Steam leak prompts Beach construction

Though it now resembles a construction site more so than a sandy shore, the BU Beach is scheduled to have its grass replanted and the orange-mesh fences removed just in time for brisk weather in about two weeks, according to school officials.

At the beginning of the semester, underground steam pipes that provide heat to the George Sherman Union, the Howard Thurman Center and the College of Arts and Sciences leaked beneath the Beach, resulting in the construction that has roped off large sections of the grassy quad.

“Because we had to restore the grass area, this allowed us to make other improvements,” said Operations Vice President Gary Nicksa. “We have installed a new drainage system and outside electrical power for student activities. We have already spread the top soil and restored the sidewalks. We are ready to put grass back in.”

Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said the steam leaks were “totally independent” from the construction on Commonwealth Avenue.

However, Nicksa said work in one section of the pipe system could affect other parts, possibly leading to additional repairs. Last semester, BU replaced underground steam pipes next to the BU Beach at the School of Law. Nicksa said the installation of those pipes was unrelated to the steam leak.

“It’s the age of the pipes,” he said.

Over the last few months, the Beach has also been home to some trailers, which served as temporary steam boilers while the main boilers underwent renovations. Crews have finished work on the boilers at the Beach, Nicksa said.

Because boilers work for 20 years, some are replaced every summer in at least one place, Nicksa said.

“You have to bring them up to date to operate as efficiently as possible,” he said. “Whenever you renovate boilers, they are remodeled and modernized with more efficient control, and it’s less-expensive heating. It’s savings over time driven by energy efficiency.”

Clarissa Bottesini contributed reported for this article.