J.R. Simplot Company to Pay $363,700 Penalty for Safety and Environmental Violations at Lathrop, Calif. Facility
SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with J.R. Simplot Company that resolves claims of violations of federal environmental and public health laws at the company’s fertilizer manufacturing facility in Lathrop, Calif. EPA determined that the company had violated the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program. J.R. Simplot will pay a civil penalty of $363,700 to settle EPA’s claims of violations.
“To protect workers, first responders and the public, it is essential that any facility handling dangerous chemicals such as ammonia and sulfuric acid take steps to reduce the risk of releases,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to hold accountable any company that fails to fully follow our public safety and environmental protection laws.”
J.R. Simplot violated the law at the Lathrop facility by failing to:
- Immediately report releases of ammonia and sulfuric acid in 2018 to the appropriate parties.
- Accurately document that equipment at the facility complied with good engineering practices and industry safety standards.
- Adequately develop and implement written safety operating procedures.
- Conduct required safety training for staff.
- Perform adequate inspections and tests and correct deficiencies on certain equipment.
- Investigate all incidents that could have resulted in catastrophic releases of harmful substances.
- Review and update the facility’s emergency response plan.
Emergency Release Notification Requirements:
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act contain emergency release notification requirements to assure that first responders receive timely notice of reportable releases. Facilities holding reportable quantities of various substances must report releases when they exceed specified quantities. For more information, visit EPA’s Emergency Release Notifications webpage.
Clean Air Act Risk Management Program:
EPA’s Clean Air Act Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations work to prevent accidental chemical releases in our communities and the environment. Facilities holding more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance are required to comply with EPA’s RMP regulations. The regulations require owners or operators of covered facilities to develop and implement an RMP and to submit a risk management plan to EPA. Learn more about the Risk Management Program rule.
Additional Information:
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
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