EPA v. Columbia River Processing, Inc.

Case summary

Region 10 reached settlement with Columbia River Processing, Inc. (Columbia) for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Columbia produces cheddar and related stirred-curd cheeses at a single 85,000 sq. ft. facility that has been operating since autumn of 2001. Columbia failed to immediately notify the National Response Center, the State Emergency Response Commission, and Local Emergency Planning Committee of the release of approximately 2,442 pounds of anhydrous ammonia on June 30, 2008. Failure to immediately notify the aforementioned agencies is in violation of Section 103 of CERCLA and Sections 304(a) and (b) of EPCRA. Columbia agreed to pay a penalty $42,435.

Defendants (1)

• Columbia River Processing, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• COLUMBIA RIVER PROCESSING

  79588 RIPPEE ROAD, BOARDMAN, OR, 97818

  Registry ID: 110012534622

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Columbia River Processing, Inc.entered 2012-04-27

  Primary law: EPCRA

  Federal penalty: $42,435

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2012-03-27Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2012-04-27Final Order Issued
• 2012-04-27Complaint Filed/Proposed Order