The U.S. EPA reported on Nov. 5 that it will collect a $52,221 penalty from Postville, Iowa, fertilizer distributor Farmers Union Cooperative to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Plan Rule. EPA said the company stores 457,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia and failed to comply with regulations intended to protect workers and the surrounding community from accidental releases of regulated substances.
After reviewing facility records, EPA determined that the company failed to update its plans for preventing the release of anhydrous ammonia and responding to a release. Violations also included the company’s failure to update a hazard review, failure to maintain operating procedures, and failure to perform and maintain compliance audits.
In response to EPA’s findings, Farmers Union Cooperative took the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance.