EPA v. COLD STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Case summary

This is one of four notices of Violation, Administrative Orders, and Reporting requirements issued to Cold Storage Solutions, Inc., and its three sister companies (Cold Storgage Solutions I Inc., Cold Storage Solutions II Inc., and Cold Storage Solutions III Inc.) for Clean Air Act General Duty Clause violations at four cold storage warehouses in Lakeville, Massachusetts. EPA inspected the facilities and determined that the Faciliites had violated the General Duty Clausse of the Clean Air Act because contrary to industry standards for ammonia refrigeration systems of this size (ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 pounds of ammonia), the facilities did not: identify hazards at the facilities using recognized hazard assessment techniques; maintain documentation about the refrigeration system that was sufficient for Respondents to adequaely maintain and inspect the systems' equipment; appropriately label and mark refrigeration system components and other aspects of the Facilities; employ adequate basic safety practices; have adequate emergency design mechanisms in place; and develop and implement an up-to-date emergency response plan. Additionally, a release of ammonia occurred at one of the facilities while the EPA inspectors were there requiring an evacuation. The orders require the Respondents to address these problems. The reporting requirements require Respondents to submit information regarding aspects of the Facilities for which EPA currently lacks sufficient information ot assess their conformance with other industry standards.

Defendants (1)

• COLD STORAGE SOLUTIONSNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• COLD STORAGE SOLUTIONS INC

  230 KENNETH WELCH DRIVE, LAKEVILLE, MA, 02347

  Registry ID: 110045459874

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][1] — Prevention of Accidental Release/General Duty Clause
• CAA 112R — General Duty/Accidental Release

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• COLD STORAGE SOLUTIONSentered 2013-03-21

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2013-03-01Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2013-03-21Final Order Issued