RWRA East Wastewater Treatment Plant - Executive Summary |
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This facility is a 6.8MGD Waste Water Treatment PLant serving primarily the South and East sides of Owensboro Kentucky. Chlorine is the only chemical used that meets the EPA's RMP reporting requirements. Chlorine is stored (a maximum of eight tons) in the Chlorine building, an area designated for the express use of the Chlorination Process. Chlorine is used for disinfecting the plant's effluent flow (which is then de-chlorinated by the use of Sodium BiSulfite), for aiding in the settling of solids, for control of Filamentous Bacteria and for odor control. The Chlorine is purchased from reputable suppliers who are trained and competent in the safe handling and preparation of the chemical. Storage locations are set up for each individual ton cylinder, with floor mounted blocks that prevent accidental cylinder movement. A 3-ton overhead traveling crane is used to move the cylinders into position for use. A ton cylinder is placed on a floor mounted roller trunnion in order to be p laced in service. The injection system is operated totally in a vacuum from the point of attachment at the ton cylinder to the point of injection into the water. Vacuum must be realized by a two stage safety valve attached to the ton cylinder before the valve will open, allowing Chlorine to be passed into the system. From that point, the Chlorine must travel under vacuum only about ten feet before being injected into a high velocity water flow. After mixing with water, the Chlorine is no longer considered a hazardous chemical to the public. Accidental releases other than from the cyulinder itself are remediated by shutting off the cylinder's service valve. Service valves are only opened 1/4 to 1/2 turn, so the attached valve wrench can shut off flow with a single movement. Any damage to the Ton Cylinder is handled with a "B" Emergency Repair Kit. Plant employees are trained annually on Chlorine safe handling and ton cylinder emergency measures. A Ton Cylinder Emergency Rep air Kit "B" is kept on site as are two SCBAs for use in case of an accidental release. This plant is subject to OSHA's Process Safety Management program and the elements contained therein. The local Fire Department and DES are familiar with the plant's chemicals and are trained to assist in the event of a release. Employees receive annual training on First-Aid / CPR, OSHA's Permit Required Confined Space Entry, OSHA's Right-to-Know (RTK) and Hazard Communication for hazardous chemicals, OSHA's Lockout/Tagout, Fire Extinguisher use, Respirator and SCBA use, and general safety and health in addition to Chlorine safe handling and emergency operations. |