CHICAGO (September 8, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 recently settled an administrative case involving hazardous
chemical reporting violations with Harlan Bakeries, Avon, Ind.
Separately, new complaints were filed against Perdue Farms, Washington,
Ind.; American Electric Power, Bridgeman, Mich.; Gould Electronics,
McConnelsville, Ohio; and Southwest Landmark, Pleasant Plain, Ohio.
Harlan Bakeries paid $55,605 to resolve EPA's complaint for failing
to promptly notify the National Response Center and the local emergency
response commission during two separate 1998 releases of anhydrous
ammonia from its facility at 7597 E. U.S. Highway 36. Harlan's
plan to settle the matter includes performing refrigeration system
safety upgrades valued at $133,500.
Anhydrous ammonia, which is commonly used in commercial refrigeration
systems, may be fatal if inhaled for prolonged periods of time.
It causes burns to the skin and may cause irritation to eyes, nose
and throat. Federal laws require facilities to immediately notify
the National Response Center, and state and local authorities about
hazardous chemical releases above certain quantities.
The new complaints include:
1) A proposed penalty of $34,376 against Perdue Farms, Washington,
Ind. The company was cited for allegedly failing to promptly notify
the National Response Center and the state emergency response commission
of a 3,770-pound release of anhydrous ammonia from its facility
at 213 Clark and Cosby Road on Dec. 9, 2001.
2) A proposed penalty of $60,548 against American Electric Power's
Cook Nuclear Plant, Bridgeman, Mich. The company was cited for
allegedly failing to promptly notify the National Response Center,
and state and local authorities of a 1,227-pound release of sodium
hypochlorite on Nov. 16, 2002. The problem was caused by a disconnected
pipe connection that flowed onto the floor, then into a drain,
and ultimately into a reservoir that feeds into a condenser and
then into Lake Michigan. EPA alleges that the required follow-up
reports were also filed late. Sodium hypochlorite is used as a
disinfectant in chlorination systems. It may cause severe skin
and eye irritation or burns to broken skin, and is a respiratory
irritant.
3) A proposed penalty of $24,063 against Gould Electronics, McConnelsville,
Ohio. The company was cited for allegedly failing to promptly notify
the National Response Center of a 1,414-pound sodium hypochlorite
release that occurred on March 2, 2004, at its facility at 5045
N. State Route 60, N.W. The incident began when a piece of ice
broke a valve on a wastewater treatment storage tank, releasing
the chemical. The release did not leave the Gould property.
4) A proposed penalty of $135,498 against Southwest Landmark,
Pleasant Plain, Ohio. The company was cited for allegedly failing
to promptly notify the National Response Center and state and local
authorities of a 2,833-pound release of anhydrous ammonia on February
18, 2004, at its facility at 10018 Walnut St. The release occurred
when someone attempted to steal ammonia, leaving a tank valve open.
EPA alleges that the required follow-up reports were also filed
late. At the time of the incident, the local fire department evacuated
a one-mile radius around the facility.
# # #
|
