EPA fines ND food products supplier $72,530 for CAA violations

October 11th, 2018 by Dakota Software Staff

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a Clean Air Act settlement involving a North Dakota-based food products supplier. As part of the settlement, the company has agreed to pay a $72,530 penalty for violations of the Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program regulations regarding the management of anhydrous ammonia, which were discovered during a 2016 EPA inspection.

Details of the settlement

"This agreement will improve the safety of... the Mandan community for years to come."

The company has also agreed, per the settlement, to improve the maintenance of process equipment at its meat-processing facility in Mandan, North Dakota, a city located directly across the Missouri River from the state capital of Bismark. The improvements are designed to reduce the risk of an accidental release of hazardous chemicals into the surrounding area.

"This agreement will improve the safety of those who live in and visit the Mandan community for years to come," EPA Region 8 Enforcement Director Suzanne Bohan said in a statement. "[This business] has not only taken the necessary steps to improve the management of ammonia at their facility, they are also providing training and equipment that will help local fire and emergency personnel more effectively respond to accidents and emergencies across the community."

The EPA's initial plant inspection two years ago uncovered deficiencies associated with safety and emergency contact information, hazard analysis, mechanical integrity, operating procedures and compliance audits, all of which the business will correct as part of this settlement. The company also agreed to complete two supplemental environmental projects that will increase community safety.

According to the Bismarck Tribune, these supplemental projects involve providing training and equipment to local fire and emergency crews, with a focus on addressing ammonia releases. The projects will cost the company more than $114,000, a total which is in addition to the $72,000 penalty. The money will be used in part to purchase gas-detection monitors, self-contained breathing units and masks, specialized clothing and other forms of equipment for the Mandan Fire Department.

The EPA said this case is a result of its National Compliance Initiative to reduce risks from chemical accidents, and addresses compliance within the ammonia refrigeration industrial sector that can pose serious risks from such accidents. Companies should ensure they have risk management plans in place and are fully compliant within industrial sectors involving hazardous chemicals.