EFFINGHAM EQUITY - ARCOLA - Executive Summary |
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Effingham Equity is committed to the prevention of any accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia. Our prevention program includes the use of proper equipment, regular inspections and maintenance and training for all employees that work with the material. Should an accidental release occur, the facility has oriented the Arcola Fire Dept. and the Douglas County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). These steps have been taken to assure a quick response to any release and minimize the impact on the community and the environment. The primary activity at the facility is the storage of anhydrous ammonia for sale to farmers. Anhydrous ammonia is received, stored, and distributed for direct application as a crop production nutrient. The maximum quantity stored at our facility would be 159,000 pounds stored in two tanks totaling 36,000 gal. The worst case scenario is the release of the entire contents of the storage tanks releases as a gas in 10 minutes. The maximum quantity release d would be 159,000 pounds, which represents the volume of the storage tank at 85 percent capacity as limited by design standards and company policies. The distance to the endpoint of dispersion based on the model is 6.9 miles. The alternative case scenario is assumed to be a release from the rupture of a two-inch transfer hose, with 1000 pounds released in a 5-minute period. The distance of the endpoint of dispersion is 0.30 miles. Effingham Equity complies with all rules and regulations relating to The Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia and Low Pressure Nitrogen Solutions, Equipment, Containers and Stoage Facilities. These regulations administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture are consistent with ANSI K61.1 and OSHA 29 CFR- 1910.111 regarding proper storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. There have been no accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia for the covered process in the past five years. Effingham Equity has a written emergency action plan in accordance with OS HA standard 29 CFR - 1910.38. Our action plan has been reviewed with the local fire dept. and provided to the LEPC for coordination of community response planning. Improving safety at Effingham Equity is an on-going process. Periodic evaluations are perfomed to assess the maintenance of safe practices and operations. There are no additional specific anhydrous ammonia safety recommendations for implimentation at this time. |