Precision Ag Services, Ellsworth Plant - Executive Summary |
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ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICIES The owners, management and employees of Precision Ag Services LLC, is committed to the prevention of any accidental release of anhydrous ammonia. Precision Ag Services' policy is to adhere to all applicable Federal and State rules and regulations in order to: 1. Prevent unnecessary human exposure, 2. Reduce the threat to employees health, and 3. To reduce the threat to nearby members of the community Safety depends upon the manner in which an accidental release in handled, combined with the safety devices inherent in the design of the operation, the safe handling procedures used and the training of personnel. Precision Ag Services, LLC complies with "Safety Requirements for Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, K-61-1", published by The American National Standards Institute, Inc., and the standards of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.111, "Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Am monia". Precision Ag Services' emergency response plan includes procedures for notification of the local fire authority, the LEPC and any potentially affected neighbors. STATIONARY SOURCES AND REGULATED SUBSTANCES Anhydrous Ammonia At this facility, anhydrous ammonia is stored and distributed for resale to farmers and other customers. Anhydrous ammonia is received by truck, and stored in a 18,000 gallon tank. The anhydrous ammonia is distributed and used for direct application to customer's fields as a crop production nutrient. The maximum amount of anhydrous ammonia that can be stored at this facility is 79,560 pounds (18,000 gallon tank times 5.2 pounds/gallon times 85%). RELEASE SCENARIOS Anhydrous Ammonia Worst-case scenario - Failure of the 18,000 gallon tank when filled to 85% capacity would release 79,560 pounds. The anhydrous ammonia would be released as a gas over 30 minute period (2,652 pounds per minute). The distance to the endpoint under rural conditions using the EPA's RMP*Comp model is 5.10 miles. GENERAL ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM AND THE SPECIFIC PREVENTION STEPS This distribution facility complies with EPA's Accidental Release Rule and with all applicable state codes and regulations. This facility has implemented the provision of "Safety Requirements for Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, K-61.1", published by The American National Standards Institute, Inc., and the standards of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.111, "Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia". FIVE-YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY There have been no accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia in the past 5 years that have caused any death, injuries, or significant property damage at this facility; nor to our knowledge, have resulted in off site deaths, injuries, evacuation, sheltering in place, property damage or environmental damage. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM Precision Ag Services' emergency response program is written in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFA 1910.38. Precision Ag Services has discussed this program with the LEPC and the local fire department. A representative of the local fire department and LEPC has inspected the site. PLANNED CHANGES TO IMPROVE SAFETY Safety improvements are an on-going process at Precision Ag Services. Periodic evaluations are performed to assess the maintenance of safe conditions. There are no additional specific recommendations for implementation. |