DiGiorgio Associates Inc.'s (DAI) engineering division, initially began work in 2009 with Millinocket Regional Hospital on a grant application with International Wood Fuels. The grant was intended for the installation of a new low pressure steam, 75 BHP, wood pellet boiler and accessories. After three rounds of grant applications, Millinocket Regional Hospital was awarded a grant for the installation of the wood pellet boiler. This boiler was half funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
DAI worked as the owner's representative in the conceptual planning stages of this project and also as the architect/engineer on multiple architectural improvements with mechanical and electrical infrastructure upgrades from 2010 through 2012 for the hospital. The planning for the replacement and installation of this wood pellet boiler occurred as part of this infrastructure change. Northline Energy, based in Washington state, served as the design/build contractor. The team is proud of this cooperative effort and its successful results.
The new boiler will help the hospital to save thousands of dollars in heating costs every year and is only the second of its type in Maine. The hospital has already realized savings in the short three months since its installation in December 2012. In addition, the wood pellets are made in Maine, helping to keep the capital and fabrication local.
DAI's Farmingdale based architectural and engineering staff has worked with Millinocket Regional Hospital since 2008 on multiple architectural and engineering projects.