
Shell Norco – GO-1 Substation

Project Overview
GROUP Contractors delivered all civil and deep foundation work for Shell’s GO-1 electrical substation at the Norco refinery, a mission-critical project executed inside a more than 100-year-old operating facility and tied directly to a major 2026 plant turnaround.
The project was confined to an extremely tight 6,500-square-foot footprint within an active refinery, leaving no margin for error in sequencing, logistics, or execution. Already nested on site performing other work, GROUP leveraged its familiarity with existing conditions to self-perform the scope with crews working around the clock and peaking at 30 to 40 craft professionals.
Given the age of the plant, subsurface conditions were largely unknown. GROUP led a two-month exploratory effort that uncovered approximately 30 existing pipelines, deep legacy anchors, and significant buried concrete. After decontamination by another nested contractor, GROUP removed the obstructions, backfilled nearly 400 cubic yards of structural fill, and rebuilt the area to establish a safe, workable surface.
GROUP collaborated closely with Shell and S&B Engineers & Constructors throughout the expedited design process to address challenges in real time. The final foundation system included 122 piles consisting of drilled shafts and auger cast piles. And when unforeseen conditions required design revisions, GROUP adjusted sequencing and execution strategies to maintain progress without schedule impact. Civil crews followed immediately behind foundation installation, completing pile caps and foundations within the tightly confined footprint.
Despite working inside a century-old facility, managing evolving site conditions, and executing under an aggressive schedule, GROUP completed its scope of work on schedule and on budget and remained on site to support the delivery of the two-story substation structure.
Project Included:
- Civil and deep foundation work for an electrical substation
- 6,500 square-foot active refinery work area
- Removal of underground piping, anchors, and buried concrete
- Nearly 400 cubic yards of structural fill placed
- Installation of 122 drilled shafts and auger cast piles
“GROUP continues to operate as a true partner in looking out for the overall best interest of the business and the people.”
– Joseph Bob LaFleur, Shell NRM/Construction Execution Manager





