Poteau Public works - Sewer Treatment Plant - Executive Summary

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A: INTRODUCTION 
 
 
Purpose Of Manual: 
 
The purpose of this manual is to specify the procedures to be sued to protect Poteau Public works people, the public and the environment from possible plant emergencies resulting from uncontrolled fires or release of chemicals. 
 
Additional guidelines for WHAT CONSTITUTES A POTEAU PUBLIC WORKS SEWER PLANT EMERGENCY included the following emergency conditions for activating the organization and procedure outlined in this manual. 
 
1. An emergency condition which can not be controlled by the area people involved and requires the immediate assistance of additional plant people. 
2. An emergency condition that presents real evidence of real danger to the remainder of the plant or to our neighbors. 
 
The principle considerations in case of emergencies are: 
 
1. To rescue and provide medical care of injured persons. 
2. To prevent the spread of the emergencies. 
3. To protect property already involved from further damage. 
4. To perform basic functions necessa 
ry in relation to the item 1, 2 and 3 without endangering the lives of plant people.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Responsibility 
 
It is the responsibility of the Poteau Public Works Director (or his designate) to implement the inspections specified in this plan and to provide proper information, equipment, and supplies to allow full implementation of the procedures as specified. The Public Works Director shall also ensure that the appropriate people are quickly notified whenever signs of distress are observed. The Public Works Director should be familiar with this and assure himself that people under his direction are familiar with their duties during an emergency situation 
 
 
Authority 
 
Should critical conditions develop which may lead to an endangerment of a Poteau Public Works people, the public, or the environment, the Public works Director is authorized to commit all resources at his disposal to prevent and minimize loss of life and property. 
 
 
Public Awareness 
 
When a major problem occu 
rs which may result in endangerment to the general public or to the environment, contact should be established immediately with the local and area news media. A spokesperson for Poteau Public Works will be assigned to be part of the emergency response team to assist in public affairs matters. 
 
 
B. ORGANIZATION 
 
Individuals at Poteau Public Works, will be assigned special responsibilities in case of an emergency situation which could lead to endangerment to workers, the public or the environment.  
 
These individuals will comprise teams responsible for: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Communication: 
 
The Communications team will be responsible for relaying information between 
 
a. Poteau Public Works people and the emergency response team; 
b. Poteau Public Works and government agencies; 
c. Poteau Public Works and the community; 
d. Poteau Public Works and the news media; 
e. Poteau Public Works and any other interested parties (i.e. other emergency services, Mayor, City Councilmen insurance companies). 
 
 
2. Procurement and Supply: 
 
The Procurement and Supply team will be responsible for obtaining the tools, equipment, supplies and contractor support necessary to perform immediate repair operations. 
 
3. Manpower and Equipment: 
 
The Manpower and Equipment team will be responsible for immediate remedial work as well as the repair operations 
 
4. Notification and Evacuation: 
 
The Notification and Evacuation team will be responsible for notifying PVIA people and the local public in the area expected to be affected and for coordinating an evacuation if necessary. 
 
5. Administration and Coordination:  
 
The Administration and Coordination team will be responsible for assembling and activating the emergency response teams, coordinating activities of the teams, and supervising the emergency activities. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C. FORWARD 
 
Emergencies usually happen unexpectedly and require immediate attention. When an emergency occurs, decisive actions must be taken quickly to limit the severity of the 
situation. People and equipment must be readily available to respond at a moments notice. 
 
Upon discovery of a spill or fire situation, the initial examination will provide important information to responding people: 
 
   1.    What happened, 
   2.    Where it happened, 
   3.    Whom it happened to, 
   4.    When it happened 
   5.    The extent of the damage 
   6.    What aid is needed. 
 
Must be included in the report to the Plant Emergency Response Technicians. Once response people receive this information, an evaluation will be made as to the proper response procedures to be employed. There are four basic components of any spill/fire response sequence.  
 
Rescue, Alert, Contain, and Evacuate 
 
This sequence is represented by the acronym RACE. 
 
Rescue. In the event of an emergency, rescue of injured people is one of the first priorities whether a spill or fire, the points to consider are: 
 
 
1. Properly protect yourself. Put on protective clothing before attempting rescue - you do not want to become a victim yourself 
. Unless you know the hazards of the specific material and the appropriate equipment to wear, use at least EPA "Level B'' protective gear (including chemical resistance coveralls and SCBA). 
 
2. Use the buddy system. Do not enter the danger area without at least notifying someone else. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. If the victim's life is at risk, remove the victim from the immediate spill/fire area as soon as possible. Otherwise, provide first aid, care and comfort until more qualified people arrive. Extinguish incipient stage fires by using fire extinguisher or hand lines ( 1" or less). If the person has spilled chemicals on his/her clothing, get him/her to an emergency shower as soon as possible. Rinse for at least 15 minutes. Remove clothing to prevent trapping chemicals against the skin. 
 
4. Contact emergency medical people. If the person has stopped breathing or is having trouble breathing, enlist the help of someone nearby who knows artificial resuscitation and CPR. 
 
Alert. Notification Of the emer 
gency should follow the guidelines as established in this manual. (See Notification Chart). 
 
Give the point of contact information about the spilled waste; Identification, Rate, Quantity, Direction of Movement, Injuries, the potential hazards, as you see it. The Plant Emergency Response Technicians will notify and involve emergency response people as necessary. 
 
Contain. Immediate containment of a spill or fire will: 
 
1. Minimize the exposure of people to dangerous materials or life threatening fire. 
2. Enhance the chances of recovery in a Useable material. 
3. Minimize the total time and cost associated with final clean-up     
 
The specific circumstances and extent of an emergency will dictate the timing and response actions taken to contain a spill or fire.  
 
Evacuate. Evacuation is the removal of non-essential people from specified areas. Depending on the circumstances of the plant emergency, evacuation may include the immediate vicinity, adjacent areas and buildings, and off-site areas 
. The decision to evacuate is made by the Plant Emergency Response Technicians. Upon announcement people should immediately leave the area by designated evacuation routes and meet at specific rally points outside the affected area. Rally points serve as accounting points for evacuated people. (See Appendix A: Evacuation) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specific Emergency Sectors to be used when conditions allow: 
 
 
Incident Command Center -     Office Building (small spills) 
                                                     Randco Tool (large spills)         
 
Alternate - Poteau City Hall (111 Peters Street) 
 
Center for incident directions. 
 
Other areas that will be activated for additional coordination and support depending on the magnitude of the event include: 
 
A.  Safety Sector - Lab protective clothing, barrier tape ,safety gear, ect. 
 
B.  Medical Sector- Office Building - Medical supplies, care. 
 
C.  Logistics Sector- Office Building- Food, supplies                                                  
 
D. Plan 
ning & Recording Sector- Office Building Reporting and direction evacuation procedures. 
 
E. Evacuation Sector- Randco Tool (small spills) 
                                          Poteau City Hall (large spills)     
 
F. Information Sector- Randco Tool (small spills) 
                               Poteau City Hall (large spills)     
 
 
Direction of outside emergency responders and site access control.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emergency Response Telephone List 
Poteau Public Works - Sewer Treatment Plant 
402 Industrial Blvd. 
Poteau, Oklahoma 74953 
 
 
 
Incident Command Coordinator                Mark Collins 
                                   (918)647-7170 
                                   Mobile Number 
                                   (918)649-4740 
 
Plant Emergency Response Technician                Kevin Adams 
                                   (918)655-7815 
                                
 
Poteau Fire Department                        911 
 
 
Plant Manager                            Kevin Adams 
                                   (918)655-7815 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emergency Response Telephone List - State and Federal 
Poteau Public Works - Sewer Treatment Plant 
402 Industrial Blvd. 
Poteau, Oklahoma 74953 
EPA ID No. _______ 
___ 
 
CHEMTREC:                        800-424-9300 
 
Oklahoma Highway Patrol                    918-423-3636 
McAlester Office 
 
Region VI EPA:                        214-655-2100 
 
Emergency Release Notification (State):            800-522-0206 or 
Send Follow Up Reports To:    Larry Gales            405-271-4468 
 
Oklahoma Department Of Environmental Quality     
Mail Code 0-200, 1000 N.E. 10th Street 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117-1299            405-271-8056 
 
Also, send MSDS's and inventory list and Annual Toxic Chemical Release Forms to address above.  State prefers list to MSDS's and Tier II over Tier I. 
 
Ambulance Services: 
LeFlore County Emergency Services                911 
Area Life Care                            918-647-7201 
 
Medical Treatment Facilities:                     
Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center                911 
 
Fire Department: 
Poteau Fire Department                    911 
 
Police Department: 
Poteau Police Department                    911 
 
Sheriff's Department: 
LeFlore County Sheriff's Department                918-647-2317 
 
OG&E    :                            800-522-0280 
 
AOG:                                800-344-7349     
 
 
 
 
 
Emergency Notification Alarm System 
 
 
 
1. Introduction 
 
The intent  
of this system is primarily to provide communication between the Office Building and the designated areas of the plant during emergency conditions. The overall system contains a central control of the alarm. 
 
2. Zones 
 
The zone is a follows: 
 
Around Chlorine Cylinders ( Alarm Distance most of Plant Grounds) 
          In the building housing the caustic chemicals     
 
3.  Alarms 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Alarms Purpose 
 
The Alarms is used if the building is occupied (8am - 4:30pm) for Evacuation Procedures, etc, ( Chemical Spill or Fire). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GENERAL 
 
 
 
Even though the "significance" of a spill may designate response actions by various responding personnel, the principals for containing a spill/release are the same, regardless of the size of the spill. Containment includes safely stopping the discharge and preventing it from spreading further if at all practical. Depending on the location and extent of the spill, containment can be accomplished in a number of ways. 
 
Poteau Public Works peopl 
e will operate in a fashion to contain spills when personnel risks are minimal. Once a release is evaluated, the need for a licensed qualified and certified remediation team will be determined by the initial responders and/or the Technical Coordinators on the response team. 
 
Before entering the spill area, personnel are reminded to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. This includes obtaining proper protective equipment, notifying designated officials and obtaining appropriate response equipment and supplies. 
 
On any spill, attempts will be made to contain the material and place it in a SAFE .and SECURE condition. The Response Team will then determine the appropriate remediation course of action. 
 
Listed below are general guidelines to be followed. Any spill response must be in accordance with the instructions provided on specific MSDS's. 
 
A. Stop Discharge. Stopping the leak at its source may consist of 
 
1. Turning off pumps or closing valves.  
2. Returning containers  
to upright position.  
3. Patching holes.  
4. Transferring wastes to other containers. 
5. Moving containers to a less dangerous location. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B. Containment:  The expansion of an existing spill can be prevented or slowed: 
 
1. ON WATER - If the spill floats, use floating barriers or booms, porous absorbent materials, or by "herding" using propellers, water hose streams or chemicals that change the surface tension of the spilled waste. 
 
2. ON LAND - If a spill occurs on the ground or concrete containment surface, use porous or absorbent barriers. (See Table 1). 
 
3. GASES OR VAPORS: In the case of gases or vapors, it is preferable to disperse a gas vapor cloud by using fans or blowers.  Vapor emissions from flammable or toxic liquids may be controlled by covering the area with high expansion foam or by using knock-down misting where the mist absorbs the vapor or gas.  In the case of large clouds or highly toxic materials, evacuation and natural dissipation may be the only answer. 
 
 
C. Collection: Upon containment, the spilled material and the used absorbent are collected and containerized for disposal. 
 
1. ON WATER - Floating wastes are skimmed off with their absorbent, run through separators and placed in storage.  The sorbent with its absorbed spill materials is usually collected by skimming, direct pickup, filtering, or settling.  This can be a cumbersome and hazardous process.  Materials which dissolve in water cannot typically be recovered.  Materials which sink may be pumped or dredged from the bottom (although difficult and expensive to do), then separated and stored. 
2. ON LAND - Spilled material may be diked by absorbent or pumped or drained to a dike temporary storage area: or absorbent may be used to soak up the entire spill.  Recovery is accomplished by pumping to storage or by separation from the absorbent used.  Contaminated soil only need to be removed and replaced in some cases.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESPONSE 
 
When an employee detects a leak, spil 
l, or fire, they will immediately notify the Main Control Room, thereby notifying the First Responder Coordinator (see preceding pages) and summon help if necessary. If the situation warrants evacuation of personnel, the First Responder/Emergency Coordinator or the employee who detected the situation will contact the control room to commence the evacuation procedures. (Appendix A) 
 
Response to Specific Spills Note: These are only guidelines. Always refer to the MSDS for specific instructions. 
 
1. Polymers If polymers spills or has spilled from a drum, the person detecting the spill, or person or team of persons designated by the First Responder/ Emergency Coordinator will immediately stop the flow from the source. Makeshift dikes of sandbags or shoveled dirt will be constructed to prevent any polymer from reaching the plant drainage system. Absorbent material will be placed over the spilled polymer and the recovery plan enacted that may include the immediate recovery of the spilled mat 
erials. The materials will then be labeled and a determination made as to the final movements and disposal procedures by the Technical Coordinators of the Response Team. Spills of miscellaneous chemicals and solvents will handled in a similar manner by trained personnel and only when practical. 
 
2. Miscellaneous Chemical and Solvents. 
 
 
3. Alum or acids  Any spill or leak from a tank of Alum, acid, or caustic will be contained by the dike surrounding the tank. An employee detecting a leak or spill will notify the First Responder Coordinator who will notify the Emergency Coordinator and under his/her directions commence contacting properly trained and qualified remediation personnel. The Technical Coordinators of the Response Team will determine the cause of the accident and take action to prevent a recurrence. 
 
4. Chlorine: Is Class 2 Division 2.3(POISONOUS GAS) under pressure container may rupture violently and release poisonous gas very corrosive and asphyxiant, deadly in large dosag 
es, damages lungs tissue.   
 
   On ruptures turn burst or blow out to the top the chlorine will freeze over and reduce pressure and loses.(caution) Direct spray can cause frost-bite, and/or Toxic poisoning. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESPOND TO FIRE / EXPLOSION 
 
Poteau Public works keeps a working plan with the Poteau Fire Department in case of fire or explosions. Plant people help the Fire Department . All fires are handled by well-trained off-site fire fighting agencies contacted by the Emergency Coordinator/First Responder. 
 
The chemicals used in this plant are not explosive, but the oil can sustain combustion in chlorine cylinders if exposed to mishandling could rupture and explode. A fire in the plant could cause conditions that might result in a release of various materials through bursting of tanks and drums, or by spreading a fire with water application. 
 
1. Detection: An employee detecting a fire will immediately notify the Main Control Room who will alert the First Responder Coordinator and sound  
the area specific fire alarm. 
 
2. Alarm: The First Responder Coordinator will alert the Control Room to sound the alarm, notify the Emergency Coordinator, Call the Fire Department, and evacuate adjacent areas of the facility as necessary. He will direct efforts by trained designated employees (calling them to the site as necessary) to control the fire until relieved by the Emergency Coordinator. 
 
Employees fighting the fire should wear gloves, boots, hard hats, and respirators, and use a chemical fire extinguisher where oil may be burning. Positive pressure breathing apparatus is required for fires in the areas where chlorine and HTH are stored (see Appendix B). If the fire cannot be contained, The First Responder/Emergency Coordinator and response team members will retreat to a safe distance, monitor the situation and await the arrival of the Fire Department. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRE/EXPLOSION RESPONSE 
 
3. Response: If safe access allows, the First Responder/Emergency Coordinator wi 
ll direct the removal or isolation of cylinders . He will also take measures to prevent the fire from reaching the storage area and cover any open containers of KMNO4 to prevent fire fighting water from dispersing the material. During (if possible) and after a fire, the Emergency Coordinator will monitor the tanks and drums for leaks, pressure buildup, or failure. 
 
4. Support Upon the arrival of the Fire Department, the First Responder/Emergency Coordinator will be prepared to furnish the Fire Department with essential information concerning chemicals presently being stored on-site in accordance with this plan. This information has been discussed with potential responding agencies prior to any event. This is to ensure the latest information is held by all parties. 
 
5. Cleanup/Containment: During or after a fire or release, the First Responder/Emergency Coordinator will place controls in place to minimize any oflsite releases from this event and ensure it remains in a safe condition to  
allow remediation teams to enact thorough clean-up after the all clear condition allows. 
 
All emergency equipment used must be cleaned and fit for use before normal operations are resumed. Fire extinguishers must be charged after use. 
 
6.      Record Keeping: The First Responder/Emergency Coordinator will note in the        facility's operating record, the time and date of any fire or spill, its presumed cause, and any remedial measures taken. A follow-up written investigation will be prepared following any such event. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POTEAU PUBLIC WORKS EVACUATION PROCEDURES 
 
In the event of an emergency, (fire, explosion, chemical release, etc.) or test of the evacuation procedures, the alarm will sound. ALL Poteau Public Works people and subcontractors of Poteau Public Works will turn off all power equipment not vital to continual operation of the plant (power tools, cranes, forklifts, trucks, etc.). A11 vehicles will pull over to the side of the road and the engine will be turned of 
f before the operator proceeds to an assembly 
 
All non-essential Poteau Public Works people not vital for emergency procedures and all Poteau Public Works subcontractors will immediately proceed to an assembly area. Wind direction should be checked before proceeding to the proper assembly area. Always move upwind or crosswind of the problem to an assembly area. Pay close attention to direction given via the plant paging system and/or portable radios. Valuable information will be relayed to assist in determining the safest evacuation route to your assembly area. 
 
There are three separate site assembly areas as follows: DEPENDING ON WIND DIRECTION: 
 
1. BACK LOT OF WORTZ (EAST WIND) 
2. INCINERATOR PLANT (NORTH WIND) 
3. ANIMAL FEED SUPPLEMENTS (SOUTH WIND) 
 
At the various assembly areas, all Poteau Public Works people and Poteau Public Works subcontractors will gather together within 15 minutes of the initiation of the evacuation alarm.  It is the responsibility of each Poteau Public Work 
s person to report to a supervisor with a radio in that assembly area so they can be reported to the Incident Command center for a head count. Everyone will utilize channel 1 on the radio to coordinate the head count with the Incident Command Coordinators. (Example: This is ~ at the assembly area reporting in and accounting for ~ . The incident command center will then check off the persons accounted for.) Each area is responsible for the people in the areas and in many cases, people accountability may be practical by exception. That is, someone is known to have not reported to the assembly area. 
 
Emergency Response Technician that a person from a particular area is unaccounted for (i.e. C12, Block building ). The First Responder will then verify his list with the assembly area information and respond accordingly. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POTEAU PUBLIC WORKS EVACUATION PROCEDURIES 
 
No person shall leave the assembly area until the "ALL CLEAR" has been given by the Incident Command Coordinators. After  
the signal has been given to return to work report to your supervisor for any special instructions that may be necessary.: 
 
Should it become necessary for an off-site evacuation, all people will meet at the Recreational Complex area to be accounted for and await further instructions. 
 
Evacuation Guideline: 
 
I. On-Site Evacuation from Exposed Areas 
 
When the Plant Alarm System (and subsequent 2-way radio/paging announcements) sounds to evacuate an area, proceed with caution in an orderly manner to evacuate. The Plant technician will notify the areas to be evacuated with the localized Plant Alarm System and through plant radio communication. The reason for the evacuation -will be briefly explained. 
 
The Plant technician will tell you which way the wind is blowing 
 
Look at the wind sock for confirmation of wind flow if possible. 
 
Always proceed in a direction away from the wind and away from known storage areas of significant materials that may represent a hazardous situation. 
 
It is a wa 
ys better to use a very wide detour to be on the safe side. 
 
Use Extreme caution before entering any area susceptible to a hazardous condition. 
 
If your presence is not needed in any area as an emergency responder, stay clear of that area and do not interfere with the relief efforts. 
 
Do not enter the affected areas until the Incident command center gives the "ALL CLEAR". 
 
OFF SITE EVACUATION FROM PLANT: 
 
Small Spills - Wortz Front Parking Lot 
Large Spills - Poteau City Hall 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POTEAU PUBLIC WORK 
 
 
POTEAU PUBLIC WORKS KEEPS CHEMICALS IN THE MAIN BUILDING 
 
MAIN CHEMICAL BUILDING: The Main Chemical Building stores CL2, Hydrated lime, Carbon, Fluoride, 8103,8759, 
 
MAIN CHEMICAL 2: The chemical 2 building contains CL2, And 7768. 
 
RAW CHEMICAL BUILDING: The Raw Chemical Building Contains Hydrated lime, KMNO4, 8103, Liquid alum. 
 
CHEMICAL STORAGE: This building contains Hydrated lime, KMNO4, 7768, Fluoride, and Carbon.  
 
CHLORINE DOCK: This is where the CL2 tanks (FULL) are stored a 
nd only 5 at a time. 
 
LAB: The lab uses color reagents in there test, waste is disposed into a collection tank to be disposed of safely. There is a list in the material data sheets of it's contents. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POTEAU PUBLIC WORKS 
 
             FIRST RESPONSE EQUIPMENT 
 
Poteau Public Works maintains it's own Emergency Response Team, Their duty's are to maintain and up grade the plants emergency response gear. 
 
Poteau Public Works has a fire plug close to the main chemical building and CL2 Dock, with a quick pull hose box to give quick response to an emergency situation. 
 
Poteau Public Works keeps 2 self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA's) in the office building. 
 
Poteau Public Works has a 1 ton CL2 cylinder repair kit and trained personnel to apply if needed. 
 
Poteau Public Works keeps protective clothing in the lab for emergency use, and keeps a maintained First Aid Kit and Eye wash bottles, chemical shower, and eye wash sink. 
 
Poteau Public Works has 
fire extinguishers checked yearly and has numerous through out the plant grounds. 
 
Poteau Public Works keeps emergency numbers by all telephones for quick contacts with personnel.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POTEAU PUBLIC WORKS 
 
                IN LAB CHEMICALS 
 
BROMOCRESOL GREEN/RED 
HARDNESS BUFFER 
DPD CHLORINE FREE REAGENT 
DPD CHLORINE TOTAL 
DPD CHLORINE BUFFER 
FREE CHLORINE INDICATOR 
FERRO-VER REAGENT 
FLUORIDE STANDARD 
MAN-VER 2 
MERCURY METAL THERMOM. 
SODIUM THIOSULFATE STD. 
SULFURIC ACID 19.2 
TITRA- VER (EDTA) 
FREE CHLORINE INDICATOR 
FLUORIDE BUFFER TABLETS
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