Physical Plant – Facilities Engineering Dept. 3227 • 1000 East University Avenue • Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2404 • Fax (307) 766-4040 • www.uwyo.edu

July 17, 2012 To: James Scott Physical Plant Director From: Chris Floy Facilities Engineering, Construction Design/Contract Specialist Re: Elk Mountain Observatory Assessment Attending personnel: Frank Barrows, Senior Engineer, PE Lonny Walker, Manager Structural Trades Chris Floy, Construction Design/Contract Specialist Jefferson Snider, Research Scientist Perry Wechsler, Research Scientist Matthew Burkhart, Research Scientist Fred Eschelman, Elk Mountain Ranch Landowner Per your request the above referenced facility was visited on July 10, 2012. Atmospheric Science provided insight on historic and future research use of the facility as well as operation and status of use of the existing facilities. The basis of the assessment is for research operations however dual use as a lodge was discussed. In that regard the health, safety and possible hazards in the Lodge/Observatory building were identified and addressed. A line item work scope and site map is attached for reference. Cost assumes no hazardous waste will be encountered and disposal of construction waste will be at the landfill near Hanna, Wyoming. Summary of work and ballpark estimated cost by structure is as follows: SNOW CAT STORAGE BUILDING To Remain $1,500 LODGE/OBSERVATORY/EXPERIMENT TOWER Demolish Tower- Renovate Lodge/Observatory $130,000 SEWER BUILDING Convert to Emergency Generator Building $60,000

WATER TANK BUILDING Convert to ATV Storage $7,000 WELL HOUSE To Remain $5,000 GARAGE BUILDING Demolish- Reclaim $44,000 WEATHER STATION BUILDING Demolish- Reclaim $7,500 TOTAL SITE COST $255,000

If you have questions, comments or require additional information feel free to contact me at 307-766-6673. Sincerely, Chris Floy

ELK MOUNTAIN OBSERVATORY- PROPOSED WORK SCOPE & ESTIMATED

COST

7/18/2012 C. FLOY

1. SNOW CAT STORAGE BUILDING (Located at base of Elk Mountain on private property)

Metal building is in useable condition and utility electrical power is currently operational.

Atmospheric Science no longer has a snow cat and currently does not utilize the building for

vehicle storage. Building could be utilized by landowner and/or University for ATV or

vehicle parking.

Proposed work scope: Remove all contents, propane supply riser and remove/recycle

exterior fuel tank and metal stands. Estimated cost: $1500

2. LODGE/OBSERVATORY/EXPERIMENT TOWER

Wood and CMU building on concrete foundation in useable condition currently utilized by

Atmospheric Science when research funding is available. The building has an attached wood

experimental tower, walkway and stair which are not safe and no longer utilized. Building

exterior is in need of extensive maintenance and interior fixtures and finishes are functional

but dated. Utility electrical power, domestic water well, septic system and kitchen

appliances are currently operational. LP gas storage/distribution and LP manually

controlled emergency generator is not safe to operate or currently utilized due to leaks in

the supply lines. The present location and operation sequence of the emergency generator

constitutes carbon monoxide and fire hazard to the exit vestibule and the adjoining

Dorm/Lab areas. Heating systems LP gas distribution lines are routed in un-vented attic

where if leakage occurred would likely go un-detected and constitutes an explosion hazard.

Replacement parts are no longer available for the emergency generator or central dual fuel

furnace. Central furnace flue draft fan system is common with fireplace chimney and

constitutes a carbon monoxide hazard. LP wall heaters are not currently utilized due to

safety concerns; units have single wall flues with in-adequate clearances to combustibles

and constitute a fire hazard. The wood burning fire place has been utilized intermittently in

the past and is a viable back-up heating source. Smoke detectors exist in the sleeping room

and kitchen but are not currently operational. Fire extinguishers exist however indicator

gauges were not in the recommended range. Boxes and rubbish in attic present a fire

hazard.

Proposed work scope: Remove existing roof systems, heating system flues, generator

muffler piping and replace with rigid insulation, fire resistive cover board and commercial

low slope thermoplastic membrane. Estimated cost: $55,000

Remove existing wood elevated experimental tower, stair, scaffold cold room access door,

roof hatch, walkway and associated utilities and equipment. Remove existing LP propane

tank, main supply and distribution lines in un-ventilated attic. Remove exposed redundant

power and control utility conduits and associated wiring to Weather Station on ridge. Clean

building interior. Estimated cost: $25,000

Scrape, caulk, prime and re-paint siding and windows. Remove, re-frame and replace Lab

double doors, soffit and fascia. Estimated cost: $25,000

Remove LP generator, all associated equipment, manual transfer switch, raceways and

wiring and renovate generator room to dry storage. Estimated cost: $5,000

Remove central dual fuel furnace, wall heaters, single wall flues, jacks and associated

wiring/controls. Replace furnace with central forced air electric unit. Clean and inspect

fireplace, provide chimney spark arrestor, patch furnace flue opening. Estimated cost:

$10,000

Replace DC battery smoke detectors with residential grade line voltage hard wired battery

back-up smoke detector system. Delineate exit locations. Provide replacement fire

extinguishers. Pump septic tank and inspect disposal field. Estimated cost: $10,000.

EXPERIMENTAL TOWER & WALKWAY

LP STORAGE TANK

3. SEWER BUILDING

Wood frame building on concrete foundation in useable condition and utility electrical

power is currently connected. The building is no longer utilized for waste processing due to

the addition of a small wastewater septic system. Building could be converted to house

emergency generator to accomplish separating identified hazards from the

Observatory/Lodge Building. If the emergency electrical system is to remain reliable unit

should be serviced, maintained and exercised 3 times a year.

Proposed work scope: Remove single door replace with double door, add outside air

louvers, scrape, caulk, prime and re-paint siding, remove existing roof system and replace

with fire resistive cover board and commercial low slope thermoplastic membrane, provide

30KW LP powered emergency generator, automatic transfer switch, modify/provide

distribution wiring and provide 500 gallon LP tank, insulate and provide minimal electrical

heat. Estimated cost: $60,000

4. WATER TANK BUILDING

Wood frame building on concrete foundation in useable condition and utility electrical

power is currently connected. The building is no longer utilized for water storage due to

addition of domestic water well. Building could be utilized by landowner and/or University

for ATV or vehicle parking.

Proposed work scope: Remove single door replace with double door, remove heater, scrape,

caulk, prime and re-paint siding, remove existing roof system and replace with fire resistive

cover board and commercial low slope thermoplastic membrane. Estimated cost: $7,000

5. WELL HOUSE

Wood frame building on concrete foundation in useable condition and well is operational.

Continue use as domestic water supply building.

Proposed work scope: Re-paint siding, remove existing roof system and replace with fire

resistive cover board and commercial low slope thermoplastic membrane, check/ adjust

pressure switch and pressure tank, sanitize well and delivery piping systems, sample and

test water for potable. Estimated cost: $5,000

6. GARAGE BUILDING

Galvanized corrugated metal siding, wood frame building on wood pier foundation in poor

condition. The building is no longer utilized, is rodent infested and is not feasible to repair.

Proposed work scope: Demolish, remove and reclaim the building site area. Estimated cost:

$44,000

7. WEATHER STATION BUILDING

Wood siding, wood post frame building in poor condition. The building is no longer utilized

and is not feasible to repair. Arrangements to relocate or provide shelter and power for

Carbon County School District radio repeater currently housed in building will be required

prior to demolition.

Proposed work scope: Demolish, remove and reclaim the building site area. Estimated cost:

$7,500

WEATHER STATION BUILDING