A position as a Project Manager, Construction Manager, or Owner's Representative for Heavy Industrial, Energy, Institutional, or Government Projects.
RICHARD L. ZILAR, P.E.
PROJECT MANAGER
1204 Casandra Drive
Longview, TX 75605
Home 903.295.1278 - Cell 903.445.5473
zilar[at]sbcglobal.net
PROFILE
Mr. Zilar is a Registered Professional Civil Engineer and a seasoned Project Manager with broad experience ranging from heavy industrial and energy; to institutional and government projects. He has a long history of success in all aspects of project management including: concept development; scope, schedule, and budget development; engineering; procurement; construction; start-up; and commissioning of high-energy fast-tracked projects. He has a keen understanding of civil and structural systems, and working knowledge of mechanical/ rotating equipment; piping, electrical, and both DCS and PLC controls systems.
Richard’s strong suit is in the coordination and management of logistically complex, multi-disciplined projects. He has proven abilities to: build strong energetic teams; mentor, lead and motivate; and provide problem-solving leadership. He is an effective negotiator, and interfaces well with Owners, other engineers, architects, contractors, skilled trades, Operating Equipment Manufactures and suppliers, and regulatory agencies. He also exhibits excellent oral and written communication skills.
EDUCATION
B.S., Civil Engineering, Washington State University - Pullman, Washington 1980
REGISTRATIONS/ CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Professional Engineer, Texas (Cert #95355); and Washington (Cert #22213)
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
LUMINANT POWER, MARTIN LAKE COMPLEX, 2006 - 2010
Asset Management
Developed project concepts, prepared budget estimates and justification of capital and maintenance projects for Martin Lake Steam Electric Station, a mine-mouth lignite-fueled power production complex in East Texas with a gross generating capacity in excess of 2500 megawatts in the areas of: fuel handling; scrubbers; precipitators; chimney; and ash handling; in addition to rail yard facilities. Developed life-of-plant strategies for: on-site ash disposal; improvement of (pneumatic) fly ash transport system for Unit 3 operations; restoration of structural integrity for critical plant structures; and a mitigation plan associated with PCB-contaminated transformer equipment.
Senior Fuel Quality Engineer
Primary fuel liaison between three lignite source-mines and the power plant; responsible for both quantity and quality of lignite fuel deliveries of nearly 11 million tons per year delivered via 27 miles of railroad infrastructure, augmented by nearly 3 million tons of Wyoming PRB coal. Provided assurance that both delivery quantities met plant demand and that quality of delivered fuel matched projections produced by Mine Planning. Coordinated daily lignite deliveries and interfaced closely with plant in the development of protocol and logistics for managing stockpiles in the fuel yard.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY, 2000 – 2005
WSU Energy Plant Development, Pullman, WA - $41MM Project
Recruited as PROJECT MANAGER to lead and drive “cradle to grave”, the success of the fast-tracked development of new steam generation resources serving nearly 10 million SF in building floor area on a 2080-acre campus. Explored prospect of teaming with a private Energy Partner to develop a combined-cycle Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility, sized at 70 megawatts, including significant merchant capacity. Following more than a year of due diligence, and for economic reasons, steered university management to abandon the CHP concept, and instead develop a state-of-the-art “world class” heating plant. Directed the consultant, vendor, and contractor selection processes; provided direct supervision of Project Engineering and administrative support staff; additionally coordinated with: Physical Plant operations staff; Environmental Health and Safety staff; academic department heads (for scheduled outages); University Business Affairs management; State Legislative Staff; State Agencies; multiple environmental and engineering consultants; multiple Owner-Furnished Equipment vendors; and the General Contractor/ Construction Manager.
Successfully constructed project included: 300 Million Btu/Hr in increased heating capacity and 4 megawatts of power generating equipment, and the DCS integration of an additional 200 Million Btu/Hr in remote heating capacity; development and construction of 3.5-mile long natural gas service line; 250,000 gal in on-site diesel storage; and critical steam distribution system improvements. Significant coordination associated with existing power plant/ electrical switchgear outage and phase-in of new facilities.
COFFMAN ENGINEERS INC., 1995 - 2000
Spokane International Airport, Concourse “C” Expansion Project - $17MM Construction
Construction Manager/ Owner’s Representative for 115,000 square feet in new terminal and baggage claim facilities. Final Contract cost was within 2 percent of bid. Participated in detailed constructability review; assisted in the development of “front end” Contract Documents; coordinated between the Architect and the General Construction Contractor in: developing/expediting resolution of field and design problems; provided definition/tracking of Contract changes, and negotiated cost/schedule impacts associated with changed conditions.
Spokane Industries Steel Foundry – Add Sand Molding Line - $5.5MM Project
Construction Manager/Owner’s Representative for project to add sand molding equipment line during production in an operating facility; coordinated with the Italian Operating Equipment Manufacture (OEM) to confirm understanding of equipment dimensions, weights, operating loads, and motor loads for supplied equipment. Developed project milestones and associated construction schedule; developed the project budget; developed contract scopes, contract documents, managed the bid and award processes, and managed the work in the field for three separate construction contracts before turning the project over to the Owner for OEM equipment installation and startup.
Red Dog Mines, Kotzebue, AK $120MM Fast-Tracked Project
By invitation, joined H.A. Simons’ construction management team temporarily (3 mos.) for this project to increase the process capacity of one of the largest lead and zinc mines in the world; assisted in providing Contracts Management and Project Engineering for major earthwork, concrete, and structural steel erection contracts. Given problems and ambiguities associated with concrete and earthworks contracts, convinced Owner to convert contract to “Time and Materials.” Effective management resulted in significant savings in project costs, and eliminated unnecessary time associated with identifying and tracking work which may have been otherwise claimed to be out-of-scope work.
Kaiser Aluminum, Remelt Air Quality Control Project - $8.5MM Construction
Owner’s Representative for the complete construction and integration of a stack gas collection and treatment system for Kaiser Aluminum’s Remelt Furnace line at its aluminum rolling facility in Spokane, WA. Provided assistance to Owner in bid evaluations; coordinated construction activities and project schedule; coordinated the implementation of design changes; provided resolution of field interferences; coordinated between equipment vendor field representatives and construction contractor; recommended and documented proposed vendor back charges, and provided assistance to the Owner in the completion of Project Record Documents. Project included significant production outage coordination.
WASHINGTON WATER POWER COMPANY (AVISTA UTILITIES), 1990 - 1995
Nine Mile Hydroelectric Redevelopment, Nine Mile Falls, WA - $21MM Project
Owner’s Project Engineer for the redevelopment of a hydroelectric power plant originally constructed on the Spokane River in 1907. Project resulted in capacity increase from 18 to 30 MW, and included replacement of two of four horizontal turbine-generator units, demolition and major reconstruction of plant intake structure, and replacement of various pieces of ancillary equipment. Coordinated final design, bid and construction package preparation, and coordinated with engineering consultant for all engineering during construction, including coordination of design changes, technical resolution of field engineering problems, and coordination of field testing. Managed approximately $7 Million in Owner-Furnished Equipment contracts for key equipment including turbine/generator equipment, hydraulic intake gates, and trash rack raking equipment; responsible for completion of Project Record Documents.
Monroe Street Hydroelectric Redevelopment, Spokane, WA - $23MM Project
Owner’s Project Engineer during the redevelopment construction of a hydroelectric power plant originally construction in 1896. Project included demolition of existing powerhouse facilities, and new construction of an underground powerhouse housing a 14.8 MW vertical turbine-generator unit; instrumental in final preparation of bid and construction packages for both a $1.2 million excavation contract and a $5.5 million general construction contract. Responsible for engineering during construction, including coordination between the Engineer and the on-site construction management team; technical resolution of field engineering problems; preparation and issue of design changes; review and tracking of contractor submittals; and assistance in preparation of final Project Record documents.
KLOHN LEONOFF, INC., 1989 - 1990
Homestake Mining Company, Sawpit Haul Road, Lead, SD - $3MM Project
Project Manager for the conceptual design of a one-mile long haul road needed to transport approximately 37 million tons of mile tailings from an open cut mine to a waste disposal site. Project included a grade separated crossing U.S Alternate Route 14A between Lead and Central City, and extensive relocation of a number of utilities; responsible in charge of the preliminary design effort, including alignment optimization and layout, evaluation of alternative highway and stream crossing structures (including multi-plate arch), and assessment of environmental and visual impact. Completed scope included: site reconnaissance; route selection; geotechnical investigation; visual modeling; interface with sub-consultant specializing in hauler performance; and evaluation of alternatives for construction of grade separated crossings.
CHIYODA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, U.S. OPERATIONS, 1987 - 1989
Zeon Chemicals, Inc., Synthetic Rubber Process Facility, Bayport, Texas, $20MM Fast-Tracked Project
Lead Civil/Structural Engineer for the grass roots design. Managed all project civil/structural design; coordinated all front-end permit acquisition; developed civil/structural engineering activity list, and man-hour budget and design schedule; managed geotechnical investigation and property survey.
Greenfoods Plant, Oxnard, CA, $9MM Project
Managed the permitting process for this 25,000 SF health food product processing plant. Assessed requirements associated with the 100,000 gallons per day projected plant process water discharge.
NKK Polysilicon Processing Plant, Millersburg, OR, $60MM Fast-Tracked Project
Performed civil engineering design of: heavy equipment foundations including: spread footings for pipe rack structures; mat footings for process vessels; and underground firewater loop design; recommended the use of ductile iron pipe in-lieu-of client's specification of carbon steel for a significant net cost savings.
WASHINGTON WATER POWER COMPANY - SPOKANE, WA, 1981 - 1986
Steam Heat Plant Modifications
Performed retrofit structural engineering and construction coordination for the installation of a 40,000 lb/hr gas-fired package-unit boiler in the Owner’s early 1900’s vintage steam heat plant in downtown Spokane; scope included demolition of an existing masonry foundation and subsequent installation of a suspended structural steel/plate flooring system to support the 35-ton unit. Developed a scheme to rig and move the unit into the building and safely across the floor to its final position; coordinated the purchase of needed materials and successful installation of the flooring system in time to receive the new boiler.
Spokane Industrial Park – Sanitary Sewer Crossing of I-90
Successfully designed and coordinated an emergency project to install a sanitary sewer force main crossing of Interstate Highway 90. Proposed and received State DOT acceptance of a revision to bridge design including block-outs through bridge diaphragms and inserts in concrete deck. The project was coordinated in conjunction with both the 1995 Spokane Valley Sewer Project and the construction of a new Sullivan Road bridge. Performed design and assembled bid/construction package, acquired necessary State permits, and coordinated the installation concurrent with bridge construction.
High-Voltage Substation and Transmission Projects
Participated in more than 50 high-voltage substation and transmission projects in a combined 12 counties in both Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho; analyzed/ designed numerous free-standing steel substation and transmission structures and foundations for heavy equipment components.
GUY F. ATKINSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 1980
WPPSS Nuclear Projects 1&4, Hanford, WA
Prepared concrete lift drawings for superstructure concrete; included identification of embedded plates, anchor bolts, and construction joints/keyways. Progressed to position of Lead Lift Engineer (working supervisor) within three months of joining Company; supervised work of two other engineers.
PUBLICATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS
Washington State University, May 2004, WSU Energy Plant Redevelopment Project - Discussion of University’s exploration of Combined Heat and Power option for redevelopment of campus energy facilities. Presented at the International District Energy Association 95th Annual C
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