J.R. Wood, Inc. - Executive Summary |
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This RMP was developed by J.R. Wood, Inc. for the facility located in Atwater, California. The program covers anhydrous ammonia used in the refrigeration system, anhydrous ammonia used in the wastewater/biomass system, and chlorine utilized as a disinfecting agent. These regulated hazardous substances are present in the facility above the California Accidental Release Prevention Program (CalARP) threshold quantities of 500 lbs. (anhydrous ammonia) and 100 lbs. (chlorine). The J.R. Wood RMP document has been prepared in accordance with CalARP Final Regulations, 19CCR'2735 to 2785 and with local requirements prescribed by Merced County. Worst case and alternative case (most probable) accidental releases for ammonia and chlorine were assessed. The scenarios are: Plant #1 Anhydrous Ammonia Worst Case: Release of largest vessel over a 10-minute period Radius to Toxic Endpoint: 1.5 miles Most Probable Case: Faulty valve pa cking Radius to Toxic Endpoint: 0.12 miles Plant #2 Anhydrous Ammonia Worst Case: Release of largest vessel over a 10-minute period Radius to Toxic Endpoint: 1.7 miles Most Probable Case: Faulty valve packing Radius to Toxic Endpoint: 0.12 miles Wastewater Treatment Anhydrous Ammonia Worst Case: Release of largest vessel over a 10-minute period Radius to Toxic Endpoint: 2.3 miles Most Probable Case: Faulty valve or valve packing Radius to Toxic Endpoint: <0.1 miles Chlorine Worst Case: Release of largest cylinder over a 10-minute period Radius to Toxic Endpoint: 0.3 miles Most Probable Case: Valve failure due to operator error Radius to Toxic Endpoin t: 0.17 miles The Atwater facility has developed a schedule for implementing measures to mitigate the effects and limit the distances for the reported scenarios. The Atwater facility had only two accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia in the past five years. No accidental releases of chlorine have occurred at the Atwater facility in the last five years. The Atwater facility has a written Emergency Action Plan that includes specific actions to be taken by facility employees in response to accidental releases of ammonia and chlorine. The Atwater facility has a HAZMAT Spill Response Team. The Emergency Response Plan includes procedures for coordinating with local agencies responding to accidental releases and informing the public. Written emergency action plans for releases of ammonia and chlorine are covered in the employee training. |