Lawyer Sanders says US EPA fines facility $81,193 for failing to prepare Risk Management Plan under Section 112 of Clean Air Act.

U.S. EPA fined Cascade View Fruit & Cold Storage, LLC (Cascade View) $81,193 for violating Section 112(r) of Clean Air Act. The violation occurred when Cascade Views’ cold storage warehouse located at 1100 East Pomona in Yakima, Washington failed to prepare a RMP and submit a Risk Management Plan to the agency. EPA found that the facility lacked a prevention program to protect the public and the environment from an off-site release of anhydrous ammonia.

According to EPA, anhydrous ammonia is one of the most dangerous chemicals used in refrigeration and agriculture today. It is used and stored under high pressure, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. Those who work with anhydrous ammonia must be trained to follow exact handling procedures. The primary causes of uncontrolled releases are improper handling procedures, careless or untrained workers, or faulty equipment