Not Cool: Ice Cream Company Pays for Clean Air Act Violations

US EPA has cited a US ice cream maker for violations of the Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan (RMP) requirements. In a press release posted March 29, 2016, EPA alleges the ice creamery did not have an adequate Clean Air Act RMP or proper safety equipment for leak detection and ventilation on its refrigeration system.

The company must make safety upgrades to its refrigeration equipment and pay a $55,000 fine.

The chemical substance in question in this Clean Air Act enforcement case is anhydrous ammonia. In food service, anhydrous ammonia can enter the air if it leaks from a pressurized refrigeration system. In response to the EPA enforcement order, the ice cream company has upgraded its equipment and emergency release valves, installed leak detection system, and improved overall safety and maintenance procedures. 


  EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) requirements cover processes involving hazardous chemicals and are designed to reduce the risk of a catastrophic chemical release and mitigate the effects of any release that does occur. On March 14, 2016, EPA proposed major revisions to the Risk Management Plan rules that facility owners, operators, and EHS managers should be aware of.

Convenient, Interactive Clean Air Act Training

Build the expertise you need to make informed on-the-job decisions that help your site control pollution, prevent releases, and maintain compliance with US EPA’s Clean Air Act rules. The Clean Air Act Regulations guides professionals through compliance with Title V permit requirements, emissions and pollution controls, annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, Risk Management Planning (RMP) responsibilities, and more. 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA