A Collaborative Approach to Risk Management Planning for Chemical Accidents in Worcester, MA. D. Handy, S. Emani, C. Hamm, and W. Trotta; Clark University and Emergency Management Department
Amendments to the Clean Air Act (section 112(r)) required industry storing certain chemicals over threshold quantities to submit Risk Management Plans (RMPs) for accidental releases to the EPA by June 21, 1999. EPA has welcomed collaborative approaches between private and public sectors to facilitate development and implementation of RMPs. In Worcester, collaboration between the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Clark University, and industry, sought to identify chemical facilities required to submit RMPs and provide technical assistance to prepare the plans. In this paper, we summarize the design and accomplishments of this collaboration. Intended to help industry build awareness of accident preparedness requirements, LEPC meetings between industry representatives, a project advisory panel, and emergency management officials were held at Clark University. Researchers made presentations and facilitated discussions of RMP requirements to initiate and foster collaboration, initially addressing industry needs for technical assistance. We implemented a third party audit protocol, composed of safety inspections and reviews of existing facility documentation. To coordinate the review results, we used a comparative approach to judge RMPs in relation to other urban facilities with similar chemical storage. Results were shared with facility managers for improved RMP submittals. Improvements made to a chlorine and anhydrous ammonia facility include installation of automatic control valves, improved methods of worker protection, and replacement of aging equipment. Our project shows the collaboration improved RMP implementation and accountability, improving facility safety and accessibility of risk information to local agencies.
Funded by the Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Planning Office (CEPPO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Assistance agreement # 82684601.
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