DHS Clarifies the Screening Threshold Quantity for Propane
On Friday, March 21, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security published a notice clarifying how the Screening Threshold Quantity (STQ) in the chemical facility anti-terrorism standards (CFATS) applies to propane. The CFATS rules at 6 CFR Part 27 require facilities that have any chemicals of interest (as identified in Appendix A) above the specified threshold on site to prepare a top-screen analysis of security risks. Facilities that have been determined by DHS to pose significant risks may be required to develop and implement a site-specific security plan.
In the final rule for the Appendix A Chemicals of Interest (COI), DHS created a special threshold for COI propane—60,000 lbs. Most other flammable COI have a threshold of 10,000 lbs. The 10,000 lbs. threshold also applies to mixtures of flammable gases greater than one percent (“release-flammable COI” rule). There was confusion as to which threshold applied to mixtures containing propane.
In the March 21, 2008 notice, DHS clarifies that the security planning rule defines COI propane as products that contain ≥ 87.5% propane. As such, flammable mixtures containing 87.5% propane are subject to the 60,000 lbs. threshold and mixtures containing < 87.5% propane are subject to the 10,000 lbs. release-flammable COI threshold.
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