USACE completes new chemical defense facility at APG

By Mr. Clem Gaines (USACE)September 25, 2015

USAMRICD ribbon cutting
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Key military and government leaders joined local political figures in an official ribbon cutting ceremony of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense Sept. 15. The new institute consolidates USAMRICD's capabilities into one single... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Division commander highlights new facility
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BALTIMORE - Soldiers now have a state-of-the-art laboratory and research center to defeat chemical warfare at the new U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRIID).

The Baltimore District leadership and program team joined USAMRICD and APG officials at the Sept. 15 ribbon cutting ceremony for the 526,000 square foot, $320 million facility dedicated exactly six years after its groundbreaking event on another late summer day in 2009.

The facility design and architecture enhance the operations and overall value both to the mission and the scientists and support team who work there. It includes open space design, natural sunlight access, and collaboration areas for the project teams.

"The design of the workspaces facilitates interaction and collaboration between the workforce. Staff are no longer compartmentalized and scattered amongst ten buildings," said Col. Roman Bilynsky, USAMRICD commander.

"The building is designed with the concept of a 'main street' which connects the programmatic functions while enhancing the sense of community and encouraging interaction and collaboration among the various teams," noted Scott Johnson, area engineer. "Main Street is a three story, naturally lit corridor that connects the administrative and training wing with the functional laboratories, and also acts as a bridge between the live animal and neat agent laboratories and the non-animal science laboratories. Along its path are various open spaces, conference rooms and break areas with floor to ceiling windows where staff can interact or collaborate in a peaceful, well lit environment."

The Baltimore District has unique experience in building these kinds of facilities. At Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, the district continues construction of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, another state-of-the-art laboratory and research center dedicated to the health and safety of Soldiers and civilians.

"The investment our leadership has made in creating this new institute is incredibly important for the safety of our service members, as well as our public's health," noted Bilynsky. "The critical square-footage, under hoods and in gloveboxes has markedly expanded, enabling more simultaneous scientific experimentation."

"As a 1st Lt. in Desert Storm, my soldiers and I had to trust the medical countermeasures given to us that were developed here," said Brig. Gen. William Graham, North Atlantic Division commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "Now, your team has the tools it needs to continue to keep Soldiers safe."

A project of this magnitude could only come together through the cooperation of multiple agencies including the Defense Health Agency, the Corps, Health Facilities Planning Agency, APG, Clark Construction and the design partnership of IDP.

"Both the end user, MRICD, and the project proponent, Health Facilities Planning Agency, were completely engaged throughout design and construction of this project," said Johnson. "Their support in resolving problems was invaluable to the team and ensured an end product that satisfied mission requirements."

The new facility is certified Silver under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program. The various strategies of the sustainable design process included: reducing operating energy by installing variable mechanical valves to allow ventilation to modulate with occupancy and operations, exhaust air heat recovery, low-energy glazing and sun control shades; utilizing light colored roofing materials to reduce heat island effect; and eliminating the use of potable water for landscape irrigation by selecting non-water intensive plantings that are indigenous to the region.

In addition, the design minimized storm water runoff and used vegetated filter strips and on site retention structures. Inside the facility, indoor air quality was improved by establishing a Green Housekeeping plan and fresh air flush before occupancy.

"The construction team knew they performed exceptionally well when the end user personnel displayed great enthusiasm to occupy the building. Seeing their pleasure at receiving this state-of-the-art laboratory was contagious to the entire team," Coar emphasized.

Related Links:

USACE news on army.mil

USACE Baltimore District

Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers