Lincoln Mutual Service, Inc., #1 - Executive Summary |
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We are a fertilizer retail facility. The only materials considered hazardous at this facility are anhydrous ammonia and aqua (a 20 wt% solution of ammonia in water). Our facility has two 25,000 gallon tanks for storing anhydrous, and an atmospheric-pressure 20,000 gallon tank for storing aqua, equipment for receiving anhydrous and aqua by truck, and equipment for transferring anhydrous and aqua from storage to trucks for delivery to customers. It is our policy to meet, or exceed, all local, state, and national standards relating to handling ammonia. In the past five years, we have not had any accidents or releases with off-site consequences. Specific safety features that we employ to minimize the impact of an accidental release include: 1. Excess flow valves to prevent flow from the tank if any anhydrous hose or line breaks. 2. Pressure relief valves on the anhydrous storage tank to prevent overpressuring and rupture of the tank. 3. Diking around the aqua storage area, to contain any accidental spills. To further ensure safe operation of the facility, our employees are trained in procedures for safe handling of hazardous materials, and in safe operating and maintenance procedures. We have also coordinated with the Almira Volunteer Fire Department to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency. As required by the EPA, we have analyzed the worst-case release scenario defined by the EPA. This scenario involves a release of the entire contents of the anhydrous storage tank. According to information supplied by the EPA the impact from this scenario would extend 6 miles from our facility, and would include the town of Almira, the city park, and the school, but no hospitals. It is extremely unlikely that an event such as EPAs worst-case release scenario will ever occur. A more probable, but still highly unlikely event, would be an event like a hose break during a truck pull away. According to information supplied by the EPA, the impact from such a release of anhydrous would extend 2000 feet and would include most of downtown Almira, but would not include the school. The impact from such a release of aqua would only extend 525 feet and would not impact any residences or schools. |