Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. - Executive Summary |
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Accidental Release Prevention and Emergency Response Polices Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. actively pursues a safe and healthy workplace in accordance with our corporate Safety and Health policy. Senior management is actively involved with employees in establishing and maintaining an effective safety and health program. Managers participate with employees in ongoing safety and health program activities, including: v Promoting safety and health through active personal example and committee participation; v Providing safety and health education and training for employees, supervisors and managers; and v Reviewing, updating and enforcing workplace safety and health rules. In addition to our corporate policy, Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. has established a programcommitted to reviewing and improving our chemical processes with regard to safety and the environment as developing technology provides us with better and more efficient means. Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc.'s ammonia process is also sub ject to OSHA's Process Safety Management program. Through this program we continually evaluate our ammonia handling and storage process for identification and mitigation of safety and environmental hazards, Facility Description Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc., located in Hastings, Nebraska, was constructed in 1984. Major expansions completed in 1993 and currently in process will result in the plant having the capacity to produce 65 MMgal per year of fuel grade ethanol by late summer 1999. Ethanol is produced by fermentation process from locally grown corn and milo. Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. will be processing approximately 1,800 tons of grain per day at our rated capacity. In addition to ethanol production, the plant produces nearly 400 tons per year of distiller's grains (both wet and dry) that is used as an animal feed supplement. Anhydrous ammonia is used at our facility in the fermentation process for pH adjustment and as a nutrient. Anhydrous ammonia is stored at our plant in an 18,000-gallon capacity bullet tank. Worst Case Release Scenario Using RMP*Comp, we modeled a release of the entire anhydrous ammonia tank contents within a ten minute time frame. This modeled release indicates an off-site impact. Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. maintains a preventative maintenance program to assure the integrity of the ammonia tank and piping system. System operators are trained in the safe handling of ammonia. Alternate Case Release Scenario Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. selected an alternative release scenario as an ammonia release from a > inch pipe. In the event of a release, facility personnel have been trained to respond by applying a water spray that effectively neutralizes the ammonia, which reduces off-site impacts. Additionally, piping leaks can typically be isolated and blocked out to prevent further loss of tank contents. Five-Year Accident History Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. has had no accidental releases of ammonia in the past five years. Emergency Response Program In the event of an ammonia release, ourwritten plan requires and employees are trained to evacuate non-critical plant personnel. The emergency response team will don the appropriate protective equipment to assess and mitigate the ammonia release as necessary. Plant management staff will notify the local response authorities if it is determined that there is a potential for off-site impact. The local emergency management agency can activate the county notification system, if necessary, to alert the public. Nearby businesses and residences within a one-mile radius of Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. will be notified by telephone by plant personnel that a release has occurred. Plant employees (were applicable) receive both initial and ongoing training on emergency response procedures, on safe handling of ammonia, unloading procedures and process safety management. Planned Changes Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. plans to evaluate the future use of anhydrous ammonia following a feasibility study of anhydrous ammonia substitutes. |