Scenario-Based Emergency Planning for Ammonia Releases
Author: David Moore, Larry Aleksandrich, &
Chris Youngerman
The recently-enacted EPA Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations (40 CFR Part 68) require over 66,000 facilities nationwide to establish a Risk Management Program, including an Emergency Response Program. Most facilities ion the ammonia refrigeration industry have simple emergency plans to address onsite releases, but not necessarily plans to address the off-site consequences of an ammonia release. Though releases are rare, one that affects the public requires careful emergency planning and procedures to adequately manage. As such, it is prudent to take a second look at the current emergency plans for regulated facilities and to upgrade the emergency plans in light of the requirements of the RMP regulations.
This paper will present an outline of the Emergency planning and response requirements EPA has imposed on regulated facilities. Practical guidelines for preparing emergency plans based on hazard scenarios identified in the process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and for conducting drills necessary to satisfy the RMP requirements are presented. An outline of a complete emergency response plan is included.