EPA v. HOME MARKET FOODS NORWOOD

Case summary

On December 22, 2025, EPA filed an administrative settlement that requires Home Market Foods, Inc. to pay a $1.1 million civil penalty for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ( CERCLA ). The company uses anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant at its meat products facility in Norwood, Massachusetts ( Norwood Facility ) and its cold storage warehouse in Norton, Massachusetts ( Norton Facility ). The case stems from a December 2022 ammonia release at the Norwood Facility, which killed one contract worker and injured another. EPA followed up with inspections of both facilities, information requests, Notices of Violation for both facilities, and administrative orders. The company cooperated at every stage. Accordingly, DOJ and EPA agreed that resolving this case administratively would be the most expeditious approach to settlement. The Consent Agreement and Final Order ( CAFO ) includes 16 counts alleging violations the Clean Air Act's chemical accident prevention ( RMP ) regulations at both facilities and alleges two violations of CERCLA's release reporting requirements at the Norwood Facility. EPA addressed all compliance obligations through administrative compliance orders. EPA has shared a copy of the CAFO with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which is not delegated to implement these regulations.

Defendants (1)

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

Facilities (2)

• HOME MARKET FOODS

  140 MORGAN DRIVE, NORWOOD, MA, 02062

  Registry ID: 110023011863

• HOME MARKET FOODS

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

  Registry ID: 110023011863

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 103A — Notification of Hazardous Reportable Quantity Release
• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• HOME MARKET FOODS NORWOODentered 2025-12-22

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $1,100,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2025-12-22Final Order Issued
• 2025-12-22Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2026-01-08Enforcement Action Data Entered