What Is In Your Tank And What’s It Worth To You?
By: Jim Roberts, P.E. | Sr. Vice President and Market Director for Water/Wastewater at H2M architects + engineers
Recently, I have noticed a concerning trend in the water industry. At the risk of potentially walking into the fire, after careful consideration, I am going to jump in, because the value to our clients versus the challenging aspects of the topic, warrant the risk.
The water industry is comprised of dedicated professionals who often go unrecognized by society at large. We all recognize the critical mission we contribute to. During my time as Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), my friend and mentor, Ed Coleman, emphasized the criticality of water. He would say, “Tell them to try it without water.” We all know the truth behind the statement, “No water, no beer.” However, does society really understand the value of water and our role in providing it? From operators to engineers, scientists to administrators, and budgetary experts, we each play an important part.
Leadership consistently faces tough decisions regarding budgets and spending. We have a responsibility to safeguard how consumers’ funds are spent. I have always adhered to that belief and conducted my career accordingly.
By now you’re asking, “how does this relate to a troubling trend regarding water tanks?” Well, it is directly related. Tanks, particularly storage tanks, are critical assets within every water system. They don’t often get top billing, but they ensure pressure stability and provide storage for emergencies like fires. While they might be slightly less critical than treatment plants or pump stations, they are nonetheless integral. That is why we all have asset management plans to guide our capital improvements and operational priorities. Where do storage tanks rank in your plans? What happens if your tank(s) are out of service? Regulators expect that a person in charge (powerful concept when you really understand what it means) of managing these assets, does so responsibly, to ensure the delivery of clean, safe water—in a fiscally prudent way. So, the question is: are you managing your tanks responsibly?
What does that mean, you might ask? Well, we can agree that tanks must be maintained in good repair and operational readiness. That is why we conduct regular inspections that are reportable. At H2M, we made a commitment years ago to provide our clients with comprehensive solutions, designs, and services related to their tanks. We prioritize selecting the right tank solution for each project, understanding our client’s needs and challenges, and delivering the greatest value over the longest practicable return period. Every engineering report includes a cost-benefit analysis of options. What provides the greatest life-cycle value solution should be near the top of the decision tree.
H2M Coatings Services Department has a long history of water tank rehabilitations in the northeast region of the country. The current leadership dates from 2005 through present day. H2M conducted several tank rehabilitations in the 2005–2006-time frame. We are proud to say that every one of the tanks rehabilitated by H2M in the last 18–20-years are still in good condition today and have not required further rehabilitation.
We have observed many other tanks, not H2M directed, rehabilitated during the same time frame, that have required a second round of rehabilitation, and others in poor condition that have needed rehabilitation for several years now. This point is made not to impugn the decisions and work overseen by others, but to highlight the importance of weighing the proper factors when the decisions are made. You don’t want to be pennywise and dollar foolish. Are you properly evaluating your 50- or 100-year lifecycle costs when a project lasts half the time it could have potentially lasted?
The troubling trend is where we believe owners are swayed by the allure of cheaper tank coatings and less stringent enforcement (of detailed specifications designed to maximize the value of their investment dollars) resulting in lesser quality projects. H2M recognizes the challenges many owners have with budget and time constraints. However, we are troubled when owners choose expedience over long term quality. Contractors, particularly less reputable ones, may protest being held to these requirements (almost always the manufacturer requirements and items they bid on). However, cutting corners often results in higher lifecycle costs for owners, especially if experience to ensure adherence to specifications is lacking.
H2M’s deep knowledge of the coatings industry has led to a considered and intentional specification. This specification provides precise standards to be followed for every aspect of the work. It ensures all H2M clients receive a first-class rehabilitation project by leaving little to chance. I was recently at an AWWA event where I sat across from a coating product manufacturer’s representative. We discussed this topic at length, and not only did he agree with the position I have taken here, but he also wondered aloud why owners would make the choice for lesser quality coatings or proper enforcement of coating installations of proper products they were paying for.
H2M Coatings Services Department brings to the tank rehabilitation industry, a well-trained, experienced, and knowledgeable Coatings project team. H2M coating observers have been carefully selected based on their industry exposure and knowledge. The coating observers are a key component to the success of all coating rehabilitation projects, even more specifically to tank rehabilitation, due to the scrutiny of volatile organic compound compliance for potable water suppliers. The current H2M team of observers has more than 170 years of combined experience that they bring to every project.
Pick the Coatings team that befits your project and budgets by prioritizing quality and expertise in tank maintenance and construction.
