EPA v. OLD EUROPE CHEESE, INC.

Case summary

On June 4, 2002, Old Europe Cheese, Inc. had a release of anhydrous ammonia. The local fire department called the National Response Center about this release. Anhydrous ammonia is a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act with a reportable quantity of 100 pounds. In a response to an information request, the facility indicated that the total quantity was 52 pounds. They also indicated that they had 1,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia on-site and 1,650 pounds of nitric acid on-site. Anhydrous ammonia and nitric acid are extremely hazardous substances under EPCRA with a minimum threshold level of 500 pounds. They have never submitted a completed Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Form to the SERC, the LEPC, or the local fire department for calendar years 1999-2001. This is a first time violation.

Defendants (1)

• Old Europe Cheese, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• OLD EUROPE CHEESE, INC.

  1330 EAST EMPIRE AVENUE, BENTON HARBOR, MI, 49022

  Registry ID: 110013693011

Statutes cited

• EPCRA 312 — Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• OLD EUROPE CHEESE, INC.entered 2003-05-08

  Primary law: EPCRA

  Federal penalty: $11,814

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2003-05-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2003-05-08Final Order Issued
• 2003-05-08Enforcement Action Data Entered