Getman's Gas Company - Executive Summary |
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1. Accidental Release Prevention and Emergency Response Policies: At the bulk storage area, we handle propane which is a regulated flammable substance. It is our policy at Getman's Gas Company to provide propane to our customers in the safest possible manner. We ensure safety to our staff, customers and community by having safety devices on our stationary and portable tanks and practicing safe handling procedures. Our staff are well trained and experienced propane handlers. Our emergency response program consists of emergency action guides for our staff and the local fire department; notification procedures; first-aid and medical treatment information; and staff training. The emergency action guides are based upon the safe response procedure recommendations from the National Propane Gas Association [NPGA] Safety Bulletins and the 1998 North American Field Response Guidebook. Our notification procedures are in place to inform the Ovid Fire Department and immediate neighbors if there is a release. 2. About Propane and our Bulk Storage Facility: Our facility was constructed in 1958 in a rural area of Seneca County, New York. We added a second bulk tank in 1992. We provide propane retail sales service to our local community and Tompkins County. The propane is primarily used by our customers as a fuel. We have no customers who have more than 10,000 pounds at one time. We receive propane by truck transports and store it in two connected 30,000 gallon storage tanks. The maximum intended inventory of propane on site in the bulk tanks and other small cylinders is 225,500 pounds. Propane is delivered to customers by bobtail trucks and service trucks. Our facility has one loading and unloading station and a DOT cylinder filling station. This area is restricted to authorized personnel only. Our staff performs all filling and delivery operations. 3. Off-site Consequence Analysis: Worst-Case Scenario - Failure of the bulk tank if filled to 88% would release 110,000 pounds of propane. Our policy limits the maximum filling capacity to 85% at 60 degrees F. It is assumed that the entire contents are released as vapor and finds an ignition source. The distance to the endpoint of 1 psi overpressure for the worst-case scenario is 0.4 mile. This distance extends beyond the boundaries of our facility and encompasses several residences, small businesses and a county road. Alternative Scenario - A hose rupture caused by a pull away when the driver of the bobtail or transport fails to disconnect the hoses before driving away. A 4" 25 feet liquid hose would release 69 pounds of propane. If the vapor finds and ignition source and ignited, it would affect an area 0.03 mile radius from the tank. The distance extends beyond the boundaries of our facility and encompasses several residences, businesses and a county road. 4. Prevention Program: Our facility complies with EPA's Accidental Release Prevention Rule and with NFPA -58. Our bulk stora ge tanks and equipment were designed and constructed according to National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] code 58 and is well maintained. We are currently evaluating upgrades to our system to further ensure safety. Our staff are trained on safe handling and emergency procedures. Our safety information, operating procedures, training, and maintenance inspections are up-to-date. 5. Accident History: We have never had an accident at our facility. 6. Emergency Response Program: Our emergency response program consists of emergency action guides for our staff and the local fire department; notification procedures; first-aid and medical treatment information; and staff training. The emergency action guides are based upon the safe response procedure recommendations from the National Propane Gas Association [NPGA] Safety Bulletins and the 1998 North American Field Response Guidebook. Our notification procedures are in place to inform the Ovid Fire Department and immediate neighbo rs if there is a release. 7. Planned Changes to Improve Safety: We plan to evaluate the need for fencing around the transfer areas of the bulk storage tank and implement our decisions by June 21, 1999. |