HAZMAT
D - C
August 26, 2022
Chief Luby,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a report concerning the hazardous materials (hazmat) use and storage at Astra's facilities; 1900 Skyhawk Street and 1690 Orion Street, Alameda, CA 94501. This report is the culmination of findings derived from several resources:
• A site visit of both locations conducted with you, Chief Hearn and Astra personnel on August 23rd, 2022
• An EPA approved plume modeling program: ALOHA - Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres an atmospheric dispersion model maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Response and Restoration's Emergency Response Division. • Hazmat inventory information from the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) Responder Portal accessible from Alameda Fire Department, • Internet research
• Subject matter expertise from two 30-year veterans of Bay Area hazmat response and local environmental regulatory compliance.
Astra builds rockets and tests rocket engines at their Alameda sites. They have another site in central California, as well as a launch site in Alaska. The majority of their space in Alameda is dedicated to the manufacturing of rockets. A smaller portion of their facility space is used to test rocket engines. This smaller space is a former Navy engine testing facility that was designed to test engines much larger in scale than the engines Astra tests. The rockets created at Astra are not designed for human occupancy.
Astra's hazmat inventory reporting was evaluated during the walk through of the site. All items reported to Alameda County Environmental Health were accounted for. Alameda Fire Department's correspondence with Alameda County Environmental Health determined that there were no violations observed during the County's last environmental compliance inspection. Attached are the inventory reports from CERS. The specific hazardous materials that generated concern are liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and mineral spirits (a component of rocket fuel).
Astra reports and has on site refrigerated liquid oxygen and compressed oxygen. The largest container has a capacity of 6000 gallons of liquid oxygen. This container is owned and maintained by AirProducts, a national provider of liquid oxygen. The container is industry standard with a safety vent that may display an intermittent white cloud under normal storage conditions. This material is delivered by tank truck over pre-determined City of Alameda approved traffic routes and is required to be driven by Department of Transportation (DOT) certified hazmat drivers. Oxygen itself does not burn and is non-toxic; it can enhance combustion when involved in a fire. The risk of fire is very low considering this container is located outdoors, with no combustibles in the immediate area. Two smaller containers of liquid oxygen are located in the rocket engine testing area. They are in a space that has thick concrete walls and the risk of these containers impacting the community is low. Oxygen is a natural component of the air we breathe. In the incredibly unlikely event of a loss of the entire contents of the largest container, this release would pose very little hazard to the community.
Hazmat DTC, LLC PO Box 1502, Lafayette, CA 94549 Mobile 510-773-2507 1 Astra reports and has on site refrigerated liquid nitrogen and compressed nitrogen. The largest container has a capacity of 6000 gallons of liquid nitrogen. This container is owned and maintained by AirProducts, a national provider of liquid nitrogen. The container is built to industry standard with a safety vent that may display an intermittent white cloud of water vapor under normal storage conditions. This material is delivered by tank truck over pre-determined City of Alameda approved traffic routes and is required to be driven by Department of Transportation (DOT) certified hazmat drivers. Liquid nitrogen is a simple asphyxiant when released which means it displaces oxygen, making it difficult for a person to breathe the oxygen we need. Liquid Nitrogen presents no fire risk as it is a DOT non-flammable gas. There are other smaller containers of liquid nitrogen located in various locations, mainly in the manufacturing areas of the facility and the risk of these containers impacting the community is low. Any release from these containers would be confined to the walls of the building. Nitrogen is a natural component of the air we breathe. In the incredibly unlikely event of a loss of the entire contents of the largest container, this release would pose very little hazard to the community as it is expected to rapidly dissipate before it would reach the community.
Astra reports and has on site a mineral spirits-based rocket fuel component. The largest container has a capacity of 2500 gallons and has secondary containment built into the construction of the tank as well as a cinder block berm approximately 24 inches tall to contain any unlikely leaks past this secondary containment. The container is built to industry standard. This material is delivered by tank truck over pre- determined City of Alameda approved traffic routes and is required to be driven by Department of Transportation (DOT) certified hazmat drivers. This product is a DOT flammable liquid that is less flammable than automobile gasoline and more flammable than diesel fuel. The risk of fire is very low as the largest container is located outdoors, with no combustibles in the immediate area. There are other smaller containers of mineral spirits, mainly in the rocket engine testing areas of the facility and the risk of these containers impacting the community is low. Any release from these containers would be confined to the extra thick walls of the testing area. This mineral spirit material becomes rocket fuel when combined with liquid oxygen. Only when it is precisely sprayed (aerosolized) in the correct fuel/oxygen ratio, mixing with the liquid oxygen, does it become what we think of as a "rocket fuel". As it is stored, there is no oxygenated component stored within it. The oxygen is introduced during testing of the rocket engine, so the risk of fire/explosion is low. In the incredibly unlikely event of a loss of the entire contents of the largest conlainer, this release would pose very little hazard to the communily. The plume modeling shows that radiant heat would be the biggest hazard to anyone within 50 yards without firefighting protective gear. The plume model also does not indicate any risk of an explosion during a release. Along with the plume modeling, this is a non-pressurized liquid in an industrial standard container with venting, so the potential for an explosion is non-existent. The tank's secondary containment is designed to contain any leaks and there is little possibility from external factors of physical impact to the tank, it is in a secured lot with no forklifts or other equipment near the vicinity to potentially damage it.
For this report, plume modeling using EPA's ALOHA software is used instead of the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook (DOT ERG). The DOT ERG provides initial isolation distances for transportation accidents involving failure of a container due to some sort of impact, as a conservative measure with no other context. The intent then is for a hazmat response team to use plume modeling and handheld atmospheric monitoring to better determine the area impacted by the transportation accident. Astra is a fixed facility where the possibility of impact to any of their tanks described earlier is very small. The plume modeling attached shows a more realistic model than the use of the DOT ERG.
We can draw comparisons with other facilities in the City of Alameda that have flammable liquids or cryogenics such as liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen. Gasoline tankers are fueling gas stations all over the city. They typically carry around 10,000 gallons of gasoline on the roads using approved transportation routes. The hospital has the second largest liquid oxygen tank, over 3000 gallons. The WETA Facility mentioned in other correspondence has over 48,000 gallons diesel fuel. There are multiple oxygen cylinders used in the small number of permitted rehabilitation, convalescence, and wellness facilities. The beverage plant has 14 tons of carbon dioxide, another simple asphyxiant. There are no organophosphates observed during the site walk through of the facility, nor should one expect to see any, as the business operations do not warrant the use of them.
Hazmat DTC, LLC PO Box 1502, Lafayette, CA 94549 Mobile 510-773-2507 2 Feel free to reach out with further questions of follow up from this report.
Maria Duazo
Founding Member
Hazmat DTC LLC
[email protected]
510-773-2507
Attachments:
Plume Model Report for Mineral Spirits
Inventory from Astra as reported in the CERS Responder Portal Diagram of Approved Hazmat Transportations Routes in the City of Alameda Hazmat DTC, LLC PO Box 1502, Lafayette, CA 94549 Mobile 510-773-2507 3 D40 Rocket Fuel Modeled for Radiant Heat Exposure from the contents of the tank leaking and burning.
In short, if the entire tank's contents were on fire (would take ~30 minutes to burn) and you walked up to it (25 yards away from tank) while it was burning (without firefighting gear) the radiant heat could be lethal in one minute. If you were 50 yards away from it while it was burning you would feel some pain. Similar to the effects you would suffer if a medium size diesel fuel tank truck leaked it's contents and caught fire.
ALOHA Plume Model:
SITE DATA:
Location: ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA L Thermal Radiation Threat Zone Bullding Alr Exchanges Per Hour: 0.56 (sheltered single storied) yards Time: August 25, 2022 1858 hours PDT (using computer's clock) 75 CHEMICAL DATA:
Molecular Weight: 142.00 g/mol
LEL: 6000 ppm
ATMOSPHERIC DATA: (MANUAL INPUT OF DATA) 25
find: 7 miles/hour from w at 3 meters
Ground Roughness: open country Cloud Cover: 5 tenths
Air Temperature: 80° F Stability Class: C wind
No Inversion Height Relative Humidity: 58 0
SOURCE STRENGTH:
Leak from hole in horizontal cvlindrical tank
Flammabla chemical 1o burning as ir aRcanas from tank 25 Take lameless beet
Tank Volume: 2750 gallons
Tank Concastoo Internal Temperature: 80° F
Chemical Mass in Tank: 7.57 tons
Opening tenath: 4 inches Opening Width: 2 inches
Opening is 6 inches from tank bottom
Max Flame Lengen: 20 yards
Max Burn Rate: 505 pounds/min 75
50 50 100 150
yards
Note: Ine chemical escaped as a 1loula ana rozmed a buzaina budale.
The puddle spread to a diameter of 6.5 yards. greater than 10.0 kW/(sq m) (potentially lethal within 60 sec) THREAT ZONE: greater than 5.0 kW/(sq m) (2nd degree burns within 60 sec) Threat Modeled: Thermal radiation from pool fire greater than 2.0 kW/(sq m) (pain within 60 sec) • <o yazas =-- (4v•v kw/ (Sg m) pocencialsy dechas wachin ov sec Yellow: 55 yards --- (2.0 k#/ (sa m) = pain within 60 sec) The above plume model was based on the highly
un-probable scenario that something like a forklift
tine pierced the double walled tank and the
cinder block secondary containment berm was also
damaged; such that the leaking fuel could form a
puddle around the tank - and then somehow the
pool of fuel found an ignition source and caught
fire.
D40 Rocket Fuel Modeled for Radiant Heat Exposure from the contents of the tank leaking and burning.
In short; if the SITE DATA:
Location: CORN: & Flammable Threat Zone
entire tank's Building Air Exchanges Per Hour: 0.56 (sheltered single storied) Time: August 25, 2022 So hours Pursina computer's clocki contents CHEMICAL DATA, Threat Modeled: Flammable Area of Vapor Cloud Chemical Name: D40| Molecular Weight: 142.00 g/mol
Model Run: Gaussian
leaked out LEL: 6000 pm VEL: 70000 Ppt
Red : 26 yards .-. (3600 ppm = 60% LEL = Flame Pockets) Vapor Pressure at Ambient Temperature: 0.0016 atm Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness onto the Ambient Saturation Concentration: 1,564 pom or 0.169 make dispersion predictions less reliable for short distances fellow: 26 yards •-- (600 ppm = 10% LEL)
ATMOSPHERTC DATA: (MANUAL IMPUT OF DATAI
ground, the Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness Cloud Cover: 5 tenths make dispersion predictions less reliable for short distances.
Ground Kouchness. open country
flammable ALl Temperature: 80° E Stability Class: C
No Inversion Height Relative Humidity: 50
area of the
Leak from hole in horizontal cylindrical tank
vapor cloud Tank Diameter: 6 feet Tank Length: 13.0 feet Tank Volume: 2750 gallons
produced (the Internal temperature: 00° :
Chenical Mass in Tank: 7.57 tons Tank 1s 914 fu11
Opening Lenath: 4 inches Opening Width: 2 inches
area where Opening is 6 inches from tank bottom
Ground Type: Concrete
you would be Ground Temperature: equal to ambient
Max Puddle Diameter: Unknown.
Release Duration: ALOHA limited the duracion to 1 hous
concerned Max Average Sustained Release Rate: 9.66 pounds/min (averaged over a minute or more)
Total Amount Released: 117 pounds
about the Note: The chemical escaped as a liquid and formed an evaporating puddle. cloud finding
THREAT ZONE:
Threat Modeled: Flammable Area of Vapor Cloud
an ignition Model Run: Gaussian
Red : 26 yards 13600 pom • 603 •ame Pocketsy
source) Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness make dispersion predictions less reliable for short distances.
Yellow: 26 yards --- (600 ppm • 10% LEL
extends out to Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness make dispersion predictions less reliable for short distancesi about 26 yards
away from the tank. Looking at the picture on the previous page taken during the site visit - no obvious ignition sources were observed anywhere near the tank.
D40 Rocket Fuel Modeled for the potential to cause an explosion from a vapor cloud formed as a result of the tanks contents leaking out.
In short, if the entire tank's contents leaked out and the vapor cloud did find an ignition source could it produce an explosion? Answer was no vapor cloud explosion would occur.
SITE DATA:
Location: ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
Building Air Exchanges Per Hour: 0.56 (sheltered single storied) Time: August 25, 2022 1858 hours PDI (using computer's clock) CHEMICAL DATA:
Chemical Name: D40 Molecular Weight: 142.00 g/mo1
LEL: 6000 ppm DEL: 70000 pm
Ambient Boiling Point: 350.0° F
Vapor Pressure at Ambient Temperature: 0.0016 atm
Ambient Saturation Concentration: 1,564 ppm or 0.164
| Hazard To Analyze
Wind: 7 miles/hour from w at 3 meters Scenario:
Groine Rotahness: oren colnery Clond Cover:
Ai: Temperature: 80° F Stability C1 Flammable chemical escaping from tank.
Chemical is NOT on fire.
No Inversion Height Relative Hun
SOURCE STRENGTHE Choose Hazard to
Teak from hole in horizontal evlindrical tank
Flammable chemical escaping from tank (not burning) • Toxic Area of Note! Tank lameers beca Tank Length:
Tank Volume: 2750 gallons This chemical's ambient saturation Tank contains 11quid Internal Ter concentration is below its lower explosive Chemical Mass in Tank: 7.57 tons Tank is 914 C Flammable A limit, so it is unlikely that a vapor cloud Opening Length: 4 inches Opening Widt explosion will occur. Do you wish to continue and model a vapor cloud explosion?
Ground Type: Concrete
Ground Temperature: equal to ambient Cancel Yes Help
Max Puddle Diameter: Unknown • Blast Area of
Release Duration: ALOHA limited the duration to 1 l
Max Average Sustained Release Rate: 9.66 pounds/min
(averaged over a minute or more)
Total Amount Released: 447 pounds
Note: The chemical escaped as a liquid and formed a OK Cancel Help The buddle spread to a diameter of 52 vards.
Threat Modeled: Flammable Area of Vapor Cloud
: 26 yards --- (3600 ppm - 60% LEL - Flame Pockets)
Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness make dispersion predictions less reliable for short distances.
Yellow: 26 yards --- (600 ppm = 10% LEL)
Note: Threat zone was not drawn because effects of near-field patchiness make dispersion predictions less reliable for short distances. 5 When the ALOHA program was prompted to run the vapor cloud explosion model the result was that such an explosion was not a possibility:
Location: ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
Building Air Exchanges Per Hour: 0.56 (sheltered single storied) Time: August 25, 2022 1858 hours PDT (using computer's clock) Le Overpressure (Blast Force) Threat Zone
CHANGAL DATAS
Molecular Weight: 142.00 g/mol
LEL: 6000 ppm UEL: 70000 ppm
Ambient Boiling Point: 350.0° F
Vapor Pressure at Ambient Temperature: 0.0016 atm
Ambient Saturation Concentration: 1,564 pom or 0.16*
ATMOSPHERIC DATA: (MANUAL INPUT OF DATA) No explosion: no part of the doud is above the LEt at any time Wind: 7 miles/hour from w at 3 meters
Ground Roughness: open country Cloud Cover: 5 tenths
Air Temperature: 80° F Stability Class: C
No Inversion Height Relative Humidity: 58
Leak from hole in horizontal cylindrical tank
Flammable chemical escaping from tank (not burning)
Tank Volume: 2750 gallons
Internal Temperature: 80° F
Chemical Mass in Tank: 7.57 tons
Openine beneta: 9 inches Opening Width: 2 inches
No explosion: no part of the cloud is above the LEL at any time California Environmental Reporting System: Regulator Justin Hearn's Account Sign Out Tools Reports Help Submicals Facilities Businesses Regulators compliance Responders Raports Facility: Astra (CERSID: 10811254)
Home » Emergency Responders » Facility Summary: 10811254 » Inventory Detail for Astra (CERS ID: 10811254) Summary. Inventory Detail for CERS ID: 10811254
Inventory Detail Facility Name: Astra
Site Map Business Name: Astra Space, Inc. (Alameda, CA) CUPA: Alameda County Environmental Health
Inventory Summary-
DOT Hazard Class Common Name Max Daily Amount Units
No DOT Hazard Class Provided
Acetone 75 gallons
Air 284 cubic feet
Argon 1488 cubic feet
B-Cool 755 (Blaser) 595 gallons
Helium 2619 cubic feet
Hydraulic Oil 130 gallons
Isopropyl Alcohol 100 gallons
Lithium-ion Polymer Batteries 1450 pounds
Nitrogen 3439 cubic feet
Nitrogen, Refrigerated Liquid 51 gallons
Propane, ethane, propylene 2000 gallons
Propylene Glycol 50% 110 gallons
Deionized water 220 gallons
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California Environmental Reporting System: Regulator Justin Hearn's Account Sign Out Tools Reports Help Submicals Facilities Businesses Regulators compliance responders Raports Facility: Astra (CERSID: 10781188)
Home » Emergency Responders » Facility Summary: 10781188 » Inventory Detail for Astra (CERS ID: 10781188) Summary. Inventory Detail for CERS ID: 10781188
Inventory Detail Facility Name: Astra
Site Map Business Name: stra Space, Inc. (Alameda, CA
CUPA: lameda County Environmental Heal
Inventory Summary-
DOT Hazard Class Common Name Max Daily Amount Units
No DOT Hazard Class Provided
Acetylene 260 cubic feet
Argon 10912 cubic feet
StarGold C8 843 cubic feet
Argon Balance Hydrogen 527 cubic feet
Carbon Dioxide 2508 cubic feet
Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid 71 gallons
Helium 37346 cubic feet
Hydrogen 588 cubic feet
Methane 1320 cubic feet
Nitrogen 9576 cubic feet
Nitrogen, Refrigerated Liquid 13512 gallons
Oxygen 1019 cubic feet
Oxygen, Refrigerated Liquid 8112 gallons
Mineral spirits 4659 gallons
Propane 50 gallons
Propylene Glycol 50% 60 gallons
Simple Green 60 gallons
Version 3.08.0010 | Enhancements | CERS Central Diagnostics | Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact | Help lifornia Environmental Reporting System: Business | © 2022 California Environmental Protection Ager RS Technical Support: Request Technical Assistar
STREET
TRUCK ROUTE: 24 HOURS
SHOPPING CENTER:
-BAY TARM ISLAND BRIDGE
DOOLITTLE DRM
APPROVED BY:
MoTo Bona
CHIEF OF POLICE CITY ENGINEER
CITY OF ALAMEDA
TRUCK ROUTES
DATE:01-20-09
G: \pubworks \LT\ TRANSPORTATION\ Truck Route\ Truck_Route_2009_rev1.dwg 9