Aurora Airport Hangar

200,000 SF Project Size

6.41 Acres Site Development

2 Aircraft Hangars

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided civil engineering for an aviation development at Aurora Airport in Marion County, Oregon. The project developed approximately 6.41 acres and included two aircraft hangars.

The aviation facility totals approximately 200,000 square feet. In addition, the project included office space, taxiway access, site utilities, pavement, grading, and stormwater infrastructure.

Civil Design for Aviation Operations

The site required careful coordination between aircraft access, grading, drainage, utilities, and pavement. Therefore, CEG planned the civil infrastructure around the daily needs of an active airport environment.

The entire site also required a slope of 1% or less. As a result, CEG coordinated grading with a shallow drainage system and controlled stormwater detention.

Civil Engineering Scope of Work

CEG provided civil design for the site, airfield access, utilities, stormwater systems, and supporting aviation infrastructure.

Site Grading

CEG graded the 6.41-acre site to maintain slopes of 1% or less. This approach supported aircraft movement, drainage, and overall site function.

Taxiway & Airfield Access

The project included a taxiway and adjoining airport surfaces. CEG coordinated these areas with the broader site layout and aviation access needs.

Stormwater Management

Shallow trench drains collect stormwater across the site. The system then directs runoff to StormBrix detention before pumping it to a bioswale for treatment.

Underground Utilities

CEG coordinated power, domestic water, sanitary sewer, natural gas, and stormwater utilities. The sanitary system also uses an existing septic sand filter with an added holding tank.

Aviation Pavement

CEG designed pavement and site surfaces to support aircraft access and aviation operations. The design also coordinated these areas with the hangars and surrounding airport infrastructure.

Agency Coordination

CEG coordinated the project with Marion County, the Oregon Department of Aviation, and the Federal Aviation Administration to address applicable development requirements.

Project Outcome

The Aurora Airport project created the civil infrastructure needed to support a major new aviation facility in Marion County. CEG coordinated grading, aircraft access, pavement, utilities, and stormwater systems across the 6.41-acre site.

In addition, the design connected the new hangars with existing airport infrastructure and utility systems. The stormwater strategy also combined shallow drainage, detention, and bioswale treatment.

As a result, the site supports aviation operations while meeting the infrastructure needs of a large airport development.

What Made This Project Stand Out

Large Aviation Development

The project combines two aircraft hangars and supporting infrastructure within an approximately 200,000 square foot development.

Precision Site Grading

CEG maintained site slopes of 1% or less to support aircraft access, drainage, and airport operations.

Integrated Stormwater Strategy

Shallow trench drains, StormBrix detention, pumping, and bioswale treatment work together as one stormwater system.

Multi-Agency Aviation Coordination

CEG coordinated with Marion County, the Oregon Department of Aviation, and the FAA throughout the project.

Sutton Trucking Regional Distribution Hub

27,000 SF Facility Size

3 Engineering Disciplines

VRF High-Efficiency HVAC

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering for the Sutton Trucking Regional Distribution Hub in Cowlitz County, Washington. The 27,000 square foot facility includes mechanic bays, wash bays, administrative offices, conference rooms, and employee break areas.

CEG coordinated the building systems around the different needs of the industrial and office spaces. In addition, the project included specialized HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems for the service and wash areas.

Building Systems for Trucking Operations

The facility combines vehicle service areas with office and employee spaces. Therefore, the design had to address several operating conditions within one building.

CEG coordinated the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support both daily trucking operations and occupied office areas.

Engineering Scope of Work

CEG provided coordinated MEP design for the regional trucking facility.

Mechanical Systems

CEG designed a high-efficiency VRF system with low-ambient heating for year-round comfort. The project also included energy recovery ventilation for office areas.

Service & Wash Bay HVAC

CEG designed infrared gas tube heaters for the service garage and wash bays. In addition, emergency exhaust systems support ventilation in these work areas.

Electrical Systems

The electrical design includes LED lighting with advanced controls, power distribution, and fire alarm systems for the facility.

Plumbing Systems

CEG designed domestic water and sanitary sewer systems. The project also includes a grease interceptor to support wash bay operations.

Project Outcome

The Sutton Trucking Regional Distribution Hub combines industrial service functions and administrative areas within one 27,000 square foot facility.

Through coordinated MEP engineering, CEG designed building systems for mechanic bays, wash bays, offices, conference rooms, and employee areas. As a result, the facility supports several operational needs within one coordinated design.

What Made This Project Stand Out

27,000 SF Regional Trucking Facility

The building combines mechanic bays, wash bays, offices, conference rooms, and employee support areas.

High-Efficiency HVAC Design

VRF, energy recovery ventilation, infrared heating, and emergency exhaust systems serve different areas of the facility.

Integrated Electrical Infrastructure

CEG designed LED lighting, advanced controls, power distribution, and fire alarm systems.

Wash Bay Plumbing Support

Domestic water, sanitary sewer, and grease interceptor systems support the facility’s wash bay operations.

Columbia Holdings Building #2

20,000 SF Building Size

1.3 Acres Site Development

6 Engineering Disciplines

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering for Columbia Holdings Building #2 in Bush Prairie, Washington. The project included a 20,000 square foot pre-engineered metal building on a 1.3-acre site.

In addition to the building design, CEG supported full site development for the project. That scope included ADA-accessible parking, EV charging, landscape design, and an underground stormwater infiltration gallery. Together, these elements helped support a practical industrial and commercial facility with sustainability-focused features.

Site Development and Permitting

This project required more than building systems design alone. CEG also led entitlement and permitting, which included land use applications, traffic studies, pre-app meetings, utility coordination, and DEQ approvals.

As a result, the project moved forward with coordinated support across both site development and regulatory review. That broader role helped align the building, site, and utility infrastructure from early planning through permitting.

Engineering Scope of Work

CEG delivered a coordinated multidisciplinary scope for the building and site. Overall, the work combined site development, utility infrastructure, fire protection, and core building systems within one integrated design effort.

🏗️ Building Engineering

CEG provided structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering for the 20,000 square foot pre-engineered metal building.

🌿 Site Development

The site scope included ADA-accessible parking, EV charging, landscape design, and an underground stormwater infiltration gallery.

🔥 Fire Protection Infrastructure

The fire protection scope included a firewater main, hydrants, and FDC infrastructure to support the site and building fire protection needs.

⚡ Sustainability Features

The project included EV charging and landscape and stormwater design elements that supported broader sustainability goals for the site.

📋 Entitlement and Agency Coordination

CEG managed land use applications, traffic studies, pre-app meetings, utility coordination, and DEQ approvals as part of the entitlement and permitting process.

Project Outcome

Columbia Holdings Building #2 combined a new industrial and commercial building with full site development on a 1.3-acre site in Bush Prairie, WA. Through coordinated civil and MEP engineering, CEG helped deliver a project that addressed building systems, site infrastructure, accessibility, and fire protection within one integrated scope.

Just as importantly, CEG led entitlement and permitting for the project. By managing land use, traffic, utility, and DEQ coordination, the team supported a more complete development process from planning through approvals.

What Made This Project Stand Out

🏢

Full Building and Site Coordination

The project combined a 20,000 square foot pre-engineered metal building with full site development on a 1.3-acre property.

✓

Entitlement and Permitting Leadership

CEG led land use applications, traffic studies, pre-app meetings, utility coordination, and DEQ approvals for the project.

🔥

Integrated Fire Protection Infrastructure

The fire protection scope included a firewater main, hydrants, and FDC infrastructure to support the new development.

🌿

Sustainability and Site Features

The site included EV charging, ADA-accessible parking, landscape design, and an underground stormwater infiltration gallery.

SunModo Warehouse Storage and Distribution

35,000 SF Facility Size

2-Story Office Facility

Rooftop PV Renewable Energy

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for the SunModo Warehouse Storage and Distribution project in Vancouver, Washington. The project included a 35,000 square foot tilt-up warehouse and an adjacent two-story office facility designed to support SunModo Company’s operational growth and sustainability initiatives.

To support those goals, CEG designed high-efficiency heat pump-based split HVAC systems, energy-efficient water heating, and EV charging stations for a transitioning electric fleet. In addition, the project incorporated a roof-mounted photovoltaic array to supply renewable energy, reduce utility demand, and support long-term energy resilience.

Facility and Sustainability Goals

This project combined warehouse and office functions within one coordinated development. Therefore, the MEP design had to support day-to-day operations while also aligning with SunModo’s broader sustainability goals.

At the same time, the systems needed to remain practical over the long term. As a result, CEG designed the MEP infrastructure for reliability, maintainability, and energy efficiency so the facility could operate smoothly and remain easier to support over time.

Engineering Scope of Work

CEG provided coordinated MEP design for the new warehouse and office facility. Overall, the scope focused on efficient building performance, renewable energy integration, and long-term operational reliability.

🌬️ Mechanical

The mechanical design included high-efficiency heat pump-based split HVAC systems to support building comfort and energy performance across the warehouse and office areas.

⚡ Electrical

The electrical scope included EV charging stations to support a transitioning electric fleet. In addition, the design integrated a roof-mounted photovoltaic array to provide renewable energy for the facility.

🔧 Plumbing

CEG designed energy-efficient water heating as part of the coordinated plumbing scope for the warehouse and office facility.

☀️ Renewable Energy Integration

The roof-mounted PV array was integrated into the facility to reduce utility demand and support long-term energy resilience.

🛠️ System Reliability and Maintainability

All MEP systems were designed for reliability, maintainability, and energy efficiency. As a result, the project supports smooth operation and ease of upkeep over time.

Project Outcome

The SunModo Warehouse Storage and Distribution project delivered coordinated MEP systems for a warehouse and office facility designed to support both operational growth and sustainability goals.

Through high-efficiency HVAC, energy-efficient water heating, EV charging, and rooftop solar integration, CEG helped create a facility that reduces utility demand while supporting long-term building performance.

Just as importantly, the design emphasized reliability and maintainability. As a result, the project supports smoother day-to-day operation and more practical long-term upkeep.

What Made This Project Stand Out

🏭

Warehouse and Office Integration

The project combined a 35,000 square foot tilt-up warehouse with an adjacent two-story office facility. As a result, the MEP design had to support multiple building functions in one coordinated system.

✓

High-Efficiency Building Systems

CEG designed heat pump-based split HVAC systems and energy-efficient water heating to support long-term performance and energy efficiency.

⚡

EV and Solar Readiness

The facility includes EV charging stations for a transitioning electric fleet and a roof-mounted photovoltaic array for renewable energy generation.

🛠️

Long-Term Maintainability

All MEP systems were designed for reliability, maintainability, and energy efficiency. Therefore, the facility is better positioned for smooth operation over time.

Swire Coca-Cola Power System Study

52-Page Study Report

3 Core Study Analyses

SKM Detailed System Model

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided electrical engineering for the Swire Coca-Cola Spokane Distribution Center Expansion Electrical Power System Study in Spokane, Washington. Another engineering firm designed the power distribution system, while CEG completed the detailed system analysis.

The study evaluated fault current, arc flash incident energy, and protective device coordination. CEG also developed a detailed SKM model using the actual equipment and system configuration for the expansion.

The final analysis gave the project team a clearer understanding of electrical system performance and identified protective device changes for consideration.

Project Challenge and Approach

Because CEG did not design the original distribution system, accurate project information was essential. The study also had to account for both existing and proposed electrical equipment.

CEG coordinated with the contractor, utility company, and equipment vendor to confirm system details. This information allowed the SKM model to reflect the actual breakers, fuses, transformers, generators, conductors, raceways, and other major components.

Electrical Power System Study Scope

CEG evaluated system performance through three core analyses supported by detailed equipment modeling and multiple operating scenarios.

Fault Current Analysis

CEG calculated available fault current and compared the results with the interrupting ratings of proposed and existing equipment. This review helped identify equipment conditions that required further evaluation.

Arc Flash Analysis

The study evaluated arc flash incident energy throughout the electrical system. CEG also developed arc flash labels based on the completed analysis.

Protective Device Coordination

CEG developed selectively coordinated time-current curves and evaluated equipment damage curves. The study also included recommended settings for protective devices.

Detailed SKM Modeling

The model included project-specific breakers, fuses, switchboards, panelboards, automatic transfer switches, generators, transformers, motor contributions, conductors, and raceways.

Scenario Analysis & Reporting

CEG evaluated multiple system scenarios and documented the findings in a 52-page report. The report included study results, recommended protective device changes, and the analysis supporting those recommendations.

Project Outcome

The completed study provided a detailed view of fault current levels, arc flash conditions, and protective device coordination for the Spokane distribution center expansion.

Because the analysis was based on a project-specific SKM model, the findings reflected the actual proposed and existing system configuration. Coordination with the contractor, utility, and equipment vendor further supported the accuracy of the model.

The final report also identified recommended protective device changes and documented the engineering analysis behind them. This gave the project team practical information to support electrical system decisions for the expansion.

What Made This Project Stand Out

Project-Specific SKM Modeling

The study modeled the actual electrical equipment and system configuration rather than relying on general assumptions.

Three-Part Electrical Analysis

Fault current, arc flash, and protective device coordination were evaluated together for a more complete view of system performance.

Actionable Study Recommendations

The 52-page report identified protective device changes and included the engineering analysis supporting those recommendations.

Multi-Party Technical Coordination

CEG worked with the contractor, utility company, and equipment vendor to verify system information and strengthen model accuracy.

Vancouver Station Food Cart Pod

8,000 Square Feet

2 Stories

43 Food Carts

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided turnkey development services for Vancouver Station Food Cart Pod in Vancouver, Washington. The project transformed approximately one acre of unfinished land into a commercial dining and hospitality destination.

The development includes an 8,000 square foot, two-story dining hall and infrastructure for approximately 43 food carts. CEG coordinated architecture, engineering, planning, permitting, and construction from site development through completion.

Project Challenge and Approach

The project required one site to support a commercial dining hall and dozens of independent food vendors. Therefore, building systems and site utilities had to work together as one coordinated development.

CEG integrated architecture with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and site-development services. In addition, environmental, geotechnical, survey, traffic, and landscape disciplines supported planning and permitting.

Project Scope

The scope combined building design with the infrastructure needed for high-volume commercial food service and long-term site operations.

Architecture & Dining Hall Design

The two-story dining hall includes a commercial kitchen, bar with adjacent cooler, restrooms, walk-in cooler and freezer, storage, and office space.

Civil & Site Infrastructure

Civil design included grease interceptors, sanitary sewer laterals, and a stormwater infiltration drywell with pretreatment. The site also required nearly a mile of natural gas piping.

Mechanical & HVAC Engineering

The HVAC system uses multiple outdoor units serving a whole-building variable refrigerant flow system. Mini-splits provide separate cooling for the private office and mechanical room.

MEP & Fire Protection

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering supported the dining hall, commercial kitchen, refrigeration systems, and food service operations.

Food Cart Utility Infrastructure

Each food cart was designed with power, water, sewer, telecom, and gas service. As a result, the site can support individual vendor operations at full scale.

Planning, Permitting & Site Development

CEG coordinated planning, permitting, environmental, geotechnical, survey, traffic, and landscape architecture services for the overall development.

Facility Features

The dining hall was designed to support both guest experience and commercial food service operations. Key features include:

Commercial kitchen
Bar with adjacent cooler
Restrooms
Walk-in cooler and freezer
Storage areas
Office space

Project Outcome

The completed project converted an unfinished parcel into a fully serviced commercial dining destination. CEG’s coordinated delivery connected building design, food service systems, utilities, site infrastructure, and permitting within one development strategy.

As a result, the site can support a large group of independent food vendors alongside a permanent dining hall. The project demonstrates CEG’s ability to manage complex commercial developments that require both building-scale engineering and extensive site infrastructure.

What Made This Project Stand Out

Turnkey Development Delivery

CEG supported the project from planning and permitting through multidisciplinary design and construction.

Infrastructure for Approximately 43 Food Carts

Coordinated utility service allows individual vendors to operate within one large commercial development.

Extensive Site Utility Design

Stormwater, sewer, grease management, and natural gas infrastructure were integrated across the property.

Flexible HVAC Design

A whole-building VRF system and targeted mini-split cooling support different operating needs within the facility.