WEST BEND ELEVATOR COMPANY - WEST BEND - Executive Summary

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The accidental release prevention and emergency response policy for West Bend is the following:  West Bend complies with requirements for anhydrous ammonia storage and it is our policy to adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws.  If an emergency were to occur, signs are posted that refer to Jeff Bonnstetter who is employed by West Bend Elevator and is also a member of the West Bend Fire Dept.  Jeff will decide what steps need to be taken in the event of an emergency.  This facility is a wholesale business providing products for the production of grain and livestock enterprises.  Our worst case scenario is failure of one of our anhydrous ammonia storage tanks when filled to the greatest amount allowed which is 137700 pounds.  This would cause the anhydrous to become liquefied under pressure. If this were to occur the release rate would be 13,770 pounds per minute and the duration of the release would be approximately 10 minutes.   According to EPA look-up tables, the dist 
ance to the endpoint is 4.4 miles.  West Bend has 3 bullet tanks and 35 nurses tanks containing anhydrous ammonia at their location.  There are an estimated 648 people within this radius.  Schools, residences, recreation areas, and major commericial, office or industrial areas are included in this radius.   It is this facility's intention to comply with EPA's accident prevention rules and all applicable state and local codes and regulations.  West Bend Elevator  holds  training sessions regularly to train new employees and review procedures with other employees.  Hoses, valves, and vents are inspected on a regular basis for any problems.  The anhydrous ammonia plant was designed, installed and is maintained with state laws and regulations in mind.   We have never had an accident involving NH3 that caused death, injuries, property or environmental damage, evacuations, or shelterings in the past 5 years.  In the event of an emergency involving our NH3 system, it is our policy to notify t 
he West Bend Fire Dept and request that they respond to the emergency.  We have discussed this policy with the County Disaster Coordinator, West Bend Fire Dept Chief and members.  The West Bend fire department has inspected our facility and is familiar with it.  We have no plans at this time to improve or change our plans.  We review the plans annually or sooner if necessary.
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