A new jet fuel system is in place at the Qualicum Beach Airport (CAT4) with assistance from B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP).
The new storage system and dispensing unit is an above ground double-walled containment tank that provides a safe and reliable storage option that safeguards against leakage and environmental damage and expands storage capacity to meet growing needs, according to a news release by the Town of Qualicum Beach.
The replacement of the tank became increasingly urgent last year when the obsolete dispensing system failed and was unable to be replaced. The capacity was also grossly under-performing to meet the demand, which had tripled since its installation 40 years earlier, the release said.
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This prompted town staff to approach the province for assistance outside of a grant cycle.
The town received $159,000 in funding from BCAAP to help cover the $240,000 cost of replacement, according to the release.
Jet fuel is used by critical services such as medevac, wildfire suppression and other emergency services. The airport is also experiencing an increase in traffic, both locally and travelling through, as well as firefighting season seeing the airport serviced by several helicopter companies and the Comox military base.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
