1999-01-19 Special Called Meeting

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How to Read a Scenario Map Part 3 of the Community Guide includes maps to show the EPA -defined worst -case or alternative release scenario. .0o. Footprint or plume - Calculations of an area that could be affected by an accidental release. Toxic releases generally go in the direction of the wind and may go many miles over several hours. The greater the distance from the release, the more time there is to take protective action. Those outside the plume are not expected to be affected seriously. The effects of flammable releases are limited to areas much closer to the release point and could affect the "full circle" but are over very quickly. Those outside the circle are not expected to be affected seriously. Endpoint distance - The distance to the point at which chemical concentrations or fire/explosion energy levels are low enough that effects on the community are no longer expected. ` Endpoint distance Footprint or plume / i Release point OOOA Wind direction Endpoint - The level of severity of a toxic or flammable release below which no harm should come to the community. For toxics, the endpoint is the chemical concentration in the air to which a person can be exposed for up to an hour without serious health effects. For flammables, the endpoint is a fire or explosion that could begin to damage buildings or hurt people. `�• Scenario circle Scenario circle - A circle extending from the �.` / release point to the endpoint distance. Used �•� by local officials for emergency planning. Industry Working Together Through EHCMA EHCMA — the East Harris County Manufacturers Association — is made up of more than 110 chemical manufacturers, refineries and related plants in the Houston Ship Channel/Galveston Bay area. EHCMA is the largest plant network of its type in the world. In preparation for EPA's RMP rule, EHCMA initiated an RMP project in the fall of 1994. The purpose of the project is to facilitate a consistent, coordinated, consensus - based approach to both regulatory compliance and communication with the community. A project team of nearly 100 volunteers is composed of industry and community representatives who serve on technical and/or communications committees. In addition, planning teams have been formed in the seven EHCMA outreach areas to coordinate plans and make arrangements for local RMP communication events and activities. See Part 3, provided by each EHCMA plane; for specific plant and chemical information. Local Emergency Officials Each of the EHCMA outreach area communities is served by a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPCs assist in developing and coordinating a community emergency response plan and collecting information about chemical hazards in support of the community's right -to -know. LEPCs are comprised of representatives from local government, law enforcement, emergency medical and fire services, hospitals, schools, civic and environmental groups, industry, and the media. Citizen Involvement From the start, active citizen involvement has been an important feature of the EHCMA RMP project. Dozens of community members from throughout the EHCMA area have participated on project committees and have provided valuable input into all aspects of the project. Many of these citizens also participate on citizens advisory councils or panels in EHCMA-area communities. These CACs or CAPs consist of citizens with diverse backgrounds and views who meet regularly with plant managers to discuss community issues, provide feedback, improve communication and understanding, and bring about changes in response to community concerns. 3