Morris Coop Association - Executive Summary |
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RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN Morris Coop Association EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Under the accidental release provisions of the Clean Air Act (112r), regulated sources are required to conduct hazard assessments of all toxic and flammable substances that exceed threshold limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The main goal of the hazard assessment is to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidental releases. The Morris Coop Association currently stores propane and anhydrous ammonia in amounts which exceed threshold limits established by the EPA. The Morris Coop Association sets high standards for achieving environmental and safety compliance at its facilities, and this hazard assessment was completed to fulfill requirements of the Clean Air Act and to reduce the risk of an accidental release. PRIMARY ACTIVITIES Morris Coop Association is a retail farm supply cooperative which supplies anhydrous ammonia and propan e to farmers and residents in and around Stevens County, Minnesota. The total amount of 60,000 gallons of propane and 48,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia is stored at the Coop Bulk facility located on the north end of Morris, Minnesota. FLAMMABLES: WORST CASE RELEASE SCENARIO The worst case scenario involves a catastrophic release of 30,000 gallons (150,700 lbs) of propane. A large propane vapor cloud forms, which contacts an ignition source and detonates, producing a vapor cloud explosion. The distance to the endpoint for this type of explosion is 0.43 miles. The endpoint utilized for vapor cloud explosions is 1 pound per square inch (psi) overpressure. This amount of overpressure can cause partial demolition of houses and can result in serious injury to people. The estimated maximum population within this endpoint distance is 75 people. FLAMMABLES: ALTERNATE RELEASE SCENARIO This scenario represents a release associated with an accidental breakage in a product pipe. The p ipe releases 11968.66 lbs of propane in thirty minutes. A cloud of flammable gas forms, contacts an ignition source, and detonates, producing a vapor cloud explosion. The distance to the endpoint for this explosion is 0.12 miles. The maximum estimated population within this endpoint distance was 10 people (Figure 3). TOXICS: WORST CASE RELEASE SCENARIO The toxic worst case scenario involves a catastrophic release of 154,380 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia. The product forms a large vapor cloud moves downwind towards the City of Morris. The distance to the toxic endpoint for this cloud is 5.6 miles. The endpoint used was 200 part per million (ppm) which is the level of concern for anhydrous ammonia. The estimated population within the level of concern was 9,000 people (Figure 4). TOXICS: ALTERNATE CASE RELEASE SCENARIO The toxic alternate case scenario involves an accidental breakage of a product line which releases 7616.42 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia. The end point for this rele ase is 0.31 miles and the estimated population within the level of concern was 75 people (Figure 5) FIVE YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY The Morris Coop Association has not had an accidental release of propane or anhydrous in the last five years of operation. PREVENTION PROGRAM The Morris Coop Association sets the standard for achieving high degrees or safety and environmental compliance at its facilities. Safety is stressed during required training for all employees involved with the handling of regulated substances. Standard operating procedures for the handling of regulated substances are followed to assure safe handling of regulated substances on the job. Safety and compliance is maintained during required maintenance and inspections of all process equipment. When inspections discover equipment which does not meet current compliance standards, the equipment is promptly replaced. For more information on the prevention program for the Morris Coop Association, see Section 7 within th is report. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM The Morris Coop Association has emergency response plans to expedite response to any incident. The plan includes emergency response procedures and corporate/public notification and alert systems (Appendix C). |