CalOaks Pumping Station - Executive Summary |
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RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN - CalOaks Pumping Station EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) has established a risk management plan according to EPA's regulations (40 CFR Part 68) to enhance already existing safety and emergency response programs. EVMWD is extremely cautious in the handling of all chemicals and is very diligent about safety for its employees and its communities. EVMWD staff is highly trained and utilizes modern equipment to monitor its facilities to provide safeguards, while effectively employing these useful chemicals. These chemicals play an important role in water treatment and water reclamation, enabling everyone to lead healthier lives. Accidental Release Prevention and Emergency Response Policies EVMWD has an emergency response plan in effect to handle potential emergency situations at this facility. This plan was designed to meet the following objectives: 1.) To save lives. 2.) To minimize and avoid injuries. 3.) To protect the envi ronment. 4.) To minimize property damage. Key elements of the Emergency Response Plan include specific steps that EVMWD management expects of its employees to take to protect health of the employees and the community. The plan includes key phone numbers and contact points, vicinity and evacuation maps, plans for evacuation, fire, injury, earthquake, chemical spill, and health hazards. Stationary Source and Regulated Substance The chlorination system at CalOaks Pumping Station is used for the treatment of potable water. Chlorine is stored in one-ton containers in the chlorine storage room. These containers are owned, maintained and filled by the chlorine chemical vendor per Department of Transportation regulations and standards. Two ton-containers are placed on a scale to allow EVMWD operators to plan ahead for ordering more chlorine and for the change out procedure. Each container is positioned so that the valves are vertically aligned. A vacuum regulator is connected to the top valve of each one ton container to ensure that chlorine gas is drawn out of the container. A vacuum is created when process water is pumped through an injector. This flow generates a vacuum (approximately 1-3 in. Hg) which opens the vacuum regulator. Upon loss of vacuum in the line from any one ton container, a diaphragm in the vacuum regulator will close, stopping any chlorine from escaping. Any chlorine in the piping upon loss of vacuum will be drawn through the chlorine feeders and into solution. Hazard Assessment Summary Worst Case Release Result Summary Scenario Description: Release of the maximum quantity of chlorine that can be stored in the largest vessel - 2,000 pounds in 10 minutes. The most pessimistic meteorological conditions were used as specified in the regulation. The reference table included in EPA's RMP Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants was used to determine the maximum downwind distance to 3 ppm. The result shows that offsite areas may be affec ted. Alternative Release Result Summary Scenario Description: A release of chlorine gas from 1/4-inch diameter leak until the container is empty (2,000 pounds). This simulates a more realistic, however unlikely, event than the worst case scenario. The meteorological conditions specified in the regulation for alternative scenarios were used. The reference table included in EPA's RMP Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants was used to determine the maximum downwind distance to 3 ppm. The downwind distance for this scenario is significantly less than that for the worst case scenario. Accidental Release Prevention Program and Chemical-Specific Prevention Steps EVMWD has a Process Safety Management program in place to manage the handling of chlorine. In addition, common industry standards, policies, and procedures are utilized to ensure safe practices are being performed. This includes common practices outlined by the Chlorine Institute. In addition to the Management Programs, there is a chlorine leak detector situated in the chlorination area. In the event of a chlorine gas leak reaching 1 ppm, the detector relays an alarm to the central control station of EVMWD. At 3 ppm, the alarm signal actuates the emergency scrubber system for the chlorination building. Five Year Accident History There have been no reportable releases of chlorine at the facility in the past 5 years. Planned Changes to Improve Safety Several process and management system improvements were recommended during the development of the PSM Program for this site. These measures continue to be implemented. For compliance with RMP regulations additional improvements are being considered. Specifically, improvements have been recommended based on the seismic review of the facility. |