Modernization makes environmental
and safety audit adjustments

The fume scrubber, pictured above, is used during welding to neutralize odors caused by welding activity. This was introduced in response to the CASHE audit.

For three days in February, a Compliance Assessment – Safety Health and Environment (CASHE ) team completed a thorough audit of the Main Interior Complex.

The purpose of the audit was to assess the environmental, health and safety conditions of the Main and South Interior Buildings.  The audit was requested and funded by the National Business Center.  Several items included in the report were directly related to the modernization project, and almost all of these deficiencies have since been corrected.

Currently the report is in draft form, and once the report is finalized, it will be made available to the public.

This final report will include all of the information of the draft report along with progress that has been made since the audit was performed. 

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MPO enhances website usability, adds information

The Modernization Program Office worked with NBC Web Services to enhance the content and navigation of its website, www.doi.gov/modernization/. This site includes many new user-friendly features, including cross-linked information, documents in HTML as well as PDF, a crisp layout, and updated information. This site will continue to be improved with new documentation and updated information regarding the next move of personnel into and out of Wing 4, scheduled for November 2007.

The MPO continues to strive to present building occupants with the latest, best information on the MIB Modernization and future office moves. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions.

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Energy conservation at the MIB starts with you!

It has been noted that building occupants of the newly renovated Wings 5 and 6 open office windows during cold days. Improvements being made to the MIB are being done with occupant comfort in mind, but they are also being made to conserve energy and increase efficiency.

Utilities for the Main Interior Complex cost more than $2 million annually, and many efforts are being made to reduce this significant cost and environmental impact.

To keep your fan coil unit from radiating heat, keep your fan running, and move the dial into the blue.

One of these improvements is the new fan coil heating and cooling units being installed in each office. These units are designed to allow occupants to customize their room temperatures year round. In previous Tenant User Group (TUG) Meetings, instruction in usage these temperature controls was addressed.

Currently, occupants in Wings 5 and 6 should turn their unit controls to "blue" if their office is too hot and keep the fan switch on the low setting. Remember that turning the fan off will cause the unite to radiate heat.

In the not too distant future, work will be performed on every unit to eliminate the need to keep the fan running.

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Items of Interest

• Gym Update: A new wood and synthetic gymnasium floor and re-introduced historic skylights are being will be available for public enjoyment on July 17, 2007.
• Building Commissioning: A building commissioning plan is being prepared to ensure the correct workings of building systems for occupant safety and comfort.

This curb will soon contain a re-introduced historic skylight above the MIB gymnasium.

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John Nyce acquires new responsibilities

John Nyce, the NBC Assistant Director of Administrative Operations, has assumed a new role in Herndon, VA as NBC's Associate Director of Acquisition Services Line of Business as of Monday, March 19. With 10 years of experience at the Department of the Interior and more than 20 years in acquisition, Mr. Nyce was chosen as the best candidate in a highly competitive field. Mr. Mike Cyr, Chief, Division of Facilities Management, will serve as Acting Assistant Director of Administrative Operations until a selection can be made for this post through a competitive process. The Modernization Program Office congratulates Mr. Nyce, thanks him for his supervision, and wishes him the best of luck in his new position.

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Meetings

For more information regarding the IAQ Forums and the TUG meetings, click here.

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