Self-service fueling has slowly but steadily become the norm at general aviation airports. Pilots are now accustomed to the convenience and freedom of being able to fuel their own plane by themselves—often times at night when there is no staff to man the fueling equipment, or during the busiest hours of the day when there can be a long wait for the fuel truck.
In the last decade, many small to medium-sized airports have finally added aviation fuel cabinets to their facilities to offer these self-serve capabilities. That’s partly because of state and federal grants that help fund these types of upgrades, partly due to demand, and partly thanks to proof that the model works in the first place.
Self-service isn’t new—large, well-funded airports led the charge in testing this model and have had 25+ years to work out the kinks. Now, smaller airports with tighter budgets can reap the benefits without the same costly trial and error. What’s more, aviation fuel cabinets like the kind Acterra manufactures can be tailor made for each airport, allowing them to implement time- and cost-saving features, and eliminate expensive ones that won’t be used.
There’s never been a better time to add self-service capabilities to your airport, or upgrade your old system for added safety and security.
Why add self-service fueling with Acterra Aviation Fuel Cabinets?
Decrease delays and congestion. With easy-to-use self-service fuel cabinets, there’s no need to keep pilots waiting. Keep them moving through your facilities with 24-hour access to fuel.
Reduce staffing costs. Most pilots know how to and are comfortable fueling their planes themselves. And you can’t argue with the convenience! Adding a self-serve fueling station to your airport can reduce staff, hours, and the costs associated with training without cutting back on any of the services you offer.
Increase hours of operation. Self-service means you can stay open longer, even overnight, without the need for additional staff.
Beef up security without adding personnel. Acterra’s aviation fuel cabinets are made with security in mind. Airports can even use their self-service equipment to grant pilots fuel access through Mastercard, Visa or proprietary card systems, limiting the need for extra personnel and saving money in the process.
Make the most of small spaces. Acterra’s aviation fuel cabinets are compact, making them a good fit for airports with a limited amount of storage.
Want to learn more about how Acterra’s custom-made aviation fuel cabinets can benefit your airport? Contact Tony to start a conversation.
If your company needs an equipment overhaul
to bring your business up to speed, or if you’re getting ready for a major new investment,
now is the right time to pull the trigger thanks to this year’s updates to
Section 179.
What
Is Section 179?
Section 179 is an important part of the IRS
tax code that lets businesses deduct the full purchase price of
qualifying equipment (or software) from their gross income.
Qualifying purchases must be made during the
tax year—that means if you’re looking to take advantage of Section 179 this
year, you’ll need to purchase the equipment and get it up and running before
the end of the day on December 31, 2019.
What Kind of Equipment Qualifies
for the Deduction?
Nearly all tangible goods used by your business (at least 50% of the time) are eligible for the Section 179 Deduction. While the list is self-explanatory, there are a few exceptions, especially when it comes to items that are purchased for both business and personal use. (Find out if your equipment qualifies here.)
Qualifying equipment
must be purchased between January 1 and December 31 of the tax year to take
advantage of the deduction. If you tend to lease your equipment, you’re also in
luck—whether
the equipment is new or used, purchased, leased or financed, it still
qualifies.
Limits
and Caps
This year, the total amount you can write off
(the deduction limit) is capped at $1,000,000—but you also have spending caps
to take in mind. For the 2019 year, the maximum amount you can spend on
equipment is $2,500,000 in order to receive a full deduction. Once you surpass
this threshold, the deduction is incrementally reduced until you spend more than
$3,500,000, at which point you no longer receive a deduction.
Bonus
Depreciation
Companies who exceed the Section 179 spending
cap can still benefit this year, thanks to Bonus Depreciation—an incentive that
lets you deduct a percentage of the purchase price the year equipment is
purchased, instead of having to write it off over the spam of the equipment’s
useful life.
This year both new and used
equipment that is new to your company qualify for the Bonus Depreciation
deduction. Even better, this year’s depreciation rate is 100%.
Section 179 limits and incentives fluctuate
from year to year, and bonus depreciation is not always offered. Many years, it
is only offered at 50% or less. That makes this year an attractive time for
c-stores and gas station owners, fleets, UST operators, farmers, manufacturers
and just about business to finally upgrade to new equipment and make new
investments that position themselves to outperform their competition.
Can
My Business Take Advantage of Section 179?
Although Section 179 can help ALL businesses
invest in themselves, it was designed specifically to provide tax relief for
small and medium sized businesses. If your equipment is eligible—that means you
are eligible.
Next
Steps
Plug some numbers into Section179.org’s
Deduction Calculator to get an
idea of the savings your company will see.
Consult with your accountant or
financial advisor to discuss how Section 179 deductions will factor into your
purchasing strategy now, and in the future.
If you’ve been holding off on
making a big equipment purchase, there’s still time to take advantage of this
year’s Section 179 benefits. Contact X at
Acterra and let’s talk timelines, budget and how to make it happen.
Spills happen. Spills that occur during fuel delivery are a frustrating, yet common occurrence for underground storage tank (UST) operators.
As the owner of a UST, you are responsible for keeping your tank in good working order to mitigate any damage that might occur as a result of these spills. That means you’ll need to conduct periodic testing of your spill containment system and its individual components to keep the environment around you protected.
One part of your tank that will need routine testing is your spill bucket—the workhorse of your spill containment system.
Why your spill bucket needs your attention.
Spill buckets are an important line of defense for catching small drips and spills that happen when a fuel delivery hose connects and disconnects from your tank.
While a spare drip here or there might not seem like a major deal, the Iowa DNR estimates “Only one gallon of fuel leaking each week from a poorly maintained spill bucket can result in up to 195 tons of contaminated soil in a year.” In other words, the drips add up.
Spill buckets are frequently singled out by the DNR as being one of the most common sources of UST violations. They even go as far as saying that spill buckets are “often the weak link in the UST system leak prevention.”
Take a moment to consider the wear and tear they endure from frequent tight fill connections, and the stress that comes from exposure to rough winter weather conditions. It’s no wonder most spill buckets have such a short life span and need either significant repairs or replacement after less than 10 years in use!
Tests are mandatory—but you still have options.
New EPA regulations require you to test your spill bucket at least once every three years. Currently Iowa regulations require testing at install and when a bucket is replaced.
It is always recommended that you test your spill bucket according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. In most instances, there are two methods you can use to test your spill bucket—a “lake” or hydrostatic test, or a vacuum test.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic or “lake” testing is the most common way of testing the integrity of your spill bucket, mostly because this method can be performed without any specialized equipment or personnel. But while lake testing is easy to perform, it can be time-intensive, and if a leak is detected in the spill bucket, a lake test won’t tell you where the problem is occurring—only that you have one. That means more likely than not, you’ll need additional testing to get to the bottom of your issue.
To perform a lake test, the spill bucket is filled with water, and the water level is noted. After a period of time (usually 1 hour or more), the water level is remeasured and compared with the original measurement. If the water level is observed to have dropped during the course of testing, the spill bucket is considered to have failed the test.
Vacuum Testing
Vacuum testing is more accurate and quicker than hydrostatic testing and is generally considered the best method. With this approach, a seal is placed over the spill bucket, and a vacuum is used to detect leaks at the source.
Since vacuum testing calls for special equipment that requires training to operate, it also requires many USTs to hire an outside service provider to conduct the testing.
While it may call for the use of outside personnel, vacuum testing your spill bucket gives you the benefit of working with experienced professionals who can sometimes make repairs on the spot, eliminating the need for follow-up visits and additional tests.
As an added benefit, an outside company can help you make sure you’re conducting your tests in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and help you determine your best course of action should your spill bucket fail the test.
Acterra can help you test, inspect and repair your spill containment system to stay on top of government regulations and industry standards. Our service contract program helps teams expand their resources, capabilities and expertise. To learn how we can help your facility, contact our Service Coordinator, Lisa Opsahl or call 800.289.7371×122.
In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated regulations surrounding underground storage tank (UST) facilities for the first time since 1988. The new rules, which affect nearly every UST facility in some way, were put in place to prevent and better detect leaks and releases. While most of the rules have been in place since 2015, a few of the major requirements included in the new regulations won’t go into effect for a majority of facilities until October 13, 2018—a deadline that is fast approaching.
What Goes Into Effect on October 13?
Operator Training – In addition to designating a Class A and Class B operator at your facility to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of equipment, you will need at least one Class C operator on site at all times who is trained to respond to emergency spills.
Walkthrough Inspections – Once a month, you will be required to conduct a walkthrough inspection of your facility to check your release detection equipment and spill prevention equipment. Additionally, you will need to conduct an annual inspection to check sumps for damages, leaks and releases. You will also be responsible for maintaining records of each walkthrough for at least one year.
Overfill Prevention Equipment Inspections – Once at least every three years, you will be required to inspect your overfill prevention equipment to ensure that it activates at the correct level in your tank. You will need to maintain inspection records for a minimum of three years.
Spill Prevention Equipment & Containment Sump Testing – Unless you use double-walled spill containment equipment that is periodically monitored (in most cases, every 30 days), you will need to test your spill prevention equipment every three years to make sure it’s liquid-tight. Again, you’ll need to keep records of the tests for three years. If your system does not require testing because your equipment is monitored, you will be responsible for maintaining those records to prove the integrity of your system.
Release Detection Equipment Testing – All electrical and mechanical components of your release detection equipment must be tested annually. This includes automatic tank gauges, probes and sensors, leak detectors, vacuum pumps and pressure gauges, and hand-held sampling equipment. Detailed records should be kept for at least three years.
Acterra Helps You Stay Compliant
Acterra helps operators around the country inspect, test and repair their UST systems to stay compliant with the latest regulations and industry standards, in addition to other maintenance services. Our service contract program helps teams expand their resources, capabilities and expertise. To learn how we can help your facility, contact Lisa Opsahl at lopsahl@acterragroup.net or call 800.289.7371×122.
Acterra was featured in the April 2018 edition of Business View Magazine, an executive business journal covering industry trends and the latest developments in manufacturing, construction, energy and logistics.
In the article, President Tad Cooper discusses how the company has evolved since his grandfather started Acterra in 1958, and the importance of diversification and customer service in growing the business
“We’re customer driven. Why do my customers stay with me? Service—that’s the most important thing; to keep their operations up and running. If our equipment is down, we need to make sure it’s maintained. We know that in the fuel business, if they’re not pumping fuel, they’re not happy. So, we try very hard to keep repeat customers happy.”
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Gas station pumps have been one of the last outlets to integrate EMV chip payment technology, but not because business owners don’t see the value.
Many pumps in use today are more than 10 years old and weren’t built with the flexibility to adapt to new forms of payment, meaning owners need to make serious updates to their equipment—or replace it altogether—if they want to be EMV compliant. For businesses that choose not to comply, they risk being held liable for fraud and data theft, which can easily exceed the costs of bringing their payment system up-to-date.
The Growing Threat of “Skimmers”
Credit card skimmers—devices that scan and copy a card’s magnetic stripe—present a real threat to both consumers and business owners. Thieves can attach skimmers directly to payment processors or insert them internally so they’re out of sight—a process that can be completed in a matter of seconds. Additionally, these crooks place hidden cameras nearby, or use keyboard overlays to collect the personal identification numbers of debit card users, giving thieves direct access to the money in their bank accounts.
In a single day, one skimmer can steal data from 30-100 cards, stealing thousands of dollars from customers and exposing their financial data.
To combat the frequent use of skimmers and other types of fraud, credit card companies adopted EMV technology—a more secure option that uses computer chips to create unique transaction codes, replacing the traditional magnetic stripes found on cards. In late 2015, fraud liability shifted, allowing customers to seek reimbursement for fraudulent charges from merchants that aren’t using EMV-compliant equipment.
Staying Compliant
In late 2016, major credit card companies gave gas pumps a special break, extending the deadline for EMV compliance to 2020. While this may seem like a good thing for owners who need more time to make updates to their equipment, it comes with a serious caveat: outdated pumps are sitting ducks for data thieves.
Thankfully, a new generation of pumps are made with flexibility and scalability in mind, so equipment can adapt more easily to new payment types, security threats and industry regulations.
The Wayne iX Pay™ Secure Payment Platform
Wayne iX Pay is one of Acterra’s most sophisticated and trusted payment platforms. We like its modular design, which makes it compatible with most current Wayne dispensers. For older, legacy models and third-party dispensers, iX Pay can be retrofitted with a special kit when replacing the fuel dispenser isn’t an option—a cost effective solution that still allows merchants to enhance their management, maintenance and security capabilities.
In terms of security, iX Pay is built to protect customers’ financial data from credit card skimmers at the pump. It features a full-travel keypad that deters thieves from using keyboard overlays to collect PIN numbers. It also includes tamper response mechanisms that guard against unauthorized access to the dispenser door—an important feature for deterring hidden skimmers.
The iX Pay EMV series also offers a hybrid card reader that accepts both chip cards and those that rely on a magnetic stripe, encrypting customers’ data upon swipe. This allows businesses to serve customers who don’t yet have an EMV chip on their cards, while still offering protection against fraud.
Is your payment system up-to-date?
Take fraud protection seriously and guard your equipment from credit card skimmers. Talk to one of our regional Acterra fueling systems specialists to start a discussion about your options and create a plan for becoming EMV compliant by 2020.
When it comes to the performance of asphalt, proper storage is critical.
A customized storage tank system built to handle the needs of your business is the best way to ensure a consistent, quality product that customers can rely on.
Building a new system from scratch is a big undertaking, and just like any new construction product, there’s room for error. But thorough planning can minimize or eliminate delays and setbacks that cut into your budget.
Before you move from the planning to execution phase of your next asphalt storage project, answer the following questions to help you stay on track:
1. What rules and regulations am I obligated to follow?
Failing to understand the local, state and federal rules surrounding not only the storage of asphalt—but the other materials used in the process, like oil used for heating emulsions—is an easy way to derail your project and cause unnecessary headaches.
Unfortunately, rules vary greatly from state to state—even city to city.
Do your due diligence to find out what potential environmental regulations, OSHA standards, and state and local zoning and fire district requirements you will need to follow.
As your tank manufacturer, Acterra uses our expertise to help you understand these rules, and takes them into account during the planning process so there are no surprises come inspection time.
2. What environmental factors should I consider when customizing my tanks?
To minimize heat loss—and profit loss—tanks and pipes should be insulated accordingly to take into account weather extremes. Asphalt storage facilities in the Midwest and other cold areas of the country, for example, will want a fully insulated tank, preferably insulated with fiberglass, as well as insulated piping. Multiple temperature sensors throughout your tank will help reduce errors and improve the accuracy of your measurement.
3. What is your plan for managing the tanks?
Everyday tasks like monitoring and adjusting the temperature of your asphalt are essential to the integrity of the product—and usually one of the biggest operating expenses. If you plan to use heat transfer fluids to heat your emulsion—the now industry-standard option—do you have a plan to maintain them to prevent blockages and clogging?
To make it easier for employees to monitor and manage inventories, consider add-ons like radar level gauges, external temperature gauges, power operated valves, and an actuator that allows them to mix with prevision speed and force.
You should also remember compliance and testing requirements when planning your set-up, and make sure it’s easy for employees to gather quality samples at any time of the year. An optional sampling value can come in handy when it’s time to test the product.
4. How will my needs change in the future?
If you plan to expand your business in the future, consider how your layout could either help or hinder your plans. Will your setup easily allow you to add new tanks or adapt to future technologies? Talk to Acterra about your future needs to create a system that provides the right amount of flexibility for your business.
Our Government Division was mobilized on Sunday, July 23rd to Minot Air Force Base in Minot, ND, where we provided emergency replacement services to permanently repair a non-functional emergency fuel shut off (e-stop) electrical circuit for their Hydrant Refueling System during a scheduled flight line shut down. The circuit included approximately 30,000 linear feet of stranded wire. The urgent work was completed in eight days—before the flight line reopened.
Our Work
We began by removing the existing conductors. We then cleaned out conduits using compressed air and removed debris from man holes and hand holes. Next, we installed three new conductors and terminated all E-stops (12 total) through a series circuit. We also waterproofed all splices in man holes and hand holes.
Government Services
Acterra has extensive experience working with government agencies to complete projects ranging from design-builds to critical electrical repairs like this. As a full-service contractor, our government clients can rest easy knowing we understand the unique requirements, terminology and regulations needed to complete their project on time and on budget.
The Eastern Iowa Airport contracted with Acterra Group to update their general aviation aircraft fueling system. The new self-service system, to be completed in August 2017, will allow pilots to fuel their aircraft without involvement of the airport’s fixed base operator.
Aviation Fueling Systems
Acterra’s experience constructing and servicing aviation fueling systems allowed us to complete this project within the client’s strict timeline. Additionally, since we build and mount our systems in our manufacturing facilities here in Iowa, we were able to easily ship and deploy the system in the most cost-effective manner.
Learn more about Acterra’s fleet and fuel systems here.
The Acterra Group is happy to announce that Tad Cooper is assuming a new role as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company, effective August 1, 2017. Mr. Cooper will be responsible for marketing, sales, commercial development, and all Acterra Group operating divisions. Terry Cooper, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will continue to be fully involved, on a daily basis, providing leadership and direction in the affairs of Acterra.
Tad Cooper is a 25-year veteran of the petroleum equipment, energy services, and commercial development industries. He is currently a Board Member of Heritage Bank in Marion, Iowa and Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Spill buckets
The Wayne iX Pay™ Secure Payment Platform
The Acterra Group is happy to announce that Tad Cooper is assuming a new role as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company, effective August 1, 2017. Mr. Cooper will be responsible for marketing, sales, commercial development, and all Acterra Group operating divisions. Terry Cooper, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will continue to be fully involved, on a daily basis, providing leadership and direction in the affairs of Acterra.