Failing to report a 172-pound release of NH3 (RQ=100 pounds) via an RV to the NRC, SERC, and LEPC in a “timely manner” can be costly!
Respondent is a Wisconsin corporation, with a cream cheese and yogurt manufacturing facility. At all times relevant to this CAFO, the Facility was a facility at which a hazardous chemical was produced, used or stored. On April 17, 2017, EPA representatives conducted an inspection of the Facility following a reported release of anhydrous ammonia on September 6, 2016, to determine Respondent’s compliance with Section 103 of CERCLA and Sections 302-312 of EPCRA. During the EPA Inspection, Respondent’s personnel provided documentation to EPA regarding the September 6, 2016 event that had occurred at the Facility, when a conservatively estimated 172 pounds of anhydrous ammonia (7664-41-7) was released from a silo in the cream cheese plant at the Facility (“the Release”). Respondent first became aware of the Release at approximately 7:40 a.m. on September 6, 2016, when processing employees smelled ammonia and evacuated the area, and the ammonia detection system alarm sounded. Respondent ‘s personnel discovered the source of the Release, reset the relief valves that were open due to a faulty dual pressure regulator in the cooling system, and terminated the Release at 7:55 a.m. Respondent replaced the faulty dual pressure regulator and the silo was returned into service by the end of the day.