EPA v. BLOUNT FINE FOODS

Case summary

On May 28, 2025, EPA Region 1 filed a signed a Consent Agreement and Final Order ( CAFO ) between Blount Fine Foods Corporation ( Blount ) and EPA to resolve penalties for alleged violations of CAA ? 112(r). The company owns and operates a prepared foods processing plant in Fall River, Mass. ( Facility ) that uses anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration system. An EPA inspection revealed alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention provisions ( RMP Regulations ) found at 40 C.F.R. Part 68. This settlement requires (a) payment of a civil penalty of $68,000; (b) certification of compliance with the RMP Regulations, except those compliance actions not yet completed; (c) within six months, completing installation of impact protection for evaporators and confirming compliance with ANSI/IIAR 9's minimum safety standards for ammonia refrigeration facilities at this Facility and a sister facility in Texas; and (d) donation of emergency response equipment to the local fire department, estimated to cost $48,069. The emergency response equipment includes victim decontamination kits, an inflatable victim decontamination shelter, and gas meters. The CAA Section 112(r) requirements are directly implemented by EPA in New England. EPA will notify the State upon settlement.

Defendants (1)

• Blount Fine Foods CorporationNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BLOUNT FINE FOODS

  630 CURRANT ROAD, FALL RIVER, MA, 02720

  Registry ID: 110043222786

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BLOUNT FINE FOODSentered 2025-05-29

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $68,000 · SEP: $48,069

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-05-29Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-05-29Final Order Issued
• 2025-06-03Enforcement Action Data Entered