EPA v. Washington Fruit & Produce Company

Case summary

On July 14, 2022, Region 10 filed an expedited settlement agreement which both initiated and concluded an administrative action against Washington Fruit & Produce Company in Moxee, 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, Washington Fruit & Produce Company failed to properly document the initial training of their operators in safely operating the refrigeration equipment in preventing an ammonia release that could impact the community surrounding its facility. 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 $3,280.

Defendants (1)

• Washington Fruit & Produce CompanyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• WASHINGTON FRUIT MOXEE

  1221 WALTERS RD, MOXEE, WA, 98936

  Registry ID: 110000568500

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Washington Fruit & Produce Companyentered 2022-07-13

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $3,280

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2022-05-02Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2022-07-13Final Order Issued
• 2022-07-13Enforcement Action Closed
• 2022-07-13Complaint Filed/Proposed Order