ENGINEERING
SERVICES

North Wind has an excellent history of providing engineering services for a variety of clients and projects, including federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies and private section clients throughout the country.  Offering innovative engineering design solutions for a variety of project types including industrial facilities, municipal consultation, administrative and secure buildings, visitors centers, and various other federal and commercial project types, we maintain a culture of responsiveness. North Wind has also performed engineering services for multiple federal, state, and commercial clients including road design, vapor extraction treatment systems, small office buildings, fire suppression systems, landfill cells, waste repositories and capping systems, and other industrial process systems and utilities. North Wind has also provided support at military facilities in the United States and overseas. Engineering design support includes:

• Civil
• Structural
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Radiological
• Environmental
• Geotechnical
• Hydrology/Hydraulic

North Wind has provided engineering support for a multitude of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) projects, including the design of radiological laboratories, facility infrastructure services, industrial wastewater treatment systems, hot cell work tables, and environmental remediation systems (i.e., soil and groundwater treatment). Specialized system design services include:

• Process system design & operations
• Radiological facility design
• Remedial design
• Water treatment system design

Our approach to each facility begins with our mission to safeguard the life, health, property, and welfare of the public through thoughtful design methods that reduce the risk and vulnerabilities of the structure and end user. We understand the risks associated with terrorism are paramount for the protective design of facilities. We work closely with the design team, end user, and owner to understand the facility needs, make informed protective design decisions, and implement strategies that increase the safety of the end user.

Secure design services include:

• Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP)
• Blast engineering
• Progressive collapse
• Perimeter security design

While focusing on the relationship between human use and the conservation of natural resources, we strive to Protect Life and Property through stormwater management. We provide our clients with information and cost-effective solutions for even the most intricate floodplain and stormwater management issues.

Water resources services include:

• Hydraulics and hydrology
• Stream restoration
• Low impact development
• Stormwater management

Through our experience, we have developed an understanding of the unique nature of a multitude of project types, which has enhanced our decision-making process. The development of value engineering techniques assists in determining the most economical building system. Initially, we research and develop all feasible systems to suppress any preconceived ideas regarding system economics. From these systems, parametric cost studies are computed for the most viable systems. Based on this information, the most economical solution for the project is obtained in conjunction with owner input. We have applied these techniques successfully to fast-track, negotiated contracts, and bid projects.

We are strategically focused on our development and implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM). With modeled information for a project presented in a digital format, we can observe and evaluate various aspects before the project breaks ground. We have a dedicated BIM Manager, responsible for supporting training, development, troubleshooting, and maintaining the use of up-to-date software.

We maintain an efficient management approach, constantly communicating both in-house and with our clients and teaming partners. Using the latest in integrated CADD/BIM software platforms and information-sharing technology, our design team members are electronically connected, ensuring uniform progression of the work on each Task Order. On every project, we maintain scheduled Microsoft Teams meetings to update the progress of the work and perform quality control reviews of each discipline for accuracy and interdisciplinary coordination. All team members use REVIT BIM software, allowing us to electronically share our work and maintain consistent interdisciplinary communication. Prior to the completion of each design phase, we perform detailed BIM “clash detection” to communicate potential design conflicts between disciplines. During design, the use of BIM enables our team to quickly and effectively communicate both detailed and overall project information throughout all project phases to the in-house team, consulting disciplines, contractor, subcontractors, and the end user. Our team is currently running the latest versions of Revit, AutoCAD 3D, and Navisworks Manage. We also export to the latest Microstation formats as needed. We also incorporate several third-party software to enhance our capabilities, accuracy, and speed on top of our design packages. BIM technology is coupled with our quality engineering program, which establishes critical workflow protocols such as regular BIM exchange via our secure FTP, archiving of progress models, 3D collision detection between disciplines, and weekly project review meetings. The project team will schedule review meetings in accordance with Government requirements during project development. Government CAD-BIM standards and file structure will be employed throughout the design process to facilitate the smooth transfer and use of BIM files during design and construction. Regularly scheduled BIM exchange and 3D collision detection allow our team to be proactive in avoiding major coordination issues during design, helping ensure that the schedule and budget for construction are maintained.

Our design team primarily uses Autodesk products but, due to our familiarity and state-of-the-art technology, can provide AutoCAD drawings and Revit projects in the DGN format compatible with Bentley products.

Our team has the capability to edit and produce specifications in-house using SpecsIntact software and the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications. We are familiar with the red-line process, and we have produced specifications with SpecsIntact for numerous military projects. LBYD Federal is familiar with the design review and checking system DrChecks and understands the commenting process with that system.

North Wind provides services and solutions that help clients collect, analyze, manage, and report on spatial data. By implementing industry-leading technology and data integration techniques, North Wind’s geographical information systems  (GIS) team offers the most accurate and efficient data analyses and presentation services available.

North Wind uses current GIS equipment and software when working on projects, which provides an enhanced field collection experience.  Using remote sensing, aerial imagery, and special database development and analysis tools, we can provide the most accurate representation of a particular field site. In addition, North Wind is proficient in the use and integration of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) software, image processing, and Enterprise mapping systems.  Other important services include spatial database development and analysis, geodatabase development with integration of non-spatial data, validation of data, creation of a chain of custody, and creation of metadata documentation.

• Data digitizing/conversion
• Database development
• Spatial database development and analysis
• Geodatabase development with integration of non-spatial data formats
• Model and workflow development
• Automation
• Cartographic development
• Training and technical support
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• CAD
• Image processing
• UAS data collection and integration
• Enterprise GIS
  • Manage ESRI enterprise/portal
    • Managing users, groups, permissions, security
  • Manage ArcGIS Dashboards
    • Managing users, groups, permissions, security
  • Creating ArcGIS StoryMaps
  • Creating custom ArcGIS mapping applications
  • GPS/field data integration
  • Data management
    • Updating, verification, metadata

North Wind provides exceptional natural resource services, including environmental assessments (EAs), environmental impact statements (EISs), biological assessments, botanical and wildlife field surveys, wetland delineations and mitigation planning, fire management planning, and permitting services for a diverse set of clients. Our client list includes the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, various Department of Defense agencies, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, several Tribal governments, as well as private industry.

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) services
  • EAs and EISs
  • Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA) Consultation
  • Public involvement, meeting facilitation, media relations
• Wetlands Delineation and Mitigation Planning
  • Section 404 Regulatory Compliance
  • Riparian Area Surveys and Analysis
  • Wetland banking, restoration, and enhancement
• Realty Actions
  • Land Exchange Analysis
  • Land Use Planning and Monitoring
  • Right-of-way and easement acquisition
• Flora and Fauna Identification and Surveys
  • Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Species and Section 7 consultation
  • Sensitive plant and animal species
  • Large game mammals, predators, raptors, songbirds, bats, and fish
  • noxious and invasive weed inventory and control planning
• Grazing/Rangeland Assessments
  • Standards and Guides and Trend Analysis
  • Natural resources inventory and Rangeland Health Assessments
  • Land conservation plans
• Fuels and Fire Management
  • Wildland-urban Interface Hazard Analysis and mitigation planning
  • Fire management planning
  • Fire Behavior Analysis
  • National Fire Plan compliance

An abandoned oil or gas well is one that has reached the end of its productive life and is no longer producing commercial quantities of hydrocarbon. When a company no longer requires it for oil and gas production, it undergoes a process called abandonment.

The well is often temporarily abandoned, but over time the well can begin to leak. It is vital to properly plug these wells to prevent this leakage into the atmosphere, onto the ground, or into freshwater aquifers. That is where North Wind comes into play providing permanent plugging of the well and reclamation of the site.

North Wind has assembled a team, in conjunction with our carefully selected partners and subcontractors, to execute all tasks necessary for successful well abandonment. Our capabilities include performing the well plugging design, Plug & Abandonment (P&A) implementation, cementing, wireline, safety mitigation, public outreach and education, landowner engagement, prioritization, hazard assessment, four-gas evaluation, and location and inventory management of abandoned wells.

North Wind is qualified and proficient in waste management. For example, at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL), North Wind has provided hazardous waste determinations, waste packaging, data validation and verification, characterization and profile preparation, and head space gas sampling and analysis. North Wind examined approximately 6,000 cubic meters of transuranic (TRU) waste from the INL prior to shipment to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. North Wind is skilled at creating Sampling and Analysis Plans, Quality Project Plans, and shipping documentation for projects involved with waste shipment and disposal.

• Waste sampling, characterization, and shipping
• Characterization, excavation, packaging and shipping, transportation, documentation, and off-site disposal of radioactive, hazardous, mixed, and industrial waste
• Waste Transportation, Documentation, and Preparation
• RCRA, NEPA, CERCLA, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Department of Transportation, and Other Regulatory Compliance Support
• Solid, Hazardous, Low-level, TRU, Mixed, and TSCA Waste Disposition and Management
• Waste Management and Minimization
• Pollution Prevention Strategies and Plans
• Regulatory Permitting, Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS), and Work Plans
• Acceptable and Process Knowledge Development
• Data Generation Validation and Verification
• Temporary and Satellite Accumulation Areas
• Hazardous Waste Determinations

North Wind Radiological and Waste Services is a division of North Wind Portage, Inc. that specializes in providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex hazardous and radiological remediation, D&D, and waste management challenges. North Wind Radiological and Waste Services provides a full suite of compliance, technical, and engineering support services to customers across the U.S. and internationally. We take pride in partnering with our clients and customers to overcome project challenges and to ensure their objectives are met to their complete satisfaction.

In assessing soil contamination, North Wind brings unparalleled expertise to projects. The company owns both ultraviolet optical screening tool (UVOST) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) systems for soil screening. UVOST’s laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique, in conjunction with direct push deployment, yields a detailed 3D map of the non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) distribution, in real time – offering a true “seek and find” adaptive site characterization capability, as promoted by EPA’s TRIAD approach. In 2012, the company completed one of the largest UVOST screening projects ever conducted to date in Alaska. On this project, North Wind drill rigs completed more than 1,450 UVOST soil borings – which equates to almost 4 miles drilled!

North Wind also utilizes an AMS Power Probe 9630 VTR-M, one of the most versatile direct push rigs available today. Our VTR-M is mounted on a Bobcat Mini Track Loader, making it easily transported by either trailer or aircraft to remote locations. The rig is only 3 feet wide, making almost any site accessible, and the rugged rubber tracks of the VTR-M Power Probe keep this rig moving when soil conditions get soft, wet, or muddy with minimal disturbance to the work site. In addition, our VTR-M has one of the most powerful hammers on the market, with 22,000 pounds of pull-down force and 27,000 pounds of pull-up force – more than enough power to complete most direct-push projects.

North Wind excels at project delivery in extremely remote locations, including areas accessible only by barge, helicopter, or plane and with no local services.