Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
Hazardous Substances and Processes
As of 1986, businesses that possess or maintain hazardous chemicals that exceed thresholds established by
the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act are required to complete a Tier Il Hazardous
Chemical Inventory Report. These occupancies are required by the Environmental Protection Agency to
submit annually Tier Il reports to local fire departments, Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC), and
State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) so that these agencies can plan for the response and
mitigation of any potential spills or accidents. Additionally, the reporting facilities’ designated emergency
point of contact is also required as part of the submission.
The release of hazardous materials can occur throughout the community, either during transport or while in
production, use, packaging, or storage in a fixed facility. These locations can create a dangerous environment
for the community and first responders during a spill or fire. Special equipment such as protective clothing
and sensors, along with specialized training, are necessary to mitigate a hazardous materials incident
successfully.
Hazardous materials are part of everyday life in manufacturing and industrial processes. When they leave
their container or react with other chemicals or compounds, hazardous materials become a problem for
humans and the environment. Nashua Fire Rescue is the agency of first resort for hazardous materials
emergency incidents; the Souhegan Mutual Aid Response Team responds to hazardous materials incidents
as a part of a joint Hazardous Materials Team and response plan.
The Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act, found in Title Ill of the Federal Code (SARA Title Ill),
defines requirements for the tracking of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) used in fixed facilities and
establishes requirements for emergency response planning. The Department has developed response plans
for specific high-risk target hazards and hazardous materials locations. Additionally, the Department has
assigned the shift Deputy Chief the responsibility of being involved with the Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC) in place at the local level. The LEPC is charged with the responsibility to identify and
collect information on the use of hazardous materials by private and public entities. Information collected
includes the type of material, quantity, and location at each site. Additionally, the LEPC is charged with
ensuring local response plans are adequate based on potential risk.
Ferrell Gas trans-loading facility. This is located at the rail yard on the east side of the city. In addition, there
are multiple industrial manufacturers of hazardous materials located throughout Nashua. None of them have
their own fire brigades, and Nashua Fire Rescue is the first responder at these facilities. Facilities of note
include:
= BAE Systems is a leader in research, development, implementation, and maintenance of
commercial, defense, and space electronics. They utilize large amounts of hazardous materials.
BAE Systems is Nashua’s largest employer with 3,200 workers in four locations in the city.
= Harcros Chemicals, Inc. is a distributor and manufacturer of industrial and specialty chemicals. The
company produces surfactants, emulsifiers, defoamers, and other chemicals.
« Worthen Industries is a chemical and technology manufacturer and storage warehouse of
adhesives & coatings, thermoplastic extrusions, and coated substances.
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ESC) Consulting International 33
