CNS Communications – FAA AST Systems Installs
Alaska, California, Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, US Virgin Islands
TAIT was hired by CNS Communications to provide services at FAA facilities for emergency generator AST design, removal and installation, and installation of Veeder Root TLS-350 automatic tank gauges at several locations throughout the US and the US Virgin Islands. The scopes of work for the AST locations included the removal of existing 500 to 2,000 gallon diesel ASTs and the design and installation of new ASTs. The work began in 2010 and continues today.
There were many challenges on these projects. The ultimate focus of any project at FAA facilities is to ensure that FAA and National Airspace System operations are not impacted by contractor activities as there is potential for loss of human life to result from service interruption. It was necessary to take extraordinary precautions in planning, scheduling, and performing the work. One of the biggest challenges was to provide a smooth transition and change-over to new systems without impacting FAA facility operations or inconveniencing facility personnel. At all stages, airport security procedures and a high level of communication had to be maintained. And the highest level of quality had to be delivered despite the number of projects underway simultaneously.
Temporary diesel fuel supply was needed to ensure no disruption to the emergency generator system during the pull and upgrade. In order to remove the existing AST, the existing diesel inventory had to be safely transferred to a temporary storage and safely stored during the removal of the existing AST and installation of the new AST.
- Sisters Island, AK
Due to Tait’s vast experience in all areas of fueling system layout, design, permitting and construction, and the significant advantage of having in house environmental professionals, the projects were kept on track, meeting hte client’s construction budget, schedule and security parameters. The most recently completed one was at Sisters Island, Alaska, and this project will be followed by two others: one at Middleton Island, AK and one at Johnstone Point, AK.