Blue Ocean Planning
Final Report
March, 2017
Contents
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Executive Summary
 Purpose
 Overview of Approach
 Conclusions
Study Summary
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Site Visits
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Location Assessment:
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Observations
Ops Center Location Benchmarking
Location Model (Based on Meter Locations)
Location Model - Enhanced (Based on Meter & Gas Main Locations)
Construction Office Coverage - Initial & Enhanced
Review Approved Spoil Yard Sites
Strategic Site Assessment Ratings
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Purpose of Study
Before investments are made in the facilities…
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Identify whether CPA has the right number of
facilities in the right locations to effectively
support field operations.
Provide some preliminary feedback on the
facility size, suitability, and other
considerations for subsequent long range
facility planning.
Overview of Approach
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No major changes in operations are anticipated
An iterative approach was used to perform this study
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Locations were benchmarked (travel time to customers vs.
other utilities)
Initial Location Assessment of overall service area
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Enhanced Location Assessment of SW PA area
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Operations
Construction Offices
Operations
Construction Offices
The field operations HQ sites were visited
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Observe the range of conditions
Assess “strategic facility ratings” and identify potential opportunities
Conclusions
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About the right number of Operation Centers &
MODS in good locations
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Two could be eliminated with minimal travel time
increase, but feasibility of appropriate facilities in
needed locations is questionable.
Some facilities need refresh or rebuild.
Construction offices are well located for the
expected pipe replacement program
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Replacement work in outlying areas can continue to
be managed from local Operations Centers/MODs.
Conclusions
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Wide variation in facilities between old and new…
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Condition: some are very tired, with deferred maintenance,
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Need planned capital renewal
Substantial variation
in space (GSF/person)
at Ops Centers and
MODS
Overall facility plan
needs to address
space and condition
STUDY SUMMARY
Observations from Site Visits
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There is a wide range of size & quality among facilities.
Strategic Site Assessments are documented below
Location Benchmarking
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This study compared travel time from CPA’s existing
field HQ locations (to customers) with set of national
electric/gas utilities
CPA has favorable
Travel times by
using the MOD
approach
CPA
The report:
Initial Location Assessment
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An initial location assessment performed (next slide)
Various data about the facilities was reviewed:
 CPA has smaller facilities than most gas companies
The report:
Initial Location Assessment - Operations
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Entire service area evaluated
Work forecast based only on meter distribution
Initial Location Assessment - Construction
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Initial screening based on average Pipe Risk rating
Enhanced Location Criteria
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Data on location and type of gas mains was
used to refine the location analysis
Total LF main considered for maintenance
(along with meter density)
Total LF non-plastic
main considered for
risk and
replacement work
Enhanced Location Assessment
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Focus on Southwest PA
portion of service area
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East and far north are
geographic “islands” and
site visits did not identify
much opportunity
Further evaluate potential
opportunities from initial
assessment
Enhanced work forecast
was based on mix of:
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1/3 meters
1/3 main
1/3 weighted pipe risk
Enhanced Location Assessment –
Construction Offices
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“Optimum” locations
are slightly different
than current
 Net travel
difference not
significant enough
to relocate
Continue managing
rural project work
from operating sites
Enhanced Location Assessment - Operations
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Two sites could be eliminated with little travel time
impact (if facilities can accommodate)
No other opportunities of value
Enhanced Location Assessment - Operations
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“Optimum” locations
are slightly different
than current
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Alpine Point "should" be
consolidated into Horning
Road in Bethel Park area
– not believed to be
physically or financially
feasible.
Net travel value not
significant enough to
relocate other sites
Spoil Operations Also Need a Plan
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There are several areas where spoils yard or contracted
spoil management will be needed to avoid long drives.
Spoil Management
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Where a “permitted” spoil yard is not available, consider
contracting the spoil management
Strategic Site Assessment Ratings &
Recommended Action Plan
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Sites were visually assessed for:
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Location – general location; includes a if confirmed by
location model
Design Suitability – layout supports effective operations
Condition Rating – physical condition of building and site
Utilization – how well used is the facility
OpEX Rating – relative cost of facility operation
Observed Risk – noted if any observed
A recommended action is identified for each
facility
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Potential projects to be evaluated identified in appendix
Strategic Site Assessment Ratings
Continued…
Strategic Site Assessment Ratings
Next Steps for CPA
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Develop Space Planning Templates
Identify where further assessments are warranted
 Condition
 Perform feasibility studies of identified
consolidation opportunities and relocate/rebuild
options:
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Identify available real estate,
Perform fit test,
Assess financial feasibility
Develop Investment Plan by Site
 Capital (Improvements & Renewal)
 O&M budget
APPENDIX
Horning Road
Good location
 Leased
 Tired
 Too small
RECOMMEND:
 Develop a larger facility
 Relocate some field
crews from Alpine Point
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Washington
Good location
 Owned/leased
 Worn out
RECOMMEND:
 Tear down & rebuild or
find new suitable site
nearby
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Neville Island
Good location
 Leased
 Not enough site area
to park trucks; not
fenced
 Needs major refresh
RECOMMEND:
 Find new suitable site
nearby
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New Bethlehem/Emlenton
Major rebuild/refresh
both or consolidate
 Owned
RECOMMEND:
 Upgrade both or find
new suitable site near
the center
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Uniontown
Good location
 Leased
 Poor layout
 Planning for
additional staff
 Needs major refresh
RECOMMEND:
 Find new suitable site
nearby (or evaluate office
renovation in combination
with Charleroi)
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