Wal-Mart Distribution Center #6095 - Executive Summary

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WAL-MART DISTRIBUTION CENTER #6095 
Opelika, Alabama 
 
RISK MANAGMENT PLAN  
Executive Summary 
 
 
1.  ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICIES. 
 
At this Wal-Mart Distribution Center (D. C.), we utilize anhydrous ammonia that is considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The properties that make ammonia valuable as a refrigerant also necessitate certain safety precautions.  Wal-Mart strives to protect all its valuable resources and assets - both personnel and property.  We live and have families in this community.  We want to prevent exposure to all our personnel as well as nearby members of our community, existing natural resources, and the surrounding environment.  It is our policy to comply with all Federal, State, and Local regulations.  Through continual, accurate training and various safety devices and procedures, we work to minimize potential releases. 
 
Our emergency response program has specific procedures for accidental releases of anhy 
drous ammonia as well as other emergencies.  We work in conjunction with the Opelika Fire Department and the Local Emergency Planning Committee to prepare for necessary notification of all affected neighbors. 
 
 
2.  THE STATIONARY SOURCE AND REGULATED SUBSTANCES HANDLED. 
 
The primary purpose of our facility is the temporary storage of refrigerated and frozen foods.  We utilize anhydrous ammonia as the primary means for refrigeration and freezing.  An outside company is used to fill our main receiver tanks.  Piping then carries the ammonia to the needed refrigeration or freezing units.  Access to the site is restricted to facility employees, authorized management personnel and authorized contractors. 
 
The regulated substance used at our facility is anhydrous ammonia.  The maximum amount of ammonia stored at this facility is 35,000 pounds.  We have the capacity for more but our policy is not to exceed IIAR recommendations. 
 
 
3.  THE WORST CASE RELEASE SCENARIO(S) AND THE ALTERNATIVE RELEA 
SE SCENARIO(S), INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS AND MITIGATION MEASURES TO LIMIT THE DISTANCES FOR EACH REPORTED SCENARIO. 
 
Worst Case Scenario 
The worst case scenario would be failure of our largest receiver.  Our policy restricts the maximum capacity of this 20,000 pound tank to 80% of capacity.   The maximum quantity stored in this receiver is 26,049 pounds.  It is assumed that the entire contents are released as a two phase flow (gas and aerosol-ALOHA). 
Distance to endpoint: 1.3 miles 
 
Alternative Scenario 
The alternative scenario would be the release of ammonia due to the failure of a pressure relief valve. The emergency valves shut-down release would engage and stop the flow and sounds an alarm.  The monitoring system would alert personnel to manually shut the valve.  The maximum time of the release would be 60 minutes and maximum quantity released would be approximately 1,612 pounds of ammonia.   
Distance to endpoint:  0.063 miles (or 110 yards) 
 
 
4.  FIVE-YEAR ACCIDENT HISTOR 
Y. 
 
This is a newly constructed facility that opened in April of 2000.  At the time of this submission, the system had not been charged with ammonia.  Consequently, this Wal-Mart D. C. facility has not incurred a reportable release. 
 
 
5.  THE RMP MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. 
 
The management of the RMP program will be handled by the Maintenance Manager.  He/She will administrate in conjunction with the Wal-Mart D. C. management and personnel.  Other entities or organizations that will be coordinated with include the Emergency Management Association (EMA) and the Opelika Fire Department. 
 
 
6.  THE GENERAL ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM AND THE SPECIFIC PREVENTION STEPS. 
 
The Wal-Mart D. C. facility complies with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations including the EPA's Accidental Release Prevention Rule.  Our personnel are trained about this during our Hazard Communications Training and through access to our Written Programs.  Our Refrigeration Maintenance operators receive a 
combination of classroom and On-The-Job training (OJT).  They are given written and oral tests.  They are observed and are able to demonstrate proper job skills and knowledge.  Also, the ammonia system is operated, tested and maintained to the standard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
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