The MECS Avon Plant, located within the perimeter of Tesoro’s 2,206-acre Golden Eagle oil refinery, is the major world manufacturer of a catalyst used in sulfuric acid production. Legislation enacted after September 11, 2001, triggered the need for a security vulnerability analysis (SVA) to analyze plant risks and implement improvements.
Administered under the federal Department of Homeland Security through the local Contra Costa County Health Services Department (CCCHSD), the SVA method and approach was based on Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) guidelines. Kleinfelder performed a complete facility characterization to identify security weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could result in an unanticipated release of a substance following terrorist or sabotage activities, and then evaluated countermeasures that could provide protection from these potential releases.
Kleinfelder’s first step involved thoroughly documenting type, volume, storage, handling, manufacturing, and use of onsite hazardous materials, as well as the plant’s physical and operational security measures. After a complete assessment of plant vulnerabilities—including malevolent acts from hazardous materials delivery, the storage and use of materials in the manufacturing process, and the shipment of finished product offsite—the team prepared recommendations for implementing, enhancing, and revising threat countermeasures based on collected data and analysis.
Kleinfelder’s meticulous SVA report provided well-founded recommendations for reducing the likelihood and consequences of a malevolent attack. In addition, the team prepared criteria for implementing these recommendations—enabling the plant to submit the report to the CCCHSD in a timely, professional fashion.
Location:
Martinez, California
Owner:
MECS
