Unit III Assignment Essay.docx

Unit III: Case Study QD Group Inc. Case Study OSH 3460: Interaction of Hazardous Materials 29 December 2023 Abstract

Unit III: Case Study The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) conducted by QD Group Inc. on a 160-acre property aimed to evaluate potential environmental and health impacts, crucial for a corporation eyeing the land for a 30-megawatt solar power plant. Situated 20 miles west of the town center, with nearby residences and environmental features, the assessment highlighted critical findings and safety measures imperative for site remediation. The initial inspection revealed a history of illegal dumping on the untouched land, showcasing scattered solid waste and a substantial pile containing hazardous materials. Notably, various chemicals like phosphorus oxychloride, ammonia, muriatic acid, and sodium hypochlorite were uncovered, posing a significant risk of hazardous reactions upon interaction. These reactions, if triggered, could produce flammable gases, toxic fumes, and potentially explosive compounds, warranting stringent safety precautions. To mitigate the risks associated with the chemicals found, recommendations emphasize the use of comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE) such as full-face respirators, chemical-resistant Tyvek suits, gloves, and booties. Additionally, the importance of notifying and protecting the neighboring community from potential exposure was emphasized, especially regarding the risk of chlorine gas presence, suggesting isolation or even evacuation if deemed necessary.

Unit III: Case Study Introduction QD Group Inc. is a company that provides safety and environmental assessments and remediation. QD Group has been contracted to perform a Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) on a 160-acre property. During phase I of the ESA, a technician and I conducted a site inspection, records review, and interviewed government agencies, to assess if the current and historical uses of the property have impacted the property that could also pose a threat to the environment and/or human health. Background My client's law firm represents a corporation that is interested in buying this property. The corporation plans to use the property to construct a 30-megawatt solar power plant. The property is located approximately 20 miles west of the town center, but a couple of residential homes are located within a mile to the east of the property. The property is bounded by a county road to the south, undeveloped land to the north and west, and a fruit orchard directly to the east. Across the road to the south is also undeveloped land used for animal grazing. An intermittent stream transects the property in an east-west direction running parallel to the northern boundary of the property. Groundwater in the area is approximately 25 feet below ground surface. The municipal landfill is located approximately 5 miles to the west of the property. Diagram 1.1 Property Location illustrates the details of the property. Diagram 1.1 Property Location

Unit III: Case Study Conditions On the day of the site assessment weather conditions were sunny and clear. The temperature was in the mid-90 degrees F. Relative humidity was 60% and a westerly wind of 5-7 miles per hour was blowing from the west to the east. Safety Precautions After reviewing the property records, it was identified that the land on the property has never been developed. Recent reports indicate there was illegal dumping on the site. Due to unidentified substances being on the site, my colleague and I will be wearing protective gear with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to conduct the assessment. SCBA is an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user (OSHA, 2019). For safety precautions, we will be isolating the property to prevent anyone from being exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals.

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