Zartic Foods, Inc. - Cedartown Division - Executive Summary

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                                                           RMP Executive Summary 
 
1.0  Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies at Zartic Foods, Inc. ('68.155(a) ). 
 
1.1  Zartic Foods, Inc. prevents accidental ammonia releases through classroom and on the job training of refrigeration / maintenance personnel and ongoing inspection and maintenance of the refrigeration system.  Refrigeration system components are located in areas that are not as likely to become damaged (i.e., tanks placed away and protected from forklift and truck traffic). 
 
1.2  Accidental propane releases are prevented through classroom and on the job training of maintenance personnel and ongoing inspection and maintenance of the propane system.  Propane system components are guarded against truck and forklift traffic. 
 
2.0  Source and regulated substances handled ('68.155(b)). 
 
Approximately 40,000 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia and 111,000 pounds of propane are contained within the refrigeration sys 
tem on site at Zartic Foods, Inc.  The EPA requires a Risk Management Plan be developed and maintained when the total amount of anhydrous ammonia or propane exceeds the threshold quantity of 10,000 lbs.  No other substances, in quantities subject to EPA RMP certification requirements, are located at the Zartic Foods, Inc. facility. 
 
3.0  Ammonia Worst Case and Alternate Case Release Scenarios ('68.155(c)). 
 
3.1  Worst Case Scenario (WCS)     
 
3.1.1  The high pressure receiver, located outside under the condensers, contains the largest quantity of anhydrous ammonia, on site, on a predictable worst case basis.  This tank holds approximately 7,043 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia when 75% full, under an internal pressure and temperature of approximately 181 psig and 95 0F.  This tank is typically 30% to 40% full during normal operations, however, during periods of partial plant shutdown, ammonia is pumped into the high pressure receiver for storage.  During these conditions, the tank may be fill 
ed to 70-75% full.  The Worst Case Scenario as required by EPA, assumes that the tank's contents are fully released as a gas/vapor over a 10-minute period. 
 
3.1.2  The dispersion model, Screen3, predicted, with a wind speed of 3 mph and atmospheric stability class F, the anhydrous ammonia release may travel 0.8 miles from the point of release (See: Appendix B).  Approximately 170 people, in the surrounding community, reside within the radius to the toxic endpoint (level of concern = 200 ppm, anhydrous ammonia).  A list of schools, churches, parks, etc. that lie within the radius to the toxic endpoint are listed in Section 9.0.  There are no environmental receptors within the radius to the toxic endpoint. 
 
3.2  Alternate Case Scenario (ACS) 
 
3.2.1  The Alternate (more realistic) Case Release Scenario for Zartic Foods, Inc. was selected to involve a relief valve release on the high pressure receiver.  The relief valves' discharge is piped to release above the equipment room roof.  Anhydr 
ous ammonia (at approximately 250 psi and 113 0F) was estimated to have a flow rate from the relief valve (inner orifice diameter: 1.5 inches) of approximately 376 lbs./min., determined from an ammonia gas release table.  It is estimated that the relief valve could be isolated, or the overpressure condition corrected, in approximately 10 minutes by trained operators onsite, with a corresponding anhydrous ammonia quantity released of approximately 3,760 lbs. 
 
3.2.2  The Screen3 air dispersion model predicted, with a wind speed of 6 mph and atmospheric stability class D, that the anhydrous ammonia release may travel approximately 0.18 miles.  Approximately 10 people reside within the radius to the toxic endpoint (level of concern = 200 ppm, anhydrous ammonia).  A list of schools, churches, parks, etc. that are located within the radius to the toxic endpoint are listed in Section 9.0.  There are no environmental receptors within the radius to the toxic endpoint. 
 
4.0  Propane Worst Case a 
nd Alternate Case Release Scenarios 
 
4.1  Worst Case Scenario (WCS)     
 
4.1.1  The propane storage tank, located on the eastern side of the property, contains the largest quantity of propane on site, on a predictable worst case basis.  This tank holds approximately 111,000 lbs. of propane when 88% full.  The Worst Case Scenario as required by EPA, assumes that the tank's contents are fully released as a vapor cloud followed by ignition. 
 
4.1.2  The vapor cloud explosion model, Archie, predicted the propane vapor cloud explosion endpoint (1 psi overpressure) may extend to 0.38 miles from the point of release (See: Appendix B).  Approximately 39 people, in the surrounding community, reside within the radius to the explosion endpoint of 1 psi-overpressure.  Public receptors lying within the explosion endpoint radius are listed in Section 9.0.  There are no environmental receptors within the radius of the explosion endpoint. 
 
4.2  Alternate Case Scenario (ACS) 
 
4.2.1 The Alternate Case Re 
lease Scenario for Zartic Foods, Inc. was selected to involve the two of the three relief valves lifting on the propane storage tank.  Propane was estimated to have a flow rate from the relief valves (each having an inner orifice diameter: 2.5 inches) of approximately 863 lbs./min. each, determined from a propane relief valve discharge table.  The overpressure scenario condition was estimated to be relieved in approximately 5 minutes.  The resulting vapor cloud could contain approximately 8,630 lbs. 
 
4.2.2  The vapor cloud explosion model, RMPComp, predicted the propane vapor cloud explosion endpoint (1 psi overpressure) may extend to 0.1 miles from the point of release (See: Appendix B).  Approximately 5 people, in the surrounding community, reside within the radius to the explosion endpoint of 1 psi overpressure. Public receptors lying within the explosion endpoint radius are listed in Section 9.0.  There are no environmental receptors within the radius of the explosion. 
 
5.0   Accid 
ental release prevention program ('68.155(d)). 
 
5.1  Zartic Foods, Inc. standard policy requires daily monitoring and inspection of the anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system by trained employees, or contracted services personnel, in accordance with OSHA and IIAR  guidelines.  Accidental ammonia release prevention practices at Zartic Foods, Inc. include: 
 
7 Safe work practices followed. 
7 Refrigeration system repairs made in a prompt, safe manner. 
7 Annual operator refresher training. 
7 Preventive maintenance program. 
7 Ammonia detection and equipment room ventilation. 
 
5.2  The propane system is inspected and maintained annually by qualified contractors in accordance with NFPA 58.  Accidental propane release prevention practices at Zartic Foods, Inc. include: 
 
7 Propane system repairs made in a prompt, safe manner. 
7 Location and protective devices, around propane equipment (i.e., guard rails, fence) 
 
6.0  5 year accidental history ('68.155(e)). 
 
6.1  On August 13, 1994, an ammonia ga 
s release occurred at Zartic Foods, Inc.  Trained employees responded from offsite and discovered a damaged compressor.  The refrigeration system was shutdown and the damaged compressor was isolated.  An estimated 1,000 pounds of ammonia gas was released to the atmosphere.  Two people were admitted to the hospital for chest pain and asthma and were released. 
 
6.2  No releases or accidents, involving propane, that are reportable in accordance with 40 CFR Part 68 (RMP Rule), have occurred at this facility. 
 
7.0  Emergency response program ('68.155(f)). 
 
7.1  During normal workday operation, the facility emergency response plan consists of employee notification (alarm) and evacuation, followed by notification of the Cedartown Fire Department by dialing "9-1-1".  A facility emergency evacuation plan has been prepared and disseminated to facility personnel.  Unannounced ammonia release evacuation drills are performed every 12 to 18 months with all employees, including on-site HAZMAT team, a 
nd the Cedartown Fire Department.     
 
7.2  Red Cross shelter resources in the Cedartown area consist of pre-arranged service agreements with local schools and some local churches.  Schools and churches that would serve as a Red Cross shelter would have food, cots, and first aid supplies on site and reserve supplies could be shipped in.  An emergency management official (HAZMAT Team, Fire Department, Police Department, etc.) would decide if sheltering in place or evacuation and sheltering is required in a given emergency and would then direct the Red Cross to activate the shelter(s) determined to be located at a safe distance from the hot area, if needed.  Those in need of medical attention would be taken to a nearby hospital.  Reference:  American Red Cross Office of Floyd County, Brenda Jenkins, (706) 291-6648. 
 
8.0  Planned changes to improve safety ('68.155(g)). 
 
8.1  Future plans to improve anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system safety at Zartic Foods, Inc. consists of continuing  
annual operator and HAZMAT training, improved housekeeping, and addressing PSM and Emergency action items provided in Table 1 and Appendix D. 
 
8.2  Future plans to improve propane system safety at Zartic Foods, Inc. consist of continuing annual HAZMAT training and improved housekeeping.
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