McLane Distribution Southwest - Executive Summary

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MCLANE DISTRIBUTION - SOUTHWEST 
RISK MANAGMENT PLAN  
 
Executive Summary 
 
 
1.  ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICIES. 
 
At this McLane Distribution facility, we utilize anhydrous ammonia which is considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The properties which make ammonia valuable as a refrigerant also necessitate certain safety precautions.  McLane strives to protect all its valuable resources and assets - both personnel and property.  We live and have families in this community.  We want to prevent exposure to all our personnel as well as nearby members of our community, existing natural resources, and the surrounding environment.  It is our policy to comply with all Federal, State, and Local regulations.  Through continual, accurate training and various safety devices and procedures, we work to minimize potential releases. 
 
Our emergency response program has specific procedures for accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia as well as oth 
er emergencies.  We work in conjunction with the Fayetteville Fire Department and the Local Emergency Planning Committee to prepare for necessary notification of all affected neighbors. 
 
 
2.  THE STATIONARY SOURCE AND REGULATED SUBSTANCES HANDLED. 
 
The primary purpose of our facility is the temporary storage of refrigerated and frozen foods.  We utilize anhydrous ammonia as the primary means for refrigeration and freezing.  An outside company is used to fill our main receiver tanks.  Piping then carries the ammonia to the needed refrigeration or freezing units.  Access to the site is restricted to facility employees, authorized management personnel and authorized contractors. 
 
The regulated substance used at our facility is anhydrous ammonia.  The maximum amount of ammonia stored at this facility is 37,776 pounds.  We have this capacity but generally run up to 70% of total capacity. 
 
 
3.  THE WORST CASE RELEASE SCENARIO(S) AND THE ALTERNATIVE RELEASE SCENARIO(S), INCLUDING ADMINISTRATI 
VE CONTROLS AND MITIGATION MEASURES TO LIMIT THE DISTANCES FOR EACH REPORTED SCENARIO. 
 
Worst Case Scenario 
The worst case scenario would be failure of our largest receiver.  The capacity of this tank is 37,776 pounds.  It is assumed that the entire contents are released as vapor which finds an ignition source.   
Distance to endpoint: 1.9 miles 
 
Alternative Scenario 
The alternative scenario would be the release of ammonia due to the failure of a pressure release valve.  The emergency valves shut-down release would engage and stop the flow and sounds an alarm.  The monitoring system would alert personnel to manually shut the valve.  The maximum time of the release would be 60 minutes and maximum quantity released would be approximately 4,032 pounds of ammonia.   
Distance to endpoint:  .09 miles (or 155 yards) 
 
 
4.  FIVE-YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY. 
 
To date, this McLane DC facility has not incurred a reportable release. 
 
 
5.  THE RMP MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. 
 
The management of the RMP program will 
be handled by Larry Dewberry, Maintenance Crew Leader.  Mr. Dewberry will administrate in conjunction with the McLane DC management and personnel.  Other entities or organizations that will be coordinated with include the Temple Fire Department and HAZMAT team. 
 
 
6.  THE GENERAL ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM AND THE SPECIFIC PREVENTION STEPS. 
 
The McLane DC facility complies with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations including the EPAs Accidental Release Prevention Rule.  Our personnel are trained about this during our Hazard Communications Training and through access to our Written Programs.  Our Refrigeration Maintenance operators receive a On-The-Job (OTJ) training.  They are observed by senior maintenance in order to demonstrate  
proper job skills and knowledge.  Also, the ammonia system is operated, tested and maintained to the standard of International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, the most stringent standards of the industry. 
 
 
7.  THE EMERGENCY RES 
PONSE PROGRAM. 
 
We work very closely with the Bell County Fire Marshall and the Temple Fire Department and HAZMAT team on emergency preparedness.  We meet periodically with representatives of each to address any changes in the facility or any new concerns. 
 
Also, we have onsite Hazardous Materials trained personnel to immediately respond to adverse conditions.  This helps minimize the potential of an offsite release. 
 
 
8.  PLANNED CHANGES TO IMPROVE SAFETY. 
 
Our preventative maintenance program is above standard and our total ammonia Process Safety Program is updated annually.  Our program is improved continuously through annual updates of our written program and annual training of our technicians.  We also take advantage of new technologies when safer and more economical alternatives are available.
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