Under newly proposed agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, two Rhode Island companies would be required to pay fines and comply with Environmental Protection Agency (TRI) reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Public Right to Know Act (EPCRA). ). ) and the Law on Emergency Situations. Clean Air Act technology hazard review (PHR) requirement. General provisions on liability in relevant establishments when using anhydrous ammonia and metals. These settlements further protect the public, employees, first responders and the environment from accidental hazardous exposure by increasing awareness.
“The safety and well-being of New Englanders is our top priority. EPA’s oversight practices are designed to protect and inform local stakeholders, so it is important that companies comply with and act in accordance with environmental laws and regulations,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator. David W. Cash.
W.R. Cobb, a metal stamping manufacturer located in East Providence, Rhode Island, agreed to pay a $108,900 fine for alleged violations of EPCRA TRI reporting requirements and the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act. The company, which uses anhydrous ammonia in its manufacturing processes, did not provide TRI reports regarding the facility’s use of anhydrous ammonia in calendar years 2018, 2019, and 2020. ammonia, as required by a general clause of the Clean Air Act. Although anhydrous ammonia is an effective and efficient refrigerant, it has toxic properties that can be corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs upon exposure. In addition, approximately 10,000 people live within a one-mile radius of the site. After EPA provided the notice in August 2021, the company filed all three missing TRI reports and completed the PHR.
Separately, EPA settled a lawsuit with Millard Wire, a metal wire and metal strip manufacturing facility in Warwick, Rhode Island, for violating EPCRA reporting requirements and Clean Air Act hazardous process testing requirements. These violations relate to Millard Wire’s storage and use of anhydrous ammonia and copper and nickel processing. The company was required to submit TRI forms for the use of the facility and the processing of ammonia, copper and nickel at the facility. The company also failed to submit “Level II” forms to the local emergency planning committee, state emergency response commission and local fire department as required by EPCRA. These requirements are important for the transparency and safety of first responders. In addition, the company failed to conduct a PHR as required by the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act regarding its use of anhydrous ammonia. Millard Wire corrected these violations based on the EPA notice by submitting the required PHRs, Tier II forms, and completing the missing TRI forms for ammonia, copper, and nickel. Millard Wire agreed to pay a fine of $170,261 and comply with EPCRA and the Clean Air Act.
