Enhancing Anhydrous Ammonia Safety Systems at LCRA Power Plants

Industry

Energy

Project Summary

LCRA engaged EHSCSI to evaluate the Safe Anhydrous Ammonia Operation Management System at its Lost Pines and Winchester Power Plants. The objective was to assess the system against regulatory standards and industry best practices, and to identify opportunities for improvement to enhance safety and operational integrity.

Results

LCRA strengthened its safety and compliance posture through 41 targeted recommendations that improved procedures, training, and documentation across two power plants. The project established a clear roadmap for sustainable safety management, positioning LCRA for long-term operational integrity and continuous improvement.

Product

Regulatory Compliance Audit

www.lcra.org

Partnering with EHSCSI was transformative for our operations. Their deep technical expertise and industry knowledge were evident from the start. They provided a structured and systematic approach to EHS management that was both comprehensive and practical. The team's professionalism and commitment to excellence ensured that we achieved our goals efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Francene Scott Diehl, PhD, MPH,CSP, CIT, CDS

Vice President of Safety

About the LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) exists to serve the people of Texas. It’s been that way since the state Legislature created us in 1934. We continue that legacy today by providing a multitude of vital services to our customers and communities. LCRA produces and delivers electric power, manage the lower Colorado River and provide a reliable water supply, manage a public parks system and support community development.

The Process

Our team of Process Safety Experts conducted a comprehensive, multi-day assessment involving field walk-throughs, interviews, and document reviews. We collaborated closely with LCRA’s EHS, operations, and maintenance staff to understand current practices and identify gaps.

Tools & Techniques

Benchmarking against process safety management regulations and best practices
Development and opportunity level scoring system
Root cause analysis and risk matrix standardization
Structured recommendations for each management system element

Implementation

EHSCSI delivered 41 actionable recommendations across 13 management system elements. These included revising procedures, enhancing training, improving documentation, and establishing clear roles and responsibilities. A roadmap was proposed to guide LCRA toward sustainable implementation and continuous improvement.

Why EHSCSI? EHSCSI's success in this project stemmed from our unique combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and systematic approach to EHS management. Our certified professionals brought specialized knowledge in industrial hygiene, environmental management, and safety systems. This ensured a comprehensive and practical solution for LCRA’s complex operational environment. Our structured methodology, from initial assessment through implementation planning, provided a clear pathway to EHS excellence while maintaining operational efficiency

The Results

39 observations and 41 tailored recommendations delivered
Clear development roadmap for each management system element
Enhanced awareness and engagement across site personnel
Improved alignment with industry best practices
Foundation established for a sustainable and scalable safety management system

Key Takeaways

A structured assessment can uncover critical gaps in safety systems
Tailored recommendations ensure practical and achievable improvements
Collaboration with site personnel is key to successful implementation
Continuous improvement is essential for long-term safety and compliance