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CHEVRON RNG/CNG STATIONS – The Quest for a Cleaner Tomorrow
March 12th, 2024 by Fiedler Group
One day, Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) will help reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies and a pioneer in the clean energy transition through relationships with partners to drive innovation such as developing a process where compressing RNG creates Compressed Natural Gas or CNG.
RNG is biogas produced from multiple sources, including livestock waste, landfills, wastewater sludge, food waste and other organic waste operations. RNG’s multi-uses which include for electricity generation, heating and cooking, bioplastics, and vehicle fuel can help improve local air quality and greenhouse gas reductions and reduce agricultural methane release in the atmosphere. Chevron works with its partners in the United States to convert methane from cow waste into RNG, which the U.S. and California classify as an advanced biofuel for transportation, for use in heavy-duty vehicles.
CNG stands out as an environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel fuels. Its adoption contributes to a reduction in harmful emissions and eliminates the risk of groundwater contamination. By compressing natural gas (methane) to less than 1% of its original volume, CNG has gained traction among both commercial and non-commercial vehicle users.
Chevron continues to expand access to low-carbon fuels for heavy-duty vehicles by establishing a network of 30 CNG stations in California by 2025 and highlighting the Company’s commitment of producing 40,000 million BTUs of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) daily by 2030.
Given their extensive experience with both CNG and LNG, Fiedler Group was contracted by Wayne Perry Inc (WPI – Chevron’s construction contractor) to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for four groundbreaking projects. Along with WPI, Fiedler Group has played a pivotal role in turning Chevron’s sustainability vision into a reality by delivering a comprehensive range of engineering and project management services, that includes entitlement processing, construction documents, and permitting.
LOST HILLS
Located at 21981 Hwy 46, the Lost Hills project represents the first Heavy Duty Vehicle CNG fueling project that Fiedler Group designed and permitted for Chevron. Fiedler Group provided a full range of design services, overcoming various challenges to bring the project to fruition.
Careful consideration was given to the placement of the CNG equipment compound and fueling canopy to utilize existing entrance and egress driveways, ensuring efficient vehicle flow. Additionally, installing the equipment compound around the existing monument sign while maintaining necessary clearances for system vents demonstrated Fiedler Group’s design expertise and attention to detail.
Construction of the Lost Hills CNG station was successfully completed in December of 2021, adding another milestone to Chevron’s portfolio of sustainable infrastructure developments.
VISALIA
In 2022 Chevron made headlines with the opening of its second CNG station in California. Located at 8835 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, this Chevron CNG station was the result and yet another step toward executing Chevron’s vision. The successful completion of this station was a collaboration between Chevron, Valley Pacific, a prominent fuel marketer in California, Wayne Perry Inc, and Fiedler Group.
The installation of a new compression, storage, and dispensing system was a key component of the project as was navigating the challenges posed by the station’s location in a floodplain. Fiedler Group achieved compliance with building code requirements by designing an elevated electrical area and re-engineered the existing retention pond to accommodate the station’s footprint without compromising its functionality.
The ongoing success of the Visalia station underscores Chevron and its partners’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure development.
MONTEBELLO
The Montebello Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG Fueling Station, located at 601 S. Vail Avenue, was the third station designed and constructed in Chevron’s quest for a cleaner tomorrow.
The path to achieving this vision, however, was not without its share of challenges. The Montebello project found its home on a portion of the existing Montebello Chevron Terminal that lacked power infrastructure, proper drainage and the appropriate ingress and egress. Despite these hurdles, the Fiedler Group innovative design incorporated a new 3-lane fueling canopy and equipment enclosure, optimizing space and functionality.
The culmination of these efforts was marked on September 8, 2023, with the successful completion of the RNG fueling station. This accomplishment signified not only another step forward in Chevron’s commitment to an eco-friendlier future but also a testament to how collaboration between industry leaders, innovative engineering, an experienced general contractor, and a dedication to environmental responsibility can lead to transformative results.
STOCKTON
Building on the successful openings of the Lost Hills, Visalia and Montebello Stations, Chevron opened the Stockton project marking the fourth Heavy Duty Vehicle CNG fueling project that Fiedler Group designed and permitted.
Situated at 1524 S. Fresno Avenue in the City of Stockton, the project once again posed notable challenges including the site’s lack of power and existing natural gas service as well the location of an adjacent drainage pond to the site. Despite these obstacles, Fiedler Group successfully designed a new 2-lane fueling canopy and equipment enclosure, adapting the station to its surroundings while ensuring minimal disturbance to the pond.
Moreover, redesigning the existing entrance and egress driveways to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles posed another challenge, which was adeptly addressed by WPI during the construction phase. Construction of the Stockton CNG station was completed in October 2023, further solidifying Chevron’s commitment to providing sustainable fueling solutions.
CONCLUSION
These projects not only promote clean energy but also exemplify the power of engineering and design in overcoming challenges when bringing this important technology to market. To learn more about how Fiedler Group can service your project needs, please contact us here.
Fueling the Future: The Montebello Project’s Journey to Sustainable Transportation
October 25th, 2023 by Fiedler Group
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of discussions, projects that champion sustainability and innovation deserve recognition. One such project that stands out is the Montebello Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG (Renewal Natural Gas) Fueling Station, located at 601 S. Vail Avenue. The Montebello project is the third of its kind designed and permitted by Fiedler Group and project managed and constructed by Wayne Perry Inc. (WPI) for Chevron. This project not only promotes clean energy but also exemplifies the power of engineering and design in overcoming challenges when bringing this important technology to market.
What is Renewable Natural Gas and Why Does it Matter?
Renewable natural gas, or RNG, is biogas that has been upgraded and placed in the conventional natural gas system. It is produced from multiple sources, including livestock waste, landfills, wastewater sludge, food waste and other organic waste operations. RNG can be used for electricity generation, thermal functions like heating and cooking, bioplastics and vehicle fuel.
As an integral part of its portfolio of solutions, Chevron works with its partners in the United States to convert methane from cow waste into RNG for use in heavy-duty vehicles. One day RNG will help reduce the life cycle carbon intensity of transportation fuels while meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Moreover, RNG is essential for the growth of lower carbon fuel markets and can help reduce the impact of organic wastes.
A Vision for Sustainability
In an era where sustainability and environmental stewardship are keystones to reducing carbon emissions, the Chevron Montebello project emerges as a significant step towards a greener future in transportation. Committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy alternatives, Chevron contracted WPI to design and build the Heavy-Duty Vehicle RNG fueling station. This station will make a substantial impact by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Given their extensive experience with both CNG and LNG, Fiedler Group was contracted to provide Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services for this project. Fiedler Group played a pivotal role in turning Chevron’s sustainability vision into a reality by delivering a comprehensive range of engineering and project management services, that included entitlement processing, construction documents, and permitting.
However, the path to achieving this vision was not without its share of challenges. The Montebello project found its home on a portion of the existing Montebello Chevron Terminal that lacked power infrastructure, proper drainage and the appropriate ingress and egress. Although these deficiencies were challenging, Fiedler Group’s expertise was brought to bear to provide innovative solutions and creative strategies to fulfill Chevron’s sustainability goals.
The culmination of these efforts was marked on September 8, 2023, with the successful completion of the RNG fueling station. This accomplishment signifies not only a step forward in Chevron’s commitment to an eco-friendlier future but also a testament to how collaboration between industry leaders, innovative engineering, an experienced general contractor, and a dedication to environmental responsibility can lead to transformative results.
To learn more about how Fiedler Group can service your project needs, please contact us here.
FIEDLER GROUP MARKS 65TH YEAR WITH GROWTH AND EXPANSION
December 13th, 2022 by Fiedler Group
As landmark anniversaries go, 65 years is significant. It’s not often that companies can claim such an accomplishment. Never satisfied with mainstream status quo, Fiedler Group has spent the last 65 years in a state of growth and renewal building upon the premise of Fiedler-firsts in both design and innovation. Always working to stay ahead of the curve, Fiedler Group has built its reputation by ushering in new designs, pivoting services to meet expanding customer needs, and navigating challenging projects across the nation.
Since celebrating our 60th anniversary 5 years ago, Fiedler Group has witnessed tremendous growth in the alternative energies field, taking on programs and projects from some of the world’s largest and most respected Fortune 100. From Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations to Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) fueling, state-of-the-art Electric EV Charging and Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV) and Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) Hydrogen fueling facilities, Fiedler Group has helped to usher in the next age of fuel offerings for both commercial and public clientele.
Below is a small sampling of projects showing the progression of alternative fuels technology over the last 5 years and how Fiedler Group has been involved.
2017 – Champagne-Urbana Project
Fiedler Group was proud to participate in the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) project to construct a state-of-the-art hydrogen production, storage and fueling station to power hydrogen fuel-cell buses. Trillium contracted with Fiedler Group to design and engineer upgrades to MTD’s facilities with classified electrical, mechanical, and heating systems in accordance with NFPA2 standards with the permanent station producing hydrogen using electrolysis.
MTD operates a fleet of approximately sixteen 60-foot articulated buses, five 30-foot buses, and ninety 40-foot transit buses in the cities of Champaign and Urbana, the Village of Savoy, and on the University of Illinois campus. With successful completion of this project, MTD became the first transit system in the country to operate 60-foot articulated buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
2018 – First Hydrogen Facility for Freight and Port of Long Beach, Shell/Toyota
As part of the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, the California Energy Commission (CEC) awarded $8 million in a joint venture between Toyota and Equilon Enterprises LLC, doing business as Shell Oil Products US to develop the first hydrogen-truck refueling station at the Port of Long Beach. The program was created to aid in the development of hydrogen and electric infrastructure at ports, warehousing, and distribution centers in California, as well as encourage the use of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in and around Long Beach, one of the world’s largest freight hubs.
Fiedler Group provided the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) as well as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) for the first of its kind, hydrogen HDV fueling facility at the Port of Long Beach.
Furthermore, Fiedler Group participated with Toyota in a “live-testing” project for short-haul, zero-emission truck prototypes transporting shipping containers between the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and several freight depots up to 70 miles away.
With the successful completion of this project, Toyota became the first major automaker to enter the fuel cell market for Class 8 vehicles. The Toyota North America team said it decided to focus on a heavy rig truck to some extent because the vehicle could best demonstrate the fuel cell technology while contributing to cleaner air in heavily polluted Southern California.
Fiedler Group was responsible for the site screening, due diligence, site adaptation design and system integration, permitting, project management, and construction management for hydrogen fueling facilities throughout California and in Florida.
2019 – EVgo Project
EVgo and the City of Sacramento celebrated California’s first-ever curbside high-powered charging plaza for electric vehicles. EVgo, the nation’s largest public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging network, joined with the City of Sacramento to celebrate the public opening of California’s first-ever curbside high-powered charging plaza for electric vehicles at Southside Park. Fiedler Group was responsible for the site civil and electrical design, system integration and permitting.
2019 – Citrus Heights Hydrogen Shell Station
In 2019, Fiedler Group was team member with the California Fuel Cell Partnership and Shell Oil® working in partnership with the California Energy Commission, for a seven-station development program in Northern California.
These first-of-their-kind stations brought the latest in Hydrogen Fueling Technology to excited owners of Fuel Cell powered vehicles in the Sacramento and Bay areas. The first of these stations to open to the public was located in Citrus Heights. Fiedler Group provided due diligence, entitlement, design, engineering, obtained permits and construction management for this facility in only twelve months, eight months ahead of schedule.
This Sacramento area project represented the fifth facility that Fiedler Group designed, permitted, and managed construction for Shell. Featuring two fully independent Hydrogen fuel dispensers, this facility was designed to fuel passenger vehicles with some of the most advanced technology available today.
2020 – San Francisco’s First Hydrogen Stations
Fiedler Group designed, permitted, and managed construction of 3 stations offering 100% renewable hydrogen from biogas for Shell Oil as part of a California Energy Commission and California Fuel Cell Partnership.
Equipment and critical technology were provided by NEL Hydrogen® and construction of the new hydrogen fuel station on Harrison Street was provided by Fastech Inc. California and construction of the 3rd Street and Mission Street stations were provided by NCI, LLC. Each location was constructed with two fully independent hydrogen fuel dispensers that can fuel passenger vehicles with some of the most advanced technology available today.
2020 – Iwatani Futurity Projects
Fiedler Group was contracted by Iwatani Corporation of America to perform the multi-site program, Futurity. Fiedler Group services included both FEED and EPC services for six (6) light duty hydrogen fueling facilities located in Anaheim, Corona, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Santa Ana, and Seal Beach, California. All project sites were designed and constructed at existing retail petroleum stations.
As the Engineer of Record for the Futurity Program, Fiedler Group provided design expertise and technical oversight on each project. Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) services included providing preliminary Conceptual Designs to ensure site viability; Entitlement processing including the completion of Site Investigation Reports (SIR) to evaluate capability and capacity for site development as well as barriers to execution; engineering and design sets for permitting and AHJ review; and construction management services, ensuring all sites were constructed to plan.
2020 – So Cal Gas Open New Heavy Duty CNG Fueling Station
In March of 2020, The Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) opened a new Heavy-Duty Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station in Bakersfield, California. Fiedler Group provided the architectural, civil, structural, fuel, and electrical design required for the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling facility and the gasoline/diesel fleet fueling installation.
The new fueling facility was the fifteenth public SoCalGas-operated CNG fueling station to open to the public and exclusively offering renewable natural gas (RNG). RNG is a sustainable fuel made from methane that would otherwise be emitted from landfills, dairy farms, and other waste sources.
2021 – OCTAs Hydrogen Fueling Station Rollout
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) debuted 10 new hydrogen fuel cell buses as well as the nation’s largest fueling station located in Santa Ana, CA. The deployment not only demonstrated the technology capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions but bolstered the push for upgrading current facilities to meet the growing demand of hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), specializing in the development of zero-emission solutions, organized and managed all phases of the innovative project, including the design and production of 10 buses, construction of a high-capacity fueling station capable of servicing up to 50 buses per day, and the upgrade of OCTA facilities to work safely on hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
Fiedler Group was a proud member of the ground-breaking project and was responsible for designing and engineering the upgrades to OCTA maintenance facilities that service hydrogen-powered vehicles. Fiedler Group’s experience in this new and evolving industry has allowed the firm to provide design, permitting, and entitlement services for the development and state-of-the-art construction of alternative fuel facilities as well as to navigate complex regulations and hurdles often associated with this new technology.
2022 – Shell Compressed Natural Gas, Carson
Fiedler Group’s design completion led way to construction of the Shell Renewable Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Site in Carson, California.
Fiedler Group was contracted to provide design, permitting and engineering services for the CNG dispensing station at the existing ethanol loading facility to enable the conversion of seven delivery trucks from diesel fuel to renewable CNG fuel. The CNG dispensing station includes three CNG dispensers, a 20-foot-tall canopy over the dispensers, and a CNG system compound with two compressors, one dryer, and three CNG storage tanks. Furthermore, the CNG facility will be supported by a new 3,200-foot-long natural gas pipeline located on the property.
2022 – Shell Neptune Program
Shell Oil contracted with Fiedler Group for an 18-month program to design and permit a minimum of 15 hydrogen project sites located throughout California. Tasked with completing preliminary, feasibility, and design services, Fiedler Group is working with both Shell and local authorities to add hydrogen services to existing traditional fuel stations or new build sites.
We’ve Come A Long Way…
Fiedler Group’s success is not only credited to the talented staff contributing to each of its projects, but also to the vision of founder Fred Stanton Fiedler. After serving in World War II, Fred went to work for the Union Oil Company of California where he managed the retail construction and engineering department for more than eleven years, completing more than 800 service fuel stations across the Western United States. After Union Oil reached its refinery capacity and no more service stations were commissioned, Fred founded the engineering company that would eventually become Fiedler Group – Fred Fiedler & Associates (FF&A).
In 2002, after working side by side with his father for 20 years, Patrick Fiedler purchased FF&A and in 2004, the firm rebranded itself as Fiedler Group to reflect the growing breadth of engineering and multi-dimensional design services offered.
Patrick Fiedler, Sr. pictured at opening ceremony of first Shell Hydrogen Fuel Station. 
Since inception, FF&A/Fiedler Group has worked alongside our clients designing and engineering innovative concepts into reality. As a leader in fuel station design, Fiedler Group has enabled major petroleum companies to pivot to their customers’ changing needs with the introduction and shifting of full-service to self-service fueling operations, the spear-heading of service solutions to clean air initiatives, answering the call for greater convenience, and the push for alternate fuel design including methanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and hydrogen. Through it all, consumer expectations have been placed in the forefront, and progress pursued.
A great deal has changed within the petrochemical and automotive industries over the decades, but Fiedler Group has remained consistent in its vision: we are dedicated to innovation in engineering and design, and we will continue to evolve along with our client’s needs.
65th Anniversary Week of Events
Fiedler Group marked its 65-Year Anniversary with a full week of corporate events culminating in a celebration at the Castle Green venue located in Pasadena, California.
Founded on the three tenants of Valuing People, Delivering Quality Projects, and Providing Superior Customer Service, Fiedler Group kicked-off the week with team member trainings on the Anatomy of a Project, highlighting key services required to successfully deliver quality projects to our clients.
The week also included various team building events, from joining forces to escape a post-apocalyptic bunker to engaging in friendly teamwork competitions to build and donate military care packages to service members overseas.
Fiedler Group is extremely grateful for the success it has achieved over the last 65 years. We have been privileged to work with interesting clients on leading-edge projects and look to a promising future ahead!
Patrick Fiedler, Sr. pictured with several Fiedler Group alumnae. 
Former colleagues, forever friends.
To learn more about Fiedler Group services and projects, please visit www.fiedlergroup.com.
Fiedler Group Opens Branch Office in Ohio and Welcomes John G. Dzwonczyk, PE, CFPS as Manager and Principal
March 5th, 2021 by Fiedler Group
Fiedler Group is pleased to announce the opening of a second office location in Avon Lake, Ohio, and the appointment of John G. Dzwonczyk as Manager and Principal Civil Engineer for the new location.
Mr. Dzwonczyk holds a master’s degree in Civil Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer in over 40 states. Formerly the President of JGD Associates, Inc., since 1995, Mr. Dzwonczyk has diverse experience in innovative fuel station design and will bolster Fiedler Group’s 60-year business working on service station, petroleum handling and site development projects.
Shell Announces Plan to Open 10,000 New Stations
March 28th, 2018 by Fiedler Group
Royal Dutch Shell plans to expand their business with 10,000 new fuel stations by 2025, targeting China, India and Mexico for more than half of them. Read the rest of this entry »
Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Electric Bus Service Growing in Orange County, California
January 9th, 2018 by Fiedler Group
Since 1991, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has been serving the residents and commuters throughout the 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Read the rest of this entry »
Celebrating Fiedler Group’s 60th Anniversary
May 1st, 2017 by Fiedler Group
2017 marks Fiedler Group’s 60th year anniversary. Over the past six decades, Fiedler Group has seen remarkable changes in the service and engineering industry, while continually implementing innovative solutions to remain on the cutting edge. Read the rest of this entry »
BP and Clean Energy Announce Partnership to Expand RNG Transportation Fueling
March 21st, 2017 by Fiedler Group
Earlier this month BP and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced BP’s intention to acquire Clean Energy’s upstream renewable natural gas business and sign a long-term supply contract with Clean Energy to support the firm’s continuing downstream renewable natural gas business. Read the rest of this entry »
EPA Issues Final Renewable Fuel Standards for 2017 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2018
December 13th, 2016 by Fiedler Group
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the volume requirements and associated percentage standards that apply under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)program in calendar year 2017 for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. Read the rest of this entry »
New Washington Station Expands Clean Energy’s “America’s Natural Gas Highway”
October 25th, 2016 by Fiedler Group
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has opened the latest addition along Clean Energy’s “America’s Natural Gas Highway” in Fife, Washington. Read the rest of this entry »