Submitted by Faith Ross
June 27, 2016 1:15 p.m.
In a recent quest for information concerning the risks of storing hazardous materials in a flood plain, it appears that the Right-to Know Act and our Emergency Planners might give all of us some guidance as to what to do with hazardous materials. In particular, a software package used by the EPA called CAMEO has assisted our emergency service providers in calculating the size of a chemical hazard zone in the event of an accident. Individuals who are interested in promoting public safety should probably take a close look at the new 2016 Nassau County Emergency Management Mitigation Plan.
Utilizing software, the new mitigation plan is clearly alerting emergency service providers and the public to the risks they may be presently facing. The new plan not only alerts emergency staff to the daunting task of evacuating Amelia Island and Nassau County in the event of a hurricane, but also alerts them to a 13 mile radius of possible destruction from “extremely hazardous substances” stored at industrial facilities on Amelia Island.
The Nassau County Emergency Management report states, “Each facility utilizes large quantities of caustic chemicals. Based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s CAMEO modeling software a release of Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) from either of these facilities’ largest containers could seriously affect population, environment, and critical facilities up to 13 miles in any direction.”
“The LEPC [Local Emergency Planning Committee] has determined that population, environment, and critical services up to 13 miles from either of the mills on Amelia Island could be in serious danger from an accidental release of the largest quantity of EHS stored at their sites. That includes the entire island resident and tourist population, all residents, flora, fauna, and critical facilities west throughout mainland Nassau . . . depending on prevailing winds.”
Conducting the most recent chemical hazards analysis at one local industrial facility, Mr. Eric Anderson, Regional Coordinator of the North East Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee, confirmed that at least four “Extremely Hazardous Substances” (EHS) were present. His most recent chemical hazards analysis of the facility conducted on October 28th, 2015 was reported as: “The following are the modeled vulnerability zones based upon worst case scenarios.”
“Anhydous Ammonia – 6.2 miles
Chlorine – greater than 10 miles
Sulfuric acid – less than 1/10th of a mile
Sulfur Dioxide – greater than 10 miles”
“More advanced modeling can be used to show disbursement of chemicals from a release/spill based on weather conditions, amount spilled/released, or duration of release.” Analysis of chemical hazards also includes the manner in which the material is stored.
When the City Commissioners of Fernandina Beach request that we change our Comprehensive Plan to further allow all hazardous materials into the City, perhaps citizens need to consider formulating a real “mitigation” plan with the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) which furthers public safety.
Calling Jacksonville for emergency services to tackle a chemical emergency for the destruction of west Nassau or parts of Nassau County a 13 mile radius, may be a bit late for a county population of 78,000 people. Jacksonville’s emergency services will likely be dealing with only the casualties after a release, fire, or explosion.
If you would like to voice your opinion at a City meeting, attend the planning meeting on Wednesday, 5 pm, June 29th at City Hall in Fernandina Beach. It sounds like all 78,000 of us should be paying attention to a proposed change to our Comprehensive Plan that may affect our very existence with the future placement of additional hazardous materials on Amelia Island.
Sources:
http://www.floridadisaster.org/hazmat/LEPC/
2016 Nassau County Emergency Mitigation Plan (may be obtained from [email protected] )
An email from Eric B. Anderson, NE Florida LEPC Coordinator
Editor’s Note: As an educator and reading specialist, Faith Ross has taught in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. She and her husband Chip purchased their home in Fernandina 6 years ago and are now residents. Faith enjoys reading, walks on the beach, and dining at the many downtown restaurants that are within walking distance from her home. She also enjoy telling her frequent visitors and friends from out of town that Fernandina is an amazing place to live!