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Safe Neighborhood Chemical Initiative Finds Chemical Facilities Pose Little Risk to Nearby Residences
Task Force and Additional Targeted Inspections Recommended
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS) have completed 41 on-site inspections as part of the Safe Neighborhood Chemical Initiative (SNCI), and preliminary results show that facilities, in general, pose little risk to surrounding neighborhoods. The pilot program was primarily a technical assistance effort that resulted in numerous recommendations to the inspected facilities to ensure their safe operation.
Preliminary recommendations from the SNCI inspections will include the formation of a task force lead by the Secretaries of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Public Safety and Security to address potential gaps in regulatory authority and oversight, public safety protocols and procedures, training, and communications. A second phase of SNCI is recommended in order to inspect facilities that use toxic gases, such as anhydrous ammonia and chlorine.
The SNCI was initiated last spring to identify and correct potential industrial chemical hazards that may present an imminent threat to surrounding neighborhoods. The program was a result of the November 22, 2006 explosion at the site of paint and ink and dye manufacturers; the blast destroyed their Danversport facility along with numerous homes in the neighborhood.
"The Safe Neighborhood Chemical Initiative put a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of chemical, fire and safety experts into these facilities looking for opportunities to provide technical assistance and reduce potential risks," said MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt. "This effort improved the environmental health and safety efforts at the facilities inspected, and reduced risk to the surrounding neighborhoods. Ultimately, this increases our ability to address similar concerns at facilities across the Commonwealth."
"This was an important first step that provided data and analysis for creating a comprehensive safety initiative the Administration will present to the Legislature shortly," said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. "As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Danvers explosion, those horrific images are still fresh in my mind. It is paramount we prevent a similar tragedy."
The main scope of the joint inspection team was to discover and abate imminent hazards that these chemical facilities might pose on surrounding residential areas. The team found only two facilities that posed an imminent hazard and those facilities were ordered to take immediate action to address the hazards. Follow-up inspections are ongoing.
The team also found that flammable and hazardous materials are often stored in active work areas, rather than in separate storage areas where an accident involving these materials would be more contained.
The Energy and Environmental Affairs/Public Safety and Security task force recommended as a result of the first phase of SNCI would consist of six to eight experts and agency officials who would be charged with presenting an action plan to Governor Patrick within 90 days. Among possible actions, the task force will consider are:
- A self-certification or third party certification program by which the facilities would report and certify permit status, chemicals used on-site, facility safety and risk reduction efforts, hazardous waste handling and disposal and other requirements. The program would initially target ink and dye manufacturers, electro-platers, and paint manufacturers, and it would be subject to agency audits and enforcement.
- Changes in facility licensing and permitting, as well as storage and use, and requirements for modeling to determine public safety and environmental impacts from potential incidents.
- Training workshops for local, regional and state officials to review lessons learned during the SNCI inspections. The workshops, which could being in 2008, would increase the capacity of local fire, building and health officials to assist in preventing, preparing for and responding to incidents stemming from improper chemical management.
Another recommendation is for MassDEP, DFS and local authorities to immediately begin a second phase of SNCI that will target drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities that use chlorine gas, to ensure that those facilities are operating safely.
MassDEP and DFS conducted the 41 inspections with the assistance of local fire departments, the Commonwealth Fusion Center, the state Department of Occupational Safety, and a contracted safety and health consultant. Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Chemical Technology Association also provided input during the initiative. A final report on the SNCI findings is due soon.
DFS has also completed its code compliance and enforcement investigation into the Danvers explosion. The final report will also be issued soon.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
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