EPA v. Agrium U.S. (Meredosia) CAFO

Case summary

On January 12, 2009, a total of 3100 lbs of anhydrous ammonia was intermittently released into the environment from a flare at the Agrium facility. Agrium has a permit which covers the release of 434 lbs of ammonia during the 3.23 hours in which the released occurred. The permitted quantity of ammonia was exceeded by 2666 lbs or 26.66 times the reportable quantity (RQ) of 100 lbs. The NRC, SERC and LEPC were notified approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes after the terminal supervisor arrived at the facility and discovered the release.

Defendants (1)

• Agrium U.S. (Meredosia, IL)Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• AGRIUM US INC

  1921 OLD NAPLES RD, MEREDOSIA, IL, 62665

  Registry ID: 110018082689

Statutes cited

• EPCRA 304 — Emergency Release Notification Section 313 Program
• CERCLA 103A — Notification of Hazardous Reportable Quantity Release

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Agrium U.S. (Meredosia) CAFOentered 2011-09-22

  Primary law: CERCLA

  Federal penalty: $14,597 · SEP: $12,000

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2011-09-22Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2011-09-22Final Order Issued
• 2011-09-22Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2011-11-21Enforcement Action Closed
• 2011-11-21Pipeline Closed