EPA v. HP HOOD ICE CREAM PLANT

Case summary

On May 17, 2021, Region 1 issued an Administrative Compliance Order (Order) to HP Hood LLC (HP Hood), requiring the company to correct violations of risk management planning (RMP) regulations, promulgated pursuant to Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), at the company's ice cream manufacturing plant in Suffield, Connecticut. The company uses anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant. During an inspection of the facility, EPA observed several potential violations, including a lack of access to emergency eyewash stations, an unsafe emergency ventilation design being used for the ammonia system, breached insulation on ammonia piping and equipment, an active ammonia leak, and issues regarding secondary containment of chemicals throughout the facility. HP Hood was cooperative in addressing the areas of concern, so the Order addresses only the outstanding compliance issue inadequacy of the ammonia ventilation system. Before issuing the Order in final form, EPA provided the company with an opportunity to confer on the draft Order. The RMP program is not a state-delegated program, but EPA will share a copy of the Order with Connecticut.

Defendants (1)

• HP HOOD LLC, Suffield, CTNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• HP HOOD ICE CREAM PLANT

  1250 EAST STREET SOUTH, SUFFIELD, CT, 06078

  Registry ID: 110022450916

• HP HOOD ICE CREAM PLANT

  1250 EAST STREET SOUTH, SUFFIELD, CT, 06078

  Registry ID: 110022450916

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• HP HOOD ICE CREAM PLANTentered 2021-05-17

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2021-05-17Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2021-05-17Final Order Issued
• 2021-09-14Enforcement Action Data Entered