Large-scale capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects in the refining industry are fraught with complexities, particularly when it comes to regulatory compliance. For refinery turnarounds and expansions, ensuring adherence to environmental, safety, and operational standards is critical to project success. Advastar’s Owner’s Engineering services provide the expertise and oversight needed to navigate these challenges, as demonstrated in a recent refinery project in Texas.
The Challenge: Regulatory Hurdles in a Refinery Turnaround
Our client, a major refinery owner/operator in Texas, launched a significant CAPEX project to upgrade their facility and expand processing capacity. The project involved retrofitting existing units and integrating new technology to meet stricter environmental regulations, including updated emissions standards. With an engineering firm designing the upgrades and an EPC contractor managing construction, the owner faced challenges in ensuring all work complied with federal and state regulations while staying on schedule and within budget. They needed a partner with deep regulatory expertise to oversee the project and align stakeholders.
Advastar’s Solution: Expert Oversight and Regulatory Expertise
Advastar stepped in as the Owner’s Engineer, assigning a representative with extensive experience in refinery regulations and CAPEX project management. Our expert served as the central liaison, coordinating between the owner, the engineering firm, and the EPC contractor to ensure compliance at every stage. We conducted thorough reviews of design documents to verify alignment with EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) standards, identifying potential compliance gaps early.
During construction, our team monitored on-site activities to ensure that installations adhered to safety and environmental protocols. For instance, we flagged a potential issue with a new flare system that risked non-compliance with emissions limits. By working closely with the engineering firm to redesign the component, we resolved the issue without delaying the project. Our proactive approach kept regulatory risks in check while maintaining momentum.
The Results: Compliance and Success
With Advastar’s Owner’s Engineering support, the refinery turnaround was completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with all regulatory requirements. Key outcomes included:
- Regulatory Compliance: All designs and installations met stringent environmental and safety standards.
- No Delays: Proactive issue resolution ensured the project stayed on schedule.
- Cost Control: Early identification of compliance risks avoided costly rework.
- Stakeholder Alignment: Our liaison role fostered collaboration and trust among all parties.
Why Owner’s Engineering Matters for Regulatory Challenges
Refinery CAPEX projects demand more than technical expertise—they require a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes. Advastar’s Owner’s Engineering services provide owners with the confidence that their projects will meet all standards without sacrificing efficiency. From Texas to California, we support complex projects across the U.S., ensuring compliance and success.
Ready to tackle regulatory challenges in your next CAPEX project? Contact Advastar to learn how our Owner’s Engineering services can drive your project forward.