Get the Buzz… APM Gas Power and Specialty Thrive at PSE Goldendale!

The Job Details

In September, crews from APM Gas Power and Specialty mobilized to PSE’s Goldendale Generating Station in Goldendale, WA for a major outage supporting both the 7FA Gas Turbine and 7FH2 Generator. The scope was extensive - major inspection, rotor replacement, bucket removal/installation, compressor and vane upgrades (full stator vane replacement, S5 load dam pinning, enhanced IGVs, little foot mod, shim pinning), generator MAGIC inspection, and full reassembly - requiring tight coordination across day and night shifts.

With 23 craftspeople across shifts and clear leadership in place, the team completed 5,521 man-hours from mobilization to demobilization with one shared objective: execute safely, deliver quality, and protect the schedule.

The result: the unit was returned to the customer on time (3 days ahead of schedule), incident-free, and with zero quality issues.

The STOP Moment That Mattered

During keyway removal, the team paused.

Historically, this task had been performed using a man basket. After reassessing the exposure, the crew exercised Stop Work Authority and requested scaffold access instead - bringing the task fully in line with Working at Heights Life Saving Rule.

Execution paused. Engineering aligned immediately. Safety took priority over cost and schedule.

While scaffolding was erected, the team adjusted the execution plan and shifted manpower to other work fronts - maintaining productivity without compromising safety. It was a clear demonstration of ownership and trust in the process.

What Made This Team Stand Out

Josue Velazquez & Jorge Huitron – Superintendents (Days & Nights)
Our Superintendents provided steady leadership across shifts, ensuring expectations were clear and safety standards were consistently upheld. Their coordination and adaptability helped maintain momentum throughout the outage.

Jose Rodriguez – Craft Excellence in Action
A proven APM contributor, Jose elevated the site through exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship. During mobilization, he identified critical issues with capital components, including incorrect fuel nozzle tabs and damaged stator vanes, that could have caused major delays. Catching these early prevented schedule impacts and protected overall quality.

Jorge Ramirez – The Foundation of Execution
Working largely behind the scenes, Jorge ensured bolt-world components were inspected, prepared, and staged well ahead of need. By looking multiple shifts ahead, and supporting night shift readiness, he enabled smooth, uninterrupted rebuilds. His proactive planning was essential to outage efficiency.

These are just a few examples from a team where every individual played a role in the outcome.

Brian Holliday – Excellence through Experience

Brian is a highly respected member of the Specialty Services team and is recognized by both his peers and site leadership as a trusted expert in his field. His attention to detail and dedication to maintaining high standards ensures work is completed efficiently and in alignment with program and procedural expectations. In addition to his technical capabilities, Brian communicates clearly and effectively with both team members and leadership. His ability to collaborate across the organization helps maintain alignment, strengthen teamwork, and ensure project objectives are achieved.

Carlos Rosales – Technical Expertise in Action

Carlos Rosales is a true leader of the program, consistently demonstrating a high level of technical expertise through his hands-on approach to complex challenges. He excels at analyzing intricate problems, designing innovative solutions, and implementing effective strategies that drive project success. His ability to communicate clearly enables seamless collaboration across the entire team, keeping all stakeholders aligned throughout the project lifecycle. His leadership and commitment are evident in every aspect of his work.

Safety That Showed Up Every Day

Safety at Goldendale wasn’t reactive - it was embedded in daily execution.

Key Life Saving Rules actively applied included:

Line of Fire – maintaining exclusion zones and safe positioning
Mechanical Lifting – disciplined planning and equipment verification
Fire & Explosion Prevention – strict control of ignition sources and permits