A Comprehensive Solution for Stranded Fuel Oil

THE PROBLEM

A power generating facility had 77,000 barrels of fuel oil that were no longer needed, but the owner had several challenging issues:

• The product had been stored in tanks for over 15 years.
• The pumps and equipment previously used to move the product had not been maintained and were no longer functional.
• The facility was facing multiple compliance and maintenance issues for the storage tanks that the old product needed to quickly removed to avoid significant extra costs.
• Piping and valve had not been used or tested in years.
• The facility had no personnel or procedure to remove the product.
• The site was located at the back of a residential neighborhood, so the owner required that the product be shipped only by rail to minimize traffic, but the owner did not own the nearby rail spur.

THE ALTIRAS SOLUTION

Altiras managed the process by:

• Conducting a thorough assessment of the product, storage tanks, site, P&ID’s, piping, valves, equipment, and all the detailed requirements, including many issues not covered by the RFQ.
• Developing a comprehensive plan that included all the physical changes to the site for piping and connections, engineering drawings, all equipment, written processes and procedures, and brought in all the appropriate personnel to ensure the safe removal of the product and loading of the railcars.
• Coordinated and leased a rail spur, registered the site with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to meet all requirements, and brought in 35 railcars, turning each 4 times.

RESULTS

Altiras demonstrated exceptional project management and execution by completing the removal of the stranded fuel oil within the designated time frame, without incident. The customer was so impressed with the work done that they asked if Altiras could also remove the fuel oil from the underground pipelines running to and from the power plant, which Altiras also completed within the original project time frame. Altiras’ success on this project is a strong indication of the company’s capability and reputation for delivering high-quality, timely, and effective services.