EPA v. POWDER RIDGE

Case summary

On April 2, 2024, EPA issued an administrative order on consent (AOC) to Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort LLC (Powder Ridge) addressing violations of the General Duty Clause of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act at its outdoor sports park and recreation facility in Middlefield, Connecticut. EPA inspected the facility at the request of the State Emergency Response Commission and the Middlefield Fire Department. Powder Ridge uses an ice-making unit to lay an ice foundation for the addition of synthetic snow on top. This unit consists of a skid-mounted ammonia refrigeration system housed in a two-level, shipping container-like structure, containing approximately 1,200 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. The unit is located on a ski slope immediately adjacent to the snow tubing area, which is an area that is frequented by the public, including children, on a regular basis. The AOC lists areas of potential non-compliance with industry standards of care for ammonia refrigeration systems and requires Powder Ridge to retain a third-party expert to perform a Process Hazard Review of the refrigeration system using appropriate hazard assessment techniques and to certify that it has coordinated with local emergency responders to plan for a potential accidental release. Connecticut is not delegated to implement this program.

Defendants (1)

• Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort, LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• POWDER RIDGE MOUNTAIN PARK RESORT

  99 POWDER ROAD, MIDDLEFIELD, CT, 06455

  Registry ID: 110071642421

Statutes cited

• CAA 112R — General Duty/Accidental Release

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• POWDER RIDGEentered 2024-04-02

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-04-02Final Order Issued
• 2024-04-02Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-04-05Enforcement Action Data Entered