St. John’s University Superstorm Sandy Flood Recovery
St. John’s University Superstorm Sandy Flood Recovery
Upon making landfall in the New York Metropolitan Area on October 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused extended power outages to all campuses as well as significant flooding affecting the Manhattan campus main building and specifically the physical plant operating the campus. The primary concern was the safety, well-being and comfort of the 3200 Resident Students as well as faculty and staff remaining on campus during and after the storm. Additionally, the resumption full university operations as well as the continuity of operation of critical and delicate scientific research facilities and activities were also of paramount importance.
- As the principal facilities emergency response provider for SJU at the time of Sandy’s landfall, Northstar deployed the following:
- 8 generator sets ranging from 175KW to 1.25 MW providing power to the dormitories, science complex, law school and other academic, administrative and event facilities.
- Approximately 3000 feet of cabling and associated connections.
- Over 20 electricians to provide and maintain temporary power for all campuses under the direction of SJU facilities engineering.
- All fuel and equipment maintenance to maintain constant 24/7 operations.
At the Manhattan Campus, NRS performed class III black water extraction, structural drying, cleaning, decontamination and sanitizing of the critical infrastructure of an approximately 10,000 square foot physical plant facility In view of the displaced Manhattan Campus resident students, a timetable for the return of resident students needed be established, highlighting the importance of rapid completion of the restoration. To accomplish this, Northstar rapidly deployed over 25 trained remediation workers and supervisors to work around the clock and complete all water extraction, debris removal, remediation and cleaning within 3 days. This allowed for the expeditious evaluation and repairs of the building operating systems. In addition, due to the region wide gasoline shortage, Northstar also provided over 10,000 gallons of gasoline to the SJU campus fuel depot so that campus vehicle including campus police could continue function.
SJU considered the post-Sandy response a great success as measured by the following:
- Continuing safety, comfort and security of the remaining students, faculty, management, clergy and staff due to the power and fuel provisioning outlined above.
- Resumption of full SJU activities as soon as the region wide emergency is lifted.
- The ability to institute an aggressive evaluation and repair schedule for the Manhattan Campus physical plant.
- No damage to scientific research animals, extracts, cultures, media, data and analytical instrumentation resulting from the utility power outage impacting the life sciences complex.
- Schedule of revenue generating events such as conferences and symposia resumed at campus facilities, including a wedding which was held at an historic building on the Oakdale long Island Campus.
