AmeriGas - Bumstead Caverns - Executive Summary |
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AmeriGas Propane L.P. ("AmeriGas") is the nation?s largest distributor of propane in the United States, with over 600 retail locations, 300 satellite locations, and 12 terminal locations. We operate in 45 states with over 5,500 employees. We are the industry leader in gallons distributed and customers served, and we continuously strive to be the industry leader in safety innovation and practices. We constantly endeavor to improve our safety performance as it relates to our employees, our customers, the environment and the general public with whom we work. AmeriGas staffs a professional Safety Department at our Corporate Headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. AmeriGas also has six Regional Safety Managers, an Operations Safety Manager and a Logistics & Supply Safety Manager strategically located throughout the United States. Terminal locations are staffed with a Regional Logistics Manager, who has received extensive safety management training. These safety p rofessionals are able to immediately respond to a serious incident and provide technical expertise to emergency response agencies on the scene of the incident. AmeriGas also has a 24-hours-a -day Emergency Communications Center, which handles all after-hours and emergency calls from around the country. Located in Rocklin, California, the ECC has the ability to contact AmeriGas field personnel on any type of incident encountered at any AmeriGas location, or by AmeriGas customers. Accidental Release Prevention At this facility we store and distribute propane, which is considered a regulated flammable substance by the EPA. The same properties that make propane valuable as a fuel also make it necessary to observe certain safety precautions in handling propane to prevent unnecessary human exposure, to reduce potential hazards to our own personal health and safety as well as our coworkers, and to reduce the potential hazard to nearby members of the community. It is our Company?s policy to adhere to all applicable Federal, state and local rules and regulations. Safe handling of propane is dependent upon a number of factors, including the safety devices inherent in the design of this facility, safe handling procedures, and the continuous training of our personnel. Stationary Source and Regulated Substances Handled The primary purpose of this facility is to store and distribute propane to wholesale customers. Propane is used by our customers as a fuel. Propane is received by transport truck and pipeline, and stored in underground caverns. Propane is distributed to wholesale customers by bobtails, transport trucks and rail cars. This facility has specialized equipment for unloading and loading propane. Access to the site is restricted to authorized facility employees, authorized management personnel and authorized contractors. The regulated substances handled at this facility is propane. The maximum amount of propane that can be stored at this facility is 26,203,2 00 pounds. Worst-Case Scenario and Alternative Scenario Information concerning the Worst-Case Scenario and Alternative Scenario for this facility are contained in the appropriate Sections of the Risk Management Plan. Emergency Response Plan, Accidental Release Program and Specific Prevention Steps: This AmeriGas propane and butane storage and distribution facility complies with the EPA?s Accidental Release Prevention Rule and all applicable federal, state and local codes and regulations. This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA-58. All of our drivers have been thoroughly trained using the National Propane Gas Association?s Certified Employee Training Program (CETP). The worst-case scenario and alternative scenario have an extremely small chance of occurring. Our propane storage tanks are designed for propane and butane service and may remain in service indefinitely. Our preventative maintenance program ensures that our bulk storage tanks are structura lly sound, are maintained regularly, and are inspected per industry standards and state law. Five Year Accident History This facility has not had a reportable release of propane in the past five years. Emergency Response Program The emergency response plan for this AmeriGas facility includes procedures for notification of the local fire, law enforcement and medical authorities, as well as notification of any potentially affected neighbors. This facility?s emergency response program is based upon the following publications and standards: National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) LP-Gas Safety Handbooks: "Guidelines for Developing Plant Emergency Procedures" and "How to Control LP-Gas Leaks and Fires." Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Safety & Health Standards for General Industry (29 CFR 1910): Section 38, "Employee Emergency Plan and Fire Prevention Plans" and Section 120, "Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response" National Fire Prote ction Association (NFPA): NFPA-58, the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code and NFPA-54, the National Fuel Gas Code. We have discussed this program with the Maricopa County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Rural Metro Fire Department. A representative of the Arizona Commission visited and inspected this facility on 10/04/1998. Planned Changes to Improve Safety This facility was constructed in 1973 and is in compliance with NFPA-58 Standard. In 2000, we plan to do a thorough review of all operating and safety procedures that will meet and / or exceed NFPA-58, 1998 Edition. |