George Prepared Foods and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have reached a settlement over allegations that the company violated the Clean Air Act at its facility in Caryville, Tenn.
The agency announced the administrative settlement agreement on its website Dec. 14.
An inspection at the facility uncovered possible non-compliance violations with the Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions (CAPP) and the Risk Management Program (RMP), according to the announcement
George Prepared Foods Corporation, which produces poultry and prepared foods products, uses anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration process. Ammonia is regulated as a hazardous substance and rules require facilities that use the chemical have a plan that identifies potential effects of an accident, steps to be taken to prevent an accident and emergency-response procedures in the event of an accident, according to the EPA announcement.
"EPA inspectors collected information leading to the allegations during an inspection of the facility in April 2019," the agency states in the announcement. "EPA alleges the company failed to identify and address hazards associated with its ammonia refrigeration system and failed to design and maintain a safe facility as required by the RMP."
Maintaining a facility's equipment and creating and implementing safety procedures are "necessary factors" when it comes to protecting health and the environment, says Carol Kemper, EPA Region 4 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division director.
"This settlement emphasizes the importance for facilities to control and minimize the risks associated with hazardous substances,” Kemker said in the statement.
The Consent Agreement and Final Order was filed Nov. 30. George Prepared Foods Corporation will bring the Caryville facility to compliance and pay a civil penalty of $89,908 per terms of the agreement, the EPA stated in the announcement.
