Project Overview

NTH was contracted by DTE in late 2012 to assist them with their Underground Storage Tank (UST) replacement program. Company-wide, DTE had an installed base of 64 USTs, with most used for vehicle fueling. As the USTs were reaching their end-of-service life, DTE needed to replace each. To avoid regulations specific to USTs and limit potential product leaks from new systems, DTE instituted a policy that all new tanks were to be installed aboveground. NTH was selected as the prime contractor for design, regulatory compliance, construction observation and environmental testing for the tank replacement program and have now completed removal of over 50 USTs (most replaced with an AST) at more than 30 locations.

Project Scope

This program includes both the DTE Electric and DTE Gas business units at various power plants and service centers throughout Michigan. The program teams includes DTE team (comprising of project manager, project engineer, facilities contact, purchasing/contract manager, environmental specialist, QA/QC reviewer, field construction engineer, and UST/AST subject matter expert), NTH team (comprising of project manager, lead design engineer, design engineering staff, and construction services personnel), and the tank removal and installation contractor. Due to the multiple entities and personnel involved on the project, a high level of communications between DTE and NTH is critical to ensure the project’s continued success. NTH has performed the following services for the UST replacement program:

  • Developed a standard template design package for UST removal and AST replacement that includes drawings and specifications approved as the DTE standard tank replacement package. This standard template design package contains a standardized equipment list, minimum separation distances, code compliance requirements and construction specifications.
  • Once a location is chosen, a conceptual layout for the new tank installation is prepared for review and approval by the DTE personnel.
  • Arranged for a topographical survey, geotechnical investigation and subsurface utility investigation to obtain site-specific information for use in preparation of installation and removal drawings and foundation design.
  • Prepared a site-specific design location, with consideration of input from on-site operational personnel, and other site- specific internal DTE personnel. The design and installations have occurred in compliance with industry standards, State and Federal regulations including NFPA 30/30A, NFPA 70, NFPA 704, the Michigan Flammable Liquids/Combustible Liquids Rules, Petroleum Equipment Institute recommendations, Steel Tank Institute Tank Standards, UL Tank Standards and DTE policy recommendations.
  • Observed and documented removal of UST systems in compliance with State and Federal regulations. When UST removals were complete, NTH collected soil and groundwater samples for the required Site Assessment report. Coordinated with DTE Environmental staff during the removal and remediation activities in the event that a release was identified from the UST system.
  • Other services involved on-site engineering assistance for both UST removal and AST installation, quality assurance during UST site restoration, new AST foundation installation and construction of the new fueling island; and prepared as-built drawings and close-out manuals.
Value Added:

NTH has provided underground and aboveground storage tank (UST and AST) consulting and management services to DTE for over a decade. We have developed a standard design template for UST and AST projects that are modified to meet site-specific requirements, streamlining design, bidding and construction.