Lineage Logistics LLC, the largest cold storage company in the U.S., has agreed to pay a $172,591 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions at its facility in Altoona, Iowa.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the facility uses over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect the surrounding community from accidental releases.
EPA says the company failed to correctly document the worst-case scenario in its risk analysis, failed to comply with accidental release prevention requirements, and failed to document emergency response coordination with local authorities.
Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and death. Fires or explosions may result if anhydrous ammonia is ignited.
“Compliance with chemical risk prevention regulations saves lives,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act.”
EPA says that Lineage Logistics has taken the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance.
