M. G. Waldbaum - Executive Summary |
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M. G. Waldbaum is a food processing facility located at 120 Tower Street South, Gaylord, MN. The regulated substance under the RMP Rule is Anhydrous Ammonia which is used as a refrigerant to maintain temperature in the facility production and storage areas. Quantity: The facility maintains 35,000 lbs of Anhydrous Ammonia on site as an operating level for the ammonia refrigeration system. Chemical Hazards for: Anhydrous Ammonia Permissible Exposure Limit--25 PPM for 8 hours Short Term Exposure Limit--35 PPM for 15 minutes Imediately Dangerous to Life or Health--300 PPM Inhalation Hazard--1,000 PPM Skin Aborsption Hazard--10,000 PPM Lower Exsplosive Limit--16% Upper Exsplosive Limit--25% EPA Toxic Endpoint--200 PPM DOT Classification:--Non-flammable gas United Nations Number:--UN 1005 Worst-case Scenario for a toxic substance: The worst-case release toxic endpoint was determined using EPA's "RMP Guidance for Ammonia Refrigeration" reference tables and equations. The scenario was based on the following criteria: Vessel: High Pressure Receiver (HPR) 60" x 16' 0" Amount Released: 13,000 lbs. Duration of Release: 10 minutes Release Rate: 1,300 lbs/min Wind Speed: 1.5 meter/sec Atmospheric Stability: F Topography: Rural Passive Mitigation: None The High Pressure Receiver is located in the compressor room of the facility. Since it is adjacent to an overhead door, and sometimes left open, no passive mitigation was considered. Using the tables in the "RMP Guidance for Ammonia Refrigeration", the toxic endpoint was calculated at 1.8 miles. Affected within this radius is a population of 254, one school, a city park, two lakes, residential homes, and retail stores. Census information was obtained using "Landview III" software. Alternative release scenario for a toxic substance: The alternative release toxic endpoint was also determined using the EPA's "RMP Guidance for Ammo nia Refrigeration" reference tables and equations. The scenario was based on the following criteria: Scenario: Relief Valve Lift Release Rate: 100 lb/min Duration of Release: 15 min Amount Released: 1500 lbs Wind Speed: 3 meter/sec Atmospheric Stability: D Topgraphy: Rural Mitigation: None Toxic endpoint for this scenario was calculated to be 0.20 miles. Affected within this radius is a population of 13. Public receptors include residential housing. Accidental Release and Emergency Response Policies: M. G. Waldbaum has established an in-house emergency response team to quickly respond to and handle releases of Anhydrous Ammonia. The established steps include initial training under the OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.120 HAZWOPER. The facility has also established annual retraining for all personnel that are on the HAZMAT Team as well as periodic s pill drills and plant wide evacuation drills to assure all employees are prepared in the event of an emergency. M. G. Waldbaum is also coordinating efforts with the local Volunteer Fire Department to establish a joint training program and the County Local Emergency Planning Committee. These established plans and procedures shall be periodically reviewed to assure that they are current and up to date. Emergency Response Program: M. G. Waldbaum has trained the refrigeration operators and selected production and office personnel in Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response 29 CFR 1910.120. The trained personnel will access each release situation and determine the appropriate emergency response to initiate. This could be by simply tightening a packing nut or flange bolt or initiating a system shut down. M. G. Wldbaum has established written operating procedures for the ammonia refrigeration system and has included in those procedures the Emergency Shutdown and isolation in the ev ent of a release. M. G. Waldbaum has purchased Level B Chemical Suites, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and other appropriate equipment to support the in-house HAZMAT team. This team will coordinate their efforts with the outside emergency services to assure the safety of all. Five Year Accident History: We have had one accidental release of ammonia in the past five years. No one offsite was injured and there were no evacuations. General Accidental Release Prevention Program and Chemical Specific Prevention Steps: M. G. Waldbaum has not only complied with the EPA Risk Management Program but also the OSHA Process Safety Management regulation to assure that the Ammonia Refrigeration System is well maintained and employees are properly trained and periodically retrained to assure they are kept up to date on any changes and new operations that may effect them. In addition, to maintain the mechanical integrity and safety of this process, this facility practices the following industr y codes and standards: ASME Boiler & Pressure Valve Codes ANSI B31.3 Piping Code IIAR industry guideline for safety and good engineering practices NFPA guidelines for fire protection equipment Through regular audits, training, maintenance, testing and inspection programs M. G. Waldbaum has established a history of safe operation and that community emergency action plans are current and training with community services is done for a safe response in the event of an accidental release. |