Ashburton Chlorinator Station - Executive Summary |
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Ashburton Chlorinator Station handles 8, one-ton containers of liquid chlorine. As a result, accidental release prevention and emergency responsibilities have been instituted which include: operating and maintenance procedures, training and incident investigation programs for handling chlorine, notification of trained personnel, an on-site emergency response plan and procedures for notification of local emergency planning individuals in the event that local emergency response is needed. The Worst Case Release Scenario as described in this program is the release of the entire contents of a one-ton liquid chlorine container in ten minutes, or 200 lb/min. All on-site chlorine containers are enclosed in a building, therefore, the release rate has been reduced to 110 lb/min. For the worst case release scenario, a wind speed of 1.5 meters/sec. and an atmospheric stability class F was used. Using a combination of local data and an approved modeling program, the distance to t he toxic endpoint was determined to be 2.0 miles. The Alternative Release Scenario as described in this program was based on a chlorine container isolation valve stem failure. A release rate of 0.16 lb/min., a windspeed of 3.0 meters/sec., and an atmospheric stability class D was used. This data when modeled, produced no off-site impacts. The dispersion modeling for both scenarios was conducted using the SLABVIEW program, version 1.5 and site specific information. The chlorine-specific accidental release prevention program in place at the facility provides written procedures that incorporated operational and maintenance data and training procedures for dependable use of relief valves, leak detection systems and alarms. No accidents have occurred in the last five years. Procedures are in place to identify and record any future accidents or incidents. An on-site Emergency Response Program, including an evacuation plan, assembly areas, and othe r safety information has been developed. This program has been coordinated with the City of Baltimore's Emergency Response Program - SARA title III off-site response plan. The off-site plan will supersede the on-site response program in the event that an accidental release extends beyond the facilities boundary. The City will update the program as required and will review the program every five (5) years or when applicable on-site conditions change. |