News

Cal Poly Alums Provide Key Support for New Manufacturing Plant

July 24, 2008

In the fall of 2006, Rod Simpson, P.E., Division Manager of Technology for USS POSCO Industries (UPI) and a 1976 Cal Poly alumnus (Engineering Technology) was tasked to assemble a project team to lead the environmental permitting, design and construction of a new state-of-the-art $137M American Petroleum Institute (API) Line Pipe Manufacturing Plant in Pittsburg, California.

A joint venture between US Steel Corporation, POSCO, and SeAH Steel Corporation, (both of the Republic of Korea) formed a new, limited liability company, United Spiral Pipe, LLC, (USP) to own and operate the Facility. This new spiral welded pipe manufacturing plant will utilize “hot rolled” steel coils, formed and welded into pipes using a spiral welding process. Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to manufacture approximately 300,000 tons of pipe per year. The plant will provide oil and natural gas line pipes for projects in North America.

LFR Inc. (LFR), an environmental consulting firm based in Emeryville, California was retained to assist in preparing the required environmental documents and provide civil and geotechnical engineering support for this project. Ultimately the project team was expanded to also include architectural and structural engineering services.

LFR Client Director, Douglas Wolf (ENVE ’78), managed a team of engineers and scientists for the environmental efforts including preparation of air permits and planning documents which were submitted to the City of Pittsburg Planning Department on May 14, 2007. Following the CEQA review process, the City of Pittsburg approved the Mitigated Negative Declaration in November 2007. Pursuant to the City’s approval, USP received their “Authority to Construct” approval from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Preconstruction activities included biological assessments, jurisdictional wetland delineation, geotechnical evaluation, and preparation of excavation, grading, landscaping, lighting, and architectural plans and specifications. Environmental documents included preparation of construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, Noise and Archaeological Studies, and Cultural and Historical Records Search. A Soil Management Plan was also prepared in anticipation of grading and other intrusive soil activities including excavation. During construction (February 2008), LFR conducted air monitoring activities and oversight of the foundation and structural field activities. Operation of the facility is scheduled for April 2009.

Architectural efforts are being conducted by the Ramsey Architectural Group (RAG). Founder and principal architect Rex Ramsey, a 1977 Cal Poly alumnus (Architecture), provided design and graphics support during the initial planning process and currently provides permit management and design services. RAG is also providing support to USP and its engineering consultants through the agency permit process.

In addition to alumni Rod Simpson, Douglas Wolf, and Rex Ramsey, Ruben Magana, a 2005 Cal Poly alumnus (Electrical Engineering), has been overseeing the design and commissioning of the high-voltage distribution system switch gear and transformers.

With the success and expertise of this joint venture, USP continues to utilize this Cal Poly alumni team for ongoing engineering, environmental, architectural, and electrical support.

*Article contributed by Doug Wolf (ENVE ’78)

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	Home > News > Cal Poly Alums Provide Key Support for New Manufacturing Plant News Cal Poly Alums Provide Key Support for New Manufacturing Plant July 24, 2008 In the fall of 2006, Rod Simpson, P.E., Division Manager of Technology for USS POSCO Industries (UPI) and a 1976 Cal Poly alumnus (Engineering Technology) was tasked to assemble a project team to lead the environmental permitting, design and construction of a new state-of-the-art $137M American Petroleum Institute (API) Line Pipe Manufacturing Plant in Pittsburg, California. A joint venture between US Steel Corporation, POSCO, and SeAH Steel Corporation, (both of the Republic of Korea) formed a new, limited liability company, United Spiral Pipe, LLC, (USP) to own and operate the Facility. This new spiral welded pipe manufacturing plant will utilize “hot rolled” steel coils, formed and welded into pipes using a spiral welding process. Once operational, the plant will have the capacity to manufacture approximately 300,000 tons of pipe per year. The plant will provide oil and natural gas line pipes for projects in North America. LFR Inc. (LFR), an environmental consulting firm based in Emeryville, California was retained to assist in preparing the required environmental documents and provide civil and geotechnical engineering support for this project. Ultimately the project team was expanded to also include architectural and structural engineering services. LFR Client Director, Douglas Wolf (ENVE ’78), managed a team of engineers and scientists for the environmental efforts including preparation of air permits and planning documents which were submitted to the City of Pittsburg Planning Department on May 14, 2007. Following the CEQA review process, the City of Pittsburg approved the Mitigated Negative Declaration in November 2007. Pursuant to the City’s approval, USP received their “Authority to Construct” approval from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). Preconstruction activities included biological assessments, jurisdictional wetland delineation, geotechnical evaluation, and preparation of excavation, grading, landscaping, lighting, and architectural plans and specifications. Environmental documents included preparation of construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, Noise and Archaeological Studies, and Cultural and Historical Records Search. A Soil Management Plan was also prepared in anticipation of grading and other intrusive soil activities including excavation. During construction (February 2008), LFR conducted air monitoring activities and oversight of the foundation and structural field activities. Operation of the facility is scheduled for April 2009. Architectural efforts are being conducted by the Ramsey Architectural Group (RAG). Founder and principal architect Rex Ramsey, a 1977 Cal Poly alumnus (Architecture), provided design and graphics support during the initial planning process and currently provides permit management and design services. RAG is also providing support to USP and its engineering consultants through the agency permit process. In addition to alumni Rod Simpson, Douglas Wolf, and Rex Ramsey, Ruben Magana, a 2005 Cal Poly alumnus (Electrical Engineering), has been overseeing the design and commissioning of the high-voltage distribution system switch gear and transformers. With the success and expertise of this joint venture, USP continues to utilize this Cal Poly alumni team for ongoing engineering, environmental, architectural, and electrical support. *Article contributed by Doug Wolf (ENVE ’78)