Runway Stabilization & Dust Control for Shell Bolivia’s La Vertiente Airstrip ✈️
Previously operated by BG Bolivia, the La Vertiente Airstrip faced serious safety and operational challenges, including:
❌ Loose gravel & fine material loss, leading to surface degradation.
❌ Excessive dust, reducing pilot visibility and increasing aircraft wear.
❌ Slippery conditions when wet, making the runway unsafe and unusable after rainfall.
❌ Frequent maintenance requirements, increasing operational costs and downtime.
As part of BG Group’s commitment to safety and operational efficiency, Soil Solutions was engaged to provide a runway stabilization and dust control solution using EBS Surface Seal.
The Soil Solutions Approach
✔ Surface Preparation – The Vertiente team followed Soil Solutions’ guidance to grade, compact, and clear the runway of loose material.
✔ EBS Surface Seal Application – Completed in just 5 days, using properly prepared equipment and two water tankers.
✔ Enhanced Safety & Performance – The EBS-treated surface now provides:
🔹 Increased skid resistance, even in wet conditions.
🔹 Highly visible FOD (Foreign Object Debris) for improved aircraft safety.
🔹 A hard, water-resistant, and dust-free surface, preventing erosion and material loss.
✔ Cessna/Citation Tested & Approved – The upgraded airstrip was successfully tested and approved for Cessna and Citation jet landings, confirming its strength, durability, and safety standards.
Long-Term Benefits & Lasting Impact
✅ Reduced Maintenance & Operational Costs – Less frequent grading and repairs, significantly lowering long-term expenses.
✅ Improved Safety Standards – The runway remains stable, skid-resistant, and dust-free, enhancing pilot and aircraft safety.
✅ Environmental Benefits – Lower emissions and water usage, aligning with sustainability goals.
✅ Proven Performance – The EBS Surface Seal applied in May 2015 continues to deliver outstanding results with minimal maintenance.
With Cessna and Citation aircraft approval, Shell Bolivia (formerly BG Bolivia) now has a world-class, all-weather aviation facility that meets the highest safety and performance standards.
📩 Contact us today to learn how we can improve your airstrip!
✈️ Case Study: High-Performance Airstrip for BG Bolivia
When BG Bolivia needed to upgrade its oil & gas airstrip in Santa Cruz, the objectives were ambitious — improve safety, increase operational capability, and slash ongoing costs.
Ivan Justiniano, Principal Production Engineer, explains the impact:
“The application of EBS reduced our airstrip maintenance OPEX by about 70%.”
Soil Solutions implemented its EBS Soil Stabilizer / Surface Seal, delivering a dust-free, all-weather surface that not only improved operational efficiency but also enabled a significant aircraft upgrade.
“When we saw the results, we moved from turboprops to Citation jets—gaining more operational value.”
From planning to completion, the process was seamless. Site management and training earned a 10/10 across the board, with the client describing the application as “easier than expected” and performance that “surpassed expectations.”
The benefits went far beyond dust control:
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70% reduction in maintenance operating costs
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Lower diesel and water usage
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Reduced tire wear for aircraft
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Improved safety and visibility
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Greater efficiency and operational flexibility
Ivan sums it up simply:
“The training, support, and communication from Soil Solutions was excellent—10 out of 10 across the board. I am actively referring Soil Solutions to other partners.”
Key Outcomes:
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Substantial cost savings
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Operational upgrade to jet aircraft capability
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Environmental and safety improvements
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Proven, repeatable results for future projects
