City of Loveland Fueling Facility Installation Project: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Refined Fuels
Call a CGRS Expert:
800.288.2657
Cory Kahler
Alternative Fuels Manager
Mobile: 720.537.9387
In the ever-evolving landscape of alternative fuels, municipalities and private companies are working to provide cost effective solutions while minimizing their environmental footprint. The City of Loveland is an excellent example of this vision. They have taken huge strides to diversify their fleet and embrace sustainability through the incorporation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.
In 2021, the City of Loveland began the transition from diesel to CNG-powered vehicles, kickstarting a plan to gradually replace their conventional fleet. However, the absence of existing CNG refueling stations within the city limits meant they would have to temporarily refuel about 30 miles outside their borders. The City developed plans for a state-of-the-art fueling facility within the city itself.
Turning Vision into Reality
The City’s plan was to upgrade their existing fueling station and add CNG fueling to that same facility. And this is where CGRS came into the picture. Our proven history with Fuel System Design and Alternative Fuels expertise made us an ideal candidate to offer innovative solutions for this project.
The Project
The project progressed in several phases, commencing with CGRS’s Environmental Team removing the old fueling system infrastructure. Next, the Alternative Fuels Team took charge, starting with backfilling the holes left by the previous system. They then began the ground-up design-build process which involved civil dirt work and the installation of above ground fuel tanks for refined fuels and CNG. They meticulously graded the site, executed necessary concrete work, and installed both ASTs (Aboveground Storage Tanks) for refined fuel and CNG compression equipment for heavy-duty vehicles.
The Benefits of CNG
CNG reduces vehicle maintenance costs and stands as a more environmentally friendly fuel option. When you compare the carbon emissions from CNG with those associated with burning diesel, the numbers are significantly lower. This makes CNG more cost-effective over time, despite the initial capital investment. The benefits extend beyond cost savings, aligning strongly with Loveland’s sustainability goals.
A Hub for Loveland’s Fleet Services
The site of this new fuel island now serves as the hub for all of the City’s Fleet Services, accommodating various public utilities; from buses to multi-use city vehicles. It is also CGRS’s first alternative fuels project with the City of Loveland. Our ability to offer a comprehensive turnkey solution for this project by combining both alternative and refined fuels expertise under one roof is one of the things that sets us apart from the competition. Having the opportunity to work with the City of Loveland to highlight this was an exciting one for our team, and we look forward to expanding this type of work in future projects.
A Glimpse into the Future
It seems clear that more businesses and municipalities will follow suit when it comes to embracing the addition of vehicles utilizing alternative fuels in their fleets, which means that we expect to see the demand for hybrid fueling stations expand considerably. CGRS’s team of experts anticipates ongoing outreach efforts, to provide further education on the benefits of alternative fuels. This vision aligns with the growing global push for cleaner-burning vehicles. The future holds promise for continued progress in surrounding alternative fuels like CNG, locally and beyond Colorado.
The City of Loveland’s Fueling Facility Installation Project serves as an excellent example of the benefits of innovation and forward thinking, highlighting the transformative potential of alternative fuels in modern construction. With each milestone achieved, it paves the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
