Law intended to inform, protect facilities, communities and 1st responders
(Seattle, Washington - September 17, 2014) The E.P.A. (EPA) has settled with 2 facilities in Idaho for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act Risk Management Program. The settlements include a $83,497 penalty for Pacific Ethanol Magic Valley, LLC and a $101,000 penalty for Land View, Incorporated
The federal Clean Air Act (sec. 112r) requires that all public and private facilities that manufacture, process, use, store or otherwise handle flammable gases and toxic chemicals develop Risk Management Projects (RMPs). Facility's RMPs are then used by local emergency planners and responders to protect the public from accidental delivers of toxic gases like chlorine, propane, sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde.
"Risk management planning saves lives," says Kelly McFadden, manager of EPA's Pesticides and Toxics Unit in Seattle. "EPA is committed to protecting workers and communities by reducing the likelihood of accidental chemical releases, creating a level playing field for industry and protecting people's health and the environment."
The following facilities have settled with E.P.A. and have corrected their violations:
·
Pacific Ethanol Magic Valley, LLC, (Burley) - On May 18, 2011, E.P.A. conducted an inspection of
Pacific Ethanol Magic Valley, LLC (Pacific Ethanol), a corn-based ethanol production facility located at 2600 Washington Avenue, Burley, Idaho. Pacific Ethanol utilizes in excess of 20,000 pounds of ammonia (20% concentration or greater) and in excess of 10,000 pounds of pentane at their facility. EPA's inspection found several violations of the risk management project regulations. Penalty: $83,497.
·
Land View, Inc. - (RUPERT) - On May 19, 2011, E.P.A. inspected
Land View Incorporated, an agricultural chemical manufacturing facility located at 925 Hwy 24, Rupert, Idaho. Land View utilizes in excess of 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia and in excess of 20,000 pounds of ammonia (20% concentration or greater) on site. The E.P.A. inspector found several violations of the risk management project regulations. Penalty: $101,000
The Risk Management Plan requires companies to create an emergency response strategy, evaluate a worst case and probable case chemical release, and develop and implement a prevention program. The prevention Plan must include operator training, a review of the hazards associated with using toxic or flammable substances, proper operating procedures and equipment maintenance.
For a copy of the Pacific Ethanol CAFO:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/OA/rhc/EPAAdmin.nsf/Advanced%20Search/9C8A3A3FC6AFCBD085257D48001BCE33/$File/CAA-10-2014-0117%20cafo%20(2)_OCR.pdf
For a copy of the Land View, Incorporated CAFO:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/oa/rhc/epaadmin.nsf/Filings/742FC67A6854844885257D2E001BC144?OpenDocument
For more about Risk Management Projects and EPA's work to prevent accidental delivers of toxic gases and chemicals, please visit:
http://www2.epa.gov/rmp
