EPA fines two firms for not reporting ammonia

Boston-Two Connecticut companies have been fined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to notify local and state emergency responders about using anhydrous ammonia and other hazardous chemicals in their facilities. EPA Region I officials recently issued complaints against Sousa Corp., West Hartford, Conn., a metal heat-treating facility, and Jelliff Corp., Southport, Conn., a manufacturer of woven wire products. Based on an inspection in May 2008, EPA determined that Sousa Corp. faces a penalty of $13,700 for failing to file with state and local authorities a chemical inventory, also known as a Tier II form, for calendar year 2007 for anhydrous ammonia and quench oil, which, like anhydrous, is an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Additionally, EPA said another inspection May 2008 resulted in a one-year violation penalty of $11,115 for Jelliff Corp. of Southport, also for failing to file a Tier II form for calendar year 2007 for anhydrous ammonia and fuel oil. Tier II information is considered important for proper emergency planning and response by the state and local agencies. Failure to file Tier II information also deprives the community of its right to know about chemicals present in the neighborhood.