EPA v. PINELAND FARMS POTATO COMPANY INC

Case summary

On September 29, 2026, 2026 EPA Region 1 filed a signed a Consent Agreement and Final Order ( CAFO ) between EPA and Pineland Farms Potato Company, Inc. ( Pineland ) to resolve penalties for alleged violations of the chemical accident prevention provisions of Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act ( CAA ), 42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(1) (the General Duty Clause or GDC ). Pineland owns and operates a potato processing, packaging, and distribution facility in Mars Hill, Maine ( Facility ) that uses anhydrous ammonia in its refrigeration system. The CAFO alleges that Pineland failed to (1) identify hazards which may result from accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances using appropriate hazard assessment techniques; (2) design and maintain a safe facility, taking such steps as are necessary to prevent such releases; and (3) minimize the consequences of accidental releases, should they occur. Examples of potentially dangerous conditions observed include failure to conduct a process hazard review for the ammonia refrigeration system, missing bump protection and labels, corrosion, ice buildup, and damaged insulation on piping, failure to isolate the high-pressure receiver and ammonia machinery room from other parts of the facility, inadequate ventilation and alarms, and inaccessible emergency valves. This settlement requires the payment of a civil penalty of $207,141 and certification of compliance with the GDC and ANSI/IIAR Standard 9. The CAA Section 112(r)(1) requirements are directly implemented by EPA in New England. EPA notified the State upon settlement.

Defendants (1)

• Pineland Farms Potato Company IncNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (3)

• PINELAND FARMS POTATO COMPANY INC

  115 PRESQUE ISLE ROAD, MARS HILL, ME, 04758

  Registry ID: 110009913932

• PINELAND FARMS POTATO COMPANY INC

  115 PRESQUE ISLE ROAD, MARS HILL, ME, 04758

  Registry ID: 110009913932

• PINELAND FARMS POTATO COMPANY INC

  115 PRESQUE ISLE ROAD, MARS HILL, ME, 04758

  Registry ID: 110009913932

Statutes cited

• CAA 112R — General Duty/Accidental Release

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• PINELAND FARMS POTATO COMPANY INCentered 2026-09-29

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $207,141

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2026-09-29Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2026-09-29Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2026-09-29Final Order Issued