Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility - Executive Summary |
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06-10-99 Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Plant Executive Summary is attached in file PWTFRMPEXSUM.txt (DOS ASCII format). It is labled disc 1 of 2. Two graphic (.jpg format) files are on the same disc (1 of 2) for the Worst Case & Alt. Case Scenarios for toxic releases of chlorine gas from our facility in DUTCHESS county. Two additional files on a second disc labled 2 of 2, (all files would not fit on one) cover ULSTER County. File names for Ulster County are UCA.jpg & UCW.jpg. File names for Dutchess County are DCW.jpg & DCA.jpg. Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Chief Operator 6/14/1999 FILE (MSW): PWTF RMP Executive Summary RMP REPORTING FILE (DOS ASCII): PWTFRMPEXSUM Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility (PWTF) Risk Management Program (RMP) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PWTF HISTORY Public Drinking Water wasn't always safe as it is today and our area has a fascinating history. Like many other first settlements along the East Coast the first "public" water came from wells located at convenient corners along the streets. As Poughkeepsie grew, homes and businesses began constructing individual wells and cisterns for sewage disposal. By 1854 Poughkeepsie's population grew to 20,000. This activity caused groundwater contamination resulting in epidemics of cholera, typhoid fever, smallpox and diphtheria, which claimed hundreds of victims. To the City's embarrassment Poughkeepsie was heralded in newspapers far and wide as "The Sickly City," even as far West as Chicago. One account called Poughkeepsie, "A fine place to live, with fine schools and churches and railroad accommodations, well governed but oh, how sickly." Shortly thereafter the City Common Council directed Mayor Emott and two other leading citizens to "look into the possibilities of a public water supply. Unfortunately, the drive stopped with the onset of the Civil War. In 1870 public pressure returned. A general election to decide the question of whether or not to develop a public water supply resulted in a vote of 544 to 43 in support of the proposal. On this basis a Water Board was formed which sought out an Engineer for the project. In 1871 progress moved dramatically forward as Harvey G. Eastman was elected Mayor. Mayor Eastman was credited as the driving force that carried out the public wishes. Through his leadership, gift of persuasion and vision the first successful slow sand filtration plant in America was placed into service in Poughkeepsie July 8, 1872. The success of this project was heralded as epidemics all but disappeared and Poughkeepsie could no longer be called a "Sickly City". The success of the plant was significant to the water industry. The design criteria was followed throughout the Country as other Cities realized the benefit that filtration could bring to their community. To this day Poughkeepsie is recognized as the national leader in filtration. In 1959, after 87 years of continuous service, the plant could no longer meet the communities thirst. Water dem ands had risen from 2 million gallons per day (MGD) in 1920 to a peak day demand of 10.5 MGD in 1955. Design to replace the plant began in 1959 and the new/current plant was placed into service in 1962. This plant was originally designed to provide 12 MGD, which was increased to a permitted capacity of 16 MGD in 1990. On August 3, 1995 the City of Poughkeepsie and Town of Poughkeepsie entered into an Inter-Municipal Agreement in which the Town purchased 1/3 or 5.33 MGD of the 16 MGD approved Water Treatment Facility capacity. INTRODUCTION Pougkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility (PWTF) renamed from the City of Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Plant, after the 1995 Inter-Municipal Agreement, provides the potable water supply to 77,000 people within the City of Poughkeepsie, Town of Poughkeepsie and portions of the Village of Wappingers. The Treatment Plant is currently rated at a maximum production capacity of 16 MGD. The plant is located along the Hudson River east shore within the Mari st College Campus on Route 9. Water is supplied from the Hudson River, which originates from the north in the Adirondacks at Lake Tear, located on the southwest shoulder of Mount Marcy, New York State's highest peak. Hudson River raw water quality at our intake site is generally very good and very treatable by our plant process. Our finished drinking water quality is consistently excellent in respect to all applicable N.Y. State and Federal Standards for public consumption and typical industrial/agricultural use. Biological, chemical and physical parameters are typically outstanding. Visit our web site at www.pokwater.com for additional detailed information regarding Hudson River and PWTF Drinking water quality. Additionally this information is available directly from the PWTF [914-451-4173]. The Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility utilizes the conventional filtration process to treat the water supply. This process includes chemical application of aluminum sulfate and organic polymer to destabilize the small particles in the raw water supply. Once destabilized the particles are combined with previously settled solids then slowly mixed to form larger particles that are then removed through settling. Following the settling process the water is aerated to improve taste and filtered through a coal and sand media that polishes the final product. Disinfection, the process used to kill disease producing organisms, is accomplished through a carefully monitored chlorination process. Post treatment includes the addition of sodium fluoride, orthophosphate and lime. Sodium fluoride is used to maintain a 1.0-mg/L fluoride concentration for dental health. Orthophosphate is added to reduce corrosion of customer lead piping and fixtures. Lime is added to increase treated water pH in effort to minimize corrosion of pipes within the distribution system and customers plumbing. Additional raw water treatment through the application of potassium permanganate is available to control zebra mussel growth. This treatment has not been utilized to date, as zebra mussel growth has not impaired treatment or production since construction. To insure maximum water quality for our customers, the Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility staff, monitors source, treated and distribution water daily. In 1998, over 78,000 water quality tests were conducted. Those tests included inorganic chemicals, disinfection by-products, organic chemicals and microbiological examinations for coliforms, E-coli, giardia and cryptosporidium. In addition to individual tests we continuously monitored raw water turbidity, process turbidity throughout the plant and chlorine residuals. Testing results demonstrate that the quality of the treated water is consistently excellent. As noted above, please visit our web site at www.pokwater.com for additional detailed information regarding Hudson River and PWTF Drinking water quality. Additionally this information is available directly from the PW TF [914-451-4173]. PLANNED CHANGES The Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility is in the process of implementing an improvement program in order to increase it's rated capacity, increase reliability, remain in compliance with existing regulations and prepare for future changes to the surface water treatment rule and disinfection by-product rule. Since the Treatment Facility was constructed in 1962, treatment technology has changed. The plant is now responsible for the removal of contaminants that were not even known to exist when the plant was designed. Fortunately, the plant was well designed and through diligent efforts by the staff the treated water has been exceptional except for 2 periods in 1996 when the treated water slightly exceeded the turbidity standard for a short period, due to a prolonged period of exceptionally high turbid water from the Hudson River. Three significant driving forces direct improvements at the Water Treatment Facility: Requirement for additiona l capacity, need to meet more stringent standards and general rehabilitation of buildings, equipment and processes. On August 3, 1995 the City of Poughkeepsie and Town of Poughkeepsie entered into an Inter-Municipal Agreement in which the Town purchased 1/3 or 5.33 MGD of the 16 MGD approved Water Treatment Facility capacity. The 1995 Inter-Municipal Agreement committed the Town to expand the treatment capacity from 16 MGD to a minimum of 19.3 MGD with a goal of 21.33 MGD. At 21.33 MGD the Town will no longer need their wells and the City and Town will become equal partners. The Town is committed to complete its expansion by August 2001. Most aspects of our WTP will be effected by this comprehensive project including all chemical process. Chlorine gas specifically is being eliminated. It will be replaced by a liquid chlorine [sodium hypochlorite] system. This change will eliminate the possibility of a gas leak and it's potential effects to the community. It will also eliminate the n eed for reporting under the EPA's Risk Management Program. Currently this project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 1999. IT IS EXPECTED THAT CHLORINE GAS WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM OUR FACILITY BY SPRING OF 2001. POLICIES PWTF's Joint Water Board, Plant Administrator, Chief Operator, Division Supervisors and our Safety Committee are strongly committed to the safety of its employees, customers and the community at large. Proper planning for emergencies is necessary to minimize employee or public injury and property damage to our or other facilities. For these reasons, the Water Treatment Facility has developed this EPA Risk Management Plan (RMP) the RMP describes the actions which shall be taken by employees in case of a chlorine gas release emergency. The information in this plan is board policy and is followed by all Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility personnel. Based on Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility's use of gaseous chlorine at quantities ab ove the EPA threshold limit, the PWTF has developed this EPA RMP to supplement our existing OSHA (Chemical) Process Safety Management Plan (PSMP) and other existing safety and emergency plans. Additional current PWTF safety or emergency plans are, * Emergency Action Plan * Hazard Communication Plan * Personnel Protective Equipment Plan * Respiratory Protection Program * Lockout/Tagout Program * Laboratory Chemical Hygiene Program * Permit Required Confined Space Entry Program Either the RMP and/or PSMP address the following, and related, items: * Written programs, operating procedures, emergency planning and response measures associated with the safe use/storage of gaseous chlorine and appropriate responses (mitigation, notification, investigation, etc.) to a chlorine leak. * Information about the chemicals, technology, and equipment used in the chlorine system. * Hazards analysis of the regulated process (i.e. chlorine disinfection system). * Training and written documentatio n requirements for employees and contractor employees who work on or around the regulated process. * Procedures for pre-startup safety reviews, mechanical integrity, non-routine work authorizations, incident investigation, and compliance audits. Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility has developed the PSMP & RMP in order to prevent or mitigate episodic chemical releases that could lead to serious or catastrophic injury to Facility personnel and the surrounding community. General information A. Location of Plan The written PSMP is available in the Water Treatment Facility main lobby. The RMP is available from the Plant Administrator or Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Chief Operator. B. Person Responsible for PSMP & RMP Plans Randy Alstadt, Plant Administrator C. Process covered under these Plans Chlorine disinfection system for raw water, intermediate (settled) water, and final water. D. Authorized Personnel The following personnel shall be knowledgeable of, un derstand and comply with all elements of the PSMP & RMP plans. * Operator staff * Maintenance staff * Laboratory staff * Administration staff E. Persons Responsible for Training Randy Alstadt, Plant Administrator is responsible for training the operator, maintenance, and laboratory staff in our PSMP & RMP. In addition, the Water Treatment Facility has contracted with a Health & Safety company to provide for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response 40 hour training in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120, Section Q. At a minimum, all PWTF Life Threatening Atmospheres Team (LTA Team or LTAT) members are required to participate in this initial training and subsequent annual refresher training. F. Contractors Either the Chief Water Plant Operator or Head Maintenance Mechanic will inform contractors if their work is anticipated to be in or near chlorine storage/use areas and if their work may impact the disinfection system. If so, either the Chief Water Plant Operator or H ead Maintenance Mechanic will ensure that Contractors review the Plan and are familiar with the Facility's chlorine leak alarm, investigation, and response measures. It shall be the Contractor's responsibility to notify the Treatment Facility (the Chief Water Plant Operator or Head Maintenance Mechanic) of their work requirements. Upon notification, the Contractor and their on-site employees must review this Plan as well as the Emergency Action Plan prior to work being authorized to proceed. It is the Contractor's responsibility to adequately familiarize themselves with the Facility's chlorine leak response measures, evacuation routes, and out of building assembly areas. All Contractors, and other visitors of the PWTF, are required to sign in upon entry to the Facility prior to commencing their work/business, and sign out upon completion of their daily work/business (or for breaks when they leave the building). This record will be critical in assisting responders and Treatment Faci lity personnel with regard to who is unaccounted for in the event of a chlorine leak. PROCESS HAZARD ANALYSIS A. Chlorine Pertinent Information: As part of the PSMP & RMP, the Water Treatment Facility is required to assess the possible hazards associated with system failures throughout their chlorine feed system and identify the pertinent properties of chlorine. Warning Properties - Chlorine has adequate warning properties from an odor threshold of 0.02 - 0.2 ppm. Toxicity - Strong Irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. It may cause severe acute health hazards at higher concentrations and may also have chronic effects. The hazard at different atmospheric concentrations is reported to be as follows: Chlorine Concentration in Air (ppm) Degree of Hazard 0.02 - 0.2 Odor threshold 0.2 - 0.5 No toxic long term effect 0.5 Threshold limit value (TLV) 1 Short-term exposure limit (15 min.) 1 OSHA PEL ceil ing concentration limit (1 time exposure) 1 - 3 Definite odor; irritation of eyes and nose 6 Throat irritation 30 Intense coughing fits 40 - 60 Exposure for 30 - 60 minutes may cause serious injury 100 May be Lethal 1000 May be fatal with a few deep breaths Permissible Exposure Limits - The PEL is 1 ppm, the time weighted average for an eight hour day is 1 ppm, and the short term exposure limit (STEL) is 3 ppm according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist Physical Data - Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas or a clear, amber colored liquid with a suffocating, pungent, irritating odor. Boiling Point - 34 degrees(C) Specific Gravity - 1.41 (liquid) @ 20 degrees(C) Percent Volatile - 100% Vapor Density - 2.49 @ 0 degrees(C) (air = 1) Heavier than air, use proper precautions when handling a leak situation. Hazardous Reactivity - Strong oxidizing agent. Keep away from materials such as acetylene, turpentine, other hydrocarb ons, ammonia, hydrogen, ether, powdered metals, sulfur, and aluminum. Chlorine reacts with H2S and H20 forming HCL. It combines with CO and S02 to form phosgene and sulfury chloride, respectively, which are toxic and corrosive substances. Conditions to Avoid - The presence of moisture in gaseous and liquid chlorine increases corrosive attack on most common metals. B. Persons Responsible for Auditing the PSMP & RMP The Facility leaders (Supervisor, Senior Operator, Lab Director, Head Maintenance Mechanic) will audit this plan and discuss with other Facility personnel any changes that are deemed necessary. C. Hazard Analyses Potential System Failure, Effect and Mitigation Actions. 1) Chlorine container rupture during unloading or positioning. Quantity of chlorine released to the atmosphere could be episodic and have catastrophic results on facility personnel and surrounding community. * Evacuate area at once * Announce "Chlorine Leak Emergency" over the public address ho use phone. * Follow Chlorine Emergency Action procedures identified in this Plan and also found in the Treatment Facility's Emergency Action Plan & SOP. 2) Chlorine release within scale and hookup area. Quantity of chlorine released into scale room and hook up area could be catastrophic to facility personnel. The surrounding community is less at risk if immediate and appropriate response measures are implemented. Chlorine canisters are kept in a closed room with a ventilation system and an audible and visual alarm. Any released chlorine would be contained in the room until the doors are opened and/or the roof thruster ventilation system is activated. * Follow Chlorine Emergency Action procedures identified in this Plan and also found in the Treatment Facility's Emergency Action Plan & Chlorine Leak and related SOPs. * Trained and equipped LTAT are available to respond with chlorine leak kit. 3) Chlorine release within the Rotometer room. Release of chlorine should be minim al in quantity [due to vacuum feed system] but could have some impact to facility personnel. The surrounding community is even less at risk if immediate and appropriate response measures can be implemented. The Rotometer Room is smaller than the Scale Room, and it contains similar alarm and ventilation systems as the Scale Room. * The on line Chlorine canisters will discontinue feeding chlorine because of a break in the vacuum of the system. * Follow Chlorine Emergency Action procedures identified in this Plan and also found in the Treatment Facility's Emergency Action Plan. * Trained and equipped LTAT are available to respond w/chlorine leak kit. D. Plan and program maintenance and compliance It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Operator, PWTF Safety Committee and PWTF Supervisors to review the PSMP & RMP on a annual or more frequent basis and make recommendations to the Water Plant Administrator and Safety Committee of any new procedures, training, or circumstances which should be addressed in this Plan. If new operating procedures are developed, system designs modified, or new hazards introduced at the Facility which conflict or are not adequately addressed in the Plan, the Plan shall be modified accordingly. It shall be the Water Plant Administrator's responsibility to see that the modification and subsequent re-training of employees are performed. At a minimum, this Plan shall be reviewed annually to ensure it adequately addresses existing Facility conditions and staff. Likewise, to ensure that emergency notification procedures and phone numbers are up to date. Quarterly audits of routine tasks will be conducted while being performed by Facility personnel to ensure that Facility operating procedures, including use of PPE, are being followed. The Water Plant Safety Coordinator shall maintain all records of inspections, audits, and plan reviews. E. Employee participation plan All employees of the Water Treatment Facility are provided access to the process safety information and hazard analysis of the chlorine process at this facility. In addition, all employees who perform direct or routine operations in or in close proximity to the chlorine scale room, feed room, or loading dock receive annual hazardous operations and emergency response training in addition to periodic training in accordance with the following: * CFR 1910.119, the OSHA Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSMP). * 40 CFR Part 68 Subpart C the EPA Risk Management Plan (RMP). LTAT members are to receive 40 Hour OSHA "HazWopper" training and cumulative 8-Hour HazWopper Refresher training annually thereafter in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120, Section Q. Based on employee responsibilities during hazardous waste operations, reduced training hours may apply. In addition, leaders of the LTA team are required to participate in periodic safety meetings. This PSMP was prepared in accordance with 1910.119 and as such included employee parti cipation in identifying process safety procedures, process hazards, and operating procedures associated with the chlorine process at the Water Treatment Facility. F. Management of process changes It shall be the responsibility of the Water Plant Administrator to review proposed system changes (changes in current operating procedures, process chemicals, technology, and equipment) in order to determine that such modification shall not interfere with established safety protocols, hazard analyses, and/or operating procedures associated with the use of chlorine at the Water Treatment Facility. If modifications are anticipated to interfere with any established safety operations or procedures the Water Plant Administrator will be responsible for implementing all necessary program changes. In-kind system replacement or modification will not require process change analysis. It shall be the responsibility of the Water Plant Administrator to certify annually that all operating procedures asso ciated with the chlorine process are accurate and reflect current system arrangements. REGULATED SUBSTANCES A. Plan overview Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility is not a chemical manufacturer, however, it does store and utilize chlorine canisters in quantities that exceed the threshold limit of 1500 pounds. In accordance with the EPA and OSHA standards, the Water Treatment Facility has prepared the PSMP & RMP in order to provide information on the use of chlorine at the Facility, what its health effects are, safety procedures to be followed to reduce the likelihood of a release, and response measures in the event there is a release of this regulated substance. The purpose of this Plan is to reduce the likelihood or consequences of a serious release. The standards require that the Water Treatment Facility examine its chlorine disinfection system to pinpoint areas that have the potential for an accidental release. An accidental release is defined as a leak or ruptures in the syst em that is life threatening or harmful to workers' health. The Facility has identified four (4) areas from which a leak may occur: 1. Delivery and storage of the chlorine canisters on the back loading dock. 2. Moving and storing of the canisters in the tank scale room. 3. Connecting the canisters to the vacuum system. 4. Operation of the rotometer feed system. The Treatment Facility Management has also evaluated the safety practices that are implemented when working in any of the above mentioned areas. Various safety equipment and procedures have been identified as necessary for the safety of Facility personnel including, but not limited to: both chlorine rooms are monitored continuously with a chlorine alarm and the chlorine system is operated under a vacuum such that a break in the vacuum would automatically shut off the supply of chlorine. Such items are also discussed in this Plan. Although the Water Treatment Facility Management has evaluated the chlorine system, devel oped this safety management and response plan, and provides periodic safety training to employees, the possibility of an accident still exists regardless of these efforts. Accordingly, the Water Treatment Facility has also prepared an Emergency Action Plan in the event of a serious chlorine leak. A copy of the Emergency Action Plan plan is included in the PSMP Appendix and addresses the following: 1. An outline of the duties of Water Treatment Facility personnel. 2. Procedures for summoning emergency responding agencies. 3. Designation of in-building and outside of building assembly areas for Facility personnel. 4. Evacuation route diagrams for each location in the Water Treatment Facility. 5. Methods for accounting for personnel following emergency evacuation. 6. Specific chlorine leak response procedures by the Treatment Facility's Life Threatening Atmosphere (LTA) team. 7. Community notification in the event of a serious leak. Lastly, as part of this PSM P & RMP, the Water Treatment Facility has developed a training program for all Facility personnel. Such training is certified in writing and repeated at three year intervals or as necessary in the event there are mechanical changes in the chlorine system itself, PPE, and/or development of new response measures. The training includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. A review of the chlorine feed system, including a discussion of the physical properties of the chlorine tanks. For example, at what temperature range will the safety plugs be expelled. 2. Discussion of the procedures and safety equipment used when working with or repairing our chlorine feed system. 3. Discussion of the physical properties of chlorine and its effect upon our health in the event of exposure. 4. The use of chlorine MSDS. 5. Discussion of personnel responsibilities in the event of a Facility evacuation. This will include emergency responder notification, L TAT actions, evacuation routes, in building and out of building assembly areas, community notification in the event of a major leak, clean-up and neutralizing methods and accountability of personnel. 6. Discussion of Facility responsibilities to contractor employees. 7. Informing Facility personnel of the location of the written program. 8. Employees' responsibility to adhere to Facility Operating procedures and all safety measures, including use of PPE when dealing with the chlorine feed system. 9. Review of chlorine feed system operating procedures and Emergency Action Plan. PROCESS SAFETY INFORMATION AND OPERATING PROCEDURES A. System Design Schematic Generally, the system is set up to provide three application points for the chlorine. They include raw water (pre-chlorination); Intermediate (application before sediment basins) and final (post filtration application to final water to achieve required chlorine residual throughout community distr ibution system). Chlorine is primarily applied at the intermediate application point, however, the system is set up to deliver chlorine to all three application points if necessary. The system is operated under vacuum, once it leaves the feed cylinder, it is designed to cut off delivery of chlorine if there is a break in the piping. Specifically, gaseous chlorine is used for disinfection at the Facility. Pre-filtration chlorination is the primary method of disinfection and is achieved by adding chlorine to the water as it flows from the outlet of the solids contact tanks and enters each of the sedimentation tanks. Chlorine can also be fed to the rapid mixer for algae control during the summer months. Post-filtration chlorination can be applied to the filtered water effluent header just before it enters the equalization basin. The [total] chlorine feed rate is approximately 375 lbs./day (4-5 mg/l). The system utilizes ton chlorine canisters, which are located in a separate room on t he lower level of the Facility. Additional canisters are stored in an exterior covered storage area at the west/backside of the Facility. Within the chlorine storage room, three scales are provided each with two canisters in operation at all times. Vacuum operated regulators are attached directly to the canisters to prevent pressurized gas piping. Chlorine is feed from the first floor chlorine storage room to the main floor chlorine feed room, which contains four V-Notch Chlorinators. The system includes two 500 pound/day (ppd.) main Chlorinators and t 250 ppd Chlorinators. B. Maximum Intended Inventory 24 (48,000 lbs.) One Ton Chlorine Canisters C. Process Chemistry The process chemistry for the highly hazardous chemical (chlorine) used at the Water Treatment Facility is as follows: Pure chlorine is used for disinfection. It reacts with the organic compounds in the water initially at the various application points and as in the case with application for the final water it reacts with the water throughout the trunk and service main distribution system. The process results in the disinfection of the water supply in order to meet required public water health standards. When chlorine gas is added to water, two reactions take place. They are hydrolysis and ionization. The resulting quantity of HOCl (hypochlorous acid) and ClO-1 (hypochlorite ion) that is present in the water, given their relative distribution, yields varying efficiencies in killing of pathogenic and other micro organisms which may be harmful to human health. RMP MODEL WORST AND ALTERNATE CASE SCENARIOS A. Worst-Case Scenario MODEL USED: American Water Works Association (AWWA) Compliance Guidance & Model Risk Management Program for Water Treatment Plants (WTP) Manual, Table 5-1, page 5-6 Scenario I.D. # CLW-2. One-ton chlorine container with gas feed. This scenario was modeled as a direct gas release over a 10-minute period, as required by the EPA regulation. Scenario Overview: Chemical released: Chlorine State: Gas Results based on: Modeling Scenario: Toxic Gas Release Quantity Released: 2,000 lbs. Release Rate: 200 lbs./minute Release Duration: 10 minutes Wind Speed: 1.5 m/sec. Stability Class: F Topography: Urban Distance to End Point: 2.63 miles Residential Population within distance: Dutchess County: 15,907 & Ulster County: 11,680 TOTAL: 27,587 Public Receptors: Residences, Schools, Hospitals, Major Commercial Offices or Industrial areas & Public Recreational areas. Environmental Receptors within distance: None Passive Mitigation Considered: None This AWWA model was used because we believe it to be a realistic and reasonable worst-case scenario for our facility given our current operation and processes. A potential for effect could generally reach locations to 2.63 miles from the PWTF. This would mean areas of Dutchess and Ulster Counties. As a reference from our WTP this would mean, to the North a point just before the F. D. Roosevelt Historic Site [c oordinates of: 41*-45'-40"N x 73*-56'-07"W], South to the City & Town line near Academy St. & Rt. 9 [coordinates of: 41*-41'-06"N x 73*-56'-13"W], East to about mid-way between Van Wagner Rd. & Salt Point Turnpike in the Arlington area [coordinates of: 41*-45'-40"N x 73*-56'-07"W], and West about 1.38 mile past Rt. 9w [Ulster County coordinates of: 41*-43'-13"N x 73*-59'-16"W]. Many factors could effect actual distribution and concentrations of a chlorine gas release, some of which are noted above. No active or passive mitigation measures or administrative controls were considered as part of this model, though some exist which might reduce the impact area to the community noted. RMP MODEL WORST AND ALTERNATE CASE SCENARIOS, cont'd. B. Alternate-Case Scenario MODEL USED: American Water Works Association (AWWA) Compliance Guidance & Model Risk Management Program for Water Treatment Plants (WTP) Manual, Table 5-5, page 5-22 Scenario I.D. # CLA-3. One-ton chlorine containe r with gas feed. This scenario was modeled as a release from a horizontal cylindrical with the release occurring through a short pipe or valve in the top of the tank. The chlorine escapes only as a gas. Scenario Overview: Chemical released: Chlorine State: Gas Results based on: Modeling Scenario: Toxic Gas Release, Pipe/Valve leak. Quantity Released: 317 lbs. Release Rate: 10.5 lbs./minute Release Duration: 60 minutes Wind Speed: 3.0 m/sec. Stability Class: D Topography: Urban Distance to endpoint: 0.48 miles Residential Population within distance: Dutchess County: 422 & Ulster County: 0 TOTAL: 422 Public Receptors: Residences, Schools, Hospitals, Major Commercial Offices or Industrial areas & Public Recreational areas. Environmental Receptors within distance: None Passive Mitigation Considered: None This AWWA model was used because we believe it to be a realistic and reasonable alternate-case [more probable] scenario for our facility given our current operation and processes. A pot ential for effect could generally reach locations to 0.48 miles from the PWTF. This could mean areas of Dutchess and Ulster Counties [mostly over the Hudson River area, just reaching the Ulster County shore side]. As a reference from our WTP this would mean, to the North a point near the entrance to the Hudson River Psychiatric Center on Rt.9 [coordinates of: 41*-43'-48"N x 73*-56'-12"W], South to Poughkeepsie Waste Water Pollution Control Plant [coordinates of: 41*-42'-57"N x 73*-56'-13"W] East to area mid-way between two railroad crossings on Fulton St. and J. C. Paper Co. [coordinates of: 41*-43'-25"N x 73*-55'-38"W] and West to near shoreline of Highland on Hudson River [Ulster County coordinates of: 41*-43'-22"N x 73*-56'-48"W]. Many factors could effect actual distribution and concentrations of a chlorine gas release, some of which are noted above. No active or passive mitigation measures or administrative controls were considered as part of this model, though some exist which mi ght reduce the impact area to the community noted. PREVENTION PROGRAM A. Training Facility Operations 1) All Water Treatment Facility personnel receive training specific for the OSHA & EPA standards at least every three years. Even those employees not directly involved with chlorine tank changeovers and connections or with the LTAT are trained how to respond in the event of a major chlorine leak. 2) The Water Treatment Facility's LTAT meets on a monthly basis to discuss safety issues regarding our chlorine system. Changes in procedure and the purchasing of new safety gear occur as a result of these meetings. 3) Yearly training for OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard refreshes Facility personnel in the use of MSDS for information about the hazards of gaseous chlorine and safety equipment to be used when working in its' presence. B. Spill or Leak Response Measures Training includes response actions to be taken by Facility personnel during minor and major rele ases. These measures may include any or all of the following: identifying a system release, notifying appropriate staff, initiating leak repair measures, evacuating the building and notifying community emergency response agencies. C. Use of Chlorine Leak Kit Provided in the Appendix of the PSMP is the Instruction Booklet for Chlorine Leak Emergency Repair Kits. Members of the LTAT who are specifically trained in administering this repair kit receive refresher training in its use at least once every three years. D. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response LTAT members receive 40 Hour OSHA "HazWopper" training and cumulative 8 Hour HazWopper refresher training annually thereafter in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120, Section Q. Based on employee responsibilities during hazardous waste operations, reduced training hours may apply. E. Refresher Training PSMP & RMP Training is required to be conducted no less than once every 3 years. In addition to the PSMP & RMP training , all employees receive annual training in a variety of related safety topics which include Hazard Communication Standard, Personal Protective Equipment, and Respiratory Protection, CPR/First Aid and others plans/programs noted earlier. F. Operating Procedures The procedures for operations, maintenance, and repairs follow the guidelines of OSHA standards for Lockout/Tagout, Hazard Communication, and Permit Required Confined Space Entry. Written operating procedures of these programs are located in the entryway of the main lobby. Operating procedures specific to the Facility are contained in written standard operating procedures (SOP) which are contained in a notebook in the operations room. In addition to the general safety procedures identified in the above referenced plans and the Operating procedure, it is the responsibility of the Head Maintenance Mechanic to have daily visual inspections of the chlorine ton containers and their valves performed. In addition, to have mont hly inspections of LTAT equipment, chlorine leak kits, and chlorine alarm systems performed. In addition to specific operating procedures, all employees performing routine tasks (i.e. connecting new canisters, replacing valves, etc.) are required to have a full face respirator with chlorine air purifying cartridge on their person (i.e. hung at their neck) when performing these tasks. G. Safety Information The Facility SOP for chlorine leak emergencies, the Emergency Action Plan, and this plan cover procedures necessary for response to minor and major chlorine leaks and the actions required for evacuation of the Water Treatment Facility. A review of the plans by all Facility personnel is required every three years during the training session(s). A flow chart is used to determine if a spill or release is to be reported and to what agency. It is included as Attachment E in the PSMP. The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for gaseous chlorine in 1 ton canisters are readily availab le in the MSDS collections located in the laboratory, Facility lobby, and maintenance shop. In addition, a copy of the MSDS is located at the entrance to the scale room and in the sludge building where the LTAT response equipment is located. A copy of the MSDS from the present purveyor is contained in PSMP Attachment D. This MSDS must be replaced anytime the Facility changes purveyors. A list of employee telephone numbers as well as local police and fire is posted at all telephones throughout the Water Treatment Facility. In addition, the telephone numbers for the following facilities are also included: supplier of the 1 ton chlorine canisters, Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response and Dutchess County Hazardous Material Response Team. These and other important numbers include: All are 914 area code, except as noted. Fairview Fire Department 452-2323 Dutchess County Emergency Response 471-1414 Town of Poughkeepsie Police 485-3666 Chlorine Purveyo r Allied Universal 201-589-6499 Emergency Beeper 305-397-9192 Dutchess County Hazardous Materials Team 471-1414 City of Poughkeepsie Police 451-4000 Dutchess County Sheriff 452-0400 Dutchess County Health Department John Glass 486-3404 24-hour hotline 431-6465 Town of Poughkeepsie 462-6535 Marist College Security 471-1822 Marist College Maintenance (snow plowing, etc.) 471-3240 Central Hudson 452-2000 Power Failure Emergency 486-5604 CIA Alarm System 485-9000 Dutchess County Office of Disaster Preparedness 431-2080 Telephone Communication Problems @ College Hill 890-7711 Vassar Hospital Emergency Room 431-5680 St. Francis Hospital 471-2000 NYSDEC Spills Hotline 1-800-457-7362 Poison Control Center 1-800-336-6997 FIVE-YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY PWTF has had no significant or reportable releases in the last five years. Additionally we have had no significant or reportabl e releases at our current plant ever. The current PWTF was put in service in 1962. EMERGENCY RESPONSE (ACTION) PROGRAM A. Purpose Emergency Action Plans have been developed and are included in this section of this Plan. The response procedures identified in this plan range in scope from the response of Water Treatment Facility personnel in the event of a minor chlorine leak to the response and responsibility of the Water Treatment Facility in the event of a catastrophic release. The development of appropriate response procedures is necessary in order to minimize health hazards to Facility employees and the surrounding community, to minimize Facility infrastructure damage, and to ensure continued operation of the Water Treatment Facility. The objectives of the Emergency Action Plan can only be realized if Facility personnel are properly trained to identify and respond to emergency conditions and if sufficient equipment and resour ces are available to support an effective response when an emergency arises. SOPs are available for the response of Water Treatment Facility personnel in the event of minor and major chlorine leak occurrences. The operating procedures outline the responsibilities of Water Treatment Facility personnel and appropriate actions to be taken during leak events. These operating procedures are contained in the Attachment section of the PSMP. Dutchess County Emergency Response coordinator has provided the Water Treatment Facility with a written plan of responsibilities and actions in the event of a leak that is threatening to the population of the surrounding community. This Crisis Notification Plan is contained in the Attachment section of the PSMP. To facilitate the above plans of action, The Fairview Fire Company has been designated as the Water Treatment Facility's emergency responder. On a yearly basis they examine the Water Treatment Facility's chlorination system and discuss with Fa cility personnel how to safely repair chlorine tank leaks. B. General Response Procedures Emergency response procedures have been instituted in the event of a release which may occur in five (5) areas throughout the Facility which may be locations of potential system failures. They include: 1. Delivery and storage of the chlorine canisters on the back loading dock. 2. Moving and storing of the canisters in the tank scale room. 3. Connecting the canisters to the vacuum system. 4. Operation of the rotometer feed system. In addition to these procedures discussed in Part C of this section, the following general precautions and procedures must also be followed. 1. Only LTAT members trained in the use and application of the Chlorine Institute emergency kit "B" shall be permitted to investigate and mitigate leaks for which the kit has been designed. 2. At a minimum, chlorine full-face respirators must always be worn when investigating and S.C.B.A.s when correcting chlorine l eaks. 3. The Head Maintenance Mechanic shall be responsible for performing daily inspections of chlorine tanks whether or not they have been connected to the system, monthly inspections of the chlorine kit, and monthly inspections of the LTAT full chlorine response PPE kits. 4. A chlorine leak resulting shall be responded to by the Water Treatment Facility as outlined in the PWTF Chlorine Leak SOP and Emergency Action Plan for more details. A call to the Dutchess County Emergency Response number 471-1414 to request additional aid, and then request dispatcher to notify DC Office of Emergency Preparedness, may be made if determined needed by FFD Fire Chief, Incident Commander or LTAT. Additionally the FFD Fire Chief or Incident Commander shall be responsible for notifying Marist College at 471-1822. The PWTF Water Plant Administrator notifies the NYSDEC Spills Hotline at 800-457-7362. 5. After use of the chlorine emergency kit: When the emergency device is removed from the co ntainer, it should be thoroughly cleaned with alkaline solution and dried, and all parts lightly oiled to prevent corrosion. Used gaskets should be discarded and replacements re-ordered. Return the device, all wrenches and other tools to the box, check with the parts list, and reseal the box so that it will again be ready for an emergency. C. Specific Minor/Major Leak Responses Minor leaks are defined as follows: leaks which occur that result in a continuously monitored atmosphere of <10 ppm of chlorine and can be responded to by the Facility LTAT using the chlorine institute leak kit and SCBA. Major leaks are defined as follows: leaks which occur that result in a continuously monitored atmosphere of > 20 ppm of chlorine and/or leaks which the Facility and/or the kit are not designed to remedy. A chlorine leak is suspected when the chlorine alarm is activated and/or when the distinctive odor is detected by any employee. All employees should treat the situation as a chlorine leak until proven otherwise. The LTAT will be required to verify the leak and or determine the extent of chlorine contamination. Only life threatening atmosphere (LTA) team members that have been fully trained in the proper procedures for assessing chlorine leak use and limitations of personal protective SCBA equipment and in fixing small leaks and/or the Fire Department will enter a room that contains a chlorine leak. When the chlorine leak alarm is activated in the control room the operator responding to the alarm will follow the PWTF Chlorine Leak SOP, below: PWTF CHLORINE LEAKS S.O.P. - EVALUATION - CATEGORIES - RESPONSE - EVALUATION: A Chlorine leak is suspected when the chlorine alarm is activated, a meter reads a higher than normal reading or you smell Chlorine. CATEGORIES: 1. REGULAR WO RKING HOURS CHLORINE LEAKS [M-F 7a-3p except holidays] 2. NON-REGULAR WORKING HOURS CHLORINE LEAKS [All times not included in #1 above] RESPONSE: Follow the instructions below, as time & circumstances allow, in the sequence listed. Remember, while it is important to try to complete the following tasks, you and your co-workers personal safety takes priority over all tasks requested! If you SMELL chlorine immediately EXIT THE PWTF & go to STAGING AREA 1 or 2 as appropriate. REGULAR WORKING HRS. CHLORINE LEAKS NOTIFY 1. LTA TEAM LEADER [if unavailable, his Second or any member]. 2. PWTF Supervisors 3. FAIRVIEW FIRE DEPT. [452-2323] COMMUNICATE 1. Maintain communications and take directions from LTA Team. 2. If directed to make a PA announcement, to evacuate the PWTF, use the following example as a guide: "ATTENTION ALL PLANT PERSONNEL, IMMEDIATELY EXIT THE BUILDING AND PROCEED TO STAGING AREA, LTA TEAM REPORT TO THE ALUM SLUDGE TREATMENT PLANT" [Explain where the staging area is located, example "STAGING AREA 1 IS AT INTERSECTION OF ROADS HALFWAY UP HILL"]. Repeat the announcement at least several times. OPERATIONS 1. If directed, TAKE PWTF "OFF LINE" ASAP. If no timely direction given regarding this, question LTA Team and/or a supervisor before exiting WTP. 2. If directed to evacuate, collect and take the following items with you: 1. Regular WTP portable radio[s]. 2. PWTF "Personnel Sign In Log" 3. "Emergency Exit Equipment Bag." [E-Bag] EXIT 1. Take a PWTF Vehicle if possible and proceed to the appropriate STAGING AREA. 2. Immediately find WTP Ranking Supervisor &/or LTA Team Leader/member and Fairview Fire Dept. Incident Commander, REPORT/DO THE FOLLOWING: [If these people are not at staging area report all below to the LTA Team via portable radio, ASAP. 1. WTP Equipment you have brought with you. 2. WTP Operational Status and other important information 3. DO A PERSONNEL INVENTORY. Talk w/ALL persons who were in WTP prior to evacuation & review "sign-in log." Anyone not accounted for should be reported, as above, ASAP. 4. Stay available for use as needed. NON-REGULAR WORKING HOURS CHLORINE LEAKS NOTIFY 1. Call FAIRVIEW FIRE DEPT. [452-2323] "Ask Fairview to call LTA Team" [avoid using 451- 4173 if possible] Make a PA announcement, to evacuate the PWTF, use the following example as a guide: "ATTENTION ALL PLANT PERSONNEL, IMMEDIATELY EXIT THE BUILDING AND PROCEED TO STAGING AREA 1. LTA TEAM REPORT TO THE ALUM SLUDGE TREATMENT PLANT" [Explain where the staging area is located, example "STAGING AREA 1 IS AT INTERSECTION OF ROADS HALFWAY UP HILL"]. Repeat the announcement at least 2 times. 2. LTA Team. Use telephone and "ALL PAGERS ALERT #" 387-1631 then "CODE 999". [avoid using 451-4173 if possible] The first LTA Team Member you talk with will then call all other members, remind him of this duty. 3. Call PWTF Supervisors, use telephone and pagers as in #2 above. COMMUNICATE 1. Maintain communications and take directions from LTA Team and Supervisors. OPERATIONS 1. Take PWTF off line ASAP [AFTER NOTIFYING IS COMPLETE], unless directed otherwise by LTA Team/Supervisor. 2. Collect the following equipment prior to exiting PWTF. 1. Regular portable radio[s]. 2. LTA Team Radio[s] 3. PWTF "Personnel Sign In Log" 4. "Emergency Exit Equipment Bag." [E-BAG] EXIT 1. Take a PWTF Vehicle if possible and proceed to the appropriate STAGING AREA. 2. Immediately find WTP Ranking Supervisor &/or LTA Team Leader/member and Fairview Fire Dept. Incident Commander, REPORT /DO THE FOLLOWING to them: [If these people are not at staging area report all below to the LTA Team via portable radio, ASAP. 1. WTP Equipment you have brought with you. 2. WTP Operational Status and other important information 3. DO A PERSONNEL INVENTORY. Talk w/ALL persons who were in WTP prior to evacuation & review "sign-in log." Anyone not accounted for should be reported, as above, ASAP. 3. Stay available for use as needed. Chlorine Institute "Kit-B" Use Procedures LTAT will respond to minor leaks only by utilizing the chlorine institute leak kit. The kit specifies exact procedures for correcting minor leaks occurring with the tanks and connecting valves. These types of minor leaks can be anticipated to occur in the following areas: delivery and storage, tanks in the Scale Room, and when connecting canisters to the vacuum system. The type of leak and respective corrective measure for tanks in these areas for which the kit has been specifically designed are as follows: Chlorine Leaks Occurring Through: Are Corrected By: A. Valve Packing Gland Tightening packing nut with wrench 200 or 101 [100 or101] B. Valve Seat Gently opening and closing valve (valve will not close tight) (to dislodge scale from valve seat), or Applying outlet ca p and gasket 4G with Wrench 200[101] C. Valve Inlet Threads tightening valve into container slowly and with steady Pressure with Wrench 106, or Applying Device 12 D. Broken off Valve Driving small drift pin B-1 into valve inlet, then Applying Device 12 E. Fusible Plug Threads tightening plug slowly using steady pressure with Wrenches 104, 104A, and 104B, or Applying Device 4 F. Fusible Metal of Plug Applying Device 4, or driving small drift pin B-1 through fusible metal. G. Side of Container Applying Device 9 INCIDENT INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING After a chlorine leak has occurred, been responded to, and the Facility back on line, it shall be the responsibility of the Water Plant Administrator to investigate the incident and ensure that all required authorities have been notified. Each release will be recorded and records maintained on file for a minimum of 30 years as documentation of employee exposure. The investigation of the incident shall include a thorough review of the cause of the leak (i.e. operator or equipment failure); efficiency and appropriateness of applied mitigation and notification measures; an evaluation of the adequacy of safety measures, readiness and response of the LTAT and all Facility personnel in a crisis situation; and recommendations to improve safety and response procedures in the event a leak should occur again. An incident investigation report shall be prepared within 1 month of the leak and discussed with the Facility administration and Facility staff in a "post" leak response safety meeting. 1998 PWTF WATER QUALITY INFORMATION Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis Information While neither cryptosporidium nor giardia has been detected in the treated water supply, New York State Law requires water suppliers to notify their customer about the risk. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are intestinal illnesses caused by microscopic parasites. Cryptosporidiosis can be very serious for people with weak immune systems such as chemotherapy, dialysis or transplant patients, and people with Chron's disease or HIV infection. People with weakened immune systems should discuss with their health care providers the need to take extra precautions such as boiling water, using a certified bottled water or a specifically approved home filter. Individuals who think they may have cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis should contact their health care provider immediately. Cryptosporidium and giardia are tested in the treated water and in the Hudson River and recycled water supplies. In 1998 cryptosporidium or giardia were not in any treated water samples. For additional information on cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis, please contact John Glass, Public Health Officer, Dutchess County Department of He alth 387 Main Mall, Poughkeepsie, NY. 12601-3316 at 486-3404 or Randy Alstadt, Water Plant Administrator, Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility at 451-4161. ADDITIONAL TREATMENT ENHANCEMENTS Lead Control Program In March 1997, we initiated the addition of orthophosphate into the treated water supply in order to reduce the corrosion of lead piping in our customers plumbing. In 1998, testing of customers tap water in both the City and Town of Poughkeepsie determined lead levels in 95-percent of those households has been reduced from 28 (g/L in 1992 to 15 (g/L (the federally mandated standard). This program has proven to be very successful and we anticipate further reduction in lead levels at customer's taps as this program continues. Pilot Plant In 1998, we completed construction of a Pilot Plant at the Treatment Facility. This pilot plant is capable of completely modeling all of our treatment processes at a flow of up to 10 gpm or 1/1,000th of the full plant capacity. The pilot plant is currently being operated to model our existing processes in effort to optimize treatment and as a training tool for our staff. In 1999, we will evaluate treatment enhancements that can be implemented to further improve quality and reliability, reduce costs and increase plant capacity without the construction of new processes. WATER CONSERVATION Water Conservation is the responsibility of every citizen and can be accomplished in easy to implement activities. Here are some of the ways you can save water. * Repair all plumbing leaks promptly. To find a leak, turn off all water-using equipment for 20 minutes. Read your water meter at the beginning and end of the 20 minutes - the reading should be the same. If not, suspect a leak and take action. * Use low flow showerheads, toilets and other water saving devices. * Water only in the evening, after the heat of the day, to reduce evaporation. * Take showers instead of baths. Saving water can reduce your w ater bill. Please visit our web site at www.pokwater.com or contact the PWTF (914-451-4173) for additional information or questions regarding this RMP. End PWTF EPA RMP Executive Summary Section. |