City of Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant - Executive Summary

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
 
The disinfection process in use at the Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant involves a train of six one-ton cylinders split into two headers that are connected by a single pipe to a chlorine injection diffuser.  The two trains of three-one ton cylinders are connected to a header via capillary lines that are individually valved and can be removed from service one at a time.  The two three-tank headers connect to a single line with a pressure induced transfer switch.  If pressure is low on the tank side, the transfer switch will move to the higher pressure system.  This transfer switch is also a backflow prevention valve.  If a header that is not in use ruptures, gas from the in-use header cannot escape.  This minimizes the numbers of tanks which may be venting to atmosphere in the event of a header rupture. 
 
When a transfer occurs due to on line tanks becomming empty, an alarm signals plant staff that the valve has activated.  If the alarmactivates at an unexpected t 
ime or interval, staff are notified and can investigate the situation.  Likewise, if a low pressure condition is found in the system, an alarm alerts staff to this condition.  If this occurs at a time that is unexpected or too frequent an interval, staff will respond to it as well. 
 
The process room is equipped with a leak monitor that will alert staff in the event of excessive chlorine gas being present in either the storage or injection rooms.   
 
The chlorine injection system is a vacuum operated system meaning that in the loss of a vacuum diaphragms close which prevent the leak of gas to atmosphere.  If a rupture occurs on the feedline to the injector or if a rupture occurs on the line from the chlorinator itself, only minimal gas will escape to the room.  The entire system is designed to operate with a vacuum source.  If the vacuum source is interrupted, gas flow stops. 
 
The entire process is in active use from May 1 to October 30 each year.  From November 1 to April 30, the system 
remains in a standby mode and is used only as flows to the plant exceed plant capacity for secondary treatment.   
 
All maintenance performed on the tank systems including changing of tanks is performed with two staff members who are equipped with the necessary tools to stop a leak from the header or associated piping and are equipped with respirators and a supplied air system to allow them to work in a contaminated atmosphere in order to complete the necessary repairs.   
 
In addition to the six tanks that are connected to the train of two headers, there are three other tanks that are separate and are in a standby unconnected location.  These tanks are replacements for empties and are not connected to the header in anyway.  Valves are closed and cover plates are installed to protect the valves from any accidental damage.   
 
The entire building is dedicated to a single use without unusual traffic or other applications.  The only time the building is in use or is occupied is when the chl 
orine system is being maintained or tanks are being changed. 
 
RESPERATOR TRAINING 
 
PURPOSE 
 
To provide training in the use and care of the Division respirator gear. 
 
SELECTION AND USE 
 
The Division is equipped with three types of respirators:  A:  a SCBA equipped with the pressure demand type regulator which is to be used in emergency situations where mobility is needed.  The specific Division situations are CONFINED SPACE uses and CHLORINE (C12) or SULFUR DIOXIDE (SO2) leaks at the wastewater plant.  B: 
the five minute escape bottle with the full enclosure head bag and pressure demand type regulator to be used while in a confined space when the atmosphere goes from safe to unsafe.  C:  the supplied air/hip pack system supplied with the pressure demand regulator.  This system is to be used while working on C12 or SO2 tank changes at the WWTP. 
 
INSTRUCTION 
 
Annual training exercises shall be conducted with all Division staff.  Training shall consist of use of all three types of respirat 
or gear used within the Division and in what specific situations they should be used.  Supervisors will be responsible to monitor and instruct individuals on a regular (6-8 week) basis to be sure that proper procedures are followed when using the SCBA and/or supplied air system 
 
FIT TESTS 
 
All staff shall have the SCBA and Supplied Air masks fit tested to be sure that a good seal is achievable.  Since this is impossible while wearing corrective lenses, they will have to be removed while wearing the face mask.  A proper fit is also impossible if the user has sideburns or beard growth.  The City will require all employees who may be required to wear respirator equipment to pass a fit test.  Training on achieving a proper fit shall be done annually and be part of the regular training lesson plan.  
 
CARE OF EQUIPMENT 
 
Each person using the Division respirator equipment is responsible for the proper c 
are of the equipment.  Before using, inspect the mask for signs of wear, cracking, scratched face plate, check the face seal for any sign of deterioration.  Check the straps for tears or weakness.  Check hoses and fittings as well as tank straps and supports.  Reports any signs of damage to your supervisor.  REMOVE ANY SUSPECT EQUIPMENT FROM THE WORK SITE AND DELIVER IT TO A SAFE REMOTE AREA, i.e., the Assistant Superintendent's office.  After each use the user is responsible for the cleaning and disinfection of the face mask and shield.  After cleaning, the user shall store the mask in the proper container ready for the next use.  After each use the SCBA shall be returned to the storage compartment in the maintenance office.  The five minute hip pack used with the supplied air system shall be kept in the C12 ready room. 
 
MAINTENANCE 
 
The City Fire Department will keep complete maintenance histories on all of the Division respirator equipment.  Refills, tank tests, regulator repair and 
testing and all other maintenance checks shall be done at least annually.  The Fire Department shall be responsible for scheduling maintenance and request delivery of the appropriate equipment to their facilities. 
 
HEALTH INSPECTIONS 
 
Regular health checkups shall be done on each person in the Division.  Since anyone may be required to use the safety equipment, all shall be tested.  Records of this testing shall be kept with the Respiratory Program file.   
 
Attached are emergency and standard operating practices to be used while handling chlorine.  The respirator program is designed to be used in a chlorine and/or confined space environment.  This program is intended to be a training tool to insure a complete review of all aspects of respiratory training.  Whenever the respiratory equipment is needed, a two man "buddy system" shall be considered as being in place.  NO INDIVIDUAL IS AUTHORIZED TO UNDERTAKE EMERGENCY REPAIRS ALONE.  The only occasion in which one man will be using a res 
pirator is when escaping a dangerous environment with an emergency escape bottle as would be used in a confined space situation. 
 
CHLORINE SAFETY PROCEEDURES 
 
                                      CHANGING CHLORINE AND SULFUR DIOXIDE TANKS 
 
 
Instructions 
 
1.Close all tank valves on ton cylinders that are 
to be changed. 
 
2.Close yoke and manifold valves for the cylinders 
that are to be changed. 
 
3.Loosen yoke assembly and swing away from tank.  Support 
yoke assembly on hanger. 
 
4.Cap and replace empty ton cylinder using established 
replacement procedure.  Prepare full ton cylinder for 
reconnection to yoke assembly. 
 
5.Reconnect yoke assembly using new (lead or fiber) gaskets. 
 
6.Check and tighten as required all yoke, tank, and  
manifold fittings. 
 
7.Pressurize system and check for leaks using ammonia  
vapors.  If no leaks are present, the tank change is 
complete. 
 
SUPPLIED AIR MASK SANITIZING AND STORAGE 
 
Instructions 
 
1.Take off the supplied air mask and disconnect the  
regulator hos 
e from the air line hose. 
 
2.Close the valves on the supplied air tanks.  Coil  
and store the air line hose. 
 
3.Remove the Hip-Pac and sanitize the facepiece using 
the sanitizer wipes located in the Ready Room. 
 
4.Store the sanitized facepiece in its plastic storage 
bag. 
 
5.Store the complete Hip-Pac and facepiece in the wall 
cabinet in the Ready Room. 
 
FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE S O P 
 
 
Operations Procedures----Haz Mat Team Response             08/95  S.O.P. 213                       page 1 of 1 
 
PURPOSE 
 
Squad 1 will respond to all hazardous materials incidents within the City of Elmhurst and to other towns that request our Haz. Mat. team. 
 
I. Hazardous materials incidents within the City of Elmhurst 
 
         A. Squad 1 will respond with on duty crew to the scene with other E.F.D. units. 
 
          B. If Elmhurst Haz. Mat. team members are needed, team members will respond to the scene. 
 
II. Hazardous Materials incidents outside the City of Elmhurst 
 
            A. Du-Com will page 
out Haz. Mat. team members by phone pager, and team members should 
                 respond to station 1. 
 
             B. Squad 1 will be utilized by the Haz. Mat. team to respond to an incident outside of the City of 
                  Elmhurst. 
 
             C. Squad 1 should have minimum of two personnel before it responds. Haz. Mat. team members  
                  should wait a reasonable amount of time for all team members to reach  station 1.  
 
              D. Off duty personnel should be recalled as needed to replace those Haz. Mat. team members on  
                   duty that are responding. 
 
                                                EMERGENCY RESPONCE SUMMARY 
Emergency Phone Number for: 
Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant 
625 S. Route 83 
Elmhurst, IL 60126 
630/530-3045 - 3046 
 
FACILITY EMERGENCY COORDINATOR 
WWTP   Pager 
 
Dennis Streicher   630/530-3046   708/276-6071 
 
Other Supervisors 
 
Wayne Pochert    630/530-3099  708/276-6226 
Mark Baader        630/530-617 
3  708/276-7928 
 
 
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS 
 
Fire Department with Jurisdiction       911* 
(Elmhurst Fire Department) 
 
Local Emergency Coordinator      630/682-7207* 
(DuPage County - Office of Emergency Management) 
 
State Emergency Response      800/782-7860* 
Commission 
(Illinois Emergency Services & Disaster Agency) 
 
National Response Center          800/424-8802* 
 
Police Department with Jurisdiction    911 
(Elmhurst Police Department) 
 
Ambulance       911 
(Elmhurst Fire Department) 
 
Hospital or Medical Center           630/941-4540 
(Elmhurst Memorial Hospital) 
* Notification of these agencies is required following a release. 
 
SPECIAL FACILITIES LOCATED WITHIN THE EMERGENCY PLANNING ZONE 
 
Facilities Notified by Villa Park 
 
Montessori Center 
706 E. Park Blvd. 
630/832-4423 
 
Special Education Center 
502 E. Van Buren 
630/279-4726 
 
Washington Condominiums  
Retirement Center 
530 E. Highland 
 
Villa Park Wet Weather Flow Facility 
141 S. Monterey St. 
630/834-0179 
 
Apartment Complex 
230 S. V 
illa Avenue 
 
Oakfield Ford 
433 St. Charles Road 
630/834-7603 
 
Conxall Corporation 
601 E. Wildwood 
630/834-7504 
 
Illinois Bell Telephone Co. 
631 E. Wildwood 
630/833-992w3 
 
Rawall Engravers 
621 E. Wildwood 
630/832-6400 
 
Villa Park Trust & Savings 
10 S. Villa Avenue 
630/834-0800 
 
Facilities Notified by DuComm for Elmhurst 
 
York High School 
355 W. St, Charles Road 
617-2400 
 
Lincoln Elementary School 
565 Fairfield Avenue 
834-4548 
 
Salt Creek School 
980 Riverside Drive 
833-8934 
 
Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church/School 
314 W. Vallette 
530-4036 
 
Willows of Elmhurst Senior Housing Center 
255 S. West Ave. 
279-4020 
 
Elmhurst Terrace Apartments 
485 W. St. Charles Rd. 
832-7600 
 
Elmcrest Apartments 
365 S. West Avenue 
 
Holiday Inn Express 
933 Riverside Drive 
279-0700 
 
Shopping Center 
Route 83 and St. Charles Road 
 
Amlings 
534 W. St. Charles Rd. 
 
Pier One 
538 W. St. Charles Rd. 
 
North Side St. Charles at Route 83 
Dominicks Finer Foods 
535 W. St. Charles Rd, 
833-6630 
 
Elmhurst Public Works Garage 
& Park District Maintenance Bldg. 
1005 S. Riverside Drive 
630-530-3026 
 
EMERGENCY OPERATING CENTER 
 
Elmhurst Fire Station #1 
404 N. York Road 
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 
 
 
MEDIA BRIEFING CENTER 
Elmhurst Fire Station #1 
404 N. York Road 
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 
 
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant 
 
PREFACE 
 
This document contains privileged information and is therefore considered a restricted document.  While available for public inspection, in accordance with the provisions of SARA Title III (P.L, 99-499), any reproduction or duplication requires the prior approval of the DuPage County Local Emergency Planning Committee - 136 North County Farm Road Wheaton, Illinois 60187, or the Facility Emergency Coordinator, identified on Page 1, of the facility for which this plan has been developed. 
 
 
                       Distribution List 
 
              Copy Agency/Organization 
 
              1.Elmhurst Police Department 
 
              2.Elmhurst Fire Departme 
nt 
 
              3.Elmhurst E.S.D.A. 
 
              4.Villa Park Police Department 
 
              5.Villa Park Fire Department 
 
              6.Illinois State Police District 2 
 
              7.DuPage County Office of Emergency Management 
 
              8.DuComm Communications Center 
 
              9.Salt Creek Sanitary District 
 
              10.Villa Park Wet Weather Flow Facility 
 
 
 
SITE IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION 
 
Name and Description of Production 
 
The Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Facility is a facility that 
deals in the treatment of liquid and solid sanitary waste. 
 
Geographic Location 
 
The Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 625 South Route 83 in Elmhurst, Illinois, The plant facilities are on the east side of Route 83 set back from the roadway approximately fifty (50) feet.  The main entrance to the facility is off of the East Frontage road accessible at Riverside Drive and Route 83.  The plant is also accessible from the North on Route 83 at Highlan 
d.  A total of sixteen (16) buildings are located on the facility's complex.  The plant site is bordered on the north side by Salt Creek Sanitary District, the east side by Salt Creek and a residential area, the south side by business and commercial properties and the west side by Route 83 and a residential area.  See Appendix 4 for site layout. 
 
Based on a hazard analysis, an Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) has been established for the facility that extends from the facility to a distance of one-half mile.  The size of this EPZ is based on the worst chemical at the facility.  Specifically this EPZ is bounded on the north by Albert Street & the railroad tracks, the east by Hillside Avenue, the south by Washington Street and Wilson Street, and the west by Villa Avenue. 
 
General Description of off-Site Land Use 
 
The area located within the EPZ is primarily residential.  There is, however, 20 structures with a special population that will require attention in the event of a release.  These  
facilities are listed on Pages Two and Three. 
 
     Likely Transportation Routes to and From the Facility 
 
The Elmhurst Wastewater Treatment Plant is served by the following transportation route: 
Route 83 
 
It is over this route that the potential for a transportation accident is the greatest. 
 
 
   Major Chemical Concerns 
 
The facility has indicated that it stores, handles, or manufactures the following extremely hazardous chemicals in excess of the EPA designated threshold planning quantity.  These chemicals along with their potential hazards are listed below: 
 
Chlorine - Chlorine gas may cause severe irritation of the eyes,nose, and respiratory tract with tearing, and runny nose, sneezing, coughing, choking, and chest pain. Severe breathing difficulties may occur, which may be delayed in onset. Pneumonia may result. In high concentrations chlorine may irritate the skin and cause sensations of burning and prickling, inflammation, and blister formation.  Any contact with liquid chlori 
ne may cause burns, blistering, and tissue destruction.  Severe exposures may be fatal.  Corrosion of the teeth, skin irritation, and reduced respiratory capacity may result from repeated or prolonged exposure. 
 
Sulfur Dioxide - It may cause death or permanent injury after very short exposure to small quantities. 1,000 ppm causes death in from 10 minutes to several hours by respiratory depression.  It is an eye and respiratory tract irritant, Persons with asthma, subnormal pulmonary functions or cardiovascular disease are at a greater risk. 
 
DETECTION, NOTIFICATION, AND WARNING SYSTEM 
 
If the incident involves the potential or actual release into the environment of a CERCLA/SARA designated hazardous material, in excess of the reportable quantity, then the Facility Emergency Coordinator, or his designee, will classify the incident and then notify, via telephone, the local Fire Department, Local Emergency Coordinator, and the State Emergency Response Commission.  A call to 9-1-1 will sat 
isfy the requirement of notifying the jurisdiction's Fire Department, The numbers for these notifications are shown on the front page of this document. 
 
Verbal notification of these agencies will be accomplished using the Chemical Accident Reporting System (CARS) form, The CARS Form, and instructions for its use are shown in Appendix 5. The use of this form will ensure that all parties involved in the emergency transmit and receive information in a uniform format that is easily understandable. 
 
When a chemical release occurs at the facility, plant management and employees are alerted of the problem through an alarm system consisting of flashing lights and alarms.  Gas sensors, located in the chlorine storage room, are tied to an alarm system in the control room.  If an alarm sounds, the facility operator alerts on-site personnel and provides notification of the community by calling 9-1-1.  The 9-1-1 operator, at DuComm, will notify the Elmhurst Police and Fire Departments, the Villa Pa 
rk Police and Fire Departments and the Illinois State Police District 2 in Elgin. 
 
If warning of the public is necessary, it will be accomplished through the use of a route alerting system utilizing mobile public address systems on available police, fire and emergency vehicles.  Additionally radio station WDCB-FM (90.9) will be utilized as the Emergency Broadcast      System (EBS) station for the DuPage County area, This station will be used to transmit news and official instructions from local levels of government to the general public.  Activation of this system will be accomplished through the DuPage County Office of Emergency Management. 
 
ACCIDENT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM 
 
Response to a fixed-site hazardous materials incident will be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with the severity of the incident.  Therefore an accident classification system has been established.  Response to the incident, as outlined in Appendices 1 and 2, will be triggered by level of classification as de 
fined below. 
 
THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF ELMHURST WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. THE ELMHURST FIRE DEPARTMENT IS THE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSESAND WILL BE CHARGED WITH IMPLEMENTING ANY EVACUATION PLANS. THE PLAN IN ITS ENTIRETY IS AT THE ELMHURST FIRE DEPARTMENT AND AT THE ELMHURST WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. 
 
RAINING, TESTING AND REVIEW RECORSD ARE KEPT AT THE ELMHURST CITY HALL.
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