New Orleans ACM Phase 6 Special Projects
The New Orleans Fuel Facility (NOFF) has engaged Argus Construction Management (ACM) to deliver turnkey solutions supporting infrastructure improvements at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Serving as Construction Manager and General Contractor, ACM is executing this work as a design-build project in collaboration with Argus Consulting’s design practice.
These projects strengthen fire protection systems, modernize fuel infrastructure, restore stormwater containment integrity, and stabilize critical hydrant and load rack systems—all while maintaining operational continuity at one of the Gulf Coast’s busiest aviation hubs.
Execution of this work requires continuous coordination with active fuel operations, sequencing construction activities, and strict compliance with safety and environmental requirements.
Stabilized Critical Fuel System Infrastructure
Truck Rack Main & Hydrant System LPD/HPV Pit Replacement
Unstable soil conditions caused settlement and displacement in service pits along both the truck load rack fuel main and the dual 12-inch hydrant transmission main, impairing high-point vent (HPV) and low-point drain (LPD) functionality.
This project included the repair, realignment, and stabilization of service pits to restore proper venting and drainage performance.
To facilitate this work, ACM demolished existing fiberglass pit structures and associated housekeeping pads.
ACM stabilized and rebuilt these service pits to restore proper venting, drainage, and system integrity across the fuel distribution network serving MSY aircraft operations.
Modernized Stormwater Containment Infrastructure
Load Rack Containment Drainage System Replacement
The truck load-rack containment drainage system previously discharged into a 10,000-gallon underground stormwater tank (UST) with an interior coating that had exceeded its service life. Due to the removal of the UST effluent pump, the system required manual drainage using portable equipment.
This project included the removal of the existing UST and all associated piping, controls, slab, bollards, and pump systems. A temporary aboveground stormwater tank (AST) was installed to maintain operations during construction.
A new reinforced concrete containment basin has been constructed, complete with access improvements, aggregate surfacing, signage, and security fencing. The system is tied into the existing oil-water separator to restore automated drainage functionality, enhance environmental protection, and improve long-term maintainability.
Upgrading Fire Protection System
Fire Water Tank Installation & Fire Pump System Enhancement
Due to reduced parish water supply pressure, the existing system no longer provided adequate fire protection coverage for four vertical jet fuel tanks at the MSY fuel farm. A new dedicated fire-water solution was designed and constructed to restore full code-compliant protection.
The project included the installation of a 106,000-gallon bolted-steel fire-water storage tank and an upgraded 1,500 GPM, 130 PSI fire pump system with jockey pump and controller. The scope also included associated piping, controls, and power infrastructure required to support reliable fire suppression performance.
EPA-Compliant Fire Suppression System Modernization
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to Fluorine-Free Foam (FFF) Conversion
The MSY fuel storage facility previously operated two independent AFFF systems - one serving four jet fuel storage tanks and one dedicated to the remote truck loading station. In response to updated EPA regulations limiting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), both systems are being converted to Fluorine-Free Foam (FFF) to maintain regulatory compliance.
This project includes safe recovery and containment of existing AFFF, removal of obsolete foam equipment, and installation of new FFF-compliant bladder tanks, proportioning piping, valves, and certified discharge devices. All systems will be tested and commissioned in accordance with applicable local and national standards, with all liquid and solid wastes managed for proper off-site disposal.
Expected Completion: August 2026
Delivering Aviation Fuel Infrastructure Excellence at MSY
Through the Phase 6 Special Projects Program at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Argus Consulting and Argus Construction Management are reinforcing critical aviation fuel infrastructure — enhancing fire protection systems, ensuring environmental compliance, modernizing stormwater containment, and restoring fuel transmission reliability.
This multi-scope program demonstrates Argus’ ability to deliver complex fuel facility construction and infrastructure upgrades within active airport environments — safely, compliantly, and with minimal disruption.
