EPA v. GARELICK FARMS LLC

Case summary

On December 22, 2015, EPA settled an administrative case with Garelick Farms LLC to resolve seven alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention provisions of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act and implementing regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 68. The alleged violations relate to the design and operation of the company?s ammonia-based refrigeration system at its Lynn, Massachusetts dairy. The settlement requires payment of a civil penalty of $255,000; performance of a third-party audit to confirm that the company?s Franklin, Massachusetts facility is in compliance with 40 C.F.R. Part 68; and the performance of three supplemental environmental projects. The SEPs will (a) minimize the chances of a large ammonia release at the Lynn facility through beyond-compliance upgrades to its ammonia detection and emergency notification system; (b) improve the Lynn Fire Department?s ability to respond to hazardous materials incidents through the donation of emergency response equipment and training; and (c) protect Lynn school children by removing unneeded hazardous chemicals from the high school science laboratory, purchasing lab safety equipment, and providing chemical management training for teachers. A separate administrative compliance order on consent, dated September 28, 2015, requires Garelick Farms to complete correcting violations of 40 C.F.R. Part 68 that EPA identified in 2012, work that has been ongoing since that time.

Defendants (1)

• GARELICK FARMS LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• GARELICK FARMS LYNN

  626 LYNNWAY, LYNN, MA, 01905-3030

  Registry ID: 110000310173

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• GARELICK FARMS LLCentered 2015-12-22

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $255,000 · SEP: $316,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2015-12-21Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2015-12-22Final Order Issued
• 2016-02-03Enforcement Action Data Entered