Power Generation/ Transmission

Expertise

Solar

Harnessing the power of the sun is certainly not a new concept. What is new is the large number of photovoltaic (PV) solar power facilities being built across the country. In recent years, Terracon has seen our work in the solar industry nearly triple. We have contributed to more than 900 solar projects throughout the U.S. in the last two years alone. Our geotechnical, environmental, and materials testing services save clients time and money by minimizing design and permitting risk. As a result, we have become the preferred engineering consultant for several of the largest solar developers and solar plant construction contractors in the U.S.

In addition to our core power generation services, the following specialty services are routinely performed by Terracon’s solar power team:

• Critical issues analysis (CIA)
• Permitting matrix
• Report of Expected Geotechnical Conditions (REGC) PDF
• Pile load testing video
• Pile Driving Performance Monitoring (PDPM) System
• Structural engineering and design
• Project acquisition and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) support
• Renewable energy litigation support and expert testimony

Transmission/Substation Services

We understand the requirements of building and maintaining long multi-state linear projects. Terracon acts as a trusted partner helping clients build in efficiencies that deliver projects on time and on budget. Our project experience includes the spectrum of services necessary for siting, permitting, design, construction, and operational phases of electric transmission. In addition, our scientists and engineers are well-versed in local regulatory, geologic, and construction practices. We work with owners, developers, and engineer-procure-construction (EPC) contractors to maintain continuity and quality throughout all stages of a transmission/substation project. We have performed consulting engineering services for over 2,000 transmission and distribution projects in the past two years and supported substation and electrical transmission projects across the U.S., in Canada, and in Mexico. Our clients include architectural and engineering firms, program managers, and construction managers, to name a few.

Surveillance of Power Transmission and Communication Tower Services

Terracon can utilize our vendor surveillance program to assist power transmission and communication clients by providing observations and construction materials testing at the tower fabrication facility. Our personnel have logged extensive time at most of the tower fabrication facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and are familiar with the codes and standards associated with fabrication. Terracon’s tower fabrication observations include:

• Vendor auditing and pre-construction surveying
• Drawing control and authorization verification
• Material traceability and positive material identification (PMI)
• Quality control system and personnel certification verification
• Certified Welding Inspection (CWI) and NDT Level II observations
• Fast and accurate reporting
• Expediting services
• Metallurgical failure analysis and forensic testing
• NACE Inspectors for coatings inspection and testing

Wind Power Services

Terracon has performed engineering and/or regulatory services for nearly 200 wind project sites nationwide over the past two years. With our detailed knowledge of wind farm and transmission structures, our engineers have developed valuable site-specific solutions that have maximized on-time, cost-effective delivery. Through these projects, we have established strong, ongoing relationships with industry leaders in the planning, design, and construction of wind energy projects.

Terracon has worked to provide geotechnical support and foundation design finite element modeling (FEM) for wind energy, helping to develop several innovative foundation systems for wind turbines that provide economic and environmental alternatives to the conventional spread foundation. The tensionless pier, rock and pile anchor (micropiles and helical anchors), and a post-tensioned spread foundation systems, provide options to suit a range of site geotechnical conditions. These foundation system have been successfully deployed across the U.S. and Canada over the last 30 years.

Nuclear Power

Terracon has performed services for a variety of nuclear energy clients. From construction materials testing for the addition of units to a power plant to controlling groundwater seepage, to environmental and geotechnical services, Terracon provides the necessary resources to meet critical needs. Our services to fossil fuel and nuclear energy clients include:

• Pressuremeter testing
• Resistivity surveys
• Soil and cement mix designs
• Site safety training
• Remedial design and action plans
• Risk based corrective action
• Deep or shallow well installation, testing, and sampling
• Surface water investigation
• Groundwater modeling
• Runoff/sediment transport modeling
• Groundwater – synoptic surveys
• Dewatering design
• Hydrologic reports
• Tritium reduction recovery and elimination
• Adjacent landowner survey of existing wells

Nuclear NQA-1 Certification
Among the requirements for the design and construction of a nuclear facility overseen by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is that the organizations involved with the design, construction, and manufacturing of components used in the reactor areas follow the 1994 ASME NQA-1 requirements, as well as 10CFR50 Appendix B requirements. Terracon has established a documented quality assurance program for construction materials engineering, testing, and inspection services which specifically complies with these requirements. This program has been audited by two separate NIAC-member Lead Auditors.