ARCHIVED REPORTS LEC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION

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5.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HANDLING Storage and use of ammonia would be subject to the requirements of the California Fire Code, Article 80, as well as CalARP. Article 80 of the California Fire Code contains specific requirements for control of liquid and gaseous releases of hazardous materials. Secondary containment in the form of a bermed containment area under and surrounding the anhydrous ammonia tank will be provided for the ammonia storage tank and loading area. In addition, the facility will follow the current Risk Management Plan(RMP) that is currently in place for the existing anhydrous ammonia tank. The RMP is in accordance with CaIARP,further specifying safe handling procedures for the ammonia as well as emergency response procedures in the event of an accidental release. As described in Section 2.1.3.3,the ammonia storage system is being upgraded as part of the RMP upgrade process. Because sodium hypochlorite and anhydrous ammonia are incompatible chemicals,the sodium hypochlorite will be stored in a bermed area for secondary containment(an area capable of capturing any spills) that will be designed such that it is separated from the ammonia,to eliminate potential interactions/reactions in the event that the chemicals are accidentally released. Hydrogen The LEC facility will store 20,000 ft3 of hydrogen gas on site for cooling the steam turbine generator. Hydrogen gas is a regulated substance,but will be used on site in quantities less than its federal TQ of 10,000 pounds. Thus,its use will not require preparation of an RMP. 5.5.2.4 Accidental Release Hazards If a chemical release were to occur without proper engineering controls in place,the public could be exposed to harmful vapors, and incompatible chemicals could mix,causing vapors that could also potentially have harmful effects. In addition,an uncontrolled release of liquid chemicals could run off and drain into the stormwater system and potentially degrade water quality. However,the California Fire Code,Articles 79 and 80,includes specific requirements for the safe storage and handling of hazardous materials that would reduce the potential for a release of hazardous materials, and mixing of incompatible materials. The design of the project will incorporate state-of-the-art chemical storage and handling facilities in compliance with the current California Fire Code and other applicable federal,state, and local regulations. 5.5.2.4.1 Ammonia Release Because of its hazardous properties, ammonia is classified as a regulated substance,and an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia could present a human health hazard. Pure ammonia is chemically 82% nitrogen(N) and 18% hydrogen(H) and has the chemical formula NH3. The definition of anhydrous is without water.Whereas household ammonia is 95% water, anhydrous ammonia has no water. If the anhydrous ammonia were to leak or be released without proper controls,the ammonia could escape or evaporate as a gas into the atmosphere. Its vapor is lighter than air (anhydrous ammonia vapor density = 0.6,whereas air vapor density= 1) and has the same pungent odor as household ammonia. Although ammonia vapor is lighter than air,the vapors from a leak may hug the ground,appearing as a white cloud. Pure ammonia (NH3) is a volatile,acutely hazardous chemical that is stored under pressure as a liquid and becomes a toxic gas if released. In addition,anhydrous ammonia is colorless 5.5-18 SAC/371322/082330015(LEC_5.5_HAZMAT.DOC)