Rio Bravo Poso - Executive Summary

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Executive Summary 
 
1. Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies: 
 
In this cogeneration facility ammonia, considered by EPA to be a toxic substance, is handled and used.  It is mandatory to observe safety precautions in handling ammonia to prevent unnecessary human exposure, to reduce the threat to personal health as well as co-workers, and to reduce the threat to nearby members of the community.  It is Rio Bravo's policy to adhere to all applicable Federal and state rules and regulations.  Safety depends upon the manner in which ammonia is handled.  It is also dependent upon the safety devices inherent in the design of this facility combined with the safe handling procedures that are used and the training of our personnel. 
 
Rio Bravo's emergency response program includes procedures for notification of the local fire authority. 
 
2. The stationary source and regulated substances handled. 
 
' The primary purpose of this facility is to generate electricity.  Access to th 
e site is restricted to authorized facility employees, authorized management personnel and authorized contractors. 
' The regulated substance handled at this facility is ammonia. 
' The maximum amount of ammonia stored at this plant is 52,734 lbs. 
 
3. The worst-case release scenario and the alternative release scenario, including administrative controls and mitigation measures to limit the distances for each reported scenario. 
 
' Worst-Case Scenario (Amonnia).  Failure of large storage tank when filled to the greatest amount customarily experienced would release 52,734 pounds of ammonia.  (Company policy limits the maximum filling capacity of this tank to 85 percent).  It is assumed that the entire contents are released as vapor.  
 
The distance to the endpoint for the worst-case scenario is 4.0 miles.  This distance extends beyond the facility boundary and encompasses somel residences. 
 
' Alternative Scenario (Ammonia):  A truck backs into the tank and leaves a 1/4 inch diameter hole in  
the tank.  One half of the contents of the tank are released over a one hour period.   
 
The distance to the endpoint for the alternative scenario is 0.2 miles.  This distance extends beyond the facility boundary and encompasses an adjacent public road. 
 
4. The general accidental release prevention program and the specific prevention steps. 
 
This facility complies with EPA's Accidental Release Prevention Rule and with all applicable state codes and regulations.  This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA - 58.  All of the ammonia delivery drivers have been thoroughly trained using the NFPA's Certified Employee Training Program (CETP). 
 
5. Five year accident history 
 
There have been no accidental releases of ammonia.  No on or off-site injuries or damage has occurred. 
 
6. The emergency response program. 
 
This facility's emergency response program is based upon the NPGA's LP-Gas Handbook, "Guidelines for Developing Plant Emergency Response Procedures".   A represen 
tative of the Fire Department last visited this plant on May 30, 1999. 
 
7. Planned changes to improve safety. 
 
This facility was constructed in 1988 and is in compliance with the NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition.  In 2000, we plan to upgrade the facility to NFPA-58, 1998 Edition
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