The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), part of the Department of Treasury, is responsible for collecting taxes to fund the U.S. government. Originally established in 1862 during the Civil War to cover war costs, it has undergone multiple re-establishments, reorganizations, and renaming, much like the tax code it enforces. The IRS’s operations have progressed from handling pencil and paper tax returns to punch card records and, more recently, computerized filings and recordkeeping. The Martinsburg, WV, Enterprise Computer Center (ECC) is one of three IRS computer centers in the nation, where “mission-critical” operations are conducted within limited access secure facilities.
The WV ECC is a 400,000 sqft facility comprising an office building, a data processing building, and a warehouse. The data processing building operates continuously, utilizing computing equipment that demands substantial, constant, and redundant cooling. Constructed in 1999, the ECC had a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plant addition completed in 2013. As part of a prior project in 2012, the chillers and their associated pumps were replaced. However, the original cooling towers, approaching the end of their useful life, were causing issues, including excessive water usage. Given the critical nature of IRS operations, the unacceptable risk of failure in the cooling tower systems prompted the need for action at this facility.
Under a contract with the General Services Administration Region 3, GPI conducted a study to explore upgrading the cooling towers at the WV ECC. This involved replacing the existing cooling towers and introducing a redundant chilled water loop. Following the study, GPI designed the replacement cooling towers, supporting structures, and conducted site development. Phasing concepts were developed to ensure continuous cooling plant operation during construction. GPI handled permitting and commissioning for the new cooling tower and redundant loop switchover. The project minimized life cycle cost, maximized service life, and reduced system water usage while addressing safety issues.
Project Highlights
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Owner/ClientGeneral Services Administration – Region 3
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LocationMartinsburg, WV
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Size400,000 sqft
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ServicesCommissioning
Electrical Engineering
Fire Protection Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
