From Assessment to Action: A Decade Devoted to Campus Utilities
Mike Sigman, P.E., Office Manager & Electrical Engineer
When people think about maintenance and repair (M&R), they often think about buildings. But some of the most important infrastructure on a campus is hidden underground. Utility tunnels, steam lines, chilled water systems, gas service lines, and site utilities are the backbone of daily campus operations, and maintaining these systems is critical to reliability, safety, and growth.
For South Dakota Mines, that long-term commitment began with a comprehensive utility infrastructure assessment completed in 2013. West Plains Engineering led the study in support of the Campus Master Plan and Mission Forward 2020 Strategic Plan, evaluating utility tunnels, chilled water systems, buried gas lines, drainage infrastructure, water and sewer systems, and ADA accessibility across campus.
Rather than simply identifying deficiencies, the study created a roadmap for addressing them. Projects were prioritized based on safety, condition, and operational need, then organized into manageable phases that aligned with available funding.
Phase 1 included a new chiller that doubled campus chilled water capacity, replacement of aging gas service lines, repairs to tunnel structures and waterproofing systems, upgraded piping insulation, installation of water meter pits, and accessibility improvements. Over the past 13 years, South Dakota Mines has continued implementing the recommendations through additional tunnel repairs, utility upgrades, insulation and valve replacements, structural improvements, and accessibility enhancements.
Today, the campus is completing Phase 4, which includes tunnel, steam, and chilled water repairs. West Plains Engineering is also advancing the next phase of improvements near the residence halls and Surbeck Center.
This project highlights the value of taking a strategic approach to M&R. By assessing infrastructure, developing a phased plan, and steadily implementing improvements over time, South Dakota Mines has been able to improve system reliability, reduce deferred maintenance, manage capital funding effectively, and extend the life of critical campus utilities.
Mike Sigman, P.E., Office Manager, Rapid City
Mike Sigman is a Professional Electrical Engineer and Manager of our Rapid City office. He led the intial infrastructure review and planning efforts at SD Mines in 2013, and has been involved in every phase of the implementation over the past 13 years.
