Air emissions is the most
significant environmental compliance challenge facing ANPI. Air emissions from routine operations
meet limits established in permits issued by the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality. However,
excess emissions during start-up of the nitric acid plants have caused
community and regulatory concerns. To address these concerns,
ANPI has tested a process for the start-up of the nitric acid plant that
uses hydrogen peroxide in the process.
The hydrogen peroxide addition has dramatically reduced start-up
emissions. ·
Start-up NOx Emissions reduced
over 59% ·
Emissions within 2 hours below
9.35 pounds per hour permit limit ·
24-hour emissions under 3.0
pounds per ton permit limit ·
Color of emissions significantly
reduced ANPI is
hopeful that this new process will achieve a near colorless start-up.
Air Emissions
Preliminary Results
In
February, ANPI celebrated one year with no lost time injuries. This accomplishment is a reflection of
the conscientious efforts by all employees whose behaviors have been
modified as a result of ANPI implementing a “behavioral based safety”
culture on the site. Behavioral
based safety is a process that identifies employee actions that lead to
mishaps. Identification is done
through trained employees observing each other and tracking “at risk
behaviors”. Using the data gathered
from observations of at risk behaviors, behavioral based safety will examine
the behaviors and enables employees to take actions to eliminate the
cause. For
example: The data could point to a problem with workers not wearing
protective gloves. This is an “at
risk behavior” that could lead to an injury; the workers may not be
wearing the gloves because they are uncomfortable or awkward. By stocking a more comfortable and safe
glove, usage could increase.
Chances for injuries will decrease. The
cornerstone to the process is good observations. Using a “no name, no blame” approach enhances the quality of
observation. In turn a better “at
risk behavior” database is assembled, leading to good solutions and better
safety performance.
One
Year Without a Lost Time Accident
·
Committed to achieving the
highest environmental, health, and safety standards through use of
continuous improvement processes ·
Maintain a safe and healthy
environment for our employees, contractors, vendors and the community ·
Comply with all applicable laws
and regulatory requirements ·
Emphasize individual
responsibility by all employees ·
Be a responsible member of the
community and maintain open communication channels with the community In
recognition of Earth Day, ANPI is planning a number of activities. The plant-recycling program is being
enhanced to maximize the amount of paper, cardboard and aluminum cans
collected. Special arrangements
are being made with SHARC, the organization that takes our recyclable
materials, to conduct a major housecleaning effort during the week. ANPI
has adopted a mile along highway 80 between mileposts 311 and 312. Several employees have volunteered to
participate in litter pick-up on Thursday, April 19. ANPI
is also a sponsor for the Earth Day Festival and Parade at the Tucson
Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 21.
The event includes exhibits, hands-on activities and a parade. For more information on the festival,
contact Pamela Beilke at 720-2114. Key EH&S Performance Measures ·
Zero lost-time injuries and zero
recordable injuries ·
Zero reportable releases ·
Zero issues that impact the
community ·
Substantially reduce, by greater
than 50%, start-up emissions ·
Substantially reduce, by greater than 50%, prill emissions ·
Closure of Formerly Active Ponds
through APP ·
Compliance with Title V Air
Quality Permit requirements ·
Implementation of storm water
pollution prevention plan requirements ·
Implementation of an Asbestos
Management and Removal Plan ·
Conducting annual Process Hazard
Assessment ·
1989 Original Unilateral
Administrative Order: concerns about nitrates in the active ponds ·
1991 Listed on the National
Priority List ·
1994 Record of Decision and
Unilateral Administrative Order: identifies remedial actions ·
1995 Construction of brine
concentrator eliminates discharge to ponds ·
1997 Construction of wetlands
begins ·
1999/2000 Soils removal approved
and completed: TNT, DNT and asbestos ·
2001 Obtain EPA approval of final remedial actions
ANPI EH&S Policy
ANPI Prepares for Earth Day
Other EH&S Priorities
Superfund Progress