Micron's Boise Semiconductor Fabrication Plant: A Strategic Investment
Micron’s Boise Idaho Fab and Boise River Restoration
In September 2022, Micron announced its ambitious plan to expand its Boise Idaho headquarters with a leading-edge R&D and semiconductor “fab” or manufacturing facility. This monumental $15B project constitutes the largest single investment in the state of Idaho with $6B in federal funding from the CHIPS and Science Act for this site and another “megafab” site in Clay, New York.
As the first memory fab in the US in over twenty years, the initiative aims to enhance the production of memory chips, which are integral components in a myriad of electronic devices, from smartphones to advanced computing systems. This project is expected to generate approximately 2,000 new jobs at Micron and an estimated 17,000 indirect jobs, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. Once complete, the new fab will reinforce the nation's semiconductor supply chain and position Idaho as a significant player in the U.S. technology sector, an industry which has traditional been dominated by firms based in Silicon Valley, California, Seattle, Washington, and Virgina.
Breaking ground in 2023, construction encompasses a sprawling 1.2-million-square-foot expansion, on the 340 acres campus which will feature microchip and technology development fabrication buildings, 600,000 sq. ft. of clean room spaces, administrative offices, and warehouse facilities. Current and past general contractors who have completed work on the project include, Engineered Structures, Hensel Phelps, Kiewit, Micron hired Exyte was employed as the general contractor for the construction of the clean-rooms, as well as local sub-contractor McAlvain Companies. The site is expected to come online starting in 2025, and the project aims to achieve LEED Gold rating being powered by 100% renewable energy and implementing an ambitious 100% water conservation goal.
FODS Deployed On The Construction Of The New Micro Data Center in Boise, ID
Boise River Restoration
Manufacturing semiconductors takes a significant amount of water as the silicon wafers are washed with pure water in between etching stages. The need for reliable source of clean water has driven Micron to take a holistic approach to water management. Going above and beyond a traditional water treatment site, Micron has funded a major restoration project on the Boise River.
This restoration project serves as a pilot for Micron's global fabrication sites, aiming to enhance water sustainability and improve the communities where Micron operates. The Boise project focuses on restoring a side channel of the Boise River which has been filled with sediment over time reducing its ability to support local wildlife. Restoring the side channel will lead to cleaner, cooler water with higher dissolved oxygen which is essential for trout spawning while residents will enjoy access to the newly restored riverbanks. Micron is setting new standards for responsible stewardship of the nearby environment and natural resources with this single project improving nearly 11 million cubic meters of water every year. This pilot has paved the way for Micron’s ambitious goal of 100% water conservation by 2030.
The environmental goals begin to take shape even in the construction phase. The construction process adheres to the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) which is a comprehensive framework that proactively identifies potential sources of water contamination and specifies mitigation strategies which will keep sediment onsite during construction. Within this framework, Best Management Practices (BMPs) are employed to control and contain pollutants before they can escape into the environment. In Idaho, the SWPPP is reviewed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under the Idaho Pollution Discharge Elimination System (IPDES).
One BMP utilized on the Micron construction site is the Vehicle Sediment Control BMP which is designed to prevent sediment and debris from being tracked out on vehicle tires as they exit the job site. A common traditional technique to address this pollution source often involves the use of aggregate pads at the site exit points. However, aggregate pads can be labor-intensive, require frequent maintenance, and may not consistently remove debris from vehicle tires. Micron opted instead for the FODS Trackout Control System as the Vehicle Sediment Control BMP.
The FODS Trackout Control System offers an efficient solution to vehicle track out. Made from durable high-density polyethylene (HDPE), FODS mats feature a unique design of pyramidal protrusions that flex tire treads as vehicles traverse over them. This action effectively dislodges sediment from tires, minimizing debris tracked onto public roads. Notably, studies have demonstrated that FODS mats outperform aggregate construction entrances in high volume applications in both wet and dry soil conditions. Micron’ decision to use the FODS Construction Entrance BMP reinforces the commitment to effective, long-term, and proven solutions for environmental safety.
Micron Technology's investment in the Boise semiconductor fabrication plant signifies a monumental step in strengthening the United States' semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. By integrating advanced environmental controls like the FODS Trackout Control System into the construction process, Micron demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and responsible development. This approach not only ensures compliance with environmental regulations but also sets a benchmark for future construction projects in the industry.
As the project progresses toward its anticipated completion in 2025, it stands as a testament to the synergy between technological advancement and environmental stewardship. The successful implementation of innovative BMPs like the FODS system showcases how infrastructure development can harmoniously coexist with ecological preservation, paving the way for a future where industrial growth and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Centennial Colorado, FODS is working to replace ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove debris from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. FODS Vehicle Trackout Controls BMP mats are 100% Made In the USA and 100% recyclable.
To find out more information on how we can help your project stay on schedule and in compliance contact 844-200-3637 or email us at info@getfods.com.