Search

Leaky Fridge Equipment Strikes Again, This Time for $500,000

Posted on 6/23/2016 by Roger Marks

In another addition to the growing list of Clean Air Act civil penalties related to hazardous chemical leaks from refrigeration equipment this year, US EPA has fined a major national grocery chain $500,000. In addition to paying the civil penalty, the grocer will work to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from refrigeration equipment at 453 stores, spending an estimated $2 million over three years, according to an EPA press release.

 The alleged Clean Air Act violations occurred when a hydrochloroflurocarbon (HCFC) called R-22 leaked from refrigeration equipment, and the leak was not promptly repaired.  HCFCs are known as potent greenhouse gases that can deplete the ozone layer.

refrigeration equipment can leak ozone depleting substances

Refrigeration Equipment a Major Focus for EPA


Before this, two other grocery chains—Safeway and Costco Wholesale—met similar fates with respect to alleged noncompliance with the Clean Air Act leak prevention, detection, and remediation requirements.  Earlier this week, a food processor was fined for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, EPCRA, and CERCLA in relation to a leak of anhydrous ammonia from its refrigeration equipment.

Clean Compliance Record. Clean Conscience. Clean Air Act Online Course.


Build the expertise needed to make informed on-the-job decisions that help your site control pollution and maintain compliance. Interactive, easy to use, and available 24/7, a new online course is now live at Lion.com to help you get up to speed with new and changing EPA clean air rules and protect your facility from costly EPA enforcement. 

The Clean Air Act Regulations is designed to help environmental engineers, EHS managers, and compliance officers keep their sites in compliance with US EPA’s Clean Air Act programs like 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, fines and penalties

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.