Young's Agri Service, Inc. - Executive Summary

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Young's Agri Service Inc. 
Keytesville, Missouri  
 
 
Risk Management Plan - Executive Summary 
 
The accidental release prevention policy at Young's Agri Service Inc. involves, but is not limited to technologies, procedures, and management practices.  This facility conforms to the laws and regulations of the state of Missouri.   
 
This facility is in the business of selling anhydrous ammonia to farm customers as a form of nitrogen fertilizer.  The facility has two anhydrous ammonia storage tanks with 12,000 gallons of water capacity each.  Two storage tanks, several anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks, risers for filling nurse tanks, electrical panels, lighting, and safety equipment are all parts of this facility's anhydrous ammonia operation.  Though facility is manned through out the year the ammonia is sold to farmers only during spring and fall use seasons.  The facility operates with normal business hours. 
 
The off-site consequences analysis includes two anhydrous ammonia release scenarios,  
identified as "worst-case" release and "alternative" release scenarios.  The first scenario is defined by EPA and shall assume the maximum quantity of the largest vessel is released as a gas in 10 minutes due to a catastrophic break.  The alternative release scenario is defined as a more likely accidental release of anhydrous ammonia caused by a transfer hose failure. 
 
The "worst-case" release scenario involves a catastrophic failure of the largest tank releasing the entire 56,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. The off site consequences were calculated using "TFI's RMP Guidance for Ammonia Retailers".  The worst case scenario used EPA's recommended wind speed of 1.5 meters per second with an "F" atmospheric stability class.  A rural topography was selected as typical.  The distance to the endpoint was 1.82 miles. It is estimated that 594 people would be affected by this release. 
 
 
The "alternative release" scenario assumed a hose breaks and leaks 7,200 pounds of anhydrous ammonia.  The E 
PA recommended wind speed of 3.0 meters per second with a "D" atmospheric stability class was used in this scenario.  Using rural topography and "TFI's RMP Guidance for Ammonia Retailers" the toxic endpoint is .92 mile.  The population with in that area is estimated to be 54 people.  The assumption is that the duration of the release is 2 minutes because equipment, excess flow valves, and human intervention will stop the leak.   
 
Young's Agri Service Inc. has had no anhydrous ammonia leaks within the past five years.  Even though the company has had no releases it still coordinates annual visits with the local fire department to review the systems and procedures for response to a leak. 
 
Young's Agri Service Inc. has several key elements in their accident prevention plan: 
1. The anhydrous ammonia system adheres to the laws and regulations of the State of Missouri. 
2. Annual training is required of all personnel on handling, transferring, or transporting anhydrous ammonia.  The training  
includes properties of ammonia, safe handling practices, first aid, and emergency response. 
3. Use of good management practices as specified by industry standards and training aids. 
4. Frequent site inspections by management and safety consultants. 
5. Annual inspections include safety equipment, tanks, and handling equipment. 
6. Use of proper anhydrous ammonia personal protective equipment and safety equipment. 
 
Changes are made in the system when necessary or when required by regulation change.  Periodic evaluations of the procedures help to determine whether or not a change in operations should be made to provide increased safety to the operators and to the community.
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