EPA v. Apple House Warehouse & Storage, Inc

Case summary

On June 9, 2021, Region 10 filed an expedited settlement agreement which both initiated and concluded an administrative action against Apple House Warehouse & Storage, Inc. (Apple House) in Pateros, Washington for violations of CAA 112(r) Risk Management Program requirements. Respondent failed to comply with several risk management program requirements that apply to its use of anhydrous ammonia. Most importantly, Apple House failed to properly document that their operators are trained in safely operating the refrigeration equipment in preventing an ammonia release that could impact the community surrounding its facility. In addition, Apple House failed to document that their employee involved in maintaining equipment are trained in the hazards and procedures to prevent the equipment failure causing an ammonia release. A plan provides important information to emergency responders and planners that include accurate chemical quantities, emergency contacts and demonstrate operation and maintenance of the ammonia refrigeration process at its facility. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $8,800.

Defendants (1)

• Apple House Warehouse & Storage, IncNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• CHELAN FRUIT COOPERATIVE PATEROS NO

  491 INDUSTRIAL WAY, PATEROS, WA, 98846

  Registry ID: 110012800004

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Apple House Warehouse & Storage, Incentered 2021-06-09

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $8,800

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2021-06-03Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2021-06-09Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2021-06-09Final Order Issued
• 2021-10-12Enforcement Action Closed