Old fuel storage units get tanked

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A $16.5 million project to replace old, leaky bulk fuel tanks began last month and is scheduled to last through April 2014.

The construction aspect of this project is set to permanently close 11th Avenue as a thru road.

The upgrade became necessary when the old tanks were deemed unserviceable. Master Sgt. Alex Chavez, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels operations chief, is happy with this improvement.

"It was definitely time for an upgrade," he said. "For one, it's going to increase the base's storage capacity by about one million gallons. It's definitely going to help the base with any increased aircraft it may have. I think it's a step in the right direction - we're taking baby steps to get us where we need to be."

According to Jason Darst, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron mechanical engineer, the initial tank issue was found more than a decade ago.

"The first leak was detected in Tank No. 1 in 2001," said Darst. "During repairs it was discovered that all three tanks were in need of replacement. This project was then programmed in 2003. Tank No. 1 was demolished in 2007, and Tanks No. 2 and 3 were repaired under an emergency repair project in 2010."

During this project, fuel tanks 2 and 3 will be demolished and four new tanks as well as one new pump-house will be constructed. According to Darst, the four-phase project is designed to have a minimum of two tanks in service at all times.

"It is exciting to see MHAFB receive a major enhancement to its current aircraft fueling system infrastructure because it's another project that will help keep us on the map for many years to come," Darst said.

After project completion a portion of the road from Liberator Street to the future POL yard fence will remain but will no longer continue through to Alpine Street; 11th Avenue may continue to be used for truck loading-dock access after project completion in April 2014.