Page 243 - Sustainable On-Site CHP Systems Design, Construction, and Operations

216 De s i g n

Ammonia Transport and Storage
Although aqueous ammonia is typically diluted to a concentration of approximately
19 percent, it is still a hazardous material. Aqueous ammonia can easily evaporate if a
significant spill occurs, the resulting ambient concentrations of ammonia can lead to
serious health effects. Because of this risk, building codes and local ordinances may
limit the amount of ammonia storage based upon proximity to property lines and sensi-
tive receptors. The project engineer or developer may be required to conduct an assess-
ment to determine the risk of ammonia spills, either during transport, or during on-site
storage. The project engineer or developer may also be required to conduct an assess-
ment to determine the health risk that would result from an on-site ammonia storage
tank rupture. Secondary containment must be designed for ammonia storage tanks to
ensure that spilled ammonia can be recovered. The containment reservoir must be large
enough to accommodate the maximum volume of ammonia solution that is to be stored.
Allowances must also be made for rainwater that may accumulate in the containment
reservoir. Secondary containment surface area must be minimized to inhibit vaporiza-
tion and ambient ammonia concentrations, should a spill occur.

Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials will likely be generated and stored at the facility. Adequate steps
must be taken to prevent spills that may migrate to waterways via surface water. The
storage of hazardous materials will also necessitate the installation of emergency
response devices such as eyewashes, showers, and spill cleanup kits. Finally, fire depart-
ment personnel and other emergency response agencies must be advised of the volume
and location of materials stored at the facility. A complete inventory of hazardous mate-
rials that may be stored on-site must be compiled and made available to emergency
response personnel.

Other Potential Environmental Impacts
Most CHP projects are either incorporated into existing facilities or integrated into the
overall design of new facilities, and most CHP systems are relatively small in nature.
These characteristics help to ensure that environmental impacts, other than those
already discussed in this chapter, will not become significant. Still, there may be
occasion to address additional environmental impacts for select projects.

Construction Impacts
Construction activities can also result in excess air pollutant emissions, noise, and
vehicle traffic. Air pollutant emissions include fugitive dust from disturbed soil during
earthmoving operations and combustion emissions from construction equipment.
Transportation of construction staff and equipment may lead to traffic congestion and
additional air pollution. The permitting agency may require an assessment of the envi-
ronmental impacts during plant construction and may also require mitigation measures
and management practices to reduce environmental impacts.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics play an important role in community acceptance of an industrial project.
Management of aesthetics goes hand in hand with measures that the developer may