In July 2011, a circular by The Ministry of Environmental Protection CEO regarding separation distances policy for stationary risk sources was published for the first time. The separation distances document was updated in March 2014.
The term separation distances refers to the minimal distance between a hazardous substance cache and a public receptor.
Separation distances are determined based on a calculation of the range resulting from a predetermined scenario according to the hazardous substance.
The range is calculated according to an end value which is also predetermined for each substance and according to the risk type: toxicity risks, inflammation risks or explosion risks.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has set different end values for existing plants as compared to projects that are in the planning stage, and those that are being planned are met with a more stringent approach.
When a hazardous substance cache is located far away from public receptors, calculating separation distances is a relatively simple, technical process. However, in many cases there are conflicts between the location of the public receptors and the source of the risk.
These conflicts must be resolved otherwise The Ministry of Environmental Protection takes various enforcement measures as far as revoking the plant’s toxins permit, resulting in the closure of the business.
Hazmat, who has been working in this area since 1985, offers escort and support throughout the process.
The service we provide meets the following needs:
- The substances requiring a separation distances calculation
- Selecting scenarios based on the substance type and risk type
- Mapping existing and planned public receptors
- Calculating separation distances based on current CEO circular
- Adding assistance calculation as required by The Ministry of Environmental Protection, beyond the calculations stated in the CEO circular
- Detecting conflicts
- Providing administrative solutions for conflicts (for instance, “clean zone” exception)
- Passive solutions for conflicts
- And as a last resort, active solutions for conflicts
Our service includes all of the calculations, document preparation, assistance in hiring an authorized measurer to map the receptors, examining alternatives for separation distances reduction measures, examining effectiveness of reduction measures and preparing an action plan and its approval by The Ministry of Environmental Protection for meeting the separation distances document. As required, we also conduct reduction measures planning.