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Barge Bridge: Replacing South Manitou Island's Fuel Tank

Sometimes, Mother Nature just doesn’t want to cooperate.

Such was the case for Team Elmer’s as we prepared to transport a massive aboveground fuel storage tank from the docks of Ironton, Michigan to the shores of South Manitou Island. The 12,000 gallon tank, used to hold diesel fuel to run the Island’s generators and equipment, was intended to replace a rundown unit of the same vein on South Manitou.



The unit was barge-loaded and ready to make its maiden voyage across the waters of Lake Michigan...until the rain and waves started. But the storm wasn’t the only delay. In addition, when Team Elmer’s finally made it to South Manitou, the water table was down far enough to make an island approach nearly impossible for our sizable barge, provided by St. James Marine Company.

But Team Elmer’s is always up to the task when it comes to innovative solutions, and this one might have been the most inventive yet. Using St. James Marine Company's second, smaller barge, as well as a tugboat to push it as close to shore as possible, we built a “bridge of barges,” negotiating two and four-foot drops (between the first barge and the second and then down to the beach) by installing temporary ramps to bridge the gaps. Finally, Team Elmer’s put that bridge to use, crossing the ramps and boats with our cumbersome and sizeable cargo, and safely getting it to shore.

After the logistical problem inherent in actually getting the empty fuel tank onto the island, the rest of the project seemed almost effortless in comparison. Team Elmer’s transferred 3,700 gallons of excess fuel from the old tank into holding cells for safe storage until the new tank’s installation was complete.

After vacuuming all remaining fuel from the plumbing lines, we busied ourselves with the removal of the existing tank’s concrete skeleton and above-ground piping, extricating the old product from more than 1,500 feet of underground piping, and then removing enough of that piping to make way for the replacement.

This time our trip was blessed with blue skies and calm waters. A reminder of a job well done and a logistical hurdle cleared with grace and innovation.

Click here to see more photos!

We're letting you in on a little secret...

One of the best places in TC for breakfast and lunch? The Team Elmer's Cafe. Our staff has been enjoying the culinary delights for years, and we invite each and every one of you to see for yourself!

Our Chef Colbye O’Neil is a French-trained chef with culinary skills that delight. He recently won the Michigan Restaurant Association’s Table Plating contest at their annual convention, winning a feature in the MRA’s Michigan Restaurateur Magazine. Team Elmer’s fully expects him to get his own cooking show some day. Until then, Chef Colbye continues the whole foods and locally-grown produce campaign in the Team Elmer’s Café.  
 
Baker Cathy Schaub creates many super soups and baked goods in the Team Elmer’s Cafe. Look for her peanut butter, chocolate chip, or no-bake cookies in the cafe. Each, from scratch, fresh-baked treat from the heart, pampers you on those hard days.  
 
The public is welcome Monday through Friday for breakfast 7 to 10 am or lunch 11 am to 1 pm. Don’t miss the turkey burger on brioche with mozzarella and red onion comfit. (What is red onion comfit? It is caramelized onions in a candied red wine reduction. Yum!)

So delicious! We know we'll see you soon. Click here to view the full menu and daily lunch specials.

Clean Up and Green Up!

Don't miss this weekend's Clean Up and Green Up event on Sunday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at American Waste, 280 Hughes Drive in Traverse City.  Team Elmer's will be collecting porcelain toilets (remove fixtures), porcelain sinks (remove fixtures), chipped dishware, clay pots, bricks, asphalt and concrete. Click here for a full list of items accepted.

P.S. Remember the time change!