Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.-Tampico - Executive Summary |
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The Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. Tampico Terminal is a propane truck loading terminal. The maximum quantity of propane that could be stored on site is 490,000 gallons (2,100,000 pounds). The facility receives propane by pipeline, stores the propane in nine 60,000 gallon (water capacity) "bullet" tanks, and then loads propane onto customers' highway transport trucks. The facility also has storage capacity for up to 13,000 pounds of ethyl mercaptan, an odorant that is injected into the propane for safety requirements. Process controls are in place at the facility that include: automatic and manual shutoffs, alarms, vents, relief and check valves, excess flow devices, and grounding equipment. In addition, the facility has UV/IR fire detection "eyes" process area detectors. The worst case scenario (WCS) is the entire release of a full tank of propane, which is 54,000 gallons (230,000 pounds), resulting in a vapor cloud explosion. Under EPA requirements, the WCS assumes weathe r conditions which allow the chemical to travel as far as possible, and further assumes that none of the facility's mechanical controls or safety systems are functioning. Based on these assumptions, the WCS vapor cloud explosion could potentially affect nearby public receptors. The process controls mentioned in the previous paragraph minimize the potential for the worst case scenario to occur. Also, the facility complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) regulations, including the process safety management (PSM) requirements. Under OSHA, DOT, and EPA requirements, facility personnel undergo operations competency training and testing, and emergency response training and drills. The response training and drills programs includes notifications to the State Emergency Planning Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and local fire department. These three agencies also receive SARA Tier II annual chemical inventory reports. In addition, the facility is inspected and audited on a compliance schedule. A Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) is conducted at least every five years as part of the OSHA PSM requirements. The facility has not had any chemical release accidents since starting operations in 1996. |