Failure to report ammonia release costs Washington fruit processor close to $107,000 in EPA penalties and plant improvements. (WA)
In addition to penalty, Company agrees
to spend $85,000 to install ammonia detection
system
(Seattle – Sept. 15, 2010) Tree Top, Inc.
has agreed to pay a $21,000 EPA penalty and complete an $85,000
upgrade to its Selah, Washington plant for failing to immediately
report a release of ammonia at its fruit processing
plant.
In addition to the penalty, Tree Top will update
its computer hardware and an install an advanced ammonia detection
system that will make future releases less likely.
On July 10, 2009, Tree Top had an estimated
1,000 lb. ammonia release at their fruit processing center,
according to the EPA settlement. Tree Top, Inc. uses large
quantities of anhydrous ammonia at the plant as a
refrigerant.
"When toxic gases like ammonia get released,
every second counts,” said Edward Kowalski, Director of
EPA’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement in Seattle.
“Immediate reporting protects workers, emergency responders
and the community.”
According to case documents, EPA alleges that Tree Top, Inc. failed
to immediately notify emergency response authorities after the
ammonia release occurred and also failed to submit the required
reporting documents.
The leak occurred when a high pressure relief
valve tripped and failed to reseat properly. While no injuries were
reported at the time of the accident, ammonia is a pungent, toxic
gas that attacks skin, eyes, throat, and lungs and can cause
serious injury and death.
EPA's Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA)
requires that all releases of hazardous substances (above certain
thresholds) be immediately reported to federal, state and local
emergency responders.
For information on EPA's Emergency Planning and Community Right to
Know Act, visit
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/epcra/epcraenfstatreq.html
For more about toxic effects of Anhydrous Ammonia (NIOSH
GUIDE): https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0028.html
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