Dothan Beaver Creek WWTP - Executive Summary |
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Accidental release probability is minimized through training for employees in the safe handling of chlorine and sulfur dioxide one ton cylinders and in the correct SOP for connecting and disconnecting one ton cylinders from the process. The WWTP Division in conjunction with the Dothan Fire Department conducts an annual chlorine/sulfur dioxide leak drill at one of our facilities. This is a full scale drill simulating a cylinder rupture with injuries and simulating evacuation procedures. The WWTP Division has three wastewater treatment plants that store chlorine and sulfur dioxide gas in one ton cylinders used for disinfection of treated wastewater. The quantities stored at each facility is as follows: Little Choctawhatchee - 6,000# chlorine gas and 6,000# sulfur dioxide; Beaver Creek - 8,000# chlorine gas and 6,000# sulfur dioxide; Omussee Creek - 10,000# chlorine gas and 8,000# sulfur dioxide. The total amount stored at all of the wastewater treatment plants is 24,000# chlorine g as and 20,000# sulfur dioxide. The worst case release scenario for all three wastewater treatment plants would result in a maximum threat zone for sulfur dioxide of 3.2 miles. Based on our most recent 1990 census, this release will affect a residential population of 4,900 from Little Choctawhatchee, 25,000 from Beaver Creek, and 5,900 from Omussee Creek. The alternate release scenario for sulfur dioxide will affect a residential population of 2,800 from Little Choctawhatchee, 17,000 from Beaver Creek, and 3,600 from Omussee Creek within 2.6 miles. The alternate release scenario for chlorine will affect a residential population of 2,700 from Little Choctawhatchee, 16,000 from Beaver Creek, and 3,500 from Omussee Creek within 2.4 miles. The WWTP Division has complied with the OSHA PSM rule, although Alabama is not an OSHA state. The WWTP Division conducts training for all operators in safe handling and SOP as well as emergency response procedures. All safety equipment is regularly inspected and calibrated. Both training and inspections are documented. The WWTP Division has had no accidental releases of chlorine or sulfur dioxide gas in the last five years. In the event of an accidental release, WWTP Division personnel will notify the Dothan Fire Department by either radio or land line. The Dothan Police and Fire Departments will evacuate affected areas. The Dothan Fire Department's hazardous material team will take charge of stopping or mitigating the release of gas. The WWTP Division conducts an annual full scale accidental release drill with the Dothan Fire Department and both agencies critique performance for improvements. The WWTP Division also conducts quarterly leak drills at each facility to ensure all operators are trained in SOP for emergency response. The WWTP Division will review SOP and conduct a process hazard analysis every three years in compliance with the OSHA PSM rule. |