Two Rhode Island-based facilities have agreed to pay more than $220,000 in penalties to settle claims by the US EPA that they violated federal laws regulating the handling of anhydrous ammonia. Both facilities are within close proximity to homes and businesses.
Bottling Group LLC, operating as Pepsi Beverages Co., and CB Manufacturing Co. Inc, a beverage manufacturing and storage company, have agreed to pay $96,852 to settle claims that they violated federal laws regulating the handling of ammonia at their facility in Cranston, R.I. The companies also agreed to conduct audits at the Cranston facility and at 13 other ammonia refrigeration facilities in the corporate family to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
Seafreeze Ltd., a fish processing and cold storage company, has agreed to pay $122,622 to settle claims that it violated federal laws regulating the handling of ammonia at its facility in North Kingstown, R.I. The company also agreed to update its process hazard review by Feb. 1, 2024, to evaluate potential risks associated with its location in a hurricane evacuation zone.
Over the course of six months, Seafreeze experienced three small ammonia leaks due to cracks and leaks in its equipment, though all were below the reportable quantity of 100 pounds.