upgraded its gas pumps and equipment, and satisfied two Shell initiatives. An international policy called Retail Visual Identity (RVI) rules that Shell service stations around the world look the same for easy identification but according to Shell marketing manager Stanley Marshall, such a look would not comply with Bermuda planning standards. As such, the station was constructed to look similar to its North American counterparts, while retaining its Bermudian flavour. "We had to tone down the gas station (refurbishment) to meet the requirements of local planners,'' he said at the time, adding that architects at Cooper & Gardner created a Bermuda-style canopy for the Somerset service station. Also the Shell Company utilised special safeguards at Robinson's Marina in order to provide total gas containment, automatic in-tank leak testing and gauging as well as continuous leak detection monitoring.

According to the Shell Company of Bermuda Limited, the Shell Group's Environmental Policy is to pursue in its operations progressive reductions of emissions, effluents and discharges of waste materials that are known to have a negative impact on the environment, with the ultimate aim of eliminating them. "We have incorporated all environmental issues pertaining to retail outlets in this station,'' said Mr. Marshall. Health, safety and environment manager David Rose, said Shell has decided to upgrade all service stations with underground equipment, thus allowing them to monitor everything that is going on underground. The storage facilities still consist of steel tanks, but they are now double walled with a six-step armour coating of isophthalic resin and chopped fibreglass. Also, the tanks are now totally isolated electrically and resistant to corrosive soils and/or ground water. Prior to shipment from the US, the storage tanks underwent a test of 35,000 volts over 100 percent of the tank's surface. The process, which was carried out again prior to installation in Bermuda, ensures there are no pinholes or hairline cracks in the coating, he said. The Glasteel tank is warranted for 30 years against failure due to external and/or internal corrosion, cracking, break-up or collapse resulting in tank failure. Mr. Rose also noted that Robinson's Marina now has double-wall piping running from the storage tanks to the pumps. The pressure and suction piping consists of a primary pipe of nylon construction, which is the standard used for all automotive fuel lines, surrounded by a polyethylene multi-layered secondary pipe. All connections are made from inside sump containments, he said. The renovated service station's submersible pumps, dispensers and hose reels are fitted with a sump for collection of any leaking product. And a spill containment manhole is installed at all fill points, which is capable of a five gallon spill and is fitted with a manual push drain to release contained product into the tank. As well, an automatic shut-off valve, which is set to activate at 95 percent of tank capacity, is fitted to all tanks to prevent overfill. Mr. Rose also noted the top-notch automatic gauging and in-tank leak detection devices at Robinson's Marina. He said: "Tanks are fitted with automatic gauges that tell us what's inside of them and conducts an in-tank leak test.'' The Magnetostrictive probe is capable of detecting a leak of 0.1 gallons per hour. As well, all containment sumps are fitted with sensors that can discriminate between water and hydrocarbons. And a discriminating sensor is used to monitor the area between tank walls. There is a control unit both at Robinson's Marina and the Shell Company of Bermuda Limited in which to monitor everything, said Mr. Rose. "So if there's a leak anywhere, first of all, it will be contained and secondly, an alarm will sound to let us know about the problem. It's a very sophisticated containment and monitoring system.'' Shell has also recently purchased a marine spill kit for Robinson's Marina, which contains absorbent pads and clean-up materials to contain and clean up any spills. Robinson's Marina Ltd. is the first retail outlet on the Island to have all of Shell's new equipment. Said Mr. Marshall: "We've tried to conform to the best environmental standards of today.'' The gas flow rate is faster and the gas pump is quieter due to the new submersible pumps, said Mr. Rose. Also the design of the service station has fitted in well with its surroundings.

"Robinson's Marina shows a responsible approach to having a station blend in with the rest of the environment,'' said Mr. Marshall. "And this is especially important because the station is right next to Somerset bridge -- a tourist attraction.'' PHOTO SIMILAR SERVICE STATIONS -- Shell has adapted a policy, which rules that their gas stations around the world look alike for easy identification. The revamped Shell station at Robinson's Marina in Somerset has been designed to look similar to other Shell stations, while retaining a Bermudian flavour MODERN STATION -- The Shell service station at Robinson's Marina provides everything to make your outing a successful one -- whether by land or sea, offering boating and auto supplies, accessories, beverages and snack foods. General manager Malcolm Swan (left) and employee Keith Martin are pictured behind the cash desk. Built in 1953 by Maxwell Robinson, the service station began as a boat building and repair shop. Now celebrating it's first anniversary since its renovations a year ago, Robinson's Marina boasts high-tech gas pumps, installation systems and a sports centre featuring water-based activities which make it a water lovers' paradise. Not only is the Somerset marina convenient, accessible and more efficient, it is also architecturally pleasing.