EPA v. COCA COLA BEVERAGES NORTHEAST INC

Case summary

On January 15, 2025, EPA filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) between Coca Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc. (Coca Cola) and EPA to resolve penalties for alleged violations of CAA 112(r). The company is a manufacturer, packager, and distributor of bottled beverages that uses anhydrous ammonia in its product chilling and refrigeration system. An EPA inspection revealed multiple deviations from the CAA's General Duty Clause requirements to design and maintain a safe facility taking such steps as are necessary to prevent releases and minimize the consequences of a release should one occur. This settlement requires payment of a civil penalty of $36,000, certification of compliance with the General Duty Clause requirements violated, and donation of emergency response equipment to the local fire department, estimated to cost $98,000. The CAA 112(r) requirements are directly implemented by EPA in New England. EPA notified the State of Connecticut of the settlement. The facility is located in an area of environmental justice concern.

Defendants (1)

• Coca Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• COCA COLA BOTTLING OF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND

  451 MAIN STREET, EAST HARTFORD, CT, 06118

  Registry ID: 110000772129

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• COCA COLA BEVERAGES NORTHEAST INCentered 2025-01-15

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $36,000 · SEP: $97,746

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-01-15Final Order Issued
• 2025-01-15Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-01-23Enforcement Action Data Entered