The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Arctic Glacier U.S.A., Inc., that resolves claims of violations of federal environmental rules at the company’s ice processing facility in Fremont, Calif. Under the settlement, Arctic Glacier has certified that the facility is in compliance with Clean Air Act regulations that are designed to ensure the safe manufacture, use, storage, and handling of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance used as a refrigerant. Arctic Glacier will pay a $169,400 penalty as part of the settlement.
“Toxic substances like anhydrous ammonia can pose serious threats to workers, first responders and the public, so it’s imperative that companies using them follow federal requirements to prevent accidents,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This settlement demonstrates that EPA will be vigilant in holding accountable companies that fail to comply with environmental laws.”
Arctic Glacier owns and operates an ice processing, production and storage facility in Fremont that includes a refrigeration system containing about 14,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance regulated by EPA under the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program. Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive, and exposure may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes, and lungs.
Based on an inspection of the Arctic Glacier facility in 2018, EPA determined that the facility’s piping, operating equipment, and safety systems were not in compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has addressed the EPA identified deficiencies at the facility.
EPA’s 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 implement a risk management program and to submit a risk management plan to EPA.
