth of data centers with a tremendous appetite for electricity rapidly is outpacing the capacity of utilities to meet their needs,” writes Jack Rogers on Globest.com. “Pushing data center developers to prioritize new markets where they can be sure they can hook up to the grid.”

GPRS delivers a comprehensive array of services for subsurface damage prevention, existing condition documentation, and management of construction and facility projects, ensuring that initiatives like data center builds remain on schedule, within budget, and safe.

Our offerings in concrete scanning, utility locating, video pipe inspection, and leak detection help prevent subsurface damage during excavation, or when drilling or slicing through concrete. Leveraging cutting-edge tools like ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and remote-operated sewer pipe inspection rovers, our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers (PMs) equip you with an in-depth view of your site’s subsurface structures.

For a clear depiction of above-ground conditions and to document our PMs’ findings in utility locating and concrete scanning, our 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry services deliver 2-4 mm-accurate data useful for both project design and future operation and maintenance (O&M) tasks. And our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department can tailor this data into any required format and software.

With SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’s cloud-based application for project and facility management, you have around-the-clock access to all this field-verified data, enhancing the protection of your assets and personnel.

SiteMap^® enables seamless collaboration, allowing you and your team to securely access and share crucial data anytime and from anywhere, using any computer, tablet, or mobile device.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live SiteMap^® demos. Click below to schedule yours and see how SiteMap^® can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and build better today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

What is Survey Control in 3D Laser Scanning?

Survey control in 3D laser scanning is the use of accurately positioned reference points, marked with reference targets, positioning targets, or scanning targets to ensure that the LiDAR scanned data aligns precisely within a spatial coordinate system. These control points are determined using traditional surveying techniques, for example GPS or total stations, and serve as fixed anchors for aligning, registering, and geo-referencing the 3D laser scans across large or complex areas. Tying the laser scan data to these known survey control points improves the accuracy and consistency of the 3D BIM models and 2D CAD drawings required for the project.

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Why is Survey Control Important?

Survey control in 3D laser scanning is the foundational framework that provides accurate, real-world context to the laser scan data, ensuring that the final 3D models and measurements are both precise and reliable. Given the crucial role of surveying control points in the construction process of some jobs, any inaccuracies can lead to costly mistakes and project delays.

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Why is Survey Control Important in 3D BIM Models?

Without control points, BIM data can’t be matched accurately to the physical site. Survey control is essential in 3D BIM models because it provides the exact location and orientation of the virtual model, ensuring the digital design aligns perfectly with the real site. This prevents costly construction errors, keeps everything correctly positioned, and allows for smooth coordination between design teams within the BIM model.

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What Are the Key Requirements of Survey Control in 3D Laser Scanning?

Establish Control Points:
‍These are physical markers or targets placed at known, pre-measured locations in the survey area. The positions of these points are typically determined using traditional surveying techniques such as GPS or total stations. The laser scanner references these points to accurately locate itself within the environment.

Define Coordinate Systems:
Survey control defines the coordinate system in which the laser scan data will be placed. This could be a global system (such as geographic coordinates) or a local system (site-specific grid). Control points help tie the laser scan spatial data set to this system so that it aligns with 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and other deliverables.

Place Targets:
Black and white targets on fixed-height tripods are often placed at control points, benchmarks, or magnails so that they can be easily identified and scanned by the laser scanner. The scanner records the locations of these targets, and software later uses this data to correct and align the scans.

Pro Tip: You will need at least three reference points (we like to use five) on each project to enable accurate registration. Select locations that aren’t likely to move, because that could negatively impact the coordinate system. Place the fixed height tripods around the scan area to best tie in benchmark locations to the point cloud.

Establish Global and Local Control:
‍Depending on the project’s needs, survey control can be on a global scale. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) systems offer satellite-based positioning systems that provide real time, highly accurate coordinates, enabling surveyors to determine control points and carry out other surveying tasks with precision. Global control points help ensure accurate alignment across multiple scans and projects.

Register and Align the Point Cloud Data:
‍After scanning, the raw point cloud data is registered to the control points. This process, called "registration," aligns the scan data with the real-world coordinate system. The use of control points ensures that the different scans fit together precisely and are geographically accurate.

Quality Assurance:
Control points act as benchmarks that can be checked to validate the accuracy of the laser scan. By comparing the scanned coordinates of these points against their known positions, surveyors can assess the accuracy of the laser scanning process and correct any misalignments or deviations.

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What are the Benefits of Using Survey Control in 3D Laser Scanning?

Survey control is critical in laser scanning because it ensures the accuracy, precision, and reliability of the data collected.

Here are the benefits of using survey control in 3D laser scanning.

Accurate 3D Model:
‍Survey control points provide precise, fixed references, minimizing alignment errors and improving the overall accuracy of the 3D model.

Alignment Across Large Projects:
In large projects where multiple scans are needed from different locations or at different times, survey control ensures that each scan is correctly aligned with others.

Improved Georeferencing:
‍Survey control points allow laser scan data to be accurately tied to a specific geographic coordinate system. This ensures that the scanned data can be integrated with other spatial datasets or design models, such as CAD, GIS, and BIM.

Saves Time:
By eliminating the need for repeated adjustments, survey control saves time, especially in projects requiring extensive scans or data from various sources.

Better Collaboration:
Consistently aligned, geo-referenced data makes it easier for teams to collaborate, share, and integrate data across different platforms and phases of a project.

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Are There Instances When Establishing Survey Control Points Is Not Necessary?

For smaller scale projects, manually aligning the point cloud with the BIM model or CAD drawing can be an alternative to using control points. This is often the case with residential buildings or interior fit outs, which are less complex than commercial and industrial projects.

Surveying control points may not be required if a client is comparing dimensions within the point cloud. For example, when verifying door or window measurements, clients can measure the openings directly from the point cloud and compare them to the design drawings. The focus on the specific elements captured within the point cloud does not need a tie to survey control.

Also, establishing survey control may not be necessary during the initial stages of a project, when the focus is on understanding the overall layout and conditions of the site, rather than capturing precise measurements.

Pro Tip: If a client has an existing topographical survey, GPRS can tie into that using the control points set by the surveyor.

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Why Choose GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services?

When required on a jobsite, we establish survey control to deliver a the highest degree of 3D Laser Scan and Scan-to-BIM accuracy to our clients. Our Project Managers incorporate control points into the 3D laser scanning process, allowing the surveyed conditions to be accurately aligned with design BIM models or computer aided design (CAD) drawings. This helps to streamline project coordination for architects, engineers, design teams, general contractors and everyone involved with the construction project.

GPRS’s experience in LiDAR scanning, use of survey-grade lasers, and dedication to providing accurate data have made us the leading provider of 3D laser scanning services for the architecture, engineering and construction industries. With a dedicated GPRS team, quick and accurate scanning, and detailed deliverables, our clients can trust that their sites are properly documented and modeled.

To request a quote from GPRS contact us here.

GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Visualizes 219,000-Square-Foot Facility

Facility managers at a manufacturing facility in Tennessee wanted accurate existing conditions documentation of their entire plant and the surrounding grounds, to aid with future planning and possible renovations.

GPRS Project Manager Marcus Buck utilized our 3D laser scanning services to capture every inch of the roughly 219,000-square-foot facility, so that our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department could create a digital twin for safe and efficient project management.

Large-scale facilities can be a nightmare to maintain. They feature complex networks of overhead pipes and buried utilities that must be protected from damage whenever excavation is required. There are countless hard-to-reach areas, and other potentially dangerous conditions that make it difficult to obtain the accurate data needed for efficient operations & maintenance.

GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services capture accurate as-built documentation of buildings and infrastructure with Leica LiDAR laser scanners to deliver point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) that expedite project planning and execution.

A Leica 3D laser scanner with a GPRS Project Manager in the background. — GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services capture accurate as-built documentation of buildings and infrastructure with Leica laser scanners to deliver point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models that expedite project planning and execution.

3D laser scanners record highly accurate digital measurements of sites and assets in the form of a point cloud and can be used to create 2D CAD drawings and intelligent 3D BIM models that improve project workflows, shorten turnaround times, and reduce costs. BIM models provide contractors, engineers, architects, and facility managers an accurate digital twin of buildings and infrastructure to collaborate on design, construction, and operations.

GPRS can also translate 3D laser scan data into 2D CAD drawings that provide your team with up-to-date floor plans, elevations, sections, details, isometric drawings, reflected ceiling plans, and more. These up-to-date as-builts connect the dots between what’s visible and what is hidden, giving you accurate information about hard-to-reach areas as well as the locations of all above and belowground MEP features.

Buck scanned the plant, including its exterior and on the roof, to provide a 2-4mm accurate point cloud of the property. This data was then used to create a 3D model to suit the client’s needs.

“The client was shocked at how much information and data the laser was capturing,” Buck said.

Our biggest challenge on this project was the size of the facility.

“There were so many hidden rooms with pipes, tanks and storage,” Buck explained. “One door always led to another, so getting my bearings to plan the most efficient path without taking redundant setups was a challenge.”

The accurate, field-verified data Buck collected was uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ facility & project management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

SiteMap^® provides you and your team secure access to your infrastructure data 24/7, from any computer, tablet or smartphone, allowing you to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

With SiteMap^® and our SIM-certified Project Managers, GPRS has the training, experience and technology to Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® and keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my project is limited within the physical space?

Some projects require special applications due to limitations within the physical setting. This is often due to line-of-sight issues and when a scan must be done safely from the ground or with precautionary distance. Some of these applications would include above-ceiling MEP features in hospitals where it is necessary to maintain negative airflow or interstitial spaces that are congested with limited access. Since laser scanning is a non-contact measurement tool (i.e. we can scan from a safe distance or location) this becomes a powerful tool for solving these complex challenges.

What deliverables can GPRS provide?

Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department can provide 3D modeling in many formats, including:

Point Cloud Data (Raw Data)
2D CAD Drawings
3D Non-Intelligent Models
3D BIM Models
JetStream Viewer

Customizable deliverables upon request include:

Aerial Photogrammetry
Comparative Analysis
Deformation Analysis
Digital Drawings of GPR Markings
Floor Flatness Analysis/Contour Mapping
New Construction Accuracy Analysis/Comparative Analysis
Point Cloud Modeling Training Webinars
Reconciliation of Clients 2D Design Drawings
Reconciliation of Clients 3D Design Model
Structural Steel Shape Probability Analysis
Template Modeling
Volume Calculations
Wall Plumb Analysis

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is a remote sensing method used to generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of an object and its surface characteristics. Much like radar systems that employ radio waves to measure objects, LiDAR uses lasers to calculate the distance of objects with light pulses from 3D laser scanners, gathering 3D information about an object.

What is BIM?

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and is more than just a 3D model. 3D BIM scanning gives engineers the ability to manage the building data throughout its whole life cycle. It provides accurate spatial relationships and manufacturer details, as well as geographic information and other pertinent aspects of the building.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is highly complex virtual model that is the exact counterpart (or twin) of a physical object. GPRS uses 3D laser scanners to collect real-time data for a building or facility and create a digital duplicate. Data can be easily visualized, measured and analyzed. Digital twins can be used to improve efficiencies, optimize workflows and detect problems before they occur.

Utah Geothermal Project Gets Green Light: Fervo Aims for 2GW Annual Output

Fervo’s well test achieved a maximum flow rate of 107kg/s and reached more than 10 MW of electrical production.

In 2026, electrical customers in the west could receive some of their power directly from the earth’s core.

OK, not directly, since the heat of the earth’s molten iron core exceeds 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit. But their electricity could be provided in some part by Fervo Energy’s new Cape Station geothermal energy project, located on 631 acres in Utah. 148 acres of that 631 are public land, of which the Bureau of Land Management has approved Fervo’s use.

A geothermal power plant at the base of a hill sports shining silver chimney pipes spewing white steam. — Geothermal plants harness the power of the earth’s molten core to create electricity by drilling deep wells into the earth’s crust.

Earlier this year, Fervo announced two executed purchase agreements with Southern California Edison for 320 megawatts (MW) of energy. That total includes the initial 70 MW output the plant expects to achieve when it becomes operational in two years. Businesswire reports that 400 MW were contracted as of September 10, 2024, but also suggests the plant won’t be online to produce that amount until 2028, so there is some disagreement on Cape Station’s construction and capacity end date.

Fervo, based in Houston, is privately held, so there are no budgetary amounts available on the project. However, the average cost to produce a single kilowatt hour of geothermal power is $4,500, and The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems estimates the cost of a gigawatt at $3.75 billion. Extrapolating those figures, one could estimate the cost of the Fervo geothermal plant at approximately $8 billion.

That price tag won’t be shouldered all at once, according to reporting from Engineering News-Record, which speaks of a phased capacity build-out. Fervo’s Chelsea Anderson said that construction is active and ongoing, but “at this time we aren’t able to comment on any specifics regarding suppliers and procurement.”

Geothermal Power Production Explained

A graphic showing how the layers of the earth's core surround its inner-most core of molton iron.

Simply speaking, geothermal energy is produced by harnessing the heat of the earth’s core. As mentioned earlier, the core, made up entirely of molten iron and has a temperature of 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit – roughly the same temperature as the surface of the sun. The core is 1,500 miles in diameter and is insulated by a cooler outer core of magma that is 1,500 miles thick, and another 1,800 miles of outer core, also known as the mantle, made of magma and rock. When a volcano erupts, it is the cooler magma core that spews up and out, which we call lava.

Why is Geothermal Energy Considered Renewable?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), geothermal energy is considered a renewable resource for heat and electricity because the earth’s core is continuously producing energy. Scientifically speaking, the earth’s core will one day cool, but scientists place that “end date” for the earth’s core at five billion years from now.

How Does Geothermal Energy Work?

Obviously, we have not created tools that allow us to extract anything simmering at more than 10,000 degrees, and that’s why geothermal energy does not – strictly speaking – harvest anything from the core itself. Instead, geothermal energy plants extract hydrothermal energy (steam) and/or hydrothermal energy (superheated water) from wells that can reach depths of up to two miles into the earth’s crust.

With both the steam and superheated water ranging in temperature from 300 – 700 degrees Fahrenheit, extraction requires a great deal of care and planning. Geothermal power plants generally utilize both hydrothermal and geothermal sources by piping either the water or steam to the surface and using it to power one or more turbines to generate electricity.

These geothermal power plants generally fall into one of three categories: Dry steam, flash steam, and binary cycle.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration has defined and explained each plant category as follows:

• Dry steam plants use steam directly from a geothermal reservoir to turn generator turbines. The first geothermal power plant was built in 1904 in Tuscany, Italy, where natural steam erupted from the earth.

• Flash steam plants take high-pressure hot water from deep inside the earth and convert it to steam that drives generator turbines. When the steam cools, it condenses to water and is injected back into the ground to be used again. Most geothermal power plants are flash steam plants.

• Binary-cycle power plants transfer the heat from geothermal hot water to another liquid. The heat causes the second liquid to turn to steam, and the steam drives a generator turbine.

Businesswire reports that Fervo has drilled 15 wells at Cape Station thus far, “achieved record-breaking commercial flow rates at the site’s first well test,” and has secured a $100 million loan from X-Caliber Rural Capital to expand and accelerate its operations. Its well test achieved a maximum flow rate of 107kg/s at high temperature and reached more than 10 MW of electrical production, which bodes well for the project.

Speaking as part of Businesswire’s reporting on Fervo, Jesse Jenkins, Assistant Professor and leader of the Zero-Carbon Energy Systems Research and Optimization (ZERO) Lab at Princeton University said:

"Clean firm resources are critical to complete the carbon-free electricity portfolio and provide decarbonized energy around-the-clock. Fervo's technical success commercializing advanced geothermal brings us one step closer to a clean, reliable grid."

Drilling Geothermal Energy Wells Safely

Among the practical considerations with geothermal power is the ability to safely and efficiently drill extremely deep wells to harvest the core’s heat. To do that, geothermal power companies are turning to the fossil fuel industry, whose workforce has supplied more than 90% of the labor hours at Cape Station thus far. Who better to drill into the earth at high depth better than those who have been doing it – in search of oil and gas – for generations? By partnering with local oilfield services firms, Fervo is reported to have slashed the time to drill a geothermal well by 70% year over year.

The other major practical consideration is making sure to not hit existing subsurface utility or pipeline infrastructure when digging or drilling. For that, geothermal companies must turn to professional private utility locators – like GPRS – to fully map the existing underground conditions and utilities on site before they break ground.

Fervo received official DOE approval on October 17, 2024, which will repurpose the protocols and tools used in shale fracking to inject water into subsurface heat pockets to generate hydrothermal steam for electricity generation. If Cape Station meets its stated 2 GW goal, it will tie the record set in 1987 by the world’s largest geothermal field in California, knowns as The Geysers.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World®, above and below-ground for customers nationwide. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPRS locate underground utilities?

GPRS Project Managers use their knowledge and experience to employ a variety of complementary technologies like ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators to pinpoint the location of underground facilities. They are highly trained in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) so that they can interpret the data from these technologies to create an accurate map of the underground infrastructure, which is then uploaded via GPS or RTK positioning to our SiteMap® platform (patent pending) for customer use. In most cases, your utility map is available online within minutes.

What is the difference between a public and private utility line?

65% of all on-site utilities for nearly all construction sites or facilities are private, meaning 811 One Call services cannot locate them for you. To find all buried utilities on a site, you need to hire a private utility locating company near you. GPRS’ national footprint allows our team of Project Managers to rapidly respond to requests and provide comprehensive digital and PDF utility maps of every utility on site, whether public or private – including depths – and can export your utility data into a wide variety of drawings, maps, and models that provide seamless communication and collaboration on any project.

How can I get a digital map of my underground utilities?

Every GPRS utility locating customer receives a complimentary PDF of their underground utility findings, and a free SiteMap® Personal subscription, where they can view a geolocated, layered, and interactive map of their underground facilities from any computer or mobile device, and can securely share that information with those who need it. To learn more about SiteMap and digital underground utility maps, click here.

Source: https://3dplant.leica-geosystems.us/2020/08/28/this-technology-provides-essential-ingredient-in-food-processing-sustainability/

3D Laser Scan Technology Provides the Essential Ingredient for Food Processing Sustainability

Inaccurate, incomplete or missing design drawings hamper efforts to evaluate equipment, upgrade existing production lines, install new equipment and make other ongoing site modifications necessary to keep plants modern and efficient. Plant managers at a food processing plant in San Antonio, Texas recognized that they would need as-built data to evaluate the equipment, add electrical boxes for new equipment and design modifications to the site.

Sustainable, reliable food production requires agile, automated processing plants—a goal that can only be achieved by starting with accurate digital as-built data captured with laser scanning.

Mergers and acquisitions are a fundamental way to grow a business in the food processing industry. A single acquisition can double production capabilities and diversify a brand, allowing a company to be nimble and competitive. Instead of rebranding or retooling to meet changing consumer demands, a company can purchase an existing entity that has plants already equipped to meet the needs of the market.

But staying agile requires knowing exactly what is in the acquired facilities. Inaccurate, incomplete or missing design drawings hamper efforts to evaluate equipment, upgrade existing production lines, install new equipment and make other ongoing site modifications necessary to keep plants modern and efficient. Over the last several years, food processing companies had already begun turning to 3D laser scanning to quickly, accurately and safely document existing plant conditions. Today, with the need to accelerate innovation and minimize risk, laser scanning is proving to be the ideal solution.

GPRS, a Toledo, OH-based company that provides laser scanning services throughout the U.S., has scanned numerous food and beverage production facilities in addition to other power, process, and plant applications. A recent project at a food processing plant in San Antonio, Texas, illustrates the potential of laser scanning to transform the industry.

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3D laser scanning for the food processing industry — Plant managers needed as-built data to evaluate the equipment, add electrical boxes for new equipment and design modifications to the site.

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Laser Scanning Solves Plant Design Challenges

The plant was part of an acquisition that had been completed years earlier by a global operation. In an ongoing initiative to renew facilities and improve technology and infrastructure, the plant was due for upgrades to existing production lines. The service provider designing the facility upgrades was located outside of the U.S.

As is often the case in acquired plants, the existing 2D drawings were inaccurate and incomplete. Plant managers recognized that they would need new as-built data to evaluate the equipment, add electrical boxes for new equipment and design modifications to the site, but timing was a concern. The production system included a complicated network of conveyors, mechanical equipment, piping layouts (2 inches and larger), pipe supports, structural steel and platforms. A scheduled production shutdown would give them a window of just three hours to collect new data. Asking the designers to travel to the site from overseas was not a viable option.

The company contacted GPRS Texas Regional Manager David Sauceda, who assured them that he could provide an optimal solution. As a service provider with an unwavering commitment to excellence, GPRS uses industry-leading survey-grade Leica Geosystems laser scanners to capture accurate, comprehensive point cloud data. For example, the high-speed Leica RTC360 laser scanner completes a full scan in as little as 26 seconds, enabling an entire facility to be documented rapidly with a single operator working alone. The scanner captures measurements in hard to reach or hazardous locations while keeping workers out of harm’s way. Scanning is completed safely from the ground without the need for harnesses, lifts or cranes. In addition to fast scanning speed, the scan data can be registered and viewed in real-time to ensure all relevant data is captured, reducing or even eliminating return trips. The resulting point cloud can be used directly in 3D CAD software for plant design.

Because laser scanning captures all data from a distance, it can even be used while production lines are in full operation. Although engineers decided to move forward during the scheduled shutdown time on the San Antonio project, GPRS’s expertise, combined with the accuracy, speed, reliability and noncontact operation of their technology, gave them confidence that laser scanning was the right approach.

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Digital Remote Management Promotes Agility

Sauceda completed the scans well within the required time frame, capturing precise dimensions of the entire multi-line production system in a comprehensive 3D colorized point cloud that was quickly delivered to the design team for use as the basis of all designs and renovations moving forward. The team will be able to use this visual, accessible, dimensionally accurate dataset to measure and plan equipment installation before they mobilize to the field work phase, which will accelerate project completion and minimize the risk of rework.

The comprehensive point cloud also provides another key benefit: With a complete digital replica of the facility, stakeholders now have remote access for easy collaboration and communication on this project as well as future operations and maintenance requirements and ongoing retrofits. With the TruView Viewer, a free browser-based viewer that doesn’t require licensing or installation, users can access ultra-high-speed renderings of point cloud data for virtual plant walkthroughs. The viewer instantly opens and displays an unlimited number of points as the user navigates the dataset, making it easy to take measurements and view panoramic imagery.

“Laser scan technology was the best solution for obtaining accurate data on this facility,” says Sauceda. “The colorized point cloud data is invaluable for designing plant upgrades. As new questions arise, designers, engineers and other stakeholders can refer to the dataset to get answers without having to visit the site.”

As food and beverage producers continue to face volatility and uncertainty, laser scanning can provide a competitive advantage.

‍“Accurate data empowers facility owners and vendors to make precise decisions,” said Nate Baker, Director of 3D Laser Scanning Services. “Whether building their brand through mergers and acquisitions or renovating existing plants, companies recognize that having a complete digital record of their facility is essential to maximize capacity utilization and agility. The ability to capture accurate existing conditions information quickly and safely, without affecting production, makes laser scanning an integral part of a sustainable growth strategy for the food and beverage industry.”

To find out how to transform your plant with digital data or request a consultation, contact GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services today.

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About the Author:

Bruce Bowditch has more than 35 years of experience working with 3D laser scanning. He successfully pioneered and managed a laser scanning group for an engineering firm in the 1990s and early 2000s before moving into the role of industrial plant solutions specialist for Leica Geosystems in 2005. A technology advocate and pragmatic problem solver, Bowditch is a trusted advisor to scanning service providers, EPCs and owner/operators involved in food & beverage processing, automotive manufacturing, and other industrial plant applications.

By: Bruce Bowditch, Industrial Plant Solutions Sales Manager - Eastern US at Leica Geosystems, Inc.

Thank you to Bruce Bowditch and Leica Geosystems, Inc. for allowing us to re-publish this article.

Source: Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight in Tikal (nationalgeographic.com)

Archaeologists Discover Mysterious Monument Hidden in Plain Sight

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To the naked eye—and on archeologists’ maps—it looked like just another hill amid the undulating landscape of Tikal, the ancient Maya city-state in the lowlands of northern Guatemala. But when researchers zoomed in on an aerial image made with laser scanning equipment called LiDAR (short for “Light Detection And Ranging”), they could clearly see the shape of a human-made structure hidden under centuries of accumulated soil and vegetation.

The building—a pyramid, it turned out—was part of an ancient neighborhood that included a large enclosed courtyard fringed with smaller buildings. But these structures were different from any others known to exist at Tikal. They had the distinct shape, orientation, and other features of architecture typically found in Teotihuacan, the ancient superpower near what is now Mexico City, more than 800 miles to the west of Tikal. On closer examination, the complex appeared to be a half-size replica of an enormous square at Teotihuacan known as the Citadel, which includes the six-level Feathered Serpent Pyramid.

“The similarity of the details was stunning,” says Brown University archaeologist Stephen Houston, who first noticed the features.

A new discovery of a major monument in the heart of Tikal—among the most extensively excavated and studied archaeological sites on Earth—underlines the extent that LiDAR is revolutionizing archaeology in Central America, where thick jungles usually make satellite imagery useless. It also raises a tantalizing question: What would an enclave of distant Teotihuacan be doing in the core of this Maya capital?

Guided by the LiDAR images, Edwin Román-Ramírez, the director of the South Tikal Archaeological Project, began a series of excavations last summer. Tunneling into the ruins, his team discovered construction and burial practices, ceramics, and weaponry typical of early fourth-century Teotihuacan. From an incense burner decorated with an image of the Teotihuacan rain god to darts made from green obsidian from central Mexico, the artifacts suggest that the site could have been a quasi-autonomous settlement at the center of Tikal, tied to the distant imperial capital.

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LiDAR Technology in the Archaeology Industry — LiDAR, or light detection and ranging, is a remote sensing laser technology which is utilized to generate high-resolution elevation models of geographic areas.

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“We knew that the Teotihuacanos had at least some presence and influence in Tikal and nearby Maya areas prior to the year 378,” says Román-Ramírez. “But it wasn’t clear whether the Maya were just emulating aspects of the region’s most powerful kingdom. Now there’s evidence that the relationship was much more than that.”

Thomas Garrison, a geographer at the University of Texas-Austin who specializes in using digital technology for archaeological research, says that the findings demonstrate how, in some ways, the ancient cities of the Americas may not have been so different from cosmopolitan cities today. “There was a melting pot of cultures and people with different backgrounds and languages co-existing, retaining their identities.”

The research is sponsored by the PACUNAM LiDAR Initiative, which produced breakthrough findings in 2018 revealing a vast, interconnected network of ancient cities in the Maya lowlands that was home to millions more people than previously thought.

Román-Ramírez cautions that the findings do not definitively prove that the people who built the complex were from Teotihuacan. “But what we’ve found suggests that for more than a century people who were at least very familiar with Teotihuacan culture and traditions were living there in their own colony, a sector distinct in identity and practicing the religion of Teotihuacan.” A pending isotopic analysis of bones found in a burial chamber may provide more certainty by pinpointing where the deceased lived at different times during their lifetime.

Based on ceramic styles found in the ruins, the team estimates that construction at the site commenced at least 100 years before 378, a pivotal date in Maya history. According to Maya inscriptions, Teotihuacan’s king sent a general known as Born of Fire to topple Tikal’s king, Jaguar Paw, and installed his young son as its new ruler. Born of Fire arrived at Tikal on January 16, 378, the same day that Jaguar Paw “entered the water”—a Mayan metaphor for death.

After the takeover, Tikal flourished for several centuries, conquering and pacifying nearby city-states and spreading its culture and influence throughout the lowlands. Tikal’s hegemony during this period is well-documented, but what remains unknown is why, after decades of friendly coexistence, Teotihuacan turned against its former ally.

Further excavation at Tikal may generate more insight, but a recent discovery in Teotihuacan suggests that some sort of cultural collision may have sparked the fatal falling-out. A team led by Nawa Sugiyama, an archaeologist at the University of California, Riverside, uncovered a “Maya barrio” at Teotihuacan that mirrors the Teotihuacan outpost at Tikal. The collection of luxurious buildings was decorated with lavish Maya murals, suggesting that the residents may have been elite diplomats or noble families.

But just before the conquest of Tikal in 378, the murals were smashed to pieces and buried. That, and a nearby pit filled with shattered human skeletons, imply an abrupt turn from diplomacy to brutality.

“What went wrong in that relationship that you have a bunch of elite Maya residents being slaughtered, their palaces smashed, all their stuff removed, and then their homeland invaded and taken over by a child king?” asks Francisco Estrada-Belli, a Tulane University archaeologist. “Clearly we’re zeroing in on some really important turn of events in the Maya-Teotihuacan story—and one of the grand mysteries of Central America is a few steps closer to being solved.”

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BY: TOM CLYNES

PUBLISHED: APRIL 16, 2021

Tom Clynes: Tom Clynes – Author, Photographer and Speaker

Thank you to Tom Clynes for allowing us to republish this article on 3D laser scanning discovering an ancient neighborhood, pyramid and monument in Tikal.

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Florida Electric Bus Project Part of Larger Trend

In recent years, electrification has emerged as a transformative trend in public transit across the United States.

Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) is expanding its fleet of electric buses to include 100 brand new 60-ft. articulated battery-electric-buses.

According to a press release on the county’s website, DTPW’s existing bus maintenance facilities are unable to meet the needs for energization, service, storage, operations and maintenance of the oncoming articulated (60-ft) battery-electric-bus fleet. This, coupled with the continued population growth in the South Miami-Dade area, has led DTPW to move forward with construction of the South Dade Transit Operations Center (SDTOC), to energize, store, service, maintain and operate a bus fleet to service the county.

Illustration of the South Dade Electric Bus facility. — (Photo courtesy of *Miami-Dade County*) Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) is constructing the South Dade Transit Operations Center (SDTOC), to energize, store, service, maintain and operate an electric bus fleet to service the county.

“Following an extensive selection process, which involved input from stakeholders and the community to narrow down the 10 potential sites identified to the best option, a 20-acre site located at SW 127 Avenue and Biscayne Drive in South Dade was chosen,” the press release reads. “After two years of planning and coordination, the Board of County Commissioners approved this month the contract to build the most modern, state-of-the-art, and efficient bus operations facility in the public transportation industry, the South Dade Transit Operations Center.”

The Transit Operations Center will house and maintain the 100 new electric buses and, according to the county, bring over 270 jobs to South Dade. Built on a 20-acre site in South Dade, it will include green energy features such as solar power and a water reclaim system for the bus watch.

Canadian bus manufacturer New Flyer has already delivered the first of the 100 zero-emissions articulated buses, and construction of the SDTOC is expected to start soon. The project is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2026, with a portion opening as soon as Summer 2025.

“This project exemplifies how DTPW can work to be thoughtful, innovative, and streamlined to deliver results that will benefit the community and provide a facility that our DTPW employees, including hundreds of bus operators, will be proud to call their workplace home,” the press release states.

The State of Electrification of Public Transit in America

In recent years, electrification has emerged as a transformative trend in public transit across the United States.

As cities aim to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and improve urban air quality, electric buses and trains are being hailed as essential components of a sustainable transportation strategy. While there has been notable progress, the shift from diesel and gas-powered public transportation to electric fleets has faced a mix of successes, challenges, and opportunities.

Current Landscape of Electrification

Electrification of public transit in the U.S. has gained significant momentum over the past decade, a shift that is largely driven by policy initiatives, technological advancements, and public support for greener alternatives. In major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, electric buses are becoming a more common sight, as municipal transit authorities have committed to ambitious electrification targets.

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has been at the forefront, committing to a full transition to an all-electric bus fleet by 2030. The city already operates hundreds of electric buses and has made significant investments in charging infrastructure.

Similarly, New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has set a goal to transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040. This plan includes not only the gradual replacement of older diesel buses but also the establishment of charging stations and supporting grid enhancements.

The growth of electric rail systems has also been promising. Commuter rail systems in California, such as Caltrain, have initiated electrification projects aimed at modernizing their services and reducing emissions. Electrified rail systems are generally more efficient and produce fewer greenhouse gases compared to their diesel counterparts.

Policy and Government Support

Federal and state-level policies have played a critical role in the expansion of electrified public transit. Programs like the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program have provided vital funding to help transit agencies adopt electric technologies. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), passed in 2021, allocated billions for public transit infrastructure, a portion of which is designated specifically for electrification efforts.

States such as California have gone even further by implementing mandates like the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation, which requires all public transit agencies to transition to 100% zero-emission buses by 2040. This policy has set a benchmark for other states to emulate as they design their own strategies for reducing transportation emissions.

Challenges and Barriers

Despite the enthusiasm and substantial policy backing, the electrification of public transit faces significant obstacles. One of the most pressing challenges is the high upfront cost. While electric buses and trains have lower operating costs over their lifetimes due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, their initial price tag is considerably higher than that of traditional vehicles. This financial barrier often poses a challenge for smaller transit agencies with limited budgets.

The development and deployment of charging infrastructure also present logistical hurdles. Charging stations need to be strategically located to maximize operational efficiency, and their installation can be costly and time-consuming. Electrification also places additional demands on the electrical grid. Cities must work in conjunction with utility companies to ensure that the grid can handle the increased load without disruptions.

Another challenge is the current range limitations of electric buses. Although battery technology has improved significantly over the past few years, electric buses typically have a range of 150 to 300 miles on a single charge, which may be insufficient for longer routes without mid-route charging. Ensuring consistent performance in extreme weather conditions—such as cold winters in the northern states or sweltering summers in the south—adds another layer of complexity to fleet management.

Opportunities and Technological Innovations

While challenges persist, there are also numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. Advances in battery technology and energy storage solutions have the potential to significantly extend the range of electric buses and trains. Emerging technologies, such as solid-state batteries, promise greater energy density and faster charging times, which could help overcome some of the current limitations.

Inductive charging is another promising development. This technology enables vehicles to charge wirelessly while stationary or even while in motion, reducing the downtime required for traditional plug-in charging. Cities such as Salt Lake City have begun experimenting with inductive charging for their public bus systems.

Environmental and Social Benefits

The potential environmental and social benefits of electrifying public transit are immense. Replacing diesel buses with electric ones can dramatically reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). This transition directly contributes to improved air quality, particularly in urban areas that suffer from high pollution levels.

Electrified public transit also supports broader societal goals, such as promoting environmental justice. Communities near major roadways and transit depots—often composed of lower-income and minority residents—tend to experience disproportionate levels of pollution. Electrification initiatives can alleviate these disparities, contributing to better public health outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

A GPRS Project Manager using an electromagnetic (EM) locator and marking out buried utilities with a spray paint wand. — GPRS’ comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services support the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure by keeping your infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and safe.

The Road Ahead

The path toward full electrification of public transit in America is paved with both optimism and caution. Continued support from federal and state governments, combined with technological innovations and strategic partnerships, will be essential to overcome current barriers. Stakeholders must also prioritize equitable access and consider how electrification efforts can serve all communities effectively.

Cities that embrace a holistic approach—addressing not just vehicle procurement but also infrastructure, workforce training, and grid capacity—are likely to set the standard for others to follow.

GPRS’ comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services support this approach by keeping your infrastructure projects on time, on budget, and safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

What informational output do I receive when I hire GPRS to perform a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Bartlesville Oklahoma’s Iconic Price Tower Embroiled in Legal Challenges

Legal challenges swirl around Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper, sat in the midst of the U.S. prairie. One developer hopes to save it.

Note: This is an update to our previous article to provide context to the ongoing saga of the sale of Wright’s only Skyscraper, Price Tower, which is embroiled in legal battles.

In early August 2024, The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, the foundation tasked with protecting the work of one of America’s most famous architects, stated that it intended to file a lawsuit against the current owners of his iconic Price Tower, the only skyscraper Wright ever designed, improbably built in the town of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Their assertion? That the owners, assembled under the name Green Copper Holdings, had begun selling off protected items from the building to a Texas-based dealer of mid-century furnishings and art without its consent.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Price Tower rises above the modest downtown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma — Wright conceived his iconic skyscraper for a scuttled project in New York, but was able to finally build it in Bartlesville, Oklahoma as the headquarters of Harold C. Price’s pipeline construction company. Photo credit: Matt Gush

Green Copper Holdings has since put the property on the market, originally at an asking price of $600,000 with an expectation that it would sell for around $4 million. An auction, announced for early October 2024 has been postponed to mid-November because on September 27, 2024, historical building revitalization firm, The McFarlin Building Company, sued Copper Tree, Inc. and Green Copper Holdings, LLC. McFarlin alleges that they entered into a valid contract with Green Copper to purchase the building for $1.4 million in May, but that the sellers had improperly backed out of the sale. The suit seeks to compel Green Copper to complete the sale.

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Learn how GPRS 3D Laser Scanning and in-house Mapping & Modeling Team provide historical preservationists and architects the accuracy they need to restore, renovate, and maintain historic buildings.

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In the midst of all the swirling sales and legal talk, Green Copper convinced the Conservancy to drop its lawsuit and pursue an out-of-court settlement. The tower’s owners pledged to stop selling easement-protected items and to work in good faith to make sure any potential sale included informing interested parties about the easement, which is transferrable, meaning it can be legally binding regardless of the building’s ownership.

Then, in late October, Green Copper Holdings principal owner, Cynthia Blanchard, filed a $75,000 lawsuit against The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, arguing that its easement prohibiting them from “sell[ing] easement-protected items without their consent” to preserve the site’s historic integrity, is “null and void.”

The Conservancy “strongly objects to the baseless claims of the lawsuit filed against it on October 21, 2024, and stands by the terms of its easement,” according to a statement published on its website.

“The Conservancy will respond to the allegations in the lawsuit filed by Green Copper and intends to seek enforcement of the legally binding easement. The Conservancy remains committed to preserving the Price Tower and the easement-protected items from the collection and ensuring that the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and his creation in Bartlesville endures.”

McFarlin’s management – the company suing to force its previous sales agreement for $1.4 million – has stated its intent to plunge some $10 million into Price Tower to “preserve its architectural and operational integrity.” That statement seems to imply that McFarlin would have no issue abiding by the Conservancy’s easement.

Playing in the background of all this is the fact that Cynthia Blanchard’s spouse, Anthem Blanchard, previously the CEO of Anthem Holdings Co., is the subject of federal Securities and Exchange Commission charges, alleging his cryptocurrency fund defrauded investors for over $5 million. Several of those investors state they were promised a stake in Price Tower in an attempt to make them whole.

At this time, the November auction is slated only for the building and land itself. The art collection will be sold separately in what is being called “Phase 2” of the sale, in a press release by broker Scott Schlotfelt for Ten-X Commercial Real Estate & Auction, as reported by the local newspaper, the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise. The art sale could, potentially, also fly in the face of the Conservancy’s easement.

A screenshot from the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy's website, showing a detail of the almost art deco styled copper plate art that make up much of the building's iconic interior — Screenshot from the Conservancy’s website, depicting an example of the copper panel artwork inside Price Tower. Photo credit, Andrew Pielage

Regardless of the legal wrangling, one thing is certain from Price Tower’s beleaguered ownership history; location is everything – even when the building itself is a work of art – and it remains unclear whether Wright’s enduring architectural legacy will outweigh the practicalities of maintaining his vision nestled in a small town in the plains.

As GPRS Company’s Existing Conditions President, Jared Curtis, said of the building, “Adaptive reuse or significant investment in Price Tower is objectively less viable compared to many other properties in more strategically positioned urban centers. Unfortunately, regardless of its architectural significance, this results in the possibility of demolition because its location in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is economically and geographically challenging.”

A photo shows some the structural concrete damage on Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple. A 3D laser scanner from GPRS is positioned to capture highy detailed data to aid in the temple's restoration. — See our case study on how we helped architects and historians preserve Wright's Unity Temple, here.