UNI-KOOL PARTNERS, INC - Executive Summary |
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a) Release Prevention and Emergency Response Policies: The Uni-kool Facility utilizes inspection procedures to review refrigeration equipment prior to seasonal start-up and during operations. These procedures identify potential sources of release and equipment corrections required to prevent these releases. The equipment is reviewed by on-site personnel, mechanical engineers, and refrigeration contractors as required. On-site personnel provide initial emergency response. They will make a preliminary assessment in the event of a release and will provide first response. First response may include emergency equipment shutdown, system isolation,or controlled operation such as system pump down to prevent or reduce an off-site release. Emergency response for a major release event will be provided by local fire and police departments. Emergency response trainig will be conducted yearly and as required for new employees. Records will be kept of all training performed at the site for a minimum of (5) years. Training and familiarity with the Company's Safety and Operating Procedures and Emergency Response Plan are required by all persons responsible for Ammonia Refrigeration maintenance and operations. Maintenance and operations personnel will also be required to become familiar with this RMP. b) Description of Source and Substance Handled: The Cooling Facility utilizes anhydrous ammonia as the refrigerant in their produce and cold storage operations. The refrigeration equipment consists of a Refrigeration System as a stationary source for the cold storage rooms, Portable Refrigeration Trailer Systems with Vacuum Tubes for produce Cooling, Portable Refrigeration trailers for Ice Making and delivery. c) Worst Case and Alternative Release Scenarios: The worst case and alternative release scenarios were evaluated using the methodologies recommended in the RMP Off-site Consequence Analysis Guidance as prepared by the EPA. As part of this guidance a Model Ris k Management Program and Plan for Ammonia Refrigeration was prepared to identify specific release scenarios for ammonia based refrigeration systems. The atmospheric condtions used are as specified in this guidance and the regulations. The worst case release considers the complete release of the maximum charge in any individual system within a 10 minute period. The alternative release considers the release of low-pressure liquid ammonia from a flange or connection leak on the piping system outside the building. No mitigation measures are considered for each release. As a result of the off-site consequence analysis, administrative and passive controls limit the release of the Ammonia in the system. For the worst case scenario, gas is released for a period of 10 minutes.The maximum distance to the toxic endpoint was calculated at 6,720 ft. For the alternative release scenario, the maximum extent of the release is 308 ft off-site in any direction. d) Accidental Release Prevention Program As described above, the program consists of pre-startup inspection, emergency response, and regular training. A thorough review of the system including a Hazard and Operability Study, (HazOp) was performed on 12/21/99. Safety and equipment operational training will be conducted annually and will include equipment operational procedures, emergency response procedures, review of Business Response Plan procedures, and evacuation procedures. e) Five Year Accident History: No reportable releases or accidents relating to the release of ammonia have occured at the facility in the last (5) years. f) Emergency Response Program: The facility has implemented the State and County mandated Acutely Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan or Business Response Plan (BRP) . This plan outlines procedures for emergency ammonia release response as well as general facility response. g) Planned Safety Improvements: Safety improvements have been identified during the preparation of this program. These improvements have been documented and a schedule will be developed for their implementation. Some of these improvements include change out of pressure relief valves every (5) years, restraints to portable equipment , and operational procedures. |