News Release: Sorrento settles with EPA for chemical management violations at Nampa, Idaho plant

Sorrento settles with EPA for chemical management violations at Nampa, Idaho plant Contact:  Cyndi Grafe, EPA Public Affairs, (208) 378-5771, grafe.cyndi@epa.gov (Nampa, Idaho— July 25, 2013)   Sorrento Lactalis, Inc. will pay $91,352 in a settlement for violations of Clean Air Act regulations intended to prevent chemical accidents.  The violations occurred at Sorrento’s cheese manufacturing facility in Nampa, Idaho. According to the settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as far back as 2007 Sorrento did not meet risk management requirements such as properly inspecting and testing process equipment, annually certifying operating procedures, and conducting a compliance audit at least every three years. Under the Clean Air Act, facilities that handle large amounts of chemicals are required to develop a risk management program and properly operate and maintain equipment.   “We can't take chances with public health,” said Ed Kowalski, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Seattle. “Following the risk management regulations is important to prevent chemical releases and protect both workers and the surrounding community.” Sorrento uses more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a colorless gas commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems.   Sorrento has since corrected these violations.   Most accidents with anhydrous ammonia occur from uncontrolled or accidental releases.  Exposure to its vapors can cause temporary blindness and eye damage and irritation of the skin, mouth, throat, respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure to anhydrous ammonia vapor at high concentrations can lead to serious lung damage and even death. For more information on the Risk Management Program, visit: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/airpage.nsf/enforcement/rmp   You can unsubscribe or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355