The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Shield Packaging Company in Dudley, Massachusetts, over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention and preparedness provisions. The settlement follows an EPA compliance order issued in November 2023 after an inspection conducted in August 2021.
Shield Packaging Company, which manufactures aerosol products, was found to have violated several aspects of the Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program and General Duty Clause. The company has been adhering to the compliance order and will pay a penalty of $219,500 as part of the recent settlement.
"Workers and those living near businesses have a right to be free of worry about chemical accidents. Facilities storing and handling extremely hazardous substances must remain compliant with the laws and requirements to keep workers and neighbors safe," stated EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "EPA will continue to enforce regulations that protect communities and prevent harmful accidents."
The EPA's inspection on August 4, 2021, aimed to assess compliance with Clean Air Act Section 112(r), including Risk Management Regulations (RMP) and other federal environmental laws. During this process, Shield Packaging Co. provided various documents and information both during and after the inspection.
The violations identified by the EPA include failure to update Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) for processes involving flammable chemical propellants, timely audit compliance with RMP requirements, establish mechanical integrity procedures for tanks storing chemical propellants, train employees involved in certain operating processes, establish an adequate emergency planning program for accidental releases of flammable gases, and annually recertify written operating procedures.
A copy of the Final Consent Agreement and Final Order is available upon request.
