DPC ENTERPRISES - Executive Summary |
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1. Accidental Release Prevention and Emergency Response Policies DPC Enterprises (DPCE) is strongly committed to employee, public and environmental safety. This commitment is demonstrated by our comprehensive accidental release prevention program that covers areas such as design, installation, operating procedures, maintenance, and employee training associated with the processes at our facility. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations as well as implement appropriate controls to prevent possible releases of regulated substances. Our emergency response program includes procedures for notification of the local fire department; notification of any potentially affected neighbors; and notification of local, state and federal agencies. Safety is an essential part of our operations, the safety devices built-in to the design of this facility, the safe handling procedures that we use, and the extensive training of our personnel. 2. The Stationa ry Source and the Regulated Substances Handled DPCE is part of a 52-year-old company whose primary activities encompass distributing and repackaging inorganic chemicals and compressed gases as well as manufacturing water treatment products. For example, chlorine is used to produce sodium hypochlorite commonly know as household bleach. We are headquartered in Houston, Texas and operate more than 20 plants across the United States. We have these regulated substances at our facility: Ammonia (anhydrous), Chlorine, and Sulfur Dioxide (anhydrous). DPCE stores these materials in 150-lb. cylinders, 800-lb. containers, and ton containers for use by our customers. The maximum inventories of these substances at this facility are: Ammonia (anhydrous) - 10,000 lbs. Chlorine - 96,000 lbs. Sulfur dioxide (anhydrous) - 16,000 lbs. 3. The Worst Case Release Scenario(s) and the Alternative Release Scenario(s), including administrative controls and mitigation measures to limit the distances for each reported scenario To perform the required offsite consequence analysis for our facility, we have used the EPA's RMP Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants Reference Tables or Equations. The following paragraphs provide details of the chosen scenarios. The worst case release scenario submitted for Program 3 toxic substances as a class involves a catastrophic release from Chlorine storage. The scenario involves releasing the entire contents of a 2000-lb container in a gaseous form over 10 minutes. This release would reach the toxic endpoint (0.0087 mg/l or 3 ppm) and public receptors. One alternative release scenario (ARS) has been submitted for each toxic substance present in Program 3 processes. DPCE has assumed the substances would be released in a gaseous form over 30 minutes. First, the ARS for Ammonia is a vessel leak which would reach the toxic endpoint (0.14 mg/l or 200 ppm) and public receptors. Second, the scenario for Chlorine is a vessel leak that would reach the toxic endpoint (0.0087 mg/l or 3 ppm) and public receptors. Last, is the ARS for Sulfur dioxide (anhydrous) involving a vessel leak. This release would reach the toxic endpoint (0.0078 mg/l or 3 ppm) and public receptors. 4. The General Accidental Release Prevention Program and the Chemical-Specific Prevention Steps Our facility has taken all the necessary steps to comply with the accidental release prevention requirements set out under 40 CFR part 68 of the EPA. A number of processes at our facility are subject to the OSHA PSM standard under 29 CFR 1910.119. Our facility is also subject to EPCRA Section 302 notification requirements. The following sections briefly describe the elements of the release prevention program that is in place at our stationary source. Process Safety Information DPCE maintains a detailed record of safety information that describes the chemical hazards, operating parameters and equipment designs associated with all processes. Process Hazard Anal ysis Our facility conducts comprehensive studies to ensure that hazards associated with our processes are identified and controlled efficiently. The methodology used to carry out these analyses is What If/Checklist (combined). The studies are undertaken by a team of qualified personnel with expertise in engineering and process operations and are revalidated every 5 years as required or as necessary. Any findings related to the hazard analysis are addressed in a timely manner. Operating Procedures For the purposes of safely conducting activities within our covered processes, DPCE maintains written operating procedures. These procedures address various modes of operation such as initial startup, normal operations, temporary operations, emergency shutdown, emergency operations, and normal shutdown. The information is regularly reviewed and is readily accessible to operators involved in the processes. Training DPCE has a comprehensive training program in place to ensure that employ ees who are operating processes are competent in the operating procedures associated with these processes. Refresher training is provided at least every 3 years and more frequently as needed. Mechanical Integrity DPCE carries out highly documented maintenance checks on process equipment to ensure proper operations. Process equipment examined by these checks includes among others; pressure vessels, storage tanks, piping systems, relief and vent systems, emergency shutdown systems, controls and pumps. Qualified personnel carry out maintenance operations with previous training in maintenance practices. Furthermore, these personnel are offered specialized training as needed. Any equipment deficiencies identified by the maintenance checks are corrected in a safe and timely manner. Management of Change Written procedures are in place at DPCE to manage changes in process chemicals, technology, equipment and procedures. Process operators, maintenance personnel or any other employee who se job tasks are affected by a modification in process conditions are promptly made aware of and offered training to deal with the modification. Pre-startup Reviews Pre-start up safety reviews related to new processes and to modifications in established processes are conducted as a regular practice at DPCE. These reviews are conducted to confirm that construction, equipment, operating and maintenance procedures are suitable for safe startup prior to placing equipment into operation. Compliance Audits DPCE conducts audits on a regular basis to determine whether the provisions set out under the RMP rule are being implemented. These audits are carried out at least every 3 years and any corrective actions required as a result of the audits are undertaken in a safe and prompt manner. Incident Investigation DPCE promptly investigates any incident that has resulted in, or could reasonably result in a catastrophic release of a regulated substance. These investigations are undertaken to i dentify the situation leading to the incident as well as any corrective actions to prevent the release from reoccurring. All reports are retained for a minimum of 5 years. Employee Participation DPCE truly believes that process safety management and accident prevention is a team effort. Company employees are strongly encouraged to express their views concerning accident prevention issues and to recommend improvements. In addition, our employees have access to all information created as part of the facility's implementation of the RMP rule, including information resulting from process hazard analyses in particular. Contractors On occasion, our company hires contractors to conduct specialized maintenance and construction activities. Prior to selecting a contractor, a thorough evaluation of safety performance of the contractor is carried out. DPCE has a strict policy of informing the contractors of known potential hazards related the contractor's work and the processes. Contractor s are also informed of all the procedures for emergency response should an accidental release of a regulated substance occur. 5. Five-year Accident History DPCE has had an excellent record of preventing accidental releases over the last 5 years. Due to our stringent release prevention policies, there have been no accidental releases from our facility during this period. 6. Emergency Response Plan DPCE carries a written emergency response plan to deal with accidental releases of hazardous materials. The plan includes all aspects of emergency response including adequate first aid and medical treatment, evacuations, notification of local emergency response agencies and the public, as well as post-incident decontamination of affected areas. To ensure proper functioning, our emergency response equipment is regularly inspected and serviced. In addition, the plan is promptly updated to reflect any pertinent changes taking place within our processes that would require a modified emergenc y response. A copy of our emergency response plan has been provided to the Sedgwick County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the fire department. 7. Planned Changes to Improve Safety DPC continues to participate in the Chlorine Institute as well as other associations, and continues to improve our operations. 8. Certification Statement The undersigned certifies that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief, formed after reasonable inquiry, the information submitted is true, accurate and complete. Wayne L. Penick Date Signed Manager-Safety, Health, & Environmental Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY DPCE - WICHITA, KANSAS (1/01) Page 1 of 1 |