EPA v. TAYLOR FARMS

Case summary

On June 11, 2020, EPA issued an administrative compliance order (Order) to Taylor Farms New England, Inc. to correct violations of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and Section 303(d) of EPCRA at its facility in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The facility prepares perishable food for grocery stores and uses 17,000 lbs. of anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant to cool the food. EPA inspected the facility in November 2019 and found, among other things, that the company was not adequately protecting evaporator installations from potential impacts. On April 2, 2020, a major ammonia release occurred when a forklift hit evaporator piping containing ammonia gas. Fourteen employees were sent to the hospital for evaluation. In April, the company had 100 employees who were infected with COVID-19. Before issuing the Order in final form, the Region provided the company two weeks to submit written comments on the draft Order. EPCRA and CAA Section 112(r) are direct implementation programs, but EPA will provide a copy of the final order to several state, local, and federal partners who have an interest in the matter.

Defendants (1)

• Taylor FarmsNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• TAYLOR FARMS

  320 COMMERCE PARK ROAD, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, 02852

  Registry ID: 110063753567

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• TAYLOR FARMSentered 2020-06-11

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2020-06-11Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2020-06-11Final Order Issued
• 2020-06-11Complaint Filed/Proposed Order