Cenex Harvest States Oilseed Processing & Refining - Executive Summary

| Accident History | Chemicals | Emergency Response | Registration | Source | Executive Summary |

Accidental Release Prevention and Emergency Response Policies 
 
Cenex Harvest States is committed to the protection of its employees, the greater community and the environment from any hazardous substances used in our soybean processing and refining operation.  This facility strives to comply with NFPA-58 requirements for LP-Gas storage, and it is our policy to adhere to to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.  If an emegency were to occur, it is our policy to notify the City of Mankato Fire Department and request that they respond to our emergency. 
 
Facility Description and Regulated Substance Handled 
 
Cenex Harvest States operates a soybean processing and vegetable oil refining facility in Mankato, Minnesota.  The plant receives soybeans and through several processes extracts soybean oil for use in food products.  Hydrogenation is a step in the processing of soybean oil.  Hydrogenation is the process by which hydrogen gas is reacted with the soybean oil.  The hydrogenation p 
rocess requires the use of natural gas or propane to produce the hydrogen gas used.  The maximum amount of propane stored on-site is estimated to be 110,000 pounds.  The propane is stored as a compressed liquid and is vaporized prior to process usage.  In addition to its use as a backup feedstock in the hydrogen plant, propane is used as a backup to natural gas for combustion processes at the plant.  The propane system consists of one 30,000 gallon tank and the associated piping, valves. and other miscellaneous equipment. 
 
Worst-Case and Alternative Release Scenarios 
 
The worst-case scenario defined by the RMP Guidance is the failure of the propane storage tank and the release of the entire maximum inventory of 110,000 pounds resulting in a vapor cloud explosion.  The resulting distance to endpoint extends offsite, and public receptors are within the distance to endpoint.  The alternative release scenario is a hose ruture caused by a transfer vehicle pull-away resulting in a vapor clou 
d explosion.  The resulting distance to endpoint does not extend off-site and would not affect anyone beyond our property. 
 
General Accident Release Prevention Program 
 
This facility complies with EPA's accident prevention rule and all applicable state and local codes and regulations.  The facility's process safety management program serves as the prevention program. 
 
Five-Year Accident History 
 
Cenex Harvest States has not had a propane accident causing deaths, injuries, property or environmental damage, evacuations, or shelterings in place. 
 
Emergency Response Program 
 
In the event of an emergency involving our propane system, it is our policy to notify the City of Mankato Fire Department and request that they respond to the emergency.  We have discussed this policy with the fire department and members of the fire department have observed our propane system.  In the event of an accident the facilities emergency preparedness plan is used to notify the appropriate agencies to respond t 
o the incident. 
 
Planned Changes to Improve Safety 
 
The process safety and risk management programs are ongoing, and changes are being implemented as appropriate.
Click to return to beginning