The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, has reached a settlement with a seafood cold storage facility in Unalaska, Alaska, for violations related to a 125-pound ammonia release on December 3, 2016 that seriously injured one of the facility’s workers. The facility’s failure to provide timely information about the ammonia release also put first responders at risk.
Under the terms of its agreement with the EPA, the business will
- upgrade the facility’s computerized refrigeration control system to help prevent future releases and reduce the amount of ammonia leaked in the event of a release. The upgraded system will use leak detectors to monitor ammonia levels in the freezer and send signals to the computerized control system if ammonia levels reach preset concentrations. If an ammonia leak occurs, the control system will notify operators and managers via audible and visual alarms in the facility, automatically shut off the ammonia pumps, and activate the emergency exhaust system.
- purchase hazmat emergency response equipment for Unalaska’s Department of Public Safety and train two (2) of the company’s personnel to respond to hazmat emergencies at the facility and other facilities in the community.
“Federal emergency planning, reporting and response requirements are important for protecting workers, emergency responders, and the community,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of EPA’s Region 10 Compliance and Enforcement Division. “The company’s failure to provide timely information, crucial in an emergency response, put their workers, first responders and the public at risk. Early notification plays a critical role in getting resources and personnel mobilized, which can make all the difference in reducing harm to people and the environment.” The company reported the release to the National Response Center and the Alaska Emergency Response Commission on December 5th, more than 46 hours after the release occurred.
The company also failed to submit a follow-up notification to the Local Emergency Planning Committee. The release and emergency reporting delays violated the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
The company will pay a $10,008 penalty and has agreed to complete supplemental environmental projects, valued at approximately $26,000, which will help prevent or reduce future ammonia releases and improve safety at the facility.
As soon as the CAFO is posted I will update this posting.