Central Cooperatives, Inc. - Executive Summary |
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Central Cooperatives, Inc. 301 E. Madison Holden, MO 64040 Executive Summary - Risk Management Program for Anhydrous Ammonia Storage Facility 1. Accidental Release Prevention and Emergency Response Policies Central Cooperatives, Inc. is committed to employee, public and environmental safety. This commitment includes an accidental release prevention program that covers areas such as design, installation, operating procedures, maintenance and employee training associated with the storage and transfer of ammonia (anhydrous ammonia) at our facility. There are safety devices and controls to prevent possible releases of ammonia. If such a release does occur we coordinate with the Holden Fire Department and Johnson County Sheriff's Department who will provide emergency personnel to help control and mitigate the effects of the release. 2. The Stationary Source and the Regulated Substances Handled Our facility's primary activity is Agriculture & Farm Supply. Anhydrous ammonia (CAS #766 4-41-7) is a regulated substance and is present at our facility. Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. Anhydrous ammonia is the common name. Ammonia is the chemical name and the chemical formula is NH3. It has a boiling point of -28 degrees Fahrenheit and is liquefied under pressure. It is transported and stored as a liquefied compressed gas. (The Department of Transportation considers anhydrous ammonia as a nonflammable gas and as an inhalation hazard.) We store anhydrous ammonia in pressurized vessels at our facility. It is later transferred to 1,000 gallon portable tanks for transportation to the farmer. Anhydrous ammonia is used as fertilizer for agriculture crops. We have one storage tank. It has a water capacity of 12,000 gallons and could hold 62,000# of anhydrous ammonia. 3. The Worst Case Release Scenario and the Alternative Release Scenario, including administrative controls and mitigation measures to limit the distances for each reported sce nario To perform the required offsite consequence analysis for our facility, we have used the look-up tables and equations provided by the EPA in the RMP Offsite Consequence Analysis Guidance. The following paragraphs provide details of the chosen scenarios. The worst case release scenario submitted for Program 2 and 3 toxic substances as a class would be the rupture of the largest tank and the release from Anhydrous ammonia bulk. The scenario involves the release of 62,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in a gaseous form over 10 minutes. At Class F atmospheric stability and 1.5 m/s wind speed, the maximum distance of 3.6 miles is obtained corresponding to a toxic endpoint of 0.14 mg/L. One alternative release scenario has been submitted for each toxic substance present in Program 2 and Program 3 processes cumulatively. The alternative release scenario would be the failure of the three inch piping and in addition the failure of the excess flow valve and the release of anhydrous am monia. The scenario involves the release of 62,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. Toxic liquid is assumed to be released to form a pool of height 1 cm, from which evaporation takes place. The entire pool is estimated to have evaporated over 30 minutes. Under neutral weather conditions, the maximum distance to the toxic endpoint of 0.14 mg/L of ammonia is 0.62 miles. 4. The General Accidental Release Prevention Program and the Chemical-Specific Prevention Steps Our facility complies with the accidental release prevention requirement set out under 40 CFR part 68 of the EPA. This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition. Our facility is also subject to EPCRA Section 302 notification requirements. The following section describes the release prevention program for this storage facility. Process Safety Information Central Coop and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Weights and Measures has inspected the equipment and de sign of this facility to insure compliance with NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition. Process Hazard Analysis Central Coop relies on standards set by NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition to identify hazards associated with the storage and transfer of ammnonia at this facility. Operating Procedures Central Coop relies on the standards set by NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition to address various modes of operation. Training We train staff with training videos and on-site training by experienced personnel. Mechanical Integrity We inspect equipment periodically to ensure proper operation. Management of Change Any change is done in accordance with NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition. Pre-startup Reviews Central Coop does inspect the facility prior to startup. Compliance Audits Central Coop is regularly inspected by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Weights and Measures to insure compliance with NFPA-58 Standard, 1967 Edition. Incident Investigation Central Coop investigates any incident that has resulted in, or could reasonably result in a catastrophic release of ammonia from this facility. These reports are retained for a minimum of 5 years. There have been no such incidents. Employee Participation Central Coop believes that safety management and accident prevention is a team effort. Company employees are encouraged to express their views about accident prevention and recommend improvements. Contractors Central Coop hires contractors for specialized maintenance and construction activities. An evaluation of the safety performance of the contractor is carried out. 5. Five-year Accident History There has been no accidental release during this period. 6. Emergency Response Plan Central Coop has a written emergency response plan for the accidental releases of hazardous materials. The plan includes aspects of emergency response including notification of local emergency response agencies. 7. Planned Changes to Improve Safety No changes in plant design or operati ng procedures are expected to be implemented unless Federal and/or State requirements change. 8. Certification Statement The undersigned certifies that to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the information submitted is true, accurate and complete. Name: Ben Griffith Signature: Title: General Manager Date signed: June 15, 1999 |