Ark Valley Co-op Swink Anhydrous Ammonia Plant - Executive Summary |
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1. Accidental Release prevention and emergency policies: The primary function of the Arkansas Valley Co-op Swink Anhydrous Ammonia Plant is to act as a anhydrous ammonia retail distribution facility. We are committed to employee, public and environmental safety. Safety at our facility depends upon the manner in which we handle anhydrous ammonia as well as on the various safety devices incorporated in the design of our equipment. Furthermore, comprehensive training received by our employees adds to the inherent safety of our distribution facility. Our emergency response program is based on the Regulatory Consultants Incorporated guidelines for developing plant emergency procedures on how to control anhydrous ammonia leaks. In addition to the presence of appropriate controls to prevent possible releases of anhydrous ammonia, if a release does occur, we are completely coordinated with the La Junta Fire Department, which provides highly trained emergency response personnel to control and mitigate the effects of the release. 2. The stationary source and the regulated substances handled: The purpose of this facility is to distribute anhydrous ammonia to retail customers for use as fertilizer. Anhydrous ammonia arrives at our facility by transport truck, and is stored in one 18,000 gallon storage tank. This facility is equiped to load retail delivery tanks. Access to this site is restricted to authorized employees, and authorized contractors. The regulated substance handled at this facility is anhydrous ammonia. The maximum amount of anhydrous ammonia that can ge stored at this plant is 80,000 pounds. 3. The worst case scenario(s) and the alternative release scenario(s), including administrative controls and mitigation measures to limit the distances for each reported scenario: We have calculated worst case release scenarios based on the RMP-COMPS-TNT-ENERGY method. For alternative release scenario analyses, we have used the look-up tables and equations prov ided by the EPA in theRMP Offsite Consequence Analysis Guidance. The worst case release scenario submitted for anhydrous ammonia involves a catastophic release of anhydrous ammonia. This involves the release of 80,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, under the worst case weather, the maximum distance of point .83 miles was obtained corresponding to the end point of one PSI overpressure. The alternative release submitted for program 2 involves the release of anhydrous ammonia resulting in a vapor cloud. In this scenario 2,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia is released in 10 minutes. The release is controlled by active mitigation controlling the distance to the end point of .25 miles. 4. The accidental release prevention program: The facility has implemented the provisions of "Safety Requirments for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, K-61.1", published by The American National Standards Institute, Inc. and the standards of the U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administrati on(OSHA), 29 CFR 1910.111, "Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia". Hazard review: a check list was used to carry out the hazard review at our facility. The review focused on operating procedures, equipment functions, and handling practices to identify possible hazards. Operating Procedures: Arkansas Valley Co-op Association maintains written operating procedures. The procedure addresses various modes of ooperations such as normal operation and emergency shut down. This information is reviewed every year. Training: Arkansas Valley Co-op Association utilizes the Regulatory Consultants Incorporated Training and we also perform on the job training. Maintenance: Arkansas Valley Co-op Association carries out maintenance checks on process equipment to ensure proper function. Any equipment deficiencies that are reported are corrected in a safe and timely manner. Compliance Audits: Audits are carried out every three years as required by the state, OSHA , and on an annual basis by the local fire department. Incident Investigation: Are promptly reviewed, to identify the situation leading to the incident. All reports are retained for five years. 5. Five year accident history: At this time we have not had one. 6. Emergency Response Plan: Arkansas Valley Co-op Association carries a written emergency response plan to deal with accidental release. It is based on the Regulatory Consultants Incorporated guidelines and other standards. 7. Safety improvement is an on-going process at the facility. Automatic safety shutoff valves will be added at the Swink anhydrous ammonia plant site. 8. Certification Statement: The undersigned certifies that to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, formed after reasonable inquire, the information submitted is true, accurate, and complete. Sam Tecklenburg Manager Arkansas Valley Co-op Association 06/19/1999 |