The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant recently changed start-up team management to allow the plant’s start-up manager to more closely focus on top-level systemization oversight.

“As we have fully moved into systemization, we need specific focus and oversight in certain areas, just as you would when you move from construction to occupancy of a new building,” said Bob Kistler, start-up manager, AECOM. “This planned change allows us to more effectively manage the many functions we are performing toward start-up of this complex facility.”

Three AECOM employees have been designated as direct reports to Kistler – Chris Dunaway, special projects manager; Scotty Conner, equipment testing manager; and Ralph Thornton, engineering interface/documentation manager.

AECOM is the Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass joint-venture teaming subcontractor responsible for the systemization, operation and maintenance of the Blue Grass plant.

Dunaway is responsible for special projects work to include pipe flushing and testing and oversight of temporary resources. Conner is handling start-up team equipment testing and direct reports from start-up supervisors. Thornton is responsible for start-up interface to Engineering and start-up documentation to include test documents and standard operating procedures.

“It is important we have the right level of span and control as we move toward more work that we are responsible to perform,” said Ron Hawley, assistant plant manager, AECOM. “At this point in the project, start-up is the critical path to getting this facility into agent operations and every day counts.”