Document DvXvV97Nrn0avb0zZVG13nQXd

ABDOO162585 To: Doug Knittig From: Needham Stahl Interoffice Communication Date: 1-7-99 Subject: VCM Leak on Transfer Pump On January 5, 1999 VCM readings were being picked up in the VCM Tank Farm area. At approximately 04:00, David Covington went to the Tank Farm to look for signs of VCM leaks. At this time he discovered that middle transfer pump outlet line pressure gauge was leaking liquid VCM was leaking out into the dike area around the pumps. The leaking gauge was isolated and the area was checked to verify that all the liquid was contained within the small dike around the pumps and/or the large dike around the sphere. On this night temperatures dropped below 10 degrees and virtually no wind so the evaporation rate of the VCM (boiling point of 7 degrees F) was very slow, almost non-existent. Due to weather conditions there was an extra Shift Supervisor (Darnell Perry) and extra operators in the units. All Vinyl operators were directed to stop all outside activities and report to the control room. Yard employees were notified of the problem, along with the Compound Supervisor. David then contacted you, Kenny Akins, and myself to inform us of the details. When I arrived at the plant David and Darnell had started the evaporation of the liquid at a slow rate, coiling a hot steam hose into the liquid, and was monitoring the area East of the tank farm with a HNU. After verifying the location of all the operators, the wind direction, the area of which the material was contained, and the readings on the East Side of the tank farm, we decided to intensify the evaporation rate by directly injecting steam into the liquid. This was continued until all liquid had diminished and icing, the effect of fast VCM evaporation, had been melted. During this event small readings, <5 ppm, were detected along Entrance Road only when the meter was within 2 to 3 inches from the ground. During these activities Chris Markerson was called and informed of the situation. On the safety aspect, everyone in the tank farm area (west of control room) wore S.C.B.A.s. Everyone that was working nights were ask if they smelled any VCM or though they were over exposed, no one answered "No". They were also offered the opportunity to have a blood test for verification, they all declined. The gauge was replaced and inspected for damage. The internals were cracked which allowed the liquid to escape from the gauge.