Facility Siting Studies
Smith & Burgess delivers comprehensive Facility Siting Studies that critically assess the risks associated with the physical placement of equipment, piping, and buildings in industrial facilities. These studies help ensure your site’s layout minimizes hazards related to fires, explosions, and toxic releases. Our analyses support compliance with OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements and the EPA Risk Management Program (RMP), providing the Process Safety Information (PSI) necessary for regulatory filings and ongoing risk management.
Using advanced consequence modeling, dispersion modeling, and quantitative risk assessment (QRA), we evaluate potential impacts on personnel, assets, and surrounding communities. Our tailored solutions empower facility operators to make informed, data-driven decisions that improve safety and operational reliability.
How We Deliver Facility Siting Solutions
That Strengthen Safety and Compliance
At Smith & Burgess, our Facility Siting Studies begin with a thorough assessment of your facility’s unique operational processes, layout, and risk tolerance. We collaborate closely with your team to define project objectives and establish risk acceptance criteria tailored to your facility and regulatory context.
Our multidisciplinary engineers gather and analyze critical process data, including chemical inventories, release scenarios, and existing site configurations. Using this information, we develop a detailed execution plan focused on identifying siting-related risks and compliance gaps.
Advanced Dispersion Modeling for
Toxic and Flammable Scenarios
One key component of our facility siting service is precise dispersion modeling. Our engineers simulate the atmospheric spread of hazardous substances released during upset or emergency conditions, including vents, relief valves, and flares that may fail or extinguish.
We model both toxic and flammable gases, such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), chlorine, and hydrocarbons, using EPA-approved methodologies aligned with RMP requirements. These models help determine safe distances, evaluate potential exposure to personnel and neighboring populations, and assess compliance with air quality standards.
Our dispersion modeling outputs inform siting decisions, emergency planning, and mitigation strategies, ensuring your facility layout minimizes the impact of accidental releases.
Quantitative Risk Assessments to Identify and Prioritize Hazards
Smith & Burgess employs advanced quantitative risk assessment techniques to evaluate the likelihood and consequences of fire, explosion, and toxic release events across your site.
Our QRA process includes:
- Detailed consequence modeling of worst-case and credible release scenarios
- Probabilistic risk calculations accounting for equipment failure rates and process conditions
- Evaluation of on-site and off-site impacts, including potential effects on neighboring communities
- Identification of intolerable risk zones and hotspots for targeted mitigation
The results guide the development of risk mitigation strategies, such as relocating sensitive buildings, installing barriers, or modifying operating procedures, which balance safety with operational needs.
From Risk Identification to Facility Layout Optimization
Based on siting and risk analysis outcomes, Smith & Burgess provides practical recommendations to mitigate identified risks effectively.
These may include:
- Relocating or redesigning equipment and buildings to safer locations
- Implementing engineered safeguards such as blast walls or ventilation enhancements
- Improving emergency response planning and operational controls
- Supporting documentation for regulatory compliance and community outreach
Our experts ensure mitigation plans align with your facility’s budget, operational requirements, and regulatory obligations, maximizing both safety and value.
Why Industry Leaders Trust Smith & Burgess
- Industry-Leading Expertise: Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience delivering facility siting and risk management solutions for petrochemical, chemical, and industrial clients worldwide.
- Regulatory Compliance: We help you navigate complex OSHA and EPA requirements, providing clear documentation and defensible studies for RMP submissions and audits.
- Tailored Solutions: Every facility is unique. We customize our approach to fit your processes, site conditions, and risk tolerance.
- Proven Track Record: Our commitment to technical excellence and client collaboration has earned us lasting partnerships and measurable safety improvements.
Talk to a Siting Expert Today
Have a question or need a formal estimate for your next Facility Siting Study? Whether you’re planning a new facility or reassessing risks at an existing one, our engineers are ready to help. Complete the form below and one of our experts will get in touch to discuss your needs.