
(Picture from left to right: Brad Carstensen, Chad Kissell, Clint Arndt, Chris Ladwig, Dave Kor, Roy Walters)
May 8, 2009
Carstensen Contracting, Inc (CCI) attended the WindPower 2009 Conference and Exhibition in Chicago, IL, coordinated by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). This year's event drew a record number of attendees and exhibitors. With over 23,000 attendees and 1,200 exhibitors, it is the world's largest wind power event.
CCI team members took advantage of the many educational programs, networking, and other events held throughout the week. "As the world's largest wind power event, the WindPower Conference is a great place to learn about the latest developments, tools and technologies in the industry," says Vice President, Keith Thorstad. "It is a great resource and it an important part of our ongoing education and training programs."
April 6, 2009
Clint Arndt, Dave Brockberg, Brad Carstensen, Gary Eikmeier, Ben Hartman, Tim Johns, and Chris Ladwig achieved their CCO Certification for large hydraulic cranes from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). To achieve their certification, each operator must meet specific physical requirements and pass both a written and practical exam. Each exam is designed to test the individuals knowledge and proficiency of core principals as well as a crane specialty.
"Safely operating a piece of equipment as complex as a crane requires skill and knowledge," says President, Rick Carstensen. "Achieving and maintaining certifications is crucial to meeting our standards in terms of both safety and quality on the job site."
March 23, 2009
The Elkhorn Ridge Wind energy project, constructed by Carstensen Contracting, Inc. is now providing electricity to the Nebraska Public Power district. The project is located near Bloomfield, Nebraska and includes 27 Vestas wind turbines that are each capable of generating 3 MW of electricity at full capacity. Elkhorn Ridge is the largest wind energy project in the state, with a total capacity of up to 80 MW of electricity.
Carstensen Contracting, Inc. served as the EPC contractor for the project. They designed and constructed the roads, foundations, operations and maintenance building, and substation, erected the wind turbines and installed the collection system. The project was completed in December 2008.
The $140 million project was permitted and developed by Midwest Wind Energy in Chicago. In its first five years of operation, the project is estimated to provide over $7 million in local taxes and lease payments to land owners.
Carstensen Contracting offers wind energy, general contracting, concrete paving, underground, and site preparation services to customers across the United States. Since 1980, CCI has built a reputation as a company that offers quality construction and innovative thinking. Their wind energy services include general contracting, foundation design and construction, civil design and construction, tower and turbine installation, electrical design and installation, and building construction.
March 3, 2009
Ten members of the Carstensen Contracting wind division have completed Industrial Rescue Certification, and all field employees have completed a 30-hour OSHA training course and are now certified in First Aid, CPR and AED.