Company to pay $206,000 and improve measures to…
(Denver, Colo. – October 12, 2011) The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the John
Morrell Company has agreed to pay a $206,000 penalty and improve
the maintenance of process equipment at its Sioux Falls, S.D., meat
packing facility to resolve alleged Clean Air Act
violations.
The John Morrell facility in Sioux Falls is
subject to risk management regulations because it uses large
quantities of anhydrous ammonia. Under the Clean Air Act,
facilities that handle hazardous chemicals must develop a risk
management program and submit a plan to assist with emergency
preparedness, prevent chemical releases, and minimize any releases
that do occur. EPA inspectors found that the facility had not
adequately implemented these regulations.
“Anhydrous ammonia is acutely toxic and
extremely hazardous when released into the air,” said Mike
Gaydosh, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Denver.
“Failing to establish adequate risk management programs and
keep plans updated can increase the risk of accidents and
compromise the effectiveness of emergency response
actions.”
John Morrell has had several releases of
anhydrous ammonia at the Sioux Falls facility in the past,
including one in 2004 which resulted in a penalty from the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
For more information on the Clean Air Act and
risk management requirements: https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response