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Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) Secretary Eileen Vélez Vega and Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) Executive Director Karen Correa said that after discovering abnormal levels of water in tanks supplying diesel, the AMA department took concrete actions to investigate the situation affecting service and mitigate the problem that could affect service in the coming days.
Through communication, we learned that AMA has carried out necessary maintenance work according to the established work schedule to ensure the normal operation of all diesel tanks and buses.
“The priority is always to provide efficient services to all citizens; however, law and order agencies have been asked to step in to investigate the current anomalies affecting the system. The CIC and the Puerto Rico Police are working together to identify the cause of the impact on service and have initially identified circumstances that require a more thorough investigation as they confirm that the AMA had no role in this incident and that this situation was due to an outside entity,” the communication reads.
According to preliminary reports, It was confirmed that approximately 400 gallons of water were found in the tank with a maximum capacity of 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel, which was identified by the VEEDER ROOT system itself. This amount of water was inconsistent with rainwater and was detected during routine maintenance in the past.
“In this case, the AMA will implement the advice of companies specialising in such situations to guarantee continuity of service.”” said the DTOP Secretary.
“Our priority is to maintain transportation services for all of our customers. It is important to emphasize that transportation is an essential service that is regulated by state and federal agencies, so any actions that affect transportation will be taken with the utmost care and responsibility. The first step we took was to inspect the unit and ensure it is safe; “In the meantime, a company with the expertise will continue to clean the tank to ensure the vehicle is safe to use.”Correa explained.
To date, the agency has taken corrective actions to mitigate the water-in-fuel issue and ensure the continuity and reliability of AMA vehicle operations:
- All installations must be checked to eliminate any possible presence of water in the fuel tank.
- If water is found in the unit tank, the proper draining process will be performed which includes replacing the fuel filter to eliminate any water that has entered the system.
- Additives are added to the fuel to absorb water.
- This process is mandatory to avoid damage, which is valued at $500,000 per unit, and the damage could be irreversible, causing huge financial losses.
- While this process is taking place, power outages to the unit will be affected.
- The pace at which this work can be carried out will depend on the assistance of joint personnel in the AMA area of operations.
- In addition to all the above provisions, approximately 400 gallons of water identified by the VEEDER ROOT system itself will be stolen as a first step. The tank has a maximum capacity of 20,000 gallons of diesel.
Finally, leaders of both agencies said that although normal service on four routes may be affected, transportation services under the “Call and Trip Program” will be provided normally due to the use of an alternative fuel.
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