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EPA PROPOSES FINE FOR AMMONIA SPILL AT CONCORD DAIRY FACILITY

Release Date: 09/28/1998
Contact Information: Leo Kay, Press Office, (617) 918-4154

BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to fine Crowley Foods, Inc. of Concord, NH $41,252 for failing to expediently notify federal and state authorities about an ammonia release that took place at the facility in March of 1997.

The Concord Fire Department informed the EPA response center of the chemical release 27 hours after Crowley accidentally released 2,200 lbs. of ammonia March 27, 1997. The New Hampshire Office of Emergency Management didn't learn of the incident until five days later. As a result, neither the EPA nor state emergency response personnel were in a position to provide air monitoring or other emergency services during the early stages of the release.

Federal regulations require that facilities immediately notify the EPA's National Response Center and the State Emergency Response Commission when a "reportable quantity" of a listed hazardous chemical is released to the environment. The reportable quantity for ammonia -- a highly irritating gas capable of causing serious respiratory distress at relatively low concentrations -- is 100 lbs.

"The proper federal and state authorities must be notified whenever hazardous materials are released into environment, not only for the good of the facility staff, but that of the surrounding community," said John P. DeVillars, administrator of the EPA's New England Office. "While no one was injured this time around thanks to quick action by the fire department, we aim to work out a settlement with the company that will prevent any future such lapses in communication."

In March of 1997, water from melting snow on the roof leaked from an indoor drainage pipe onto the main electrical control panel for the ammonia compressors, shorting the panel and shutting down the refrigeration system. Two pressure relief valves subsequently discharged clouds of ammonia gas both in and outside the facility. Although nearby abutters were evacuated, no one was injured during the incident.

Crowley Foods, Inc. produces ice cream and other dairy specialties. The facility, which is located in a mostly commercial zone about one mile from downtown Concord, operates with 500 tons of refrigeration capacity driven by 5,000 lbs of anhydrous ammonia.

The EPA performed a combined chemical safety audit/enforcement inspection in November, and subsequently provided the facility with a number of process improvement recommendations that would reduce the chances of future chemical releases.