Unit III Case Study: Hired As A Consultant By Y

Unit III Case Study You have been hired as a consultant by your town’s

You have been hired as a consultant by your town’s emergency management coordinator to help develop emergency action plans. One of the reasons you were selected is your expertise in using the General Behavior Model (GEBMO) to assess risks. Your first task is to assess the hazardous material risks at a local gas station. The station has one 30,000-gallon underground storage tank compartmentalized to hold 10,000 gallons each of the three gasoline grades, and there is one additional 10,000-gallon tank for diesel fuel. The station has four pumps, and each one can deliver all four products.

Also on site is a 2,500 sq. ft. concrete block building used for the cashier and retail sales of service station and convenience store items. The station is located at a busy intersection near the center of town. It is adjacent to several other local businesses that do a brisk business during the day. Across the street from the station is a large housing development with an elementary school. Behind the station is a city park with playgrounds, baseball fields, and a large wooded area.

Use the GEBMO framework to assess the risks related to the fuels in the underground tanks. Consider physical, chemical, and natural hazards that may contribute to the risks. 1. Discuss how you applied each of the steps in the GEBMO process and what risks you identified. 2. Provide recommendations for preventing spills or releases. 3. Discuss response actions required in the event of a spill or release. Support your discussion with appropriate references and in-text citations. Your submission must be a minimum of two pages and a maximum of four pages in length.

Paper For Above instruction

The use of the General Behavior Model (GEBMO) provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating hazardous material risks at a common community site such as a gas station. Applying GEBMO involves a systematic assessment of physical, chemical, and natural hazards that could lead to accidental releases or environmental contamination. This paper discusses the application of each step within the GEBMO framework to evaluate potential risks associated with the underground storage tanks (USTs) at a local gas station, with recommendations for prevention and spill response.

Application of the GEBMO Process

The first step in GEBMO involves identifying the specific hazardous materials present at the site. In this case, the fuels stored—gasoline of three grades and diesel—are classified as flammable liquids with known chemical hazards such as volatility and formation of explosive vapors (NRC, 2014). Recognizing the physical properties, including flash points and vapor pressures, is critical for assessing the risk of ignition and vapor cloud formation (Clark, 2012). The underground storage tanks (USTs) each hold 10,000 gallons, with the total capacity being 40,000 gallons of flammable liquids, which enhances the potential severity of a spill.

Next, an assessment of the site’s natural and man-made hazards is performed. The station’s proximity to a residential neighborhood, a school, a park, and adjacent businesses heightens the risk of harm to the public and environment in case of a leak or spill. The location near heavily trafficked roads increases the likelihood of accidental damage to underground tanks or piping from vehicular impact (EPA, 2019). Additionally, natural hazards such as flooding or seismic activity could threaten the containment integrity over time, potentially causing releases (USGS, 2020).

Risk Identification and Analysis

Analyzing these factors reflected the toxic and flammable hazards associated with fuel spills. The chemical reactivity of gasoline and diesel, coupled with their volatility, presents the risk of fires and explosions if vapors accumulate near ignition sources (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2012). The physical threat extends to possible structural failures of USTs, especially if aging or corrosion issues are present, potentially leading to leaks (API, 2015). The natural hazards of flooding could cause the migration of spilled fuel into groundwater or surface water, polluting local water sources and endangering nearby communities (EPA, 2019).

Preventative Recommendations

To mitigate the risk of spills and releases, several preventative measures are recommended. Regular inspection and maintenance of underground tanks and piping are essential for early leak detection, especially considering corrosion control and cathodic protection measures (API, 2015). Installation of automatic shut-off valves can prevent overflows, while secondary containment systems like double-walled tanks or spill pallets can contain accidental releases (EPA, 2019). Staff training on proper fueling procedures and emergency protocols enhances immediate response capability (OSHA, 2012). Implementing vapor recovery systems during fuel dispensing can also reduce vapor emissions and flammability risks (NRC, 2014).

Response Strategies

In the event of a spill or leak, swift and coordinated response is crucial. Primary response actions include immediate containment of the spill using absorbent barriers and shutting off fuel sources. In case of a major release, evacuation of nearby areas and notification of hazardous materials response teams are necessary. Contaminated soil and water should be rehabilitated, and environmental impact assessments conducted post-incident to guide remediation (EPA, 2019). Ensuring clear communication with the public, especially considering the proximity to residential zones and schools, is vital for safety and community trust. Additionally, thorough investigation and documentation help prevent future incidents by identifying root causes.

Conclusion

Applying the GEBMO framework provides valuable insights into the multifaceted risks posed by underground fuel storage at community gas stations. Combining hazard identification, risk analysis, preventative measures, and emergency response planning creates a comprehensive safety approach. Prioritizing maintenance, staff training, and community awareness significantly reduces the potential for hazardous incidents, protecting both the public and the environment.

References

• American Petroleum Institute (API). (2015). Recommended Practice for Lubricant Storage and Handling. API Publishing.
• Clark, R. N. (2012). Hazardous Materials Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2019). Protecting Ground Water and Surface Water from Fuel Spills. EPA Reports.
• National Research Council (NRC). (2014). Handling and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals. National Academies Press.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2012). Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines. OSHA Publications.
• United States Geological Survey (USGS). (2020). Natural Hazards Data Overview. USGS.gov.