Peterson jet fuel storage tanks receive safety upgrades

Workers apply some finishing touches to a JP-8 fuel storage container Aug. 12 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. In July 2008, work began on two of the massive fuel storage containers to ensure they complied with the latest environmental safety standards. This included the tank being cleaned and certified vapor free as well as the addition of new safety railings welded to their sides. Peterson is a Defense Fuels Supply Point for the Dense Energy Support Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mark Trolio)

Published Sept. 9, 2008
By Gerard Cummings
21st Logistics Readiness Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Here's a trivia question: Who owns the fuel in the bulk storage tanks on Peterson? If you guessed the 21st Space Wing, you'd be wrong.

The bulk fuel on base, except for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service station fuel, is owned by the Defense Energy Support Center, a component of the Defense Logistics Agency. But, what does this mean to the 21st SW?

Peterson is a designated Defense Fuels Supply Point for the storage of DESC fuel. Although the tanks, pipelines and associated pumping and filtering equipment belong to Peterson, DESC provides funding for repairs, upgrades, environmental clean-ups and permits.

In July, work began on two JP8 tanks to ensure both environmental safety and safe working conditions for the people who manage the tanks. Santa Barbara Applied Research is the prime contractor for managing aviation fuel, motor fuels and cryogenics on base.

After the tank was cleaned and certified vapor free, sections of safety railing were lifted by crane to the top of the tank where they were welded into place. Workers needing access to the top of the tanks will no longer have to wear safety harnesses to perform their tasks.
The tanks also received high- and low-level alarms. These state-of-the art systems provide triple redundancy to ensure the tanks can't be overfilled. The low-level alarms help eliminate the possibility of burning up the transfer pumps by running them dry.

These tank upgrades will ensure continued fuel support in the safest and most environmentally responsible manner.