EPA v. Unified Grocers, Inc

Case summary

On September 23, 2015, Region 10 filed a consent agreement and final order to resolve CERCLA/EPCRA release reporting violations, CAA 112(r) risk management program violations, and EPCRA Section 312 chemical reporting violations by Unified Grocers at the company's ammonia refrigeration warehouse and distribution facility in Seattle, Washington. The company estimates it will spend more than $180,000 for a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) to improve the existing monitoring system to allow for more rapid detection of an ammonia release and more accurate information regarding the location of the release. This information will in turn assist plant personnel and first responders in safely evacuating the building in the event of a release and stopping the release as soon as possible. The SEP will thus reduce the risk of exposure of employees, the surrounding neighborhoods, and first responders to anhydrous ammonia. This settlement is consistent with EPA's national effort to promote the use of next generation technology to enhance compliance. The company also agreed to pay a penalty of $110,200 for the violations.

Defendants (1)

• Unified Grocers, IncNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• UNIFIED GROCERS 3301 NORFOLK

  3301 S NORFOLK ST, SEATTLE, WA, 98118

  Registry ID: 110000551803

Statutes cited

• EPCRA 302 — Substances and Facilities Covered and Notification
• CERCLA 103A — Notification of Hazardous Reportable Quantity Release
• EPCRA 304 — Emergency Release Notification Section 313 Program
• EPCRA 312 — Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms
• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Unified Grocers, Incentered 2015-09-24

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $110,200 · SEP: $182,609

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2015-09-17Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2015-09-24Final Order Issued
• 2015-09-24Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2017-05-18Enforcement Action Closed