Video: Underground Storage Tank Removal and Installation

October 31st, 2018

USTs Reached the End of Their Service Life at Shawnee Mission Medical Center

Occu-Tec's expertise and experience combine to tackle projects that have multiple constraints and challenges.

Spring 2018 -- Shawnee Mission Medical Center had three (3), thirty-plus (30+) year-old Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), located within the parking area between the generator building and the birthing center. The tanks were over 30 years old. When steel tanks reach that age, the cost to upgrade them exceeds their value. In short, it is time to remove and replace underground storage tanks.

The Medical Center, along with PEI Engineering and Construction chose Occu-Tec to remove the 3 USTs and install 2 double-wall 40,000-gallon fiberglass tanks. One of the biggest challenges with this project was given the size of the new tanks, they had to be buried deeper than the existing tanks, without disruption of existing structures.

The Construction Project - Remove and Replace Underground Storage Tanks

To begin, Occu-Tec installed a slide rail shoring system around the existing tanks for maximum safety. Occu-Tec then removed the USTs from the existing pit. During the removal, Occu-Tec encountered contaminated soil and water. Occu-Tec ensured the contaminated materials were sorted from clean fill and transported separately to the correct facility. With the removal of the existing tanks, Occu-Tec discovered a concrete hold down pad, as well as bedrock below the pad that had to be hammered out and removed from the pit.

Once Occu-Tec established the pit floor, they placed embedment rock and deadman anchors. Next, Occu-Tect mobilized a 400-ton crane to the site to swing and set each of the new 40,000 gallon USTs. Once set and strapped appropriately, Occu-Tec backfilled the tank pit with a telebelt system. Taking special care, they packed each tank rib, ensuring no voids under either tank. They backfilled to the top of each tank and removed the shoring from the pit, as it was no longer needed to shield human subsurface activity. Finally, Occu-Tec cleaned the work area of concrete debris, dirt, and excess gravel before demobilizing from the site. Then, PEI installed the new fuel lines and equipment.