Hardtner NH3 - Executive Summary |
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RMP Executive Summary O.K. Grain Co-op Hardtner NH3 Our facility is for the unloading from transports, storage and loading onto trailer nurse tanks of anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is used by farmer members of our cooperative as a source of nitrogen fertilizer for the production of crops. Accidental release prevention: Our best protection against accidental release of anhydrous ammonia is well-trained and conscientious people. All workers who handle anhydrous ammonia at our facility are full-time, employees with a number of years of experience. They receive annual training by the Kansas Farm Services Agency, as well as, on-the-job training. Our next line of defense against accidental release is good safety equipment and thorough inspection of that equipment. Safety equipment includes liquid level indicators to help prevent overfilling on all tanks, excess flow valves which shut off if there is a leak in a hose or line, and pressure relief and hydrostatic relief valves whic h protect from excess pressure buildup. Employees are required to wear gloves and goggles at all times when handling anhydrous ammonia. Workers also inspect all trailer nurse tanks for worn or damaged equipment needing repair when they come into the facility and make the necessary repairs before the tanks leave. Worst case accidental release scenario: EPA has requested we model the worst case accidental release scenario in order to determine how many people could potentially be impacted by a catastrophic accident at this facility. To do this we used the modeling program RMP Comp' provided by EPA. We have assumed that the largest vessel at this site had a massive rupture and spilled all of its contents within a ten minute period. This facility has one 12,000 gallon storage tank storage tank. If this was released within a 10 minute period, the model shows an endpoint of 2.8 miles. Within that distance about 300 people could be impacted. Alternative release scenario: For the altern ative release model we used what we consider the most likely release to occur. We assumed the release of 100 pounds of anhydrous ammonia over a ten minute period. This could occur if a trailer tank was overfilled and a pressure relief valve was activated. The RMP Comp' modeling program showed an endpoint of 1/10 of a mile. Within that distance only two people could potentially be impacted. At 1/10 of a mile, people could possibly smell anhydrous ammonia, but not experience discomfort or medical problems. Accidental release prevention: Our facility is inspected annually by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to insure all equipment is in safe working condition. Our employees regularly inspect the facility and must undergo periodic training by Kansas Farm Services Agency on safe handling procedures to prevent accidental releases from occurring. The facility must also meet OSHA and Kansas EPCRA regulations. Five year accident history: There have been no accidental releases at this fa cility within the past five years. Emergency response program: We work closely with our local emergency responders, including sponsoring training which utilized a mock accident at one of our locations. Since this is a small community, we personally know most of the fire and police personnel and keep them aware of our operations. Steps in case of emergency - Our county is on the 911 emergency telephone system and a list of other emergency phone numbers is kept at the facility. - Notification of the public. This is taken care of by our law enforcement officers in the event there is an accident which could have offsite effects. We will assist in any way needed. - An up to date roster of personnel and their next of kin to be contacted in case of emergency. - Maps showing our facility to be used to aid emergency personnel. - Head count area. A location is designated for employees to meet in case of emergency so they can be accounted for. - Officer in charge. After the emergency response te ams have been notified an officer in charge must be appointed. This will generally be the highest ranking management person present. - Media coverage. Coordinators will work with law enforcement to keep spectators at a safe distance. The general manager will be the person in charge of news media coverage. - Outside agencies. The general manager has the responsibility of dealing with outside agencies such as OSHA and EPA. - Next of kin notification in case of employee injury. This will usually be done by the general manager but he may appoint someone else to do so once we know the extent of injuries and where the person has been taken. - Non-employees present. Outside construction workers, inspectors, customers, or visitors will need to be accounted for in an emergency. Anyone who will be on the premises for an extended period of time should be advised of our emergency plan and shown the proper escape routes and head count areas. They also must sign a log indicating time arriving and t ime leaving the facility. Planned changes to improve safety: We plan on installing remote emergency shutoff valves on our storage tank and fill station in the future. We continue to be dedicated to the safe operation of this facility both for our employees who work here and the public who live and work nearby. |