CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho frozen food company has agreed to pay the Environmental Protection Agency $84,000 for failing to report its possession of hazardous chemicals to safety officials.
The EPA said Monday the Caldwell facility of Rhodes International Inc. stored large quantities of the toxic gas anhydrous ammonia from 2006 to 2009.
Agency officials say the company, which makes frozen cinnamon rolls and other breads, failed to properly notify state and local emergency departments it was storing the chemicals — a violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Anhydrous ammonia is a pungent gas that attacks skin, eyes, throat and lungs, causing serious injury or death.
EPA unit manager Wally Moon says relaying that information to emergency planners is critical to protecting the community during a chemical spill.
