EPA v. SMITHFIELD PACKAGED MEATS

Case summary

On July 1, 2025, Region 1 settled an administrative penalty action against Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. ( Respondent ) alleging violations of Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act ( CAA ), known as the General Duty Clause, at Respondent's Springfield, Massachusetts meat processing, packaging, and distribution facility (the Facility ). The CAFO alleges that Respondent failed to design and maintain a safe facility, taking such steps as are necessary to prevent releases, and to minimize the consequences of a release should one occur, with respect to Respondent's use of anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration system. The deficiencies included: failure to adequately label piping associated with the ammonia refrigeration system to indicate contents and direction of flow, failure to provide impact protection under the high-pressure receiver, failure to ensure easy closure of the primary valve during an emergency inside the ammonia machinery room, and failure to anchor jersey barriers protecting the exterior of the ammonia machinery room and condenser support system. In settlement, the company will pay a $138,506 penalty and certify that it is operating the Facility in compliance with the CAA Section 112(r)(1), including compliance at the Facility with the ANSI/IIAR Standard 9 audit requirement. EPA has informed Massachusetts of the settlement.

Defendants (1)

• Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SMITHFIELD PACKAGED FOODS

  20 CARANDO DRIVE, SPRINGFIELD, MA, 01104

  Registry ID: 110022879964

Statutes cited

• CAA 112R — General Duty/Accidental Release

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• SMITHFIELD PACKAGED MEATSentered 2025-07-01

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $138,506

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-07-01Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-07-01Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-07-01Final Order Issued