EPA v. Amalgamated Sugar

Case summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached a settlement with Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC (Amalgamated Sugar) for failing to properly report the release of dangerous chlorine gas at its Paul, Idaho facility. Amalgamated Sugar, a sugar manufacturing facility that processes sugar beets, will pay $18,000 in penalties. Plant operators did not immediately notify federal and state authorities about the chlorine gas release. The release on February 7, 2012, was caused when a chemical truck driver mistakenly unloaded hydrochloric acid into the tank containing sodium hypochlorite. When mixed, the chemicals caused a violent reaction which blew the access lid off the tank, emitting 43 pounds of chlorine gas into the atmosphere. According to Amalgamated Sugar, the driver was injured and evacuated by ambulance. The company’s notification to state and federal authorities was over 46 hours late.

Defendants (1)

• Amalgamated SugarNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• THE AMALGAMATED SUGAR COMPANY LLC - TASCO MINI-CASSIA FACILITY

  50 S 500 W, PAUL, ID, 83347

  Registry ID: 110000468431

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Amalgamated Sugarentered 2013-02-27

  Primary law: EPCRA

  Federal penalty: $18,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2013-01-24Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2013-02-27Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2013-02-27Final Order Issued