EPA v. SEAFREEZE LTD

Case summary

On August, 11 2023, Region 1 settled an administrative penalty action against Seafreeze Limited alleging violations of Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act, known as the General Duty Clause, at its North Kingstown, Rhode Island fish processing and cold storage facility. The facility uses anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant. The CAFO alleges that Seafreeze failed to (1) design and maintain a safe facility, taking such steps as are necessary to prevent such releases and (2) minimize the consequences of accidental releases, should they occur. Examples of potentially dangerous conditions observed include some areas of breached insulation and corrosion, failure to consistently protect ammonia-containing equipment from forklift impacts, failure to safely design ventilation and pressure relief systems, some labeling deficiencies, and lack of accessible eyewash/shower units. The CAFO requires Seafreeze to pay a civil penalty of $122,622 and to update its process hazard review to consider natural hazards, including but not limited to the Facility's location in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Defendants (1)

• Seafreeze LimitedNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SEAFREEZE LTD

  100 DAVISVILLE PIER, NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, 02852

  Registry ID: 110043251389

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• SEAFREEZE LTDentered 2023-08-11

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $122,622

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2023-08-11Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2023-08-11Final Order Issued
• 2023-08-14Enforcement Action Data Entered