Hazard Analysis: Flood Risk Assessment, Accident at a Petrochemical Plant - Essay Example

Similarly, if the cooling system at the petrochemical plant shuts down then there are chances that the reaction area temperatures go out of control. This could lead to fires and the release of toxic chemicals in the form of liquids and vapors. The vapors are lighter than air so they will clear off in a few hours' time. However, the liquid chemical release could mix into the floodwater and cause a large ecological failure. In the past, there have been flash floods as well as regular floods but these were contained well in time.

The area near the petrochemical plant was barricaded in the past using sandbags in order to limit water entry into the area. The water that did manage to enter the area due to seepage was removed using large mobile water pumps. Consequently, the petrochemical plant was in little danger during the entire time that the area was flooded. Some new hazards have surfaced in recent years due to the development of a new suburban district that is lower than the river’s level and lies partially between the chemical plant and the river.

The residential area was allowed to be built in this position based on past flooding experience that water was unable to move into the petrochemical plant area. Adding the new residential area to this position has also allowed providing an additional buffer against flood water moving towards the petrochemical plant. In addition to the above, new embankments have been built along the river close by which greatly reduces the chances for flooding. However, the chances of flash flooding remain strong.

The worst-case scenario would be if the river was flooded and a flash flood occurred simultaneously. There are chances to drain the flash flood to the river in case the river’s level is low but in case of simultaneous river flooding and flash flooding the drainage has to be done to lowlands to the south that is more time-consuming. Hazard assessment plans are carried out regularly in order to keep hazard identification and response current (Haddow and Bullock). Hazard Profile. Flooding occurs only during the rainy season that occurs once every year.