Respondent owns and operates a pet food ingredient manufacturing facility. Respondent reported three accidental releases to the National Response Center prior to EPA’s inspection. On January 9, 2023, Respondent reported a release of 12 pounds of anhydrous ammonia due to a safety release valve failure. On February 23, 2023, Respondent reported a release of 2 pounds of anhydrous ammonia from a pipe freezer hose that broke open. On March 18, 2024, Respondent reported a release of 221 pounds of anhydrous ammonia because a fan blade damaged evaporator coils. Due to these reported releases, which involve the mechanical integrity of process equipment, the EPA identified the Respondent’s Facility for inspection. EPA inspected the Respondent’s Facility on July 9 through 11, 2024, to determine compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA and 40 C.F.R. Part 68.
The EPA inspection confirmed that the reported releases did not result in any injuries, property damage, or off-site impacts. At the time of the EPA inspection, Respondent had greater than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in a process at the Facility. Complainant hereby states and alleges that Respondent has violated the CAA and federal regulations promulgated thereunder as follows: