WILBUR-ELLIS COMPANY - Executive Summary |
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The Wilbur-Ellis Company's accidental release program is a priority program for those facilities handling ammonia. Throughout Wilbur-Ellis Company a comprehensive safety program is in effect which includes training, inspections, safety meetings and management accountability. This facility handles anhydrous ammonia and aqua ammonia for fertilizer use. The chemicals are stored in above ground tanks. Aqua ammonia is made from the introduction of water and ammonia. No other chemical reactions or processes are located at this facility. The worst case scenario involves the loss of the largest tank instantaneously. The offsite consequence will impact the immediate are around the plant. This was determined using the ALOHA Model. The alternate release scenario involves the instantaneous loss of five pounds of ammonia or fifty gallons of aqua ammonia from disconnecting a hose or overfilling a tank respectively. This facility is covered by OSHA regulations and is visited periodically by other agencies. There has been one incident involving anhydrous ammonia at this facility in the last five years. Approximately 7,000 lbs of NH3 were released due to a faulty pump seal. There were no injuries or major property damage due to the realease. The Walla Walla Fire Department responded and allowed the tank to drain of it's contents while the surrounding area was evacuated and the road blocked. The excess flow valve did not trip due to the slowness of the leak. This could have been manually shut off but the Fire Department would not allow it. Copies of the incident report are on file at the branch office. The emergency response plan is reviewed and trained annually. Training at Wilbur-Ellis Company is an ongoing program each year and emergency preparedness plans are shared with local and county agencies. |