Member Feature: Tom Dolan, Environmental Manager & FSO, Colonial Terminals, Inc.
How did you first become involved in the terminal industry?
My career started in Washington, DC working as an EHS compliance auditor. I traveled all over North America auditing various industries. The work was interesting but the travel was significant. After about 10 years, I moved to Savannah hoping for a little less travel. I worked at a large chemical manufacturing facility at the port of Savannah for several years prior to entering the terminal industry in 2007. I have worked for the Colonial Group ever since.
What is the best part of your job?
Colonial is a very interesting and diverse company, headquartered in Savannah. Founded in 1921, Colonial began as a petroleum distribution company, supplying petroleum products to power the vehicles rapidly replacing the horse and buggy. Over the years, Colonial has expanded to include various distribution-related companies. Colonial currently has several divisions, including an ocean terminal division which handles both liquid and dry bulk commodities, a chemical repackaging and distribution company, a petroleum distribution company, a tug and barge line, and a drinking water treatment company. In my position, I support all of these operations. As such, the work I do is quite varied and rewarding. There is never a dull day.
What advice would you offer to someone just starting out with a liquid terminal company?
Understanding the nuts and bolts of the operation is important. Managing regulatory compliance is a difficult task, but it is easier managed when you understand the details of the operation.
What would you say to a young person to encourage them to pursue a future career with a liquid terminal company?
The global economy should continue to grow and liquid terminals are vital to this development. There will always be a need for EHS professionals in this field. Working in the liquid terminal industry can provide both a rewarding and interesting career.
How have you seen the industry change over the course of your career?
As one of Colonial’s previous terminal directors once told me, the general movement of products from vessel to tank to customer really hasn’t changed in the past several decades. What has changed are the regulations that govern this movement. New regulations continue to be implemented and existing regulations continue to evolve. It can be challenging to keep up with the changes.
How do you think the industry will continue to change over the next 5, 10, or 20 years?
If history repeats itself, regulations will continue to grow and evolve, and the terminal industry must be prepared for these changes. ILTA provides fantastic support to its members in this area, advocating for the industry and ensuring our voice is heard with regulators.
What is your level of involvement with ILTA?
I have been involved with the ILTA for over 15 years—attending conferences, EGHSS meetings, and sitting on various committees.
What’s your favorite part of being involved with ILTA?
The annual Conference & Trade Show is a great opportunity to learn about the terminal business and to actually see the equipment and innovations that make our industry operate. The EGHSS Committee Meetings provide invaluable information on compliance and regulatory matters and the opportunity to meet and develop long-term relationships with other EHS professionals in the industry.