The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week announced settlements with two Watsonville companies–S. Martinelli & Co. and Del Mar Food Products Corp., both of which employ a large number of South Santa Clara County workers–for mishandling of the toxic refrigerant anhydrous ammonia. As part of the agreements, the companies have updated their equipment which handles the chemical, and will pay out combined hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties.
“[It] is toxic and can threaten workers, first responders and the public, so it’s imperative that facilities using this chemical follow federal requirements to prevent accidents,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman in a press release. “EPA will hold to account companies that don’t comply with environmental laws.”
The agency found that Del Mar Foods also had one minor release that took place during their inspection as well as eleven “nuisance releases” of the chemical which they had failed to report. No injuries were reported after any of the releases. Additionally, the EPA found that S. Martinelli & Co. failed to properly plan with local emergency responder for a possible ammonium release.
Since the investigation, both companies have repaired damaged equipment and made steps to improve safety policies surrounding their handling of the refrigerant.
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Fuente: Newsweek - 🏆 468. / 52 Leer más »