Consolidated Diesel Company - Executive Summary |
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1. Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies: In this manufacturing facility, Consolidated Diesel Company (CDC) handles propane that is considered a regulated flammable substance by EPA. The same properties that make propane valuable as a fuel also make it necessary to observe certain safety precautions in handling propane to prevent unnecessary human exposure, to reduce the threat to our own personal health as well as our co-workers, and to reduce the threat to nearby members of the community. It is our policy to adhere to all applicable federal and state rules and regulations. 2. The stationary source and regulated substance handled: * The primary purpose of this facility is to store propane for industrial use in the manufacturing process. Propane is received by truck and stored in a storage tank (30,000 gallon water capacity). Propane is distributed to the manufacturing facility after proper mixing with air through the distribution pipeline (underground). Access to the site is restricted to authorized facility employees and authorized contractors. * The regulated substance handled at this distribution facility is propane. * The maximum amount of propane that can be stored at this facility is 107,100 pounds. 3. The worst-case release scenario(s) and the alternative release scenario(s), including administrative controls and mitigation measures to limit the distrances for each reported scenario: * Worst-Case Scenario - Failure of the storage tank when filled to the greatest amount allowed would release 107,100 pounds of propane. Company policy limits the maximum filling capacity of this tank to 85% at 70 deg. F. It is assumed that the entire contents are released as vapor that finds an ignition source. A 10% yield factor was used in the TNT-equivalency formula. * The distance to the endpoint of 1 p si overpressure for the worst-case scenario is 0.38 miles. This distance extends beyond the facility boundary, encompasses several residences and a public highway (Highway 301). * Alternative Scenario - A pull-away causing failure of a 25-foot length of 4-inch hose. The excess flow valves function to stop the flow. The contents of the hose are released. The vapor expands and upon finding an ignition source, it explodes. The shockwave from the explosion creates overpressure. The 1 psi overpressure is projected to extend 175 feet. This distance does not extend beyond the facility boundary. 4. The general accidental release prevention program and the specific prevention steps: This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA-58. The liquefied propane is delivered to the storage facility by a transportation company (Wendale Transport Corporation). Their drivers have been thoroughly trained using NPGA's Certified Employee Training Program. 5. Five-year accident history: We have had no accidental release of propane since June 21, 1994, that has caused deaths, injuries, or significant property damage. 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" and "How to Control LP-Gas Leaks and Fire". The emergency response plan includes procedures for notification of the local fire authority and notification of any potentially affected neighbors. We have discussed this program with the Nash County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the City of Whitakers Fire Department. A representative of the Nash County Emergency Planning Committee visited this plant on August 5, 1998. 7. Planned changes to improve safety: This facility was constructed in 1983 and is in compliance with t he NFPA-58 Standard, 1982 Edition. During August of 1998, a certified inspector inspected the facility. Based on the inspection report, certain changes were made to bring the facility into safer conditions. These changes were also completed in August of 1998. |