SENECANEWS IN REVIEW MESSAGE from JC - Seneca Companies
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Inside this issue: Message from JC P1 Waste Solutions Services P2 Seneca Sales P5 Environmental Services P7 Fuel Systems P9 SENECANEWS IN REVIEW AUGUST 2017 ISSUE 14 MESSAGE from JC To our customers: We are remodeling here at Seneca! Our construction group is nearing completion of converting our old warehouse space into a state-of-the-art training center. The space has a modern design with floor to ceiling walls, industrial fans, LED lighting and high-end audiovisual equipment. In addition, we will be outfitting the room with fuel dispensers, POS systems, ATGs, etc. to simulate an actual convenience store environment. We have even gone so far as to make sure all the electrical wiring is the same as what you would find at a convenience store. With this new space and equipment in place, we will be able to offer high-end technical training programs to our customers as well as our internal staff. However, the use of this space goes much beyond what is listed above. A key component to Seneca’s long-term strategic plan is to invest more heavily in the training and development of our employees. As a result, we are not only building a physical training space but have also hired a corporate talent development manager to design and implement training programs specific to Seneca employees. As the industry adapts to new trends and technology, we firmly believe that we must invest directly in the development of our staff. Our intent is to raise the bar on the level of service we provide and to continue to bring new and innovative ideas to the table. I am very excited about this initiative and look forward to providing top quality training to our already great Seneca team! While training is certainly the focus of the new space, we anticipate it to have other advantageous uses. One perfect example will be to use the space to conduct equipment demonstrations. We will have the ability to pre-load software, logos, etc. on equipment and walk you through real life scenarios as if you were standing in your own store. Troubleshooting equipment will also become easier as we will have live equipment to run simulations to find possible repairs to complex problems. And finally, the space will be excellent for company gatherings and meetings. We anticipate the project to be complete sometime in August and invite all of you to stop by and see it if you happen to be in Des Moines! JC Risewick President and Chief Operating Officer Page 1
SenecaNews August2017 Waste Solutions Services Division Chris Biellier Investment in the right equipment is crucial to Seneca Waste Solutions’ success As our fleet ages over time and requires replacement, the types of equipment chosen becomes based on specific versatility and the needs of our customers. This was the case in late 2016 and early 2017. As our investment in frac tanks began in the fourth quarter of 2016, so did the need for newer vacuum truck capabilities. Not all vacuum trucks are the same. There are primarily three vacuum pump types utilized by Seneca Waste Solutions. Vane vacuum pumper trucks The main workhorses of the Waste Solutions division are the simple vane vacuum pumper trucks that are used daily, making up the largest portion of our fleet and located at all branch locations. These trucks are relatively safe and operate with a vacuum ranging from 350 to 500 CFM. These units are used regularly at c-store customer locations and emergency spill response events for petroleum support and a variety of industrial and manufacturing accounts. Waste Solutions has many various sized vane vacuum pumper trucks within its arsenal of units. They are not designed for removal of dry materials but can remove heavier sludge material when called upon. Their only limitation is a lower vacuum capability which makes heavier sludge and greater depths difficult, but not impossible. Page 2
SenecaNews August2017 Rotary lobe blower air mover vacuum loaders When it comes to dry material removal such as pea gravel or sand over the tops of tanks, fly ash, small debris and non-flammable materials, our fleet of “Super Sucker” or “Guzzler” wet/dry vacuum air mover loader trucks get the job done. These units are located at our Des Moines, Davenport, Sioux City and Tulsa branch locations. These trucks are powerfully designed to remove a full spectrum of materials from solids and dry bulk powders, to non-flammable liquids, slurries and thick sludge. Waste Solutions utilizes air movers daily for a variety of customers of our own petroleum construction group, removing backfill material to utility and pipeline facilities performing vacuum and hydro excavation. Unlike vane pumper trucks, our air movers have vacuum power ranging from 5,500 to 6,000 CFM at 28 inches of Hg. To put this kind of vacuum power into perspective, a typical shop vac that many of us have in our homes generates only an average 80 to 100 CFM. The debris tank on each truck can hold from 12 to 16 cubic yards of material. Limitations to this equipment includes the inability to transport materials over-the-road and the fact that they are unsafe for the removal of flammable materials, such as fuel. Page 3
SenecaNews August2017 Liquid ring vacuum pump trucks As an alternative to rotary lobe and vane style vacuum pumps where the application is unsuited, the liquid ring vacuum truck is a happy medium between the two, offering both power and top safety applications even in flammable liquid applications. This system is ideally suited for the pickup and removal of liquids, slurries, sludge and even dry aggregate (non ash) type materials. Waste Solutions purchased two new liquid ring vac truck units in the spring of 2017. Each truck is capable of generating approximately 1,600 CFM of vacuum power which is four times the power of the vane pump vacuum trucks. Liquid ring pumps are designed to provide maximum vacuum performance, while increasing safety when working with low flash hydrocarbons. The liquid ring vacuum trucks offer the perfect option for those materials that are just too heavy for a regular vane vacuum pumper truck or when a “Super Sucker” or “Guzzler” rotary lobe air mover is not practical. Liquid ring vacuum loader - “King Vac” When high vacuum capability for wet or dry material is needed in the refinery industry with safety being the highest priority, the “King Vac” is the answer. The "King Vac" was first introduced in 1986 to answer a critical need for a vacuum loader that combined high CFM and deep vacuum but on a safe platform such as what was provided by liquid ring technology. It combines two different loading principles in one very powerful machine. Although the top-end vacuum is peaked at 3,700 CFM and lower than a rotary lobe air mover such as the “Super Sucker” or “Guzzler,” it makes up in versatility and safe applications. In the fall of 2016, a new version of these units was purchased for the Waste Solutions Tulsa branch. It also comes equipped with a 40 GPM jetter unit for cleaning process piping and vessels of various size configurations. Versatility allows Seneca Waste Solutions to offer our customers an array of advanced technology suited for their specific needs. This versatility has allowed us to perform work in all classes of environments and settings. We shall continue to explore new technologies as they become available and not allow ourselves to become complacent nor sacrifice safety when it comes to our employees or customers. Chris D. Biellier, PG Vice President Seneca Environmental Services and Waste Solutions Page 4
SenecaNews August2017 Seneca Sales Chris Haggard in conjunction with Dan Nolan and Adam Davison Remediation Systems We have been an industry leader in building high quality air, soil and groundwater remediation systems since 1993. If your property has been affected by contamination, Seneca’s Remediation division can provide remedial efforts to correct the issue. We are proud to provide custom solutions to solve any number of remedial challenges you may be facing. Our remediation division has an experienced team of OSHA trained engineers, tradesmen, site supervisors and project managers who design, install, build and operate domestic or international remediation systems to help remove any subsurface contamination a property may contain. The pictures below are from a recent project Seneca Companies was contracted to design, fabricate and provide equipment for a multi-phase extraction system at a landfill in Washington. This project included having the systems inspected and certified by MET Labs for UL certification and by the Department of Labor and Industries for the state of Washington. The equipment was installed in 2-8 x 40’ High Cube cargo containers and interlocked to operate as one unit. The equipment included a high vacuum rotary claw blower, custom stainless-steel oil water separator and aeration tank. The control panel was manufactured by Seneca’s UL listed panel shop. Our remediation systems are built for a wide range of applications including the commercial, industrial, government and environmental sectors. With a vast amount of experience, both domestically and internationally, Seneca can offer remediation systems solutions for projects anywhere in the world. Upon completion of approved CAD drawings, our system can typically be delivered between eight and ten weeks. Rental and leasing options for systems are available. Page 5
SenecaNews August2017 Our remediation group has been busy helping clients clean up contaminated soil and groundwater across the United States. The following are some of the recent solutions they have been able to offer: • South Carolina - Provided a 20’x40’ canopy, two 200hp compressors and built a 10’x30’ air metering container to assist with a large pipeline spill. • New York - Provided onsite programming for an aging groundwater treatment unit. • Ohio - Building five 8.5’x30’ vacuum vapor removal and water treatment trailers to assist with UST cleanups. • Indiana - Built a 12’x24’ 30hp vacuum vapor removal and water treatment unit to assist with a UST cleanup. • Arkansas - Built four 10’x20’ pump and treat units to assist with UST cleanups. • Missouri - Built a control panel and provided programming for a new groundwater treatment system. • Iowa - Provided and operated a water treatment trailer to treat 40,000 gallons of petroleum impacted construction groundwater. • Colorado - Built a 5’x9’ soil vapor extraction and air sparge rental trailer to assist with a UST cleanup. • Wyoming - Built a 8’x20’ pneumatic pumping container to assist with bulk plant subsurface fuel recovery. • Washington - Built two 8.5’x40’ vacuum vapor removal and water treatment containers to assist with a landfill leachate removal and off gassing. On the electrical side, our UL panel shop has been building prepackaged power distribution panels for use in new c-store construction. The distribution panels are constructed and pre-wired with all the necessary breakers as well as the required NEC petroleum controls. This has helped our customers streamline their construction schedules. Other benefits to this style of electrical construction include: • Decrease the amount of onsite electrical work. • Receive electrical material discounts due to bulk ordering. • Improve consistency of c-stores’ utility room. • Automate exterior lighting controls so light intensity sensors determine when lights should turn on or off. • Improve safety by including individual dispenser on/off switches which allows service technicians to disconnect all high and low voltage power in one easy lockable switch. • Ensure NEC compliance by including E-stop controls making it possible to remove all power from dispensers and UST pumps with the press of one remote emergency stop button. • Ship directly to the construction site to avoid multiple freight costs and storage issues. Contact Dan Nolan at 515-261-7729 with any of your remediation or process control questions. Chris Haggard Vice President of Sales Page 6
SenecaNews August2017 Environmental Services Division Jennifer Carpenter Are you ready for the EPA’s new rules? In July 2015, the EPA published their UST rule updates with an implementation date of October 13, 2018. Where has the time gone? Have you planned and budgeted for these coming rule changes? Can you afford to wait until 2018 to start testing your sites? Many states are still working to finalize and submit their proposed rules to the EPA and will have implementation dates after October 13, 2018. However, states without EPA state program approval (SPA): Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Wisconsin are subject to the EPA deadline of October 13, 2018. For states without EPA state program approval (the 13 listed above), here’s a recap of EPA’s changes that are already in effect and the additional changes you should be preparing and budgeting for: Already in effect: 1. Tanks and piping installed or replaced after April 11, 2016 must be secondarily contained and interstitial monitoring will be required. This includes new dispensers and installation of under dispenser containment (UDC). 2. Effective October 13, 2015, ball floats can no longer be replaced or used in new installations as overfill protection. Overfill protection must be tested for proper operation at least once every three years with the first test by October 13, 2018. 3. Effective October 13, 2015, regulators must be notified at least 30 days prior to switching to products containing greater than 10 percent ethanol or 20 percent biodiesel, and demonstrate the compatibility of all equipment. 4. Effective October 13, 2015, following repair/replacement of secondary containments and containment sumps, tightness testing must be completed within 30 days. Implementation due in 2018: 1. Emergency generator tanks, airport hydrant systems and field constructed tanks (i.e. previously deferred UST systems) must meet leak detection requirements by October 13, 2018. All new installations after October 13, 2015 must meet leak detection requirements at installation. 2. Spill buckets and containment sumps will be required to be tested at least once every three years with the first test by October 13, 2018 and replacement of “failing” spill buckets and containments will likely be required. Page 7
SenecaNews August2017 3. Monthly and annual inspections will be required for all facilities to check for proper operation and maintenance of UST systems with the first inspection completed by October 13, 2018. 4. All components of the ATG including probes, sensors, leak detectors, alarms and programming will be required to be checked for proper operation annually with the first tests to be completed by October 13, 2018. Spill bucket testing, monthly/annual inspections and ATG system testing will affect all owner/operators whether your facilities are in states with or without EPA state program approval. States that have already implemented spill bucket testing found one out of every three spill buckets will fail. For the complete EPA rule changes go to www.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/revregs.html Jenny Carpenter Compliance and Dispatch Department Manager VISIT store.senecaco.com TO PURCHASE FUEL SYSTEMS PARTS ONLINE. Make sure to register to receive alerts of special pricing or private promotions. Page 8
SenecaNews August2017 Fuel Systems Division Darren Binning Updated service policy Seneca’s mission statement reads: “Seneca Companies will meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. Our employees are committed to treating customers, suppliers and each other with integrity, honesty and respect.” Three days after hiring our new corporate service manager, he asked me the following questions: 1. What is the nature of c-store A’s expectations? Are there different types of expectations, i.e. service, construction and environmental? 2. What factors influence c-store A’s formation of these expectations? 3. How stable are their expectations? Do they change over time? 4. How can Seneca Companies manage expectations to enhance c-store A’s perception of service? 5. What can Seneca Companies do to exceed their expectations? I could answer these with ease and thoroughness, but it made me wonder how many others in our organization could as well. Although I imagine most of Seneca’s employees who have direct contact with the customer could, this exercise reminded me of how important communication and dissemination of information is. Not only must we listen and hear what our customers define as success, but we must explicitly define success to others in our organization. I spend a good part of each day on the phone, reviewing contracts and answering emails but probably not nearly enough sharing customer feedback or expectations with others; feedback which could enhance our ability to meet or exceed customer expectations. This same message applies to both internal and external customers. I’d like to relate this to policy, meaning if our policies are unclear or the customer and supplier don’t understand each other’s processes and systems, there will likely be a breakdown in communication resulting in failure to meet expectations. Seneca recently compiled and revised our service policy. The team compiled existing fragmented policies but also utilized experience and customer feedback to develop our current policy. The desired outcome is to vastly increase our odds of meeting or exceeding expectations by defining expectations. Below are a few sections from our service policy: Call priorities It is imperative that customers prioritize their service calls so Seneca can meet your expectations. The following are Seneca’s default priorities: P1 – En route within four hours and repair completed within 24 hours *First available technician will be dispatched so extended travel charges, expedited parts and overtime may apply* Page 9
SenecaNews August2017 P2 – En route within eight hours and repair completed within 48 hours *Expedited parts and overtime may apply* P3 – Onsite within five business days P4 – Low priority call – will schedule at earliest convenience Call volume and technician availability may affect response and prioritization of calls at any time. Customer portals Seneca has experience with many customer portals (i.e. Service Channel, Big Sky, Service Now, Axxerion, Work Oasis, Cherwell, Verisae, etc.). If customer requires Not To Exceed (NTE) work orders, Seneca requests NTE’s be set a minimum of $750 otherwise our ability to efficiently run the call is reduced. Seneca will do its best to update customer portals and invoice in a timely manner, utilizing our dedicated customer service employee. We ask that our customers do the same by responding to questions, approving/ rejecting quotes and processing invoices. All communication and updates for customers using a portal should be conducted through the portal. Please note, if service calls are dispatched after hours/holidays/weekends through your customer portal, a call must be made to Seneca’s after hours phone number or the call won’t be run until regular hours. Employee safety Seneca has developed and continues to develop policies to ensure the safety of all employees. Certain work our technicians perform requires two technicians which will be invoiced to the customer. Examples include but are not limited to the following: 1. Blowing vent lines down with air. 2. Pulling STP pump. 3. Removing dispensers from islands. 4. Confined space entry of containments. Groundwater policy It is Seneca’s policy that all precautions should be taken to protect our employees, the public and the environment from any threat posed by free product or petroleum contaminated water and to completely and thoroughly comply with all applicable federal, state and local regulatory requirements. Seneca will never pump groundwater or petroleum contact water into a storm sewer or sanitary sewer, oil water separator or discharge to the surface without first doing the due diligence necessary to find out what regulatory party or parties have oversight. Seneca will then seek all the appropriate approvals before any such work is conducted. Warranty policy Seneca will default to manufacturer’s equipment warranty policy. I encourage all of our customers to read it in its entirety here. Darren Binning Vice President, Fuel Systems Page 10
SenecaNews August2017 Corporate News Richmond to serve on Fuel Quality Council Steering Committee Originally posted June 26, 2017 Seneca Companies is pleased to announce Justin Richmond, director of fuel quality, will serve on the Fuels Institute Fuel Quality Council’s Steering Committee. “I am truly excited for the opportunity to represent Seneca Companies on the Fuel Quality Council’s Steering Committee. It not only affords a great opportunity for growth within our scope of business, but for myself to become more well-rounded and educated on the fuel industry as a whole,” said Richmond. “I look forward to acquiring all of the latest news and information within the fuel industry from the committee and passing this information on to my co-workers as well as our customers.” The Fuel Quality Council will study the relationship between diesel fuel quality and modern high-pressure common rail diesel engines, identify possible issues with that relationship and evaluate the viability of potential solutions. The Steering Committee is the governing body of the Fuel Quality Council, managing the budget, overseeing overall operations, contracting with outside research entities and granting final approval to release of findings and reports. “It’s truly an honor for Seneca to be part of this organization and work alongside leaders across various industries that are passionate about addressing issues of fuel quality and how it affects their businesses and industry,” said Chris Biellier, vice president of Waste Solutions and Environmental Services. “Having Justin represent Seneca will give added insight and direction resulting from our experience, technical insight and input as it pertains to the creation of solutions to this ever-increasing issue facing the end users, suppliers and marketers.” Please feel free to contact Justin Richmond at 515-350-8693 or by email at jrichmond@senecaco.com with any of your fuel quality needs. The Fuels Institute is a not-for-profit organization led by a group of diverse stakeholders including fuel retailers, fuel producers, automobile manufacturers, environmental advocates, academics, government entities and others. The Institute delivers comprehensive research and analysis concerning fuels, vehicles and related policy issues with the intention to create a market in which consumers can safely, conveniently and affordably purchase the fuels they need. Page 11
SenecaNews August2017 Corporate News Seneca Companies Waste Solutions division hires strategic account manager Originally posted August 1, 2017 Seneca Companies Waste Solutions division, known for environmental and industrial preventative maintenance cleaning, hydroblasting, wet and dry vacuum truck services, waste transportation and disposal and emergency spill response, is pleased to announce Loyd Phillips’ role in filling the newly created position of Waste Solutions strategic account manager. Phillips comes to Seneca with 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Most recently he served as the director of safety at Willbros Construction, a leader in infrastructure construction for the energy industry. In this capacity, Phillips worked with the clients’ project management teams on all health, safety and environmental related issues where he specialized in building strong client/contractor relationships. “I believe there are many areas where Seneca has incredible potential to expand their business and I’m excited to use my prior experiences to help grow our customer base while continuing to provide excellent service to current customers,” said Phillips. As a strategic account manager for Waste Solutions, Phillips will help carry out Seneca’s vision of growth with industry-focused sales to the midstream energy sector. Phillips will be working out of Seneca’s Tulsa, Oklahoma branch. “Loyd comes to Seneca with a wealth of experience in the oil and gas industry. We believe his experience and ambition will be a very valuable addition to the Seneca team,” said Chris Haggard, Seneca’s vice president of sales. Please feel free to contact Loyd Phillips at 918-240-6302 or by email at lphillips@senecaco.com with any of your Waste Solutions needs. Page 12
SenecaNews August2017 Corporate News Seneca Companies Fuel Systems names new corporate service manager Originally posted August 2, 2017 Seneca Companies, known as an established leader in the petroleum industry from project design and planning to maintenance, service, parts distribution and compliance, is pleased to announce Clif Coker as its new corporate service manager. Coker comes to Seneca with a long history in the petroleum industry, spending 11 years at Murphy USA where he most recently served as its operations maintenance manager. His primary responsibilities as corporate service manager will include maintaining and improving upon corporate policy, processes and safety within Seneca’s Fuel Systems service departments. “We are fortunate to have Clif on the Seneca team. I can already see that he is going to bring a fresh perspective to Seneca’s service department with having the background of being the customer. His numerous contacts and years of experience in the facilities and maintenance business will be of great benefit,” said Darren Binning, vice president of Fuel Systems. “I am thrilled to join Seneca Companies and to bring my understanding of retail customers’ needs to the service department and make Seneca a premier service organization,” said Coker. Ed Rogers previously served as the corporate service manager and will be transitioning to a new role as an account manager and project manager. “Ed has been a huge asset in this role for a long time, demonstrating leadership and extremely hard work ethic. Within the last year Ed was named the Hy-Vee account manager and has managed many other projects as a project manager, in addition to his duties as service manager,” said Binning. With Rogers’ new role as account manager and project manager, he will be supporting some of Seneca’s major customers and handling projects involving the construction of new stores and petroleum remodels, as well as working with customers to upgrade and replace equipment to accept chip cards as the EMV deadline approaches. “The ten years I spent with the service department taught me many lessons that I will utilize in my new role. I am excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, and have no doubt that Clif will do a great job as the new corporate service manager,” said Rogers. “Ed is passionate about his new responsibilities, and Clif’s addition to Seneca will give Ed the opportunity for greater job satisfaction and increased success with his premier accounts,” said Binning. Page 13
SenecaNews August2017 Industry News A message from one of our partners What’s changed since December? In December when Visa pushed out the EMV date from 2017 to 2020, some convenience store operators breathed a sigh of relief and pushed out their plans to upgrade to EMV for three years. Other operators, many of whom were well on their way to upgrading their pumps for EMV, stayed the course. Those taking the second path see an opportunity to gain share by giving their customers a more entertaining and secure fueling experience, while growing their inside sales and reducing their maintenance costs. It’s been over half a year since the Visa and MasterCard announcements on the EMV liability shift. Here’s what’s changed, and why you should revisit your upgrade plans. 1. The first EMV pumps are now processing EMV transactions. Gilbarco announced their first ‘live EMV’ site in June. Industry consensus is that about 50 percent of installed pumps will have EMV capability by the end of 2018, giving consumers plenty of access to EMV payments for fuel. 2. Consumer publications, including USA Today and The Washington Post, are increasingly reporting on the risks to consumers of not using EMV payment and of skimming at the pump. It is highly likely that this coverage will increase over the next year as skimming continues to be a growing issue and consumers awareness of EMV continues to grow. USA Today suggests, “Consumers can try to protect themselves by looking for retailers that have enabled chip-based credit and debit card use on their POS terminals.” 3. President Trump has proposed significant changes to the tax code. If these changes are implemented, the after tax cost of capital equipment may increase by over 30 percent due to the value of depreciation being significantly lowered. Bonus depreciation, currently at 50 percent, will fall to 40 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019 under the current tax rules. Its fate, along with that of Section 179, is uncertain in the new tax proposals. 4. The Fed has increased interest rates three times, with another four increases forecasted by Kiplinger in the next year to 18 months. 5. VeriFone and GSTV announced a merging of their pump TV businesses. Pump TV is now installed on roughly 50 percent of new pumps, and this alliance suggests a continued adoption of this technology. The benefits to your site include the ability to drive customers inside with promotional offers and a differentiated and more entertaining fueling experience. We’ve developed a checklist of considerations for upgrading your site. Download the checklist here. Patriot Capital offers a variety of equipment financing options for c-stores, fuel marketers and jobbers. To get a quick quote, or find an advisor near you, visit the Patriot Capital website or call (877) 527-0383. Brian Wolfgang Midwest Regional Manager Patriot Capital Page 14
SenecaNews August2017 SENECA’S MISSION STATEMENT Seneca Companies will meet or exceed our customers’ expectations. Our employees are committed to treating customers, suppliers and each other with integrity, honesty and respect. CORE VALUES Seneca Companies is committed to: Listening - Understanding the voice of our customers and employees. Continuous Improvement - Change is constant. Accountability - Responsibility for our actions. Teamwork - Multi-divisional teams are essential. Fact Based Decisions - Seeking root cause, not blame. Competitive - Drive to succeed. Safety - Concern for the wellbeing of our employees. Sustainability and the Environment - Concern for the wellbeing of the earth. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: 4140 East 14th Street – Des Moines, Iowa 50313 800-369-5500 Davenport, IA | Oreana, IL | Grandview, MO | South Sioux City, NE Denver, CO | Tulsa, OK | Grand Island, NE | Nashville, TN FUEL SYSTEMS | GENERAL CONTRACTING | ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES | WASTE SOLUTIONS SERVICES REMEDIATION & PROCESS CONTROLS | AUTOMOTIVE & FLEET EQUIPMENT www.senecaco.com Page 15
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