NEW COOPERATIVE INC, - PALMER-NH3 - Executive Summary

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

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION/EMERGENCY RESPONSE AT NEW COOPERATIVE, INC., PALMER, IOWA. 
 
This facility complies with ANSI Standard k-61.1-1995 requirements for Anhydrous Ammonia storage. It is our policy to adhere to all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. If an emergency were to occur, it is our policy to immediately notify the PALMER Volunteer Fire Department (via a 991 call) and request that it respond to the emergency. Incidental to the notification to the fire department, a call to the Region 5 LEPC will be made. 
 
While we have planned for an emergency, it is acknowledged that a real emergency will be unexpected and may very well be different and cannot be ensured to duplicate what may have been planned. In reality, the situation that develops may not happen in the manner in which it has been planned. In that event, what we may have planned will serve only as a guideline to follow. 
 
The Emergency Action Plan for this facility describes certain procedures that are in 
tended to minimize the hazards associated with human health and the environment from fires, explosions, the sudden and unexpected release of chemicals (i.e., Anhydrous Ammonia), tornadoes, bomb threats or other accidents or acts of God which might occur on our premises. 
 
The primary emergency response coordinator for the PALMER, Iowa location is GARY DEVEREAUX, location manager. His work and 24-hour emergency response telephone numbers are provided in the Registration Section of this document. The 24-hour emergency response number provided in that section also provides a telephone tree for additional individuals who are available and can respond to an emergency at that location. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE ANHYDROUS AMMONIA STORAGE/DISTRIBUTION PLANT AND THE REGULATED SUBSTANCE HANDLED AT NEW COOPERATIVE, INC., PALMER, IOWA. 
 
This facility is a bulk anhydrous ammonia storage and distribution plant. The anhydrous ammonia that is stored at this facility is distributed to agricultural crop produc 
ers in the surrounding area who utilize the anhydrous ammonia for crop nutrient purposes. 
 
The system consists of one (1) 30,000-gallon with associated piping, valves, liquid pump(s), and other miscellaneous equipment. The anhydrous ammonia plant is only operated on a seasonal basis (Spring and Fall). Full-time equivalent employee numbers were computed on that basis. At a maximum, the plant operates a total of three (3) months (1/4 of the year). The FTEs for this company location is one (1). 
 
THE WORST-CASE RELEASE SCENARIO: 
 
The worst-case scenario is the failure of the 26,000-gallon storage tank when filled to the greatest amount allowed (85% of capacity), resulting in the release of the total volume in a gaseous (hazardous ammonia vapor cloud) form. According to EPA's RMP*Comp (Version 1.06), the distance to the endpoint is 3.6 miles. 
The alternative release scenarion involves the transport delivery vehicle pulling away from the intake lines into the storage plant without disconnect 
ing the transfer hoses. The resulting release (according to EPA's RMP*Comp Program) has a distance to endpoint of 0.1 miles. 
 
Since this facility is located in relatively close proximity to the Town of PLAMER, provisions have been designed to notify all affected persons. An evacuation plan is in place. 
 
GENERAL ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM AND CHEMICAL-SPECIFIC PREVENTION STEPS: 
 
This facility complies with EPA's accident prevention rule and all applicable State and local codes and regulations. The anhydrous ammonia system is designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with ANSI Standard k-61.1-1995 and State law. 
 
In addition the company has specific operating procedures in place intended to minimize the potential for an accidental (and potentially catastrophic) release of anhydrous ammonia. Finally, NEW Cooperative, Inc. has extended to the PALMER Volunteer Fire Department the opportunity to visit our anhydrous ammonia plant, to participate in mock emergency simulation 
training, and to avail themselves of specific anhydrous ammonia health hazard information and training provide by the company. 
 
FIVE-YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY: 
 
NEW Cooperative, Inc., PALMER, Iowa has never had an accident involving anhydrous ammonia that caused death, injuries, property or environmental damage, evacuations or shelterings in place. 
 
THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM: 
 
In the event of an emergency involving our anhydrous ammonia system, it is the policy of NEW Cooperative, Inc. to immediately notify the PALMER Volunteer Fire Department and the Region 5 LEPC to request that they respond to the emergency. In the unlikely event that the PALMER Volunteer Fire Department is unable to adequately respond to an emergency at our PALMER location, mutual aid (reciprocal agreement between neighboring fire departments) will be summoned. We have discussed this policy with the fire department and Region 5 LEPC. Members of the fire department and the LEPC have inspected our anhydrous plant.  
In addition, copies of photographs taken of our plant have been provided  (for reference) to both entities. 
 
PLANNED CHANGES TO IMPROVE SAFETY: 
 
None.
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