Panhandle Cooperative Fertilizer (Bridgeport) - Executive Summary |
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Panhandle Cooperative Association 401 S. Beltline Hwy. W. P.O. Box 2188 Scottsbluff, NE 69361 For further information contact: Don Hickox, Safety Coordinator Risk Management Plan - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Bridgport) The management and employees of Panhandle Cooperative Association are committed to the prevention of any accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia. If an accidental release should occur, the facility is prepared to work with the local fire department, or other authorities, to mitigate any release and minimize the impact of the release to the people and the environment. The primary activity is the storage for sale to farmers. Anhydrous ammonia is received, stored, and distributed for direct application for crop production nutrients. The off-site consequence analysis includes two anhydrous ammonia release scenarios, identified as "worst-case" release and "alternative" release scenario. The first scenario is defined by EPA and shall assume the maximum quantity of the vessel is released as a gas in 10 minutes due to a catastrophic break. The alternative release scenario is defined as a more likely accidental release of anhydrous ammonia caused by a transfer hose failure. In both cases we would dial 911 immediately and work with the local fire department or other authorities. There have been no accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia in the past five years. . Even though the company has had no releases it still coordinates annual visits with the local fire department to review the systems and procedures for response to a leak. The facility has a written emergency action plan, in accordance with OSHA standard 29CFR 1910.38. We also provide state and local authorities the emergency and community right-to-know information as required under SARA Title III (EPCRA). Annual training is required of all personnel on handling, transferring, or transporting anhydrous ammonia. The training includes properties of ammonia, safe handling practices, first aid, eme rgency response, and the use of proper anhydrous ammonia personal protective equipment and safety equipment. We also have frequent site inspections by management and safety consultants. Annual inspections by the State Fire Marshal include safety equipment, tanks, and handling equipment. Safety improvement is an on-going process at our facility. We perform periodic evaluations to assess the maintenance of safe conditions. There are no additional specific anhydrous ammonia safety recommendations for implementation at this time. |