Implementing LiORA Hydrocarbon Sensors Across Gas Station Site Portfolio - Case Study
Client Overview
Our client operates a portfolio of 350 active retail fuel sites located across multiple regions. These stations are involved in both fuel retailing and bulk transfer, and are predominantly equipped with underground fuel storage tanks (USTs). Our client is responsible for approximately 1,000 sites, which include both active and legacy sites. Over the past few years, the client has encountered rising costs associated with compliance and closure processes across their portfolio.
Over four years, our client deployed LiORA technologies across 35 of their sites to assess the effectiveness of water and soil sensors in conjunction with remediation systems, to address common challenges across their portfolio.
Site Challenges
Achieving Cost-Effective Risk-Based Closure (10 Sites)
- Sites that represent low vapour, water, and soil risk languished using traditional technologies and were not proceeding along the regulatory agencies` pathway to closure.
Optimizing and Increasing the Efficiency of Environmental Management Resources (22 Sites)
- Differentiating between sites that pose a potential risk compared to sites that pose a substantial risk was slow and cumbersome. The existing process did not optimize resource allocation across the environment portfolio.
Brand Damage (3 Sites)
- Identifying critical risk pathways associated with vapour intrusion or groundwater migration was challenging, as infrequent sampling would provide inconsistent estimates of risk. The inconsistency of point in time sampling eroded trust with public and regulatory stakeholders.
The Implemented Solution
LiORA provided a comprehensive solution, deploying hydrocarbon sensors across 35 gas station sites. The solution included real-time detection, automated reporting, and seamless integration with the client`s existing environmental program. On average, 10 sensors were deployed per site.
Key Features ofLiORA Sensor Methodology:
- Easy to deploy: Install in existing monitoring wells with a hanging sensor design for easy sampling.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Sensors provide continuous data transmission to a cloud-based dashboard, allowing remote monitoring and instant alerts for any hydrocarbon detection.
- Highly Sensitive Detection: Capable of detecting even the smallest hydrocarbon leaks, preventing major environmental incidents.
- Scalable Deployment: As the gas station network expands, additional sensors can be added without significant added infrastructure costs.
- Integration with Existing Infrastructure: LiORA`s sensors integrate easily with the client`s current software and control systems, allowing for a smooth transition.
The Results
Enhanced Environmental Compliance
- Real-Time Leak Detection: The LiORA sensors have ensured continuous compliance with local and federal regulations regarding hydrocarbon emissions.
- Climatic and Weather Risk Reduction: Continuous monitoring of soil and water during climatic and weather events reduced mobilization and analytical costs.
Improved Safety
- Faster Leak Detection: With LiORA`s real-time alerts, the client can now respond immediately to any detected vapour intrusion or groundwater risks. This has minimized the risk of rapidly expanding but undetected environmental liabilities, that leads to property damage and stranded assets.
- Reduced Insurance Premiums: By enhancing safety and mitigating risks, the client has been able to lower internal insurance reserves.