City of Eustis - CR 44 WTP - Executive Summary

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
CITY OF EUSTIS-CR 44 WTP 
 
Introduction 
 
The intent of the Executive Summary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Management Program (RMP) is to provide complete and accurate information concerning the City of Eustis-CR 44 Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to the community. This document will be available to the public and shall include information pertaining to the following: 
 
? Water Treatment Facilities 
? Hazard Assessment  
? Prevention Program  
? Emergency Response Action Plan  
 
Water Treatment Facilities 
 
The City of Eustis-CR 44 WTP utilizes chlorine gas to provide disinfection of the potable water being supplied to customers within the Eustis area. The chlorine gas is stored in one ton-cylinders of chlorine, which are fabricated to FDOT standards (106A500X). The average container has a capacity of one short ton (2000 pounds), an outer diameter of 30 inches and an overall length of 82 inches. The heads on each end of the cylinders are convex inward an 
d forge welded to the barrel of the cylinder. The sides are crimped inward at each end to provide a grip point for lifting beams.  
 
All one ton-cylinders are equipped with six fusible metal plugs, three on each end. The fusible plugs serve as overpressure relief devices. The fusible metal is designed to melt between 158 ?F and 165 ?F to relieve pressure and prevent rupture of the container in case of fire or overheating. The ton-container is designed around a maximum hydrostatic pressure of 500 psig. 
 
The cylinders are stored outdoors in a three-sided building that provides ventilation and keeps the cylinders above the natural grade of the site.  Two chlorine ton-cylinders are stored on a ton-cylinder scale and are operational, in the chlorination process, via an automatic switchover system. The remaining back-up cylinders are supported and spaced using trunnions. This would allow the cylinders to correctly position the outlet valves. Also, in case of a leak, the ton-cylinder can be ro 
tated so that the chlorine escapes as a gas rather than a liquid. 
 
The Chlorination system at the CR 44 WTP converts liquid chlorine to chlorine gas and injects the gas into a water solution that is used for disinfection purposes.  Chlorine is fed from the ton-cylinders through a device called a chlorinator. The chlorinator system includes a vacuum regulator check unit that mounts directly to the upper gas valve of the ton-cylinder by means of a lead gasketed positive yoke assembly, and an ejector. The feed system from the container to chlorination and the ejector is operated under a vacuum, so any small leaks pull in air instead of releasing chlorine. Two chlorinators are housed in the chlorination room. The chlorinators are 500 lb/day units that meter chlorine gas flow.  
 
The chlorinator is equipped with a small 25 watt heating element. Therefore, as chlorine is drawn into the chlorinator from the ton-cylinder, it is deflected down into a drip-leg where any liquid chlorine is vapor 
ized, permitting only gas to enter the regulating portion of the chlorinator. A vent/relief valve is provided with the chlorination unit to vent chlorine gas to the atmosphere at a remote location. 
 
Hazard Assessment 
 
The Hazard Assessment was performed in compliance with the requirements of the EPA standards. The Off-Site Consequence Analysis (OCA) of worst-case and alternate-case releases of chlorine were estimated, and a five year accident history was evaluated. The OCA assessment includes dispersion models, identification of the area that is above the toxic end point criteria, and the estimated affected population or environmental receptors.  
 
The Off-Site Consequence Analysis (OCA) was performed using the RMP*Comp? model.  The RMP*Comp? model was supplied by the EPA, and it takes into account variances in wind speed, temperature, humidity, surface roughness (urban or rural setting), and release rate.  
 
Worst-Case Release Scenario 
 
Analysis of the worst-case release scenario of chl 
orine was performed utilizing the parameters provided in 40 CFR 68.22. The worst-case release scenario selected for the CR 44 WTPs off-site consequence analysis is the release of the contents of an entire one-ton chlorine cylinder from the chlorination process in a period of 10 minutes. This yields a release rate of 200 lbs/min. The radius of influence in this worst-case scenario was determined by the RMP*Comp? model to be 1.3 miles.  
 
In accordance with 40 CFR 68.22, the population within the area of influence was determined, and other public and environmental receptors were identified. The population within the influence zone at each facility was based on traffic zone maps and data obtained from the City. The population was estimated by calculating the percentage of area in the traffic zones that the zone of influence for the scenario covered. This percentage was used to establish the population within the zone of influence. This method assumes an even population distribution within 
each traffic zone. Within the zone of influence, the treatment facility site has a population of zero. Since this area of zero population is not accounted for, the population estimates may be high. The information regarding public receptors was gathered using a combination of street maps and USGS maps. The information gathered is presented in Table 1. 
 
 
 
 
Table 1.    Worst-Case Area of Influence Receptors 
FACILITY    POPULATION    PUBLIC RECEPTORS    ENVIRONMENTAL RECEPTORS 
CR 44 WTP    3,349 Residents    3-School    Lake Swatara Reserve 
       1-Park     
       0-Hospitals     
 
 
 
Alternate-Case Release Scenario 
 
Analysis of the alternate-case release scenario of chlorine was performed in accordance with 40 CFR 68.22 as well, but the scenario is modeled in a more realistic setting. This model assumed a release rate of 10.5 lbs/min for a duration of 60 minutes. The distance to the chlorine toxic end point was determined by the RMP*Comp? model to be less than 0.1 mile. Within this area of influence, there are 25 residents  
and no other receptors. The population was estimated using the traffic zone maps as described in the worst-case release scenario. 
 
Accident History 
 
The CR 44 WTP has had no accidental releases of chlorine reported in the last five years.  
 
Prevention Program 3 
 
The City of Eustis stresses the importance of safety to all their employees. Programs have been developed for standard operating procedures, process safety training, and process technology for employees at all levels. The programs are in accordance with both OSHA PSM and EPA RMP Prevention Program 3. 
 
The City of Eustis developed and implemented a training program that is in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.119. Within the first week, all new employees, who work with or are exposed to chlorine are given orientation safety training. The Director of Water will review with each employee, upon initial assignment, parts of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that he or she must know to protect him/herself in an emergency. Contractors and vis 
itors will be briefed on the EAP and actions they must take in an emergency as well.  
 
In addition to the EAP orientation, each employee is trained in the standard operating procedures for the smooth operation of the Facilities. This program is developed to train the employee in basic operation procedures such as initial startup, normal operation, temporary operations, emergency shutdown, emergency operations, and normal shutdowns. It is also intended to prepare employees for minor troubleshooting. 
 
As a policy, employees are tested to ensure they have retained the training and process safety information. Refresher courses are periodically required to maintain the smooth operation at the City of Eustis Water Treatment Facilities. 
 
A copy of the Process Safety Management Program is located at each Treatment Facility for easy access and quick reference by all employees. 
 
Emergency Response Plan 
 
The City of Eustis is committed to the safety of their employees as well as the surrounding c 
ommunity. The City coordinates with the local emergency responders such as the Fire and Police Departments to implement an Emergency Response Program. The Program is set up in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.38(a) and includes procedures for handling small releases.  
 
The CR 44 WTP is included in the community emergency response plan. In the event of a major chlorine release, the facility operating procedure is to evacuate the site upwind of the release and call 911 to report the incident. The local Fire Department and Police Department will coordinate to contain the release and handle any first aid and evacuation/sheltering-in-place as necessary. 
 
In the event of a minor leak, the operators will wear a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and attempt to seal the leak. Standard procedure is for one operator to fix the leak while a second operator observes from a distance to provide back-up. Both operators will be wearing SCBAs. If the leak cannot be sealed, the majo 
r chlorine release procedures will be followed. This information is included in the City of Eustis Emergency Action and Management Plan Document and is kept at each water and wastewater treatment facility for quick reference.  
 
The City of Eustis Strictly follows the OSHA and EPA standards, relating to the Emergency Planning and Response. Each water treatment facility employee will be trained in an overview of the emergency action and response plan to assure that he/she knows what action to take in an emergency and can perform the tasks safely and in accordance with the outlined plans.
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