Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with a seafood processor in Gloucester, Massachusetts, over alleged violations of the General Duty Clause of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. The violations pertain to the company's handling of anhydrous ammonia at its facility.
NSDJ Real Estate, LLC, Gloucester Cold Storage, and NSD Seafood Inc., doing business as Atlantic Fish and Seafood, have agreed to pay a $25,000 penalty. Additionally, they will complete a final compliance action and implement two Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs). These SEPs, estimated to cost $129,000, involve installing equipment to eliminate a common source of ammonia leakage and donating ammonia emergency response equipment to the Gloucester Fire Department to enhance its chemical accident response capabilities.
"EPA's mission is rooted in safeguarding all communities from pollution, including chemical releases," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This is even more critical with the changing climate and the increased vulnerabilities associated with facilities situated in populated or hurricane-prone areas."
Atlantic Fish uses two ammonia refrigeration systems for processing and storing seafood products. While anhydrous ammonia is an efficient refrigerant with low global warming potential, it is toxic and highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and lungs if not handled properly.
The facility is located in an urban setting along Gloucester's Inner Harbor in a densely populated residential area near homes, restaurants, businesses, an elementary school, and houses of worship.
An EPA inspection revealed multiple deviations from the General Duty Clause requirements regarding designing and maintaining a safe facility. The EPA consults industry standards to determine these requirements' violations. The respondents have corrected most deficiencies identified by the EPA.
Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act aims to prevent accidental releases of substances that can cause serious harm from short-term exposures and mitigate release severity when they occur. Non-compliance with these requirements endangers local populations and environments.
For more information on Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act: https://www.epa.gov/rmp/general-duty-clause-under-clean-air-act-section-112r1.
For Compliance Assistance Tools for the Ammonia Refrigeration Sector: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-11/documents/complianceassistance-ammoniarefrigerationsector0617.pdf.
