Flowers Specialty Foods of Montgomery - Executive Summary

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
 
 
1.Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies 
 
Flowers Specialty Foods - Montgomery is committed to both the safety of our employees and that of the surrounding public, including both human health and the environment.  Safety is ensured through careful prevention measures and emergency planning.  The intent of our Prevention Program is the minimization of all risks that could possibly lead to an accidental release.  This program focuses primarily on the mechanical integrity of the process equipment and  the training of its operators.  The Emergency Response Plan focuses on minimizing the potential impacts of an accidental release.  This is done by coordinating emergency actions with the Montgomery Fire Department and ensuring that employees are trained on the proper response to an emergency situation. 
 
2.The stationary source and regulated substances handled 
 
7Flowers Specialty Foods - Montgomery is a producer of baked goods.  
7The regulated substa 
nce handled at this plant is ammonia.  Ammonia is used as a refrigerant in the plant cooler and freezer system. 
7The maximum quantity of ammonia stored at this facility is 12,500 pounds. 
 
3.The worst-case release scenario and the alternative release scenario, including administrative controls and mitigation measures to limit the distances for each reported scenario 
 
7Worst-Case Scenario: Failure of the high pressure receiver for the main engine room when filled to the greatest amount allowed would release 4,700 pounds of ammonia.  Company policy limits the maximum filling capacity of this vessel to 75%.  It is assumed that the entire contents are released as vapor over a ten minute time span and are subjected to a wind speed of 1.5 m/s with a stability class of F.  The distance to the toxic endpoint for the worst-case scenario is 1.26 miles. 
7Alternative Scenario: The lifting of a pressure relief valve on the ammonia storage vessel for the new engine room.  Relief valves allow the esca 
pe of ammonia at a total flow rate of 115.2 lbs/min.  Weather conditions are assumed to be average values of 3 m/s wind speed and stability class D.  The valves are assumed to be open 75% of the time during the release as the pressure builds and is relieved.  The distance to this endpoint is 990 feet and extends beyond the facility boundary. 
 
4.The general accidental release prevention program and the specific prevention steps 
 
Flowers Specialty Foods - Montgomery believes that the best way to prevent an accidental release is by being proactive in its approach to safety.  This facility maintains information about the proper use of its equipment and the possible hazards.  By following set operating procedures and maintenance routines, the process equipment within the facility will continue to operate in optimum condition.  Additionally, the release prevention program is constantly being improved by sustained employee training and regular compliance audits.  Compliance with all applicabl 
e state codes and regulations ensures the continued safety of Flowers Specialty Foods. 
 
5.Five-year accident history 
 
Flowers Specialty Foods - Montgomery has not experienced any accidents within the last five years that either led to a significant release of ammonia or had the potential to lead to such a release. 
 
6.The emergency response program 
 
A well planned emergency response program can make a tremendous difference in the potential off-site impacts of an accidental release.  Swift, efficient actions can minimize the damage to both human population and the natural surroundings.  To this end, Flowers Specialty Foods has coordinated emergency response efforts with the Montgomery Fire Department and has instructed employees on the proper actions to take in the event of an accidental release.  Flowers Specialty Foods maintains a well trained emergency response team and has a written emergency response plan which specifies the details of the actions that will be taken in the event of  
an accidental release. 
 
7.Planned changes to improve safety 
 
There are no planned changes to improve safety at this time.
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