Latest Update
7/11/08
Our new facility is really beginning to take shape, and we are excited for the public to see our state-of-the-art Center when it opens in 2009. The construction has moved along at a clip, and there are many new developments.
The Animal Care building work is now focused on the installation of cabinetry and countertops, lab and kitchen equipment, as well as lighting and plumbing fixtures. Painting is underway and the spaces are nearing their final appearance.
The construction of the Veterinary Science building continues to progress rapidly. The framing of the exterior walls is complete as is the interior framing on the second floor. This week’s work has focused on the installation of the exterior wall paneling in preparation for the waterproofing membrane which is slated for this coming week. Inside the building the contractor is working on rough installation of the electrical and plumbing systems as well as door frames and HVAC ductwork.
The locker room and shop building roofing was completed this week. Upcoming work on these buildings will include plumbing rough-in work on the locker room building as well as concrete floors inside both buildings.
Work on the Education building this month has been focused on the installation of lighting fixtures and interior wiring, plumbing connections in the kitchen area, and preparation for the final finishing of the floors throughout the building.
The biggest milestone in the past month has been the completion of the walkways in the pen and pools area. Epoxy coating of the pens and pools also got underway this month and will stretch at least through the next several weeks.
Construction of the ozone generating plant got underway in the last two weeks. All of the equipment has been placed and the piping for distribution of high pressure air for pneumatic controls and for the distribution of ozone gas has begun. Additionally, we have been working with the LSS contractor and the electricians to begin the installation of the digital instrumentation for the automation and control of the filtration systems.
Archived Updates
Construction Update February 28th, 2008
Construction Update August 27th, 2007
Construction Update November 10, 2006
Construction Update July 25, 2006
Construction Update May 8, 2006
Construction Update March 28, 2006
Construction Update December 9, 2005
Green Aspects of the New Facility
The Center has worked hard to incorporate green elements into the design and functions of the new facility. While we decided against pursuing LEED Certification due to budget constraints, our project does meet the LEED Silver Rating standards.
Following are some of the major green elements of the project:
Buildings and Landscaping
High efficiency radiant floor heating
Use of skylights and windows for natural light and ventilation (no forced ventilation in offices)
Landscaping with native plantings that require no irrigation
50% of the lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
Concrete contains 5% fly ash, a residue generated from the combustion of coal
Structural steel and wall framing systems ranging from 30% to 95% recycled content
All project casework is fabricated from recycled and/or sustainable materials
All furniture is manufacture from recycled and/or sustainable materials
All paint and epoxy coatings are of low volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Building insulation is minimum 10% recycled glass
Cement board siding made from recycled paper
Gypsum board with 5% recycled content and 100% recycled paper
Acoustic ceiling panels are made from seaweed
All fixtures and faucets are efficient, low water consumption
Restrooms include water free urinals and dual flush toilets
High pressure wash down system in pens/pool area to reduce water consumption
Backwash recovery systems on life support systems to reduce water consumption
Variable speed pumps on life support systems to reduce electrical use
Pens and Pools
Approximately 80% of the water backwashed will be reclaimed
Pens are on individual lighting circuits so one isolated pen can be lit when needed
Low pathway lights on outside corridors eliminate the need for full lighting at night
20kW’s photovoltaic panels act as shade structures in pens
About the Solar Panels
Each shade structure solar panel is made up of 5 solar modules
Each solar module measures approximately 6 ½ ‘ x 4 ½’ and weighs 107lb.
World’s largest and most powerful modules, manufactured in Germany
Unique shatterproof glass on both sides that can withstand the elements (and splashing sea lions!)
1 solar module = 300 watts
5 solar modules = 1 panel = 1500 watts
There are 19,008 cells (216 per solar module)
88 modules currently installed
Total Kilowatts of energy generated = 22kW
Solar panels will generate the equivalent electricity consumption of 6-7 houses
Why We are Rebuilding The Marine Mammal Center
Since 1975, the Center has rescued more than 13,000 animals and has made tremendous advances in marine mammal care. Such success has not come without a cost however, and the 33-year old Center is rapidly decaying. Five out of seven buildings are modified shipping freight containers, and most are more than 20 years old. Our animal care filtration systems are currently exposed to direct sunlight, where above-ground polyvinyl pipes erode, resulting in water loss. In addition, due to lack of adequate facilities, our education programs for schoolchildren are held outdoors in the wind and cold, and lack public amenities.
Our outmoded facilities can no longer support the Center’s work, and compromise our ability to further advance knowledge of the health of marine mammals and the ocean ecosystem. Furthermore, maintaining outdated equipment and temporary structures long past their usable life span diverts financial resources, staff, and volunteer time from the important work of saving the lives of marine mammals and learning about the threats to their health that exist in the environment.
How the Center will be Physically Transformed
The Center’s rebuilding project will for the first time integrate all functions at one location, improve animal care, create a more efficient, effective and safe work environment for staff and volunteers, and provide new opportunities for education and collaborative research. New pens and pools designed to meet the different needs of seals, sea lions, sea otters and other marine mammal species
- Intensive care and quarantine areas for the most sensitive patients
- An on-site lab that will reduce time for diagnosis and initiating treatment
- A ‘transparent’ design, so visitors can see the real behind-the-scenes work of the Center’s hospital
- Classrooms and meeting space for our visiting students and public
The following three new buildings are under construction:
The Marine Mammal Medical Center will bring together all of the necessary functions for marine mammal diagnosis, treatment and husbandry: animal food preparation, the pharmacy, chart room, laboratory, and necropsy, which will have space to house the post-mortem tissue and serum bank and research activities. As part of enhancing the visitor experience to the new Center, glass windows will allow visitors to observe these functions.
The Veterinary Science and Research Center will house the veterinary science and research staff offices, The Commons for staff and volunteers, education staff offices, and a mechanical room. Visiting scholars, Ph.D. fellowship students, and externs from around the world will have workspace for research, access to the Center’s database, tissue bank and archived records spanning our 33 years of operation.
The Community Education Building will be the primary visitor entry point and will include a marine science discovery area with interpretive exhibits, a classroom, and retail store on the ground level, and an observation deck looking over the animal pens and pools on the second level. The multi-use classroom and discovery area are expandable to accommodate formal and informal educational activities for both students and the public.
 |
| Sketches by Scientific Art Studio |
 |
| Sketches by Scientific Art Studio |
In addition, a new Life Support System will expand capacity from 47,000 to 207,000 gallons of water, while overall water consumption will be the same or less due to efficiencies of the new system. In a wonderful example of adaptive re-use, the new Life Support System will be housed in one of the two former Nike missile silos on the Center’s grounds. The animal pens and pools will be upgraded as well, replacing existing structures with new species-specific designed pens and pools.
