A fruit Company failed to meet risk management requirements under the Clean Air Act, according a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The plant failed to submit their RMP in 2004 when they exceeded the 10,000-pound threshold for Anhydrous Ammonia, used as a refrigerant at the plant. As part of the settlement, the company will pay a penalty of $33,964 and upgrade its safety equipment. In addition to the penalty, the company will spend at least $40,659 to…
install ammonia detection sensors on seven (7) roof-mounted dog house structures on one of the fruit storage buildings, five (5) ammonia detection sensors in main relief headers, two (2) “king solenoid” valves in the existing main refrigeration machinery room, and an “Emergency Pressure Control System” (EPCS) to connect the high pressure discharge of all compressors to the low pressure side of the system. Company also will purchase at least one hand-held ammonia detector (0 to 2000 ppm) for the local Fire Department.
- Company shall complete the installation of the ammonia detection sensors on seven (7) roof-mounted dog house structures on a fruit storage building and five (5) ammonia detection sensors in the main relief exit headers by June 1, 2013;
- Company shall complete the installation of the two (2) “king solenoid” valves in the existing main refrigeration machine room and the EPCS by June 1, 2013; and
- Company will purchase a hand-held ammonia detector (0 to 2000 ppm) for the local Fire Department by October 31, 2012.
These safety systems will allow a more immediate and effective response in the event of an accidental release of ammonia, and reduce the risk of a release of ammonia into the environment. CLICK HERE for the EPA News Release and CLICK HERE for the Consent Agreement.