United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with a New Hampshire company, Londonderry Freezer Warehouse, LLC, of Londonderry, for alleged violations of chemical accident prevention related to the use of anhydrous ammonia in refrigeration units.
Londonderry Freezer Warehouse has spent more than $215,000 to bring its facilities back into compliance with Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements that apply to ammonia refrigeration systems that have less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia. Londonderry Freezer Warehouse has paid $78,200 to resolve the alleged violations.
"This agreement reflects EPA's commitment to protecting New England residents from exposures to hazardous chemicals in the places where they live and work," said Deb Szaro, EPA Acting Regional Administrator for New England. "This agreement will enhance Londonderry Freezer Warehouse's compliance with important laws that help protect communities."
The EPA alleged that the Londonderry Freezer Warehouse, which operates a cold storage facility, had inadequate alarms, rusty valves, inadequate ventilation and insufficient access to emergency controls, among other alleged deficiencies. The company fully cooperated with the EPA's regional office in New England and has certified that it now complies with the Clean Air Act.
Epa investigated this matter and other similar cases to ensure that anhydrous ammonia used in refrigeration facilities is properly administered to protect the safety of workers, emergency personnel, and the surrounding community and to obtain a penalty for past violations.
Anhydrous ammonia is an efficient but toxic refrigerant. EPA is working to prevent ammonia emissions from industrial refrigeration systems by helping companies comply, enforcing violations of chemical accident prevention laws, and by hosting workshops to help emergency responders safely address ammonia leaks.
Anhydrous ammonia is used in a variety of businesses, such as cold storage warehouses, food processing, dairies, ice makers, and skating rinks. It does not deplete the ozone layer like other refrigerants do, but ammonia has some dangerous properties and must be handled with care. The chemical is highly corrosive, and inhalation of ammonia gas can be fatal. It is also flammable at certain concentrations in the air.
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