Respondent operates a pork processing plant with the following two (2) covered anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems at the stationary source:
- Main System; and
- Auxiliary System
Respondent has exceeded the threshold quantity for ammonia (anhydrous) at the Main System and the Auxiliary System. On or about August 19, 2014, and March 30, 2015, EPA conducted an inspection of the Respondent’s facility. This facility had three (3) Reportable Releases of NH3 from 2014-2016
- February 26, 2014 = 425 pounds via a broken .25″ male threaded purge valve – failing to properly implement certain operating procedures for the Ross Accumulator
- May 2, 2014 = 5,140 pounds via a 1″, schedule 40 seamed nipple broke off – failed to follow PSI pipe specs regarding the piping schedules
- April 25, 2016 = 667 pounds from Valve Alley (CS-41) suction valve – Over-torquing of the bolts on the valve at the time the valve was replaced, which resulted in differential pressure on the gasket and eventual failure of the gasket
VIOLATIONS