EPA v. NORTHERN PELAGIC GROUP

Case summary

On February 17, 2021, EPA filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) between Northern Pelagic Group, LLC (NORPEL) and EPA to resolve penalties for alleged violations of Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r) and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 312. The company is a supplier of frozen seafood products that uses anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration system. An EPA inspection revealed that the company had violated many risk management program (RMP) requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 68. Significantly, the company was an RMP and EPCRA non-filer. Pursuant to a 2018 Administrative Order on Consent, the company filed an RMP and completed a process hazard analysis. This settlement now requires payment of a civil penalty of $220,000 and certification of compliance with the 40 C.F.R. Part 68 provisions violated.

Defendants (1)

• Northern Pelagic Group, LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• NORTHERN PELAGIC SEAFOOD GROUP

  4 FISH ISLAND, NEW BEDFORD, MA, 02740

  Registry ID: 110059116834

Statutes cited

• EPCRA 312 — Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms
• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• NORTHERN PELAGIC GROUPentered 2021-02-17

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $220,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2021-02-17Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2021-02-17Final Order Issued
• 2021-04-02Enforcement Action Data Entered