Harris County W.C.I.D. # 1 Wastewater Plant - Executive Summary |
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Accidental Release Prevention Policy: The most common tine for an accidental chlorine release is during cylinder change out procedure. Under District policy, this is allowed only with the properly trained personnel, proper self contained air packs and back-up operators to assist if a leak occurs. After the change is complete, all connections are checked for leaks with ammonia. Emergency Response Policy: In case of a chemical release, the operator is notified by a chlorine gas detector and auto dial telephone system. It is the Districts policy to notify the Highlands Fire Department which is the first responder. The Fire Department evaluates the situation and notifies the public through the LEPC's One Call System. Stationary Source: The stationary source of a posible chemical release is the Wasrewater Treatment Plant at 611 Avenue E, Highlands Texas 77562. The chemical stored and used above the EPA Threshold at this location is chlorine gas. Worst Case Release Scenatio: The release of chlorine gas at a rate of 200 pounds per minute from a ruptured one ton cylinder would affect an area with a radius of 1.3 miles according to Exhibit 4-3, page 4-7 of the EPA Risk Management Program Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants. These cylinders are rotated on a regular basis at which time they are returned to the chemical supplier for inspection and refill. Alternative Scenario: A release of chlorine at a rate of 37 pounds per minute from a broken 1/2 inch vapor feed line would affect an area with a radius of 0.1 mile according to Exhibit 4-15, page 4-26 of the EPA Risk Management Program Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants. The 1/2 inch feed lines are attached to the chlorine cylinders with a vaccum regulator which shuts down the chlorine flow if a leak occrs in the feed line and vaccum is lost. Accidental Release Prevention Program: It is the policy of Harris County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to maintain all chemical feeding equipm ent and storage facilities in order to prevent accidential chemical releases. Daily inspections by District personnel allows early detection of possible equipment failure. Annual preventive maintenance of chemical feeders by outside chlorinator maintenance professionals ensure proper operation. Five Year Accident History: This facility has not experienced a offsite accident in the past five years. Emergency Response Program: In case of a chlorine release, the procedure is to notify the fire department by phone as to wind direction, type of leak and size of leak. The fire department evaluates the situation and notifies the public through the LEPC's One Call System. Safety: The District remains committed to maintaining it's safety record and will continue the equipment maintenance and inspection as well as continued education for it's employees. The District personnel attends safety classes taught throughTexas A&M Extension Service. There are also monthly safety meetings at wh ich chlorine safety is one of many topics discussed. |