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EPA Settlement Reduces Risk of Ammonia Releases from North Haven, Conn. Cold Storage Facility

Release Date: 11/19/2014
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

BOSTON – Under a recent settlement, a company that operates a cold storage warehouse in North Haven, Conn. is updating its operations so that public safety is significantly enhanced. The company, Bozzuto’s Inc., has also agreed to pay $124,181 to settle claims it violated the federal Clean Air Act's chemical release prevention requirements.

The settlement stems from an Oct. 2012 inspection of Bozzuto's handling of anhydrous ammonia and adherence to the risk management plan (RMP) regulations of the Clean Air Act.

To address EPA’s claims, Bozzuto’s has spent over $500,000 to bring both its North Haven and Cheshire, Conn. facilities into compliance with Clean Air Act chemical safety standards. Going beyond what is required by the regulations, Bozzuto’s installed an ammonia detection system with more detection points than required and installed a computerized automatic shut-down control system.

“It is very important for ammonia refrigeration facilities to understand the risks associated with their use of this hazardous chemical and maintain a safe operation,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “It is a matter of public safety that ammonia refrigeration facilities carefully adhere to regulations designed to ensure that these companies manage their systems more safely.”

Facilities operating systems with more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are subject to the RMP regulations, while smaller refrigeration systems are subject to the more general “General Duty Clause” of Clean Air Act Section 112(r)(1).

Bozzuto’s was cooperative at all stages of EPA’s investigation and enforcement.

More information: Clean Air Act Section 112(r) RMP regulations (www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/rmp/index.htm)

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