Jos Wolke, terminal manager at IMTT-Geismar, a terminal that provides storage handling and packaging services of chemicals, said that although installing a hybrid video surveillance system was “slightly more expensive” at the time of installation, “a networked video system makes future expansion of the system more cost effective.”
And the facility has the potential to grow. Completed in 2008, the facility now includes 34 tanks with a combined volume of approximately 800,000 barrels and a drumming facility with nearly 80,000 square feet of storage space. Approximately 36 Pelco cameras are stationed at strategic points along the facility’s perimeter, some mounted on light poles and on the sides of buildings. These cameras enhance the security and safety of the facility and reduce liability. For example, site personnel uses the system to monitor for slip-and-falls.
“In addition to security functions, the camera network is also utilized for operational and safety surveillance of loading racks, pump platforms, weight-scales, etc.,” Wolke said. “Our security challenges are in line with most other industrial facilities at the waterfront: surveillance of the perimeter fencing, surveillance of the gates and an efficient access control system.”
When it comes to video, Siemens’ Greg Domingue said it makes sense for large plants like IMTT to chose a hybrid or IP system because they can add cameras as needed and not have to “run additional lines from camera back to the DVR.”
But it is important to get IT involved in the discussion as soon as possible, he said. “When you are talking to the plant manager they are talking about bells and whistles of the plants and production processes but not much about security per se,” Domingue said. “You have to try to get the IT people involved as much as possible.”
As the terminal was being constructed, IMTT worked with Siemens Building Technologies’ security division to develop an integrated solution that would also help the facility comply with TWIC and Maritime Security rules enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. Compliance included the installation of an access control system to track who is on site at any given time. Wolke said IMTT worked closely with Siemens to ensure that the pre-determined Coast Guard requirements were met.
The fact that the facility was being built from scratch was a benefit when it came to the access control installation as “starting from scratch gave us the opportunity to specify card readers, which are compatible with the TWIC card technology,” Wolke said.
