Farmers Union Oil Company Bristol Propane - Executive Summary |
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Farmers Union Oil Company is an independent company serving the Day County area. The facilities owned and operated by the company include the propane retailing facility concerned in this Risk Management Plan. This facility is located on the edge of the city of Bristol, South Dakota. The only substance present at this site in a large enough quantity to be subject to the Risk Management Rule is propane, which is stored at the site prior to sales to independent consumers. It is contained in one large tank which has a maximum capacity of 30,000 gallons. Administrative policy at the facility dictates that the tank never be filled above 82% of maximum capacity. Therefore, the maximum amount of propane that will ever be present at the site is 24,600 gallons, or 100,000 pounds. It must also be noted that this maximum amount is normally present for a short period of time, when seasonal demand for this product is likely to be high. The site is located near the south edge of the city of Bristol, which has a population of roughly 425 people. The area immediately surrounding the site contains both residential and light commercial facilities. The main residential areas of Bristol lie to the north of the site. The areas beyond the city limits to the east, west, and south are primarily agricultural lands which are sparsely populated. The worst-case and alternative release scenarios for the site were modeled using RMP Comp. In the worst-case scenario, 100,000 pounds of propane gas would be released over a period of 10 minutes and result in a vapor cloud explosion. Using a wind speed of 1.5 m/sec and an F Atmospheric Stability Class, it was determined that the distance to the endpoint would be 0.4 miles. No passive mitigation was considered in this model. This radius would encompass roughly two thirds of the city of Bristol. Using the USGS quadrangles for this area, it was estimated that a residential population of up to 280 people may be present within this radiu s. Potential receptors include residences, schools, and commercial, office, and industrial areas. Environmental receptors within this radius include only a few small wetlands. A transfer hose failure was determined to be a likely alternative release scenario. It was estimated that no more than 2 minutes would be required to halt the flow of propane if this were to occur. An estimated 800 pounds of propane would be released over this duration. Assuming a wind speed of 3 m/sec and an Atmospheric Stability Class of D, it was determined that the distance to the endpoint would be 0.1 miles. No active or passive mitigation was considered in this model. Receptors within this radius include only light commercial areas. It is therefore estimated that no residential population is present within this radius. Environmental receptors as defined in the data elements are also not present within this radius. The facility has an excellent safety record. No reportable accidents or inci dents as referred to in the data elements have occurred within the past five years. This safety record is the result of the priority that safety is given at the facility. The small number of employees who handle propane make it easier to ensure that proper training is provided and proper procedures are followed. Any new employees, or employees who may be switching to new duties, are provided with a combination of classroom and on-the-job training. They are then tested and observed closely over the initial months of employment at the facility by the facility management to ensure proper job performance. Any knowing violation of safe working procedures is not tolerated. Safety meetings are conducted periodically. Safety and emergency response plans are prepared in house and updated periodically. Inspections of equipment at the facility are also periodic. The major hazards at the facility are fire and explosion resulting from the release of propane to the atmosphere. Some of th e scenarios which could lead to this are equipment failure, damage to the tank from external sources (collision, etc.), corrosion of the tank and/or valves and piping, overfilling and/or overpressurization, and failure of transfer mechanisms. However, the possibility of these occurring is limited by the presence of such safety features as grounding equipment, emergency power, manual and automatic shutoffs and an excess flow device. Transfer mechanisms are also locked closed when not in use. The emergency response program for the facility is coordinated with the Day County LEPC. It includes actions to be taken in case of a release, emergency health care information, and an extensive contact list for informing the public and local agencies. The plan is reviewed periodically. Facility personnel receive training for emergency response in order to minimize any delays in dealing with an accidental release. Personal protective equipment is maintained at the site and employees are tr ained in its use. In summary, Farmers Union Oil Company has an excellent safety record. However, this record has not resulted in complacency. Management and employees are dedicated to performing their duties safely, and have demonstrated that they are willing to comply with all applicable standards and guidelines. Changes in record keeping and reporting required under the RMP Rule will be implemented in the facility safety plan. No additions or facility modifications are planned at this time. |