Deer Park Surface Water Purification Plant - Executive Summary

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                                                       EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
Accidental Release Prevention Policy: 
 
The most common time for an accidental chlorine release is during the cylinder change out procedure. 
Under City of Deer Park policy,this is allowed only with the properly trained personnel,proper self contained 
air pack and back-up operators to assist if a leak occurs. 
After the change-out is complete,all connections are tested for leaks with ammonia vapor. 
 
Emergency Response Policy: 
 
In case of a chemical release, the operator is notified by a chlorine gas detector alarm.  It is the  City of Deer Park policy to notify the Deer Park Police Department and Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department which is the first responder. The Fire Department evaluates the situation and notifies the public through the LEPS's ONE CALL SYSTEM. 
 
Statonary Source: 
 
The stationary source of a possible chemical release is the  Deer Park Surface Water Purification Plant at 2117 East  "X" Street, Deer 
Park, Texas 77536. The chemical stored and used above the EPA Threshhold at this location is chlorine gas. 
 
Worst Case Release Scenario: 
 
The release of chlorine at a rate of 15 pounds per minute from a ruptured 150 pound cylinder would affect an area with a radius of 0.4 miles according to Exhibit 4-3,page 4-7 of the EPA Risk Management Program Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants. 
 
These cylinders are rotated on a regular basis at which time they are returned to the chemical supplier for inspection and refill. 
 
The release of chlorine at a rate of 200 pounds per minute from a ruptured one ton cylinder would affect an area with a radius of 1.3 miles according to Exhibit 4-3,page 4-7 of the EPA Risk Management Program Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants. 
 
One ton cylinders of chlorine are used  infrequently and when empty are immediately returned to the chemical supplier for inspection and refill. 
 
 
Alternative Release Scenario: 
 
The release of chlorine at a rate of 37 pounds 
per minute from a broken 1/2 inch vapor feed line would affect an area with a radius of 0.1 mile according to Exhibit 4-15, page 4-26 of the EPA Risk Management Program Guidance for Wastewater Treatment Plants. 
 
The 1/2 inch feed lines are attached to the chlorine cylinder with a vacuum regulator which shuts down the chlorine flow if a leak occurs in the feed line and vacuum is lost. 
 
Accidental Release Prevention Program: 
 
It is the policy of the City of Deer Park to maintain all chemical feeding equipment and storage facilities in order to prevent accidental chemical releases. Daily inspections by Plant personnel allows early detection of possible equipment failure. Frequent preventative maintenance of chemical feed equipment by the Maintenance Department ensures proper operation. 
 
Five Year Accident History: 
 
The facility has not experienced a offsite accident in the past five years. 
 
Emergency Response Program: 
 
In case of a chlorine release, the procedure is to notify the Deer Pa 
rk Police Department and Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department by telephone or radio as to wind direction,type of leak and size of the leak. The Fire department evaluates the situation and notifies the public through the LEPC's ONE CALL SYSTEM. 
 
Safety: 
 
The City of Deer Park remains committed to maintaining it's safety record and will continue the equipment inspection and maintenance as well as continuing education for it's employees. 
City personnel have attended safety classes taught through Texas A&M Extension Service. 
There are frequent in-house discussions and safety meetings during the year.
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