Cargill, AgHorizons - Elkhart, KS - Executive Summary |
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This Risk Management Plan (RMP) was submitted by Cargill, Incorporated to address storage of anhydrous ammonia at our facility at Elkhart, Kansas. This RMP was prepared following EPA's RMP SUBMIT User's Manual (EPA 550-B99-001), and this executive summary contains the elements required under Chapter 2 of the Manual. Accidental Release Prevention Program and Emergency Response Policy. Cargill AgHorizons considers chemical safety a top priority. Cargill's Process Hazard Analysis followed by Critical Task procedure training provides the training and the means to prevent chemical injury to both Cargill employees and the general public. In the unlikely occurrence of a chemical release, Cargill's Emergency Action Plan would help minimize the impact on human health and the environment, and the damage to property. The Emergency Action Plan incorporates the local fire department as emergency responders. Facility Description and Regulated Substances Handled. The anhydrous ammonia is stor ed in a 18,000 gallon aboveground container, with the capacity to contain 90,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. Worst-Case Scenario. The worst case toxic release scenario was evaluated using DEGADIS modelling. The scenario involves the release of 90,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, liquefied under pressure, which represents release of anhydrous ammonia in an amount equal to the maximum capacity of the container. Default assumptions used: 77 degrees F, 3.4 MPH wind speed, and stability class F. In addition, an Agricultural setting was used (based on actual site conditions), and no mitigation measures were included. The release duration was 10 minutes. The toxic endpoint for this scenario is .89 miles, 1.6 kilometers). 2000 people reside within this distance from the anhydrous ammonia container. Alternative Scenario. The alternative toxic release scenario was also evaluated using Degadis modelling. The scenario involves the release of 600 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, liquefied un der pressure. The assumed release duration is 10 minutes. Assumption for this scenario are based on Degadis default assumptions and a tranfer hose failure. Default assumptions for the scenario are based on Degadis modelling: 77 degrees F, 6.7 MPH wind speed, and stability class D. In addition, an urban setting was used, based on the actual site conditions. The toxic endpoint for this scenario is 0.2 miles (0.3 kilometers). There are 500 residents within this distance from the anhydrous ammonia container. General Accidental Release Prevention Program and Chemical-Specific Prevention Steps. Anhydrous ammonia storage vessels and the associated safety equipment undergo inspections and requalifications according to the schedules outlined in 29 CFR 1910.111 and the applicable ANSI standards. All storage vessels are equipped with relief valves, check valves, and manual shutoff systems. Five Year Accident History. No reportable releases of anhydrous ammonia have occurred at this fac ility within the last five years. The Emergency Response Program. This facility has an Emergency Action Plan specifically tailored to this site. The local fire department is familiar with the facility and will respond in the event of an emergency. Site personnel receive annual mandatory training that covers proper equipment operation and emergency response. Planned Changes to Improve Safety. No changes are planned at this time. |