The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Delta Packing Company of Lodi, Inc., following violations related to chemical safety at its facility in Lodi, California. The company, which uses anhydrous ammonia for cooling in its fruit packaging operations, will pay a $262,971 penalty and make necessary safety improvements to comply with federal regulations.
Amy Miller, Director of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance for the EPA Pacific Southwest Region, emphasized the responsibility of companies using hazardous chemicals to protect workers and the community. "As a result of EPA’s action, the facility made significant improvements to address chemical safety," she said.
Anhydrous ammonia is governed by Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) due to its potential health risks and flammability. An inspection in 2021 followed an accidental release that resulted in an employee's death. This inspection uncovered multiple violations of CAA Section 112(r), including issues with the Risk Management Program and General Duty Clause, as well as non-compliance with EPCRA Section 312.
The facility had failed to conduct required inspections and tests on process equipment or correct deficiencies promptly. It also did not perform adequate hazard analyses or maintain accurate equipment information. Additionally, it lacked coordination with local authorities for emergency response preparedness.
Further violations included failing to identify hazards associated with methyl bromide use and not submitting annual Tier II chemical inventory reports as required under EPCRA. These reports are crucial for providing updated hazard information to state and local officials.
Following EPA's enforcement action, Delta Packing Company has taken steps to rectify these issues by updating equipment documentation, conducting necessary tests and inspections, improving operating procedures, completing hazard analyses, and coordinating emergency response efforts with local agencies. The company has also committed to addressing deficiencies in its relief and ventilation systems under the agreement with EPA.
For more details on reporting environmental law violations, visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violations
