Project Spotlight – Dr. Pepper / Snapple (Johnson County, KS)

Project Spotlight – Dr. Pepper / Snapple (Johnson County, KS) Featured Image
  • Project: Dr. Pepper / Snapple
  • Application: Oil Separator Replacement in Johnson County, Kansas
  • Products:
    OT-1500 (x1): Oil Separator
    CPRK (x3): Corrugated Pipe Riser Kit
    HDK-6 (x1): Hold Down Kit
  • Rep | Regional: Bulls-i Sales | Trent Sorensen

Background:
Striem was recently contacted by an engineer regarding a replacement for a failed concrete oil separator at the Dr. Pepper / Snapple distribution center in Lenexa, Kansas. Given the location, Regional Product Educator Trent Sorensen promptly stepped in to assist.

The project posed a unique challenge: the oil separator was specifically designated for the truck service bays, an area of approximately 3,000 sq. ft., whereas the entire facility spans over 60,000 sq. ft. Striem was well positioned for the replacement thanks to our market-specific product lineup tailored for Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) compliance. While the OT-1500 tank is part of our standard product line, Johnson County Wastewater requires a specialized, jurisdiction-specific submittal sheet.

Trent and the team at Bulls-I Sales worked closely with Johnson County Wastewater and the engineer of record to receive approval for the OT-1500-JCW model. The initial request was based on sizing the interceptor for the full 60,000 sq. ft. building — an excessive specification for the actual application. Through collaboration and multiple discussions, the team successfully secured JCW approval to proceed with the properly sized OT-1500.

  • Note: While the selected tank remained oversized per IPC/UPC sizing methodologies, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) would not approve a smaller unit due to the precedent set by the previously failed 1,500-gallon tank.

Site Conditions and Installation:
Installation hit a snag when excavation shifted slightly from the original tank footprint, revealing nearly six feet of solid Kansas limestone. Although this obstacle delayed the project, once excavation was complete, the contractor resumed work quickly. The OT-1500 was installed and backfilled using a compact backhoe, following Striem’s Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (IOM) manual.

Key Takeaways:

  • This project demonstrates Striem’s dedication to providing right-sized, code-compliant solutions nationwide. Our market-specific product offerings, like the Johnson County Wastewater oil separator lineup, simplify the approval and specification process for engineers and contractors.
  • It underscores the vital roles our outside sales representatives and Regional Product Educators play in working with engineers and AHJs to ensure smooth approvals and successful installations.
  • Another reminder that concrete oil separators are destined to fail — it’s not a question of if, but when!  

Below: Tank installation.