Utility closer to ‘greener’ site

BURBANK — Construction crews are set to break ground on a $14.9-million Burbank Water and Power project as part of what officials called an aggressive plan to serve as a model of sustainability.

The yearlong project, slated to begin next month, consists of a 16,729-square-foot warehouse and a two-story service center measuring 8,768 square feet per floor. The site will also include improved landscaping using recycled water and a system that prevents storm water from draining into the sewer.

Once the buildings are completed in January, roughly 70 employees are scheduled to move in. The utility would also begin work on a labor-saving wash facility for large vehicles, covered parking areas and an upgraded entrance along Lake Street.

“When the dust settles, the workplace will be more efficient, it will be greener, and it will represent a much more efficient use of water,” said Greg Simay, assistant general manager of electric services at the utility.

After the buildings are finished, landscaping will be done along Lake Street to match the quality of greenery along Magnolia Boulevard, the Western Flood Channel and Olive Avenue, officials said. The utility also has plans to remove all of the overhead lines along Lake Street, said John Cassidy, manager of telecommunications and facilities.

Located in the heart of Burbank, the 22-acre campus stretches between Magnolia Boulevard, Olive Avenue, Lake Street and the Western Flood Control Channel. It includes facilities for electrical generation and distribution, water production and treatment, as well as engineering offices and customer service centers.

The City Council this month approved the $14.9-million contract with KPRS Construction Services Inc. to build the project, citing continued savings from increased labor productivity as well as energy- and water-conservation improvements. But the move was made for more pressing reasons as well.

Cassidy said the current warehouse is too small, has unsound flooring and cannot accommodate vertical stacking. What’s more, the employees have to shower in trailers. Other vehicles and trailers temporarily store hazardous materials, according to a city report.

“The existing warehouse over the years has become dysfunctional,” he said.

While workers today search for parts on the computer and then scour the premises, the new warehouse will house vertical racks similar to those used in Costco, allowing for twice the stacking capacity. A carousel system will deliver parts to employees with the simple scan of a bar code.

Officials estimate that the increased productivity could be equivalent to adding one or two work crews.

“We’re hoping it will not only make life easier, but also increase morale,” Cassidy said.

The service center will be designed to achieve one of the highest industry environmental ratings, and parking within the campus will accommodate compressed-natural-gas- powered or electric vehicles.

A 170-kilowatt photovoltaic solar system will also cover the roof of the new carport, adding to the campus’ existing four-kilowatt system.