EPA v. RACHAELS FOOD CORPORATION

Case summary

EPA Region 1 is issuing a Notice of Violation and Administrative Order on Consent to Rachael?s Food Corporation, for violations of the General Duty Clause of Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act at its meat processing facility in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The Rachael?s Food facility includes an ammonia refrigeration system and is located across the street from a large shopping mall complex, near residences and other commercial businesses, and within an area that warrants further review for environmental justice concerns. EPA inspected the Facility and determined that Rachael?s had violated the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act at this facility because, contrary to industry standards for ammonia refrigeration systems of this size, Rachael?s Food had not: performed a process hazard analysis (?PHA?) to identify and assess hazards relating to its use, storage, and handling of anhydrous ammonia; maintained critical documentation about the Facility, including regarding the quantity of ammonia in the refrigeration system; installed and operated an inadequate ventilation system; appropriately labeled refrigeration system components, piping, and other aspects of the Facility; employed basic safety practices, including failing to prevent or repair damage to pipe insulation and rust on pipes, and inadequate access to and egress from the machinery room and the roof; have adequate emergency response mechanisms in place, including by not having adequate emergency response planning to protect neighbors, responders, and workers in the event of a release. The order requires the Respondent to address these problems. Respondent entered into the order with EPA on consent.

Defendants (1)

• RACHAELS FOOD CORPORATIONNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• RACHAEL'S FOOD CORPORATION

  76 GRANBY STREET, BLOOMFIELD, CT, 06002

  Registry ID: 110057418076

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• RACHAELS FOOD CORPORATIONentered 2015-09-27

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2015-09-27Final Order Issued
• 2015-10-05Enforcement Action Data Entered