EFFINGHAM EQUITY - GAYS - Executive Summary |
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Effingham Equity is committed to the prevention of any accidental release of anhydrous ammonia. Our prevention program includes the use of proper equipment, regular inspections and maintenance and training for all employees that work with the material. Should an accidental release occur, the facility has oriented the Windsor Fire Dept. and the Moultrie County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). These steps have been taken to assure a quick response to any release and minimize the impact of the release in our community and environment. The primary activity at the facility is the storage of anhydrous ammonia for sale to farmers. Anhydrous ammonia is receieved, stored, and distributed for direct application as a crop production nutrient. The maximum quantity stored at our facility would be 133,000 pounds in the facility's 30,000 gal. tank. The worst case scenario is the release of the entire contents of the storage tank as a gas in 10 minutes. The maximum quantity released would be 133,000 pounds, which represents the volume of the storage tank at 85 percent capacity as limited by design standards and company policies. The distance to the endpoint of dispersion based on the model used us 6.9 miles. The alternative case scenario is assumed to be released from the rupture of a two-inch transfer hose, with 1000 pounds released in a 5-minute period. The distance to the endpoint of dispersion is 0.30 miles. Effingham Equity complies with the rules and regulations relating to The Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia and Low Pressure Nitrogen Solutions, Equipment, Containers and Storage Facilities. These regulations administered by the Illinois Department of Agriculture are consistent with ANSI K61.1 and OSHA 29 CFR- 1910.111 regarding proper storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia. There have been no accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia for the covered process in the past five years. Effingham Equity has a written emergency action plan in accordance wit h OSHA standard 29 CFR- 1910.38. Our action plan has been reviewed with the local fire department and provided to the LEPC for coordination of cummunity response planning. Improving safety at Effingham Equity is an on-going process. Periodic evaluations are performed to assess the maintenance of safe practices and operations. There are no additional specific anhydrous ammonia safety recommendations for implementaion at this time. |