Building the Backbone of Energy Distribution
In the heart of America’s energy sector, robust infrastructure is essential to ensuring the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transport of crude oil. Kinley Construction, a nationally respected general contractor in the industrial and civil sectors, has consistently delivered infrastructure that meets these demanding requirements. One standout example is the Price River Terminal project in Wellington, Utah, a prime demonstration of Kinley’s capability in designing and constructing complex energy logistics facilities.
With a reputation built on quality, innovation, and safety, Kinley Construction took on the Price River Terminal project to meet the needs of an expanding energy transport network. This terminal plays a pivotal role in streamlining the delivery of crude oil from the Uintah Basin to broader markets, supporting economic growth while upholding rigorous environmental standards.
Project Overview: Price River Terminal, Wellington, Utah
The Price River Terminal is strategically located in Wellington, a vital logistics hub for crude oil producers in the region. This facility was designed to serve as a critical interchange point for transferring oil from truck transportation to rail, optimizing logistical flow and minimizing transport bottlenecks. The client’s vision was clear: build a facility that would accommodate high-volume crude oil handling, offer operational flexibility, and meet regulatory compliance with environmental safeguards.
Kinley Construction was selected to lead the project due to its proven track record in similar energy terminal builds and its ability to deliver turnkey infrastructure solutions. The result is a state-of-the-art facility that includes high-capacity storage, loading, and vapor recovery systems designed with both efficiency and safety in mind.
Facility Highlights: Key Components of the Terminal
Delivering such a sophisticated project required a holistic approach to facility design. Kinley’s construction scope included several critical systems:
1. Heated 80,000 BBL Crude Oil Storage Tank
This single large tank is designed to maintain optimal temperatures for crude oil, ensuring viscosity and flow consistency necessary for seamless transfer operations. The heating system is critical for crude originating from the Uintah Basin, where waxy oil requires thermal management to remain pumpable.
2. Five-Spot Truck Offload Facility
The terminal includes a five-spot truck offload station capable of accommodating multiple crude oil trucks simultaneously. Each offload bay was equipped with pump and metering systems to facilitate fast, accurate unloading, which is essential to reduce turnaround time and improve operational throughput.
3. Nine-Spot Railcar Loading Rack
To ensure rapid deployment to downstream markets, the terminal features a nine-spot railcar loading rack. This system enables the simultaneous loading of nine railcars, greatly enhancing the terminal’s capacity and reducing delays in crude shipment.
4. Electrical Building and Control Systems
The heart of the terminal’s operation lies in its electrical and control systems. Kinley constructed a dedicated building to house all electrical switchgear, motor controls, and instrumentation panels. These systems ensure safe and reliable operation across the terminal’s mechanical components.
5. Vapor Recovery Combustion System
Environmental stewardship was a central consideration in the terminal’s design. The inclusion of a vapor recovery combustion system helps capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during the transfer and storage of crude oil. Instead of being vented to the atmosphere, these vapors are combusted in a controlled process that significantly reduces emissions.
Engineering and Construction: Overcoming Complex Challenges
Kinley Construction’s approach to the Price River Terminal project involved close coordination between engineering, field execution, and safety teams. The terminal’s systems required precise integration to meet stringent environmental and operational standards.
Innovative Heating Solutions
One of the more unique aspects of this terminal was the heated storage tank, which required a carefully engineered system of heating coils and insulation. Maintaining consistent tank temperatures in all weather conditions was essential to keeping the oil in a pumpable state.
Vapor Management and Safety Compliance
The vapor recovery system was designed not only to reduce emissions but also to ensure compliance with air quality standards set by Utah’s Department of Environmental Quality. The system includes sensors and interlocks to ensure safe operations, especially during peak transfer activity.
Fast-Track Scheduling
With rising demand for oil transport infrastructure, the project was executed on a fast-track schedule. Kinley’s in-house project management team coordinated with suppliers, subcontractors, and local authorities to keep the project on time and within budget, all while meeting high standards for quality and safety.
Regional Impact and Benefits
The successful commissioning of the Price River Terminal delivered wide-reaching benefits to both the client and the surrounding region:
Increased Crude Throughput: The facility dramatically increased the volume of crude oil that can be moved from the Uintah Basin to refineries across the country.
Operational Efficiency: Simultaneous truck offloading and railcar loading capabilities reduce downtime and maximize transport efficiency.
Environmental Compliance: The terminal’s vapor recovery system ensures operations meet or exceed current environmental regulations.
Economic Development: The terminal created job opportunities during and after construction, and its continued operation contributes to the regional economy.
Kinley Construction’s Proven Track Record in Energy Infrastructure
Kinley Construction’s capabilities extend far beyond this single project. The company has delivered energy terminals, bulk storage facilities, rail loading infrastructure, and multi-modal logistics hubs across the United States.
Other flagship projects include:
USD Railcar Unloading Terminal in St. James, LA – A complex rail-to-pipeline crude oil unloading facility designed to handle unit train volumes.
Buckley Oil Bulk Storage Facility in Midlothian, TX – A multi-tank installation used for petroleum product distribution and blending.
These projects share common themes: technical complexity, stringent environmental requirements, and the need for flawless execution. Kinley has consistently delivered solutions that align with client goals and regulatory expectations.
Why Clients Trust Kinley Construction
When choosing a construction partner for high-stakes infrastructure projects, clients look for reliability, safety, and proven expertise.
Kinley Construction delivers on all three fronts:
Certified Expertise: Kinley’s team includes licensed engineers, safety-certified field personnel, and construction managers with deep experience in the energy sector.
Commitment to Safety: The company maintains an exemplary safety record through ongoing training, risk assessments, and adherence to OSHA and industry best practices.
Design-Build Advantage: Kinley’s integrated design-build approach ensures seamless coordination from initial planning through to final commissioning, reducing cost and schedule risk.
Building a Better Energy Future
The Price River Terminal is more than a construction achievement; it’s a cornerstone of efficient energy distribution in the Western U.S. Kinley Construction’s ability to deliver this project from concept to completion demonstrates their unmatched capability in industrial and energy infrastructure.
With increasing demands on logistics networks, clients need a construction partner that not only understands technical complexity but also brings a solutions-first mindset. Kinley’s team has proven that they are ready to take on the next generation of infrastructure challenges, efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
Get in Touch
Looking for a trusted partner to deliver your next energy or industrial infrastructure project?
Contact Kinley Construction today to speak with our team about how we can support your goals with expertise and execution you can count on.
