EPA v. HOME MARKET FOODS MEAT PROCESSING FACILITY NORWOOD

Case summary

On August 12, 2024, EPA issued a Notice of Violation and Administrative Order (NOV/AO) to Home Market Foods, Inc. The company uses anhydrous ammonia, an extremely hazardous substance, as a refrigerant to cool and freeze food at its meat products facility in Norwood, Massachusetts. On December 19, 2022, an ammonia release occurred when contractors were installing a heater in the facility's ammonia machinery room. The release killed one person and injured another. On December 20, 2022, and January 9, 2023, EPA inspected the facility. The Region followed up these inspections with several requests for documents, issued a draft NOV/AO to the company, and provided an opportunity for the company to comment on the draft NOV/AO. The final NOV/AO alleges 11 counts relating to the company's compliance with 40 C.F.R. Part 68 and requires correction of such violations. CAA Section 112(r) is a direct implementation program in all the New England states, but EPA will notify its state, federal, and local partners that the NOV/AO has been issued. The facility is located in an area of environmental justice concern.

Defendants (1)

• Home Market Foods, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• HOME MARKET FOODS

  140 MORGAN DRIVE, NORWOOD, TOWN OF, MA, 02062

  Registry ID: 110023011863

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• HOME MARKET FOODS MEAT PROCESSING FACILITY NORWOODentered 2024-08-12

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-08-12Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-08-12Final Order Issued
• 2024-09-24Enforcement Action Data Entered