BOS 3125 Unit 3 Case Study

Unit III Case Study

Columbia Southern University

In a convenient store gas station combo, the gasoline and diesel stored underground poses a great threat if released. If either of the underground storage takes in the given scenario begin to leak the fuel could seep into the ground water, spread through the soil, or pool on the surface and create a major fire hazard. Gasoline and diesel fuels are very harmful to people and the environment. Preventing and properly preparing for any spills or releases it is absolutely essential.

The first step in preparing an emergency action plan is to perform a risk assessment. The general behavior model is he processed me to help in the threat prediction process during any hazardous material emergency. Using this model, I identified the risk as the 30,000 gallons of gasoline and 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel Store underground in the middle of a busy and heavily populated area. Next, I determined that a container breach would most likely be a small leak not an explosive or rapid release. The type of hazardous material escaping would be a liquid in the movement would be primarily to the soil. Gasoline and diesel can move through soil easily and rapidly and may contaminate groundwater. That types of injuries associated with gasoline or diesel include: eye irritation, skin irritation, drowsiness, dizziness, Central nervous system depression, respiratory tract irritation, lung damage, and even death. There is also a huge fire hazard associated with these fuels. In case of eye contact flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If fuel comes into contact with your skin remove any contaminated clothing, wash the skin with plenty of water, and seek medical attention. If any vapors are inhaled the victim should be moved to fresh air, given CPR if not breathing, and given proper medical treatment as soon as possible. If any fuel is swallowed the victim should not induce vomiting and should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. In case of fire, the area should be isolated and dry chemical, CO2, order foam fire extinguishers should be used to put out the fire (BP, 2011). Preventing a spill or release from happening in the first place is the best way to protect the environment and community. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations require owners and operators to properly install underground storage tanks and to protect those tanks from spills, overfills, and corrosion (EPA, 2016).

If a spill were to occur, first it needs to be reported to the implementing agency as quickly as possible. The underground storage tanks then need to be emptied to stop further release. Next, find out how far the fuel moved and start removing hazardous material. Investigations into the damage and potential damage need to be performed and reported to the regulatory authority. Finally, a cleanup plan needs to be put together and submitted to the implementing agency (EPA 2016). Depending on the amount of fuel that has been leaked Quick cleanup would probably include the removal of the gas station parking lot and all of the surrounding earth that has been contaminated. The damage radius might or might-not include the surrounding homes, businesses, parks, and playgrounds.

References

Benner, L. (2001), The Story of GEBMO, The Investigation Process Research Resource Site. 2001, http://www.iprr.org/HazMatdocs/GEBMO/GEBMO.html

BP. (2011, June 27). Material Safety Data Sheet Diesel Fuel. Retrieved September 27, 2016, from http://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp-marine/en/documents/USA-DMA.pdf

EPA. (2016, August 25). Frequent Questions About Underground Storage Tanks. Retrieved September 28, 2016, from https://www.epa.gov/ust/frequent-questions-about-underground-storage-tanks