EPA RMP Citations @ food facility (13K pound NH3 release & $32K)

Respondent is a producer of made-to-order frozen gourmet Italian entrees. The Facility uses anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration process to cool the ingredients cooler and product freezers. Anhydrous ammonia is included on the List of Regulated Substances and Thresholds for Accidental Release Prevention requirements under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. At approximately 1:40 pm on July 20, 2013, an employee was operating a forklift in the shared space (Machinery Room / Maintenance Department) where among other things, forklifts are stored and refrigeration equipment, including ammonia containing High Pressure Receivers are present. The employee while driving the forklift, attempted to move a boom under one of the three High Pressure Receivers. The boom hit a drain valve handle which caused the valve handle to bend and created a hole through which ammonia could escape. 13,800 pounds of anhydrous ammonia from the refrigeration system was released in the incident. As a precaution County public safety officials initiated a reverse 911 system asking nearby residents to shelter-in-place; however, no shelters were opened the county.

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